Several years ago, Broadway Limited Imports released what is regarded to be the most accurate and fully detailed model of the famous Pennsylvania Railroad class P-70 passenger coach. That basic car was produced in several paint schemes to reflect different eras of PRR painting practice with details adjusted to match accordingly. BLI choose well since PRR class P-70 coaches were so numerous and have remained a popular choice for the model railroading community. BLI will soon release two new, complimentary styles of PRR steel passenger cars, the class PB-70 passenger-combine and PRR business car.

PRR once did everything in a big way, underscored by their oft-quoted slogan “The Standard Railroad of the World” frequently followed by “Carries More Passengers and Hauls More Freight Than Any Railroad in the World”. Though it did not “invent” steel car construction, PRR was the first major railroad to commit to 100% steel car construction between 1908-1910. When that conversion from wooden to steel passenger cars commenced, it was a herculean effort, even for the mighty PRR and after twenty years – and thousands of privately financed coaches, combines, dining cars, baggage cars and mail cars later – the PRR triumphantly announced “The Passing of the Wooden Passenger Car from this Railroad” in the summer of 1928.

The first model within the new BLI releases is the PB-70, so-named because the prototype carried Passenger and Baggage and the interior car body length was 70 feet excluding the length of the end vestibule. Since it was designed to carry baggage and express packages, the PB-70 cars rode atop six-wheel trucks as opposed to the four-wheel design of the P-70 coaches. PB-70 cars normally appeared in the front of the train consist, following baggage, express and mail cars. The baggage section was normally reserved for passenger baggage and due to the limited size of the baggage compartment, PB-70 cars were more frequently used on local and regional runs – since most long-distance trains required a full baggage car. When the frequency of local and regional service declined between 1940 and 1952, the majority of PB-70 cars were retired. Some were sold to smaller railroads or private owners for other purposes – like one car that became a mobile print shop that serviced race tracks with rail sidings.

Business cars fared far better, due to their uniqueness, luxury accommodations and executive privilege. That distinction set them a world apart from combines and accordingly, business cars were normally placed at the end of a train consist. BLI is releasing models of the PRR class Z74D business car. PRR placed a priority on converting the prime revenue producers – coaches – first, before completely replacing older dining cars and the fleet of business cars they rostered. Exceptions were the basic compliment of dining cars for mainline trains and their first steel business car #90 built in 1914. But the prosperity of the 1920s seemed endless and with the process of replacing all of the wooden cars nearly complete, PRR began building steel business cars -sometimes called office cars – for its management team that included senior executives, division superintendents and special assignments – like transporting notable guests and heads of state.

The world within the secure sanctity of steel business cars differed from the normal passenger experience, underscored more so by elegant dining rooms and the propane activated fireplaces that graced the parlor section of most PRR business cars. Executives liked to indulge in private quarters as well, even during the height of Prohibition. When Revenue Agents raided the business car of PRR VP George LeBoutillier in Sunnyside Yard in Long Island City, they confiscated 22 cases of wine, whisky, and gin. The VP was in proud company since soon after, Revenue Agents also raided the yacht of his boss, PRR President W. W. Atterbury off the coast of Novia Scotia and confiscated a near-like haul.

Contrasting passenger-baggage combines, prototype business cars have enjoyed a slightly better fate, including PRR #120 the Pennsylvania, used over the years by many newsmakers and national leaders and in that service, #120 also carried the remains of Senator Robert F. Kennedy from New York to Washington in 1968. PRR #120 has been extensively renovated by private owners and is often seen in consists of special trains.

Take time to examine the new line of PRR passenger-combines and business cars. The general design and proportions were nearly copied by several other railroads and BLI offers both designs in several other road names.  This is a golden opportunity to upgrade your fleet with these truly state-of-the art classics. We will proudly offer all three versions of each car design, delivered to you at competitive prices and supported by our continuing goal of becoming your one-stop source for model railroading equipment and supplies.

Frank Wrabel

modeltrainstuff.com