Pennsylvania Coal
Coal was one of the three primary sources of revenue for the New York Ontario & Western Railroad. The other two were milk and people. Since the coal deposits were in Pennsylvania, a branch line was built from Hancock to Scranton. No models exist for the early mines but that was a non issue since available space would have prohibited an accurate representation of what used to be. The kit placed here is merely a suggestion of an old coal mine. Early O&W coal cars were built from wood reinforced with iron channel braces. No kits exist for these early cars. This car was built from scratch using basswood scribed sheathing and structural shapes over plans drawn from pictures. Wire was bent for the ladders at the ends. Champion decals were the source of the lettering. Since a coal car has no roof these models presented a challenge. Built from light wood, these cars would never stay on the tracks. Messy ...