Yes, it’s a model - 3
4. Pacific Rust Express! Certainly is safe for hauling tetanus shots and
not much else. Around the late 1980s and into the 1990s, this was
a reality for the once-great PFE fleet. A former Penn Central boxcar,
Conrail X-72 269369, shows off its many miles of grime from the long
trip out west.
The PFE is an Athearn blue box 57’ mechanical reefer and the CR box-
car is a Life-Like trainset car. Chris Palomarez modified and weathered
the cars. On the CR box he experimented using a darker brown to force
shadows and give the appearance of undulating sides.
4
5.
Bringing up the rear, BNSF 5753 is the DPU on a loaded grain train
as it glides by, heading west to Seattle and the ports. Below, BNSF 5753
takes the lead on an eastbound empty coal as it passes a small yard.
BNSF 5753 is an Athearn Genesis ES44AC with a few upgrades.
Weathering consists of a very light fade first, followed by heavier fading
and grime on the roof. The fuel tank, including the fuel spills, was done
with acrylics and sealed with Dullcote. Kevin Packard detailed and pho-
tographed the model.
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MRH-Oct 2014
