Finally, Markers for the Office Car Special

 One of the curious parts of modeling office car passenger trains is that each car has a defined role in each train, as opposed to repeated roles in different trains.  This is to say that the goal of a freight car is to create 'plain jane' sorts of rolling stock, where in an OCS train, each car is a gem - memorable and unique in its own way.  

The one thing missing from the Onondaga Cutoff OCS was a train to bring up the rear - to 'carry the markers' as it is said.  Technically, a train requires a powered vehicle equipped with a headlight and with its rear end protected by a marker.  Markers can be cabooses, red lamps, or a headlight on low beam settings.  So, we needed working red marker lights on a formal inspection car.  And now, we have one:  introducing CR 7, my custom Conrail inspection car.  

Each of the cars in the OCS is special for a different reason, and the prototype includes cars similar to this but quite a bit modified from their original appearances.  Given that several prototypical models are currently under development for Conrail 1 (a six-axle open-end observation car like this one) and Conrail (a closed-end theatre car equipped with a gigantic glass window on the rear end), I had a choice to make.  I could kitbash a close faximile of Conrail 2 or 3 or 4, all open-end cars like this, which would take 50 hours or more.  Or, I could take one of the new Broadway Limited Imports plastic open end obs cars, based on a PRR prototype, and create a stand-in car that will carry the load for now. 

I decided to take the latter route and number the car into an open spot on the roster.  While a 'foobie' as the rivet counters will note, it will look the part, fit the bill, and leave me with more than 40 hours of time with which to improve the layout this fall.  

But, for some reason BLI only lit the markers on the closed end of the car, which while neat doesn't help those of us that will be using it as it was intended.  So, I added working rear markers, wired to terminals provided on the PC board.

With that done, the lights work in concert with the other lights that are on/off via a reed switch on the board.  Very clever, BLI - but next time, if  you include markers that work, make sure they're on the obs end!  

To further add to the plausibility, I changed the bearing covers to roller bearings reflecting what Conrail did to all its cars in the 80's and 90's.  I also added figures as needed.  

 

Next, I removed most of the rivets to give the car a more modern welded appearance.

Finally, it got my custom Conrail Pullman Green paint via my airbrush, and then was decaled using Prime Mover Decals set for Conrail executive equipment.  

The resulting car, visible at the top of the post, is exactly what is needed with working markers now to be the last car of my OCS. I am excited to have a completed train, and when more cars come to market, they can be added easily.  For now, we are ready for service!