With many thousands of cars in the PFE system, it became very obvious  that we would have to narrowly focus on specific variations and potentially develop multiple phases for the project based on the level of interest for various types and time periods. Phase one of this project our will focus on a substantial group of cars with the R-30 and R-40 class designation, more specifically, those rebuilt in the 1940's having a designation of -18, -19 & -21. The cars in this group being approximately forty feet in length, were the 'workhorses' of the system and were more than 5500 in number. These rebuilt cars were in service from the early 40's into the 60's when the PFE enterprise was substantially altered.

There were common basic features shared among these groups Bettendorf steel under-frames, steel superstructures with tongue & groove wood side sheathing, Dreadnaught steel exterior end bulkheads, ‘Murphy' solid steel roofs and all were equipped with AB brake systems. There were features or details added and/or changed with each rebuild designation and they will be correctly represented with our project. Multiple paint schemes were also utilized during our approximately twenty year target service period and they will be included in our production based on service period.

The upper two images illustrate the 1942 paint scheme that will be available only on the R-30-18 and R-40-18 cars that we will produce It is not commonly understood that both the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific logos were used on the same car, one on either side, the SP logo toward the 'B' end of the car and the UP logo on the opposite side near the 'A' end. The lower image illustrates the mid to late 40's paint scheme which utilized both road logos on each side of the car. The Union Pacific logo was in color at this point in time and the exterior hardware on the car was painted black. This paint scheme will be available on all six versions that we'll produce. After 1950, the paint scheme was still very similar to the arrangement below, but the Union Pacific logo was changed to black and white and the exterior hardware was no longer painted black, it was all painted the same as the carbody color to simplify maintenance. This paint scheme will again be available on all six car versions we will produce.

The striking colors and graphics synonymous with PFE cars was a significant factor in selecting these prototypes as one of our modeling subjects. The PFE system was a critical service especially during the war years and there were great numbers of these cars used in conjunction with the prototype motive power we have already modeled and will in the future. These cars are a must for any model road!