Walthers HO scale American Car & Foundry Union Pacific dome cars

These three dome cars complete the Walthers series of excellent HO scale Union Pacific Streamliner passenger cars. All three models come assembled and ready-to-run with their grab irons and handrails installed.

The UP was the last Western railroad to buy dome cars, which served on its City of Los Angeles, City of Portland, and Challenger streamlined trains. These cars were among the best domes ever built, including 10 coaches (7000-7009), 15 dome lounges (9000-9014) and 10 dome diners (8000-8009). They were built in 1954 and 1955 by American Car & Foundry with aluminum carbodies and steel underframes. Their interiors emphasized colorful Western themes and passenger comfort. The UP became the only operator of dome dining cars. These domes operated until the UP service was turned over to Amtrak in 1971.

Accurate detailing. The Walthers dome cars closely match the dimensions shown in prototype car diagrams published in the book The Union Pacific Streamliners by Harold E. Ranks and William W. Kratville. The dome lounge has the observation end that was remodeled in 1956 so the car could operate as a mid-train lounge. 

All three domes follow the same general construction used in Walthers’ other plastic streamlined cars. The domes are molded into the roofs, and all of the window glazing is flush-mounted. Appropriate partitions divide the cars’ interiors and support the dome seating areas.
 
The models are smoothly painted and have opaque red lettering and striping. Decal car numbers are included. The prototype trucks were originally Harbor Mist Gray, but UP started painting them aluminum in 1959.

Running gear. Walthers Proto-Max magnetic knuckle couplers are mounted at the proper height in swinging coupler boxes. The cars will negotiate a 24″ radius and have sprung diaphragms, but the coupler spacing doesn’t quite let the diaphragms touch.
 
Each car rides on General Steel Castings type 41-NDO four-wheel, roller-bearing trucks. All of the RP-25 contour wheelsets are in gauge and insulated for power pickup. The rolling qualities are a bit stiff unless the trucks are oiled.

Overall, these dome cars are superb models that display an excellent attention to detail. All three models include colored furniture on the upper level and silver dome window frames that enhance their realism.

Price: dome coach, dome diner, and dome lounge car, $74.98 each

Manufacturer
Wm. K. Walthers Inc.
P.O. Box 3039
Milwaukee, WI 53201
www.walthers.com

Road name: Union Pacific, undecorated also available

Era: 1959 to 1971

Features

• Accepts Walthers drop-in lighting kit (not included)
• Decals for car numbers
• Weight: 7 ounces (matches NMRA Recommended Practice RP-20.1)