Signs of progress: Kadee 40' box car...

These days we tend to take high quality models for granted, with models from Accurascale and the like in the UK having many separately added parts, metal and plastic all mixed with the injection moulded core, and it seems another new model is only ever a few months away...

Here we have a 40' box car, a US prototype, probably what most non-North American modellers think of when they picture railroads, seen across every state, every line, thousands and thousands of these were manufactured from the 1960s before being superseded by longer and larger capacity vehicles 50ft plus. This HO scale model is finely moulded capturing the character of the prototype with it's delicate moulding of rivet and weld lines as well as very crisp markings.

There are a plethora of extra parts, the brake gear is all modelled under the floor, the handrails, brake wheel and chain and a see-through walkway is sublimely modelled. To top it all off the bogies are sprung in the prototypes matter and fitted with non-magnetic metal wheel sets allowing full-use of the Kadee magnetic knuckle coupler, prototypically accurate for this model unlike when it's used on British models.

Of course, this model isn't a new one, it's a Kadee model that is over 22 years old. Yes, you read that right, 22 years, what's more it was made in the US and even today models in the UK are only just coming close to this level of detail and quality... The price was nearly as much as a locomotive, in fact a shake the box Athearn kit diesel was less than this box-car back in 1998, but you were buying a precision high quality model. Today many bemoan the price of RTR locomotives and rolling stock, but really, when you want separately applied details, scale well designed models cost to design, assemble and produce. 

What I am slightly disappointed by is the lack of forward thinking in the UK market. This was a model made in the USA. Today Peco manufacture a range of N gauge and 009 ready to run models at the factory in Beer, here in the UK. The prices are not cheap, the design and tool making very neat, but the level of detail is still some way from the quality shown here... 

Today, these models are still available and still made in the USA. They are competitively priced, and part of a much larger range of items. The brave souls that brought this model to market instilled a vision for the company that is still family owned today. I would love to own more of these models, this is one that my Dad nearly had a coronary buying in my childhood, but he loved and cherished this model more than any other. If my plans for a North American adventure come to fruition, I'm sure I'll find space for a few more on the layout. More soon...