Probably the most unique members of Santa Fe's vast passenger car fleet were the 10 former lightweight baggage cars converted to steam generator cars in 1970. Designed to provide both train heat and power to run the steam ejector air conditioning used on many cars, they became a key part of secondary trains where aging F3 and F7A units were now assigned, none of which were equipped with steam generators, and were available to pinch-hit on the streamliners if the need arose. Ready for operation or display, features of this WalthersProto replica include:
- Painted to match the prototypes
- Factory-installed grab irons
- Prototypically accurate window tinting
- Window gasket details as appropriate
- Sprung operating diaphragms
- Modeler-installed extended drawbars for 22" radius curves included
- Turned metal wheelsets and correct trucks with built-in electrical contacts
- Proto MAX(TM) metal knuckle couplers
PLEASE NOTE: As these cars are the correct prototype length and feature full underbody detail to match the prototypes, a minimum 24" radius is recommended for operation.
A unique addition to any collection of HO cars, this model is based on Santa Fe steam generator car #133, repainted in 1972 for "The 1776 Train," one of the nation's first bicentennial railroad displays. Painted to match the Seaboard Coast Line #1776, which powered the train (along with a matching Santa Fe heavyweight coach and Frisco caboose), the car remained in its patriotic colors until late 1976.