From what I can see in photographs, a Canadian Car & Foundry Mail Express like a 3600 series RPO and a heavyweight single window steel coach were tagged onto the daily mixed train. I have been slowly collecting parts to scratch build my own (and I may still do that). I was lucky enough to come across a unique set of Van Hobbies CPR Steel Lightweight Passenger Car Set 1 & 2 that had been mixed and matched with other sets to include 2 Mail Express cars. One was a typical VH car from the set that I think are modeled after the National Steel Car Mail Express, the other pictured here is modeled after a Canadian Car & Foundry Mail Express has the baggage door removed and spliced in to match the CC&F 3600 series – just like the photos I’ve found of the Little Current Mixed Train. Whoever did this work did a nice job.
I always think high quality used models are interesting. If they end up in the hands of someone who is interested in the hobby they get a new lease on life and when I see interesting models like this I always wonder about their previous owners. They did a great job here. Unfortunately somewhere along the way this car was damaged. I bought this car from photos only and this is something I expect if I can’t see the model in person. The trucks were crushed because of this the couplers were at the wrong height, the diaphragms were ripped to pieces, it was chipped and it wouldn’t run. All the wonderful details including the window bars were glued with CA and had hazed the glazing.
This is a sturdy brass car and fortunately all small stuff compared to the hours it took to modify, paint and decal this model originally. With a little of time on the work bench, this car is ready to go on the layout. Now if I could only find a model of a late CPR style heavyweight single window coach that was this straightforward to get running. I’m going to have to keep looking.
