Fellows.

I look at build date on a  model when I consider buying it.From time to time I know what paint scheme was on what cars at what dates. This may cause it not to be acceptable on my road.  I can barely see "brakes rpkt on " ..or annual insp "..even with my beedy glasses.I use a car if it fits in my time period. A dramatic bit of car data can be smudged out if need be. The Canary yellow SP gasoline service tank car hauls oil..I painted out the word "gasoline "  . If wanted to build diorama models I would not be building them in HO scale .I am doing operations . HO scale is generally robust enough for  people to handle the cars without damaging them. I am not scared to let people handle the equipment.Each scale has it's place . My opinion and behaviour acknowledges these strengths and weaknesses .

Thanks Russ.  I was thinking the same thing and that was to smudge out what didn't fit or paint out and apply decals.  Again, a big thanks to all who helped with info on this very complex subject, at least to me it is especially at this point in my learning curve.

To add to Eric's , and others comments. "Roundhouse" (MODEL DIECASTING CORP.) was never a

WALTHERS' product, and with MDC's acquisition by ATHEARN will not be sold by them. While,

this is a well done early 20th century model, there were few around post World War Two. So they

would have been 'rara Avians' , probably in company service , if found anywhere.

THere are a couple of excellent specialized out of production kits found at train show dealers

(e.g. Howard Zane's Great American Scale Train Show). To whit, THOMAS INDUSTRIES multiple dome

wine cars and a large (for the era) multi dome Jones & Laughlin Steel Company  coal tar liquor and byproduct

cars. These are both  kits made of multiple metal castings that makeup as  very fine models.

The two large online dealers in out of production kits; JAY's TRAINS ; and NIXON ENTERPRISES

have them from time to time , should you not be able to get to train shows with large numbers of

equipment sellers. You can GoogleUp their sites, and also call and ask them to reserve them

for you should any come in.

There are also many excellent single dome models left from ERTL's brief foray into scale model

railroading in the 1990s. These were dumped by the thousands when ERTL realized that

sales to model railroaders were not going to be consistant with their experience with other

scale models of transport artiifacts such as diecast cars, trucks, farm implements, etc.

We were extraordinarily lucky in the choice of prototype railcars and structures they chose

(presuming you are a steam era modeler), and they have left a legacy which will be

around at train shows for decades, judging by how long lived other kits have been

at these venues.

There are a couple of other cars from the out of production realm worth considering.

They are either of SELLEY (now BOWSER) or RED BALL( has been owned by 4 different

firms since founder M. DALE NEWTON sold out in 1957) acid tank cars. AMBROID 

and NORTEASTERN made identical kits for vinegar tank cars, which despite their

wooden tanks , were going strong in 1948. Resin kits have also been made of the

latter.that differ in prototype, and obviously kit material.

Good-Luck, Peter Boylan

Precision Scale Co., Inc.  Still Makes a Narrow Frame U.T.L.X. tank car Kit #10650 and they are very much available as I received three I ordered last week in yesterdays mail. and even though they are narrrow Frame they can easly have HO trucks added instead of the narrow Gauge Brass Trucks that come with them and then you can sell the pair of Brass NG Trucks that come wit the kit alone on E-Bay for $7.00 to $10.00 or more.

Dan