The Pennsylvania RR class G26 series of mill gondolas has returned to the Eastern Seaboard Models Corp. product lineup. The G26 car, last released in 2009, is now joined by class G26A and G26C gondolas, as well as Norfolk & Western class G3 cars. All of the ready-to-run gondolas have screw-mounted draft-gear box covers, Micro-Trains Dalman or National B-1 trucks as appropriate, and 33” metal wheelsets.
Prototype history
The Eastern Seaboard Models N scale mill gondolas are based on the PRR class G26 series of cars built at the railroad’s Altoon, Pa., shops. Between 1930 and 1931, shop forces built 1,700 of the 65’-6” cars, numbered 439009 through 440709. Lehigh Valley acquired 50 cars from this class for its fleet. The class G26 riveted-side gondolas featured two full-height exterior posts in the fish-belly section. The cars were designed to navigate the tight curves and limited clearances of steel mills.
The Altoona shop forces built another 700 gondolas between 1940 and 1942, part of the railroad’s class G26A. The cars, numbered 440710 through 441409, had an upgraded underframe and three full-height exterior posts in the fish-belly area. Norfolk & Western’s class G3 cars were built to this design.
In 1966 and 1967, 300 G26 and G26A cars were rebuilt in Altoona. The G26C gondolas featured seven full-height posts in the fish-belly section. Gondolas from the G26 series lasted into the Conrail era.
Model features
The N scale mill gondola features a die-cast metal floor/underframe, injection-molded plastic sides and ends, and positionable drop ends. The plastic sides are attached with glue. Handle the gondolas with care if you pick them up by the sides.
Molded details include rivets, grab irons, ladders, and stirrup steps. The brake gear (ratchet hand brake or Ajax brake wheel) is freestanding.
The die-cast metal floor has rivet detail that follows the center sills, body bolsters, and crossmembers. Single dimples between the rows of rivets simulate drain holes. Nice attention to detail!
Details on the die-cast metal underbody include center sills, crossmembers, and body bolsters. There are several ejector pin marks on the underbody, but they’d be nearly impossible to see when the car is on the rails. The air reservoir, brake cylinder, and control valve, all rather basic in appearance, are separate, factory-applied parts.
The solid-bearing trucks are pin-mounted. All but two of the cars in this run feature the Micro-Trains Dalman solid-bearing trucks. The PC G26A gon and the PRR G26C car with a plain keystone herald use the Micro-Trains National B-1 trucks.
Among the upgrades to the model are the draft-gear box covers. The 2009 run had pin-mounted covers. On the new run, they’re screw-mounted.
Model vs. prototype
We received samples decorated for LV (G26), PRR (G26A), and PC (G26C). All three models were neatly painted in their respective paint schemes. The lettering on the side of the PRR car follows a diagram in Pennsylvania Railroad Compendium Volume Number One: Freight Car Lettering Arrangements 1954-1968 by George S. Kusner and Nicholas Seman (The Middle Division, 1989). Smaller stencils on the car ends were omitted.
I compared the LV and PRR models to elevation drawings of class G26 and G26A cars, respectively, that I found on the website prr.railfan.net. The dimensions matched or were within scale inches of the published dimensions.
To see how the cars performed in an operating environment, I tested them on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route layout. I pushed and pulled the three cars on the main line using a road locomotive. I also ran the cars through turnouts, including the crossover at Williams Bay. The models comfortably navigated the 18” minimum radius curves and No. 6 turnouts.
It’s neat to see Eastern Seaboard Models not only bring back an existing model, but also offer it in new variations. Though the mill gondolas are decorated for Eastern roads, these cars could be found throughout the United States. The long cars would certainly add interest an N scale freight car fleet.
Facts & features
Price: $37.25
Manufacturer
Eastern Seaboard Models Corp.
P.O. Box 301
Waldwick, NJ 07463-0301
Era: 1930s to 1980s (varies depending on prototype and paint scheme)
Road names: G26: Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania RR (circle keystone). G26A: Penn Central and PRR (circle and shadow keystone). G26C: PRR (plain keystone, Ajax brakewheel and ratchet hand brake versions) and PC. G3: Norfolk & Western (early and late schemes).
Features
- 33” wheelsets, in gauge
- Body-mounted couplers, at correct height
- Minimum radius: 12-1/2”
- Weight: 0.6 ounces (.65 ounce too light per National Model Railroad Association Recommended Practice 20.1)
