BLW/ZT Troop train pack

[august1929]

Coming before November 11, a very special pack from Gaetan & Rick

"This set is dedicated to those who rode those troop trains in WWII and fought for our country, and for those who continue to serve.

Specifically dedicated to 1st Lieutenant Benjamin G. Franzosa – US Army Military Police, and to the memory of Vernon D. Greene, who served in WW II as a Troop Train Conductor.

For the remainder of 2010, profits from this set will be donated to the DET 3 Foundation, supporting our troops around the world. Visit them at www.det3.us and please consider making a donation or writing to a soldier."





















All photos in this series taken on modified versions of Canton (Rich Garber/Allaboard), the A&O Sub by Andre Ming and 3DTrainstuff's Cajon Pass with 3DTrains Scalerail conversion.

[CRQ5508]

You guys did a wonderful job on this set. I'm amazed at the detail of those cars! I'm especially impressed at the detail in the Allied Full Cushion "express truck." Those are rare pieces of equipment nowadays. The only place you'll find them these days are in museums (the FRA banned them from interchange traffic in the late 50s/early 60s I believe it was.) Are these photo textured?

[rfranzosa]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the praise. I had started an NYC express car as my first TSM project (using only wheelsets from Gaetan). It got me thinking about the original troop sleepers, about my son in the Army, and about the Dad of my best friend from high school, who told us stories of working on troop trains when he was in the service.

A little digging and I found several photos (yes, the trucks are photo skinned), and back issues of Model Railroader that had blueprints for the troop sleeper and troop kitchen.

If I hadn't set myself a deadline of Veteran's Day, I would have included the kitchen interior and maybe added a Pullman Heavyweight sleeper or two.

It was a fun project, and so far (less than a day) it has raised about $150 for our troops!!

Thanks all,

Rick

[petersde]

Bravo, Rick and Gaetan .
A worthy show of respect and support for soldiers past and present. My father was post_WWII, but probably returned from China to Iowa on such a train in 1948. Great work and a living history--through train simulation!

Dave