BRASS CAR SIDES
Passenger Car Parts for the Streamliners since 1978

Updated July 15, 2010.  Links Updated Regularly.  [When downloading linked pdf files below, ignore harmless "number out of range error" that occurs for some of them.  Acrobat Reader doesn't like railroad herald fonts.]
Quick Link: Our Current Bulletin
Quick Link: New Union Pacific 1937 Challenger 5200-5211 and C&NW 6160-6166 Sides in N-scale are available from stock as of May 26; HO version pending reservations
Quick Link: New Pullman-Standard Plan 4153 B&O, MP, T&P, KCS 14-4 Sleeper Sides in N-scale now available from stock
Quick Link: New Milwaukee Road "Touralux-Coach" Sides in N; HO pending reservations)
Quick Link: Railroad DVD Second Edition Price reduced from $28.75 to $24.75 on May 31, 2010.
Quick Link: Central Valley HO Passenger Trucks
Quick Link: Railroad Magazines, Calendars, and Books for Sale: Great Northern Railway Historical Society publications, Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, Burlington Bulletin, New York Central Historical Society and calendars, Chicago and North Western Historical Society Quarterly and Calendars, C&EI Flyer and Calendars, Rock Island Digest and Calendars, Classic Toy Trains, California Southern Railway Museum Calendars, BN, BNSF, and UP Calendars, hardback and softback railroad books
Quick Link: Jim Stillman's N-Scale Milwaukee Road Hiawatha Parlor and "Creek" Skytop Shells, S3 "Northern" shell, and nscaleskytops.com
Quick Link: New Milwaukee Road N-Scale Decals Available 1948 Olympian Hiawatha 1948 Twin Cities Hiawatha    1952 Olympian Hi    1952 Twin Cities Hi
Quick Link: Wabash College DVDs

About our Products (Revised July 3, 2009)                                                          
Established in 1978, BRASS CAR SIDES produces an extensive line of high quality photoetched brass HO and N-scale passenger car sides, craftsman kits and parts, as well as classic railfan DVDs. Our accurate and easy-to-use side sets and kits permit the modeler to build streamlined cars at great savings over all-brass imports. HO sides are etched from .010" hardened brass sheets and have etched surface features, with windows, grabiron holes and other openings etched through, N-scale sides are .008" brass, with similar details.  Most HO baggage-mail-express car sides have separate etched door inserts, while the N-scale sides have integral doors etched as outlines.

Only ordinary modeling skills are required for either of the three common construction techniques: (1) using either our HO Basic Body Kit #101; (2) applying the brass sides as exact-length overlays to designated HO or N plastic cars; or (3) using designated core kits.  We have set up a letter code in our catalog listings (below) for the plastic cars and core kits that best match the length of our sides.  The manufacturers and codes are: Rivarossi (R) [not IHC], Con-Cor (C), Bachmann (B) or Kato (K), Train Station Products HO core kits (T), Walthers (W), Eastern Car Works (E), or American Limited Models N-scale core kits (A). Given the many different lengths of commercially available plastic cars, core kits, and side sets, the modeler should use these letter codes and other available information sources to confirm length matches.  All of our non-dome N-scale side sets may be used with the ALM #8010 through #8040 core kits.  The roof and floor sections must be shortened to accommodate the shorter head-end cars.

(1) The Basic HO Body Kit No. 101 includes cast pewter ends, scale-width (10-foot) milled basswood streamlined roof, wood floor, and centersill for one car.  Modelers using this approach have the greatest freedom in applying underbody and roof details and in choosing trucks.

(2) In the overlay method, the plastic surface features, window piers, and some skirting are trimmed and the brass sides applied over the super-structure using adhesive.  The windows are then reglazed immediately behind the openings in the brass. The overlay method is preferred for our dome prototypes in both scales.

(3) The Train Station Products and Eastern Car Works HO core kits are correct length matches for a good number of our side sets and they come with some detail parts and trucks.  For N-scale cars, modelers will find the American Limited Models core kits ideal for non-dome prototypes and these kits come with helpful illustrated instructions.  Train Station Products P-S/ACF #807 and Budd #806 HO Core Kits are nicely done and easy to use.  The length is close to 82' 4" excluding diaphragms, and matches several of our sets, and can be adapted to others.  This length is about 6" shorter than the common post-war length of 82' 10".  The car ends need to be notched by 0.010" to accept our sides in their full length, and this presents a seamless method of attachment.

HO construction articles have appeared in the 7/90 and 11/87 NMRA Bulletin, and 10/90 and 5/95 Mainline Modeler, as well as other publications in English and German (i.e. Loki).  General instructions for both methods and suggested detail parts, trucks, decals, paints and references are included with the sides.  Please refer to our catalog and new releases section for a complete list and suggested retail prices of all of our products.  We regret that we have had to discontinue a number of HO side sets and the Deluxe Body Kits due to insufficient sales.  Most discontinued side sets can be rerun as special orders with a minimum of four pairs of sides.

Obtaining our Products (Revised October 4, 2009)
Our products are available from participating hobby dealers, Walthers Trains, and direct from BRASS CAR SIDES.  We are happy to fill direct orders and maintain reservations for individuals who are not being served by a hobby dealer.  The shipping charge for any number of sides or our body kits is $4.50 on orders to U.S. and Canada.  Orders that include the ALM core kits require an additional $0.50 per kit for shipping.  Shipping insurance on USPS orders is available at an additional charge.  Contact us by e-mail for airmail charges for international orders.  Remit by check, money order, or Paypal.  If using Paypal, send e-mail to Dennis Henry to confirm availability, the total amount to be remitted, and the account name.  Sorry, no COD or credit card orders can be accepted.  Minnesota residents please add 6.875% sales tax to total due (including shipping.)  Send SSAE with postage sufficient for two ounces for illustrated catalog, current bulletin, reservation form, and order blank to BRASS CAR SIDES, 715 S. 7th St., St. Peter, MN 56082-1435.  Phone: 507-931-2784. E-mail contact.

Illustrated Downloadable Catalog Sheets in pdf format: (Updated May, 2010)
Please ignore Adobe Reader's "number out of range" error message which may appear in your viewing of these pdf files.  Certain herald fonts may not appear in the catalog displays.
Sheet 1: Milwaukee Road Olympian and Twin Cities Hiawathas
Sheet 2: SP, UP, C&NW, ATSF, NYC, PRR, B&O, IC, MP, T&P, CRIP, KCS, Erie, NKP, CP, CN Pullman Sleepers
Sheet 3: Great Northern, SP&S, CB&Q
Sheet 4: Northern Pacific, SP&S, CB&Q
Sheet 5: Coaches for PRR, IC, C&O, D&RGW, NKP, D&H, SP, C&NW, SAL, CN, VIA, Pullman Sleepers for CN & VIA IC, C&NW
Sheet 6: Union Pacific Domes and Coaches, Milwaukee Road "Grove" and 60' Postal, other cars for C&NW, GTW, C&EI, L&N, NCSt.L, Baggage-Mail Door sets

Links to Manufacturers of Supporting Parts:
American Limited Models
Great Western Passenger Car Details
Pete's Custom Decals
Brian Rumler's N-Scale Milwaukee Road Decals
Jim Stillman's N-Scale Milwaukee Road Hiawatha Parlor and "Creek" Skytop Shells

Links to the Models and Construction Suggestions from our Customers (Revised July 12, 2010)
Fred Klein's N-scale Empire Builder
Sid Dawon's N-scale Union Pacific dome observation lounge photos (A and B) and modeling tips (pages 1 and 2)
Dallan Schowe's method for the bending skirts of N and HO sides

American Limited Models Core Kits in N-Scale (Revised April 2, 2010)
We normally carry the #8010 N-scale core kit from American Limited Models, but this item and other core kits are temporarily unavailable from time to time.  See below for descriptions of all six core kits.
8010 Core kit - outside swing hanger trucks and accessories, gray $14.95.  We have six in stock.
8015 Core kit - Commonwealth trucks and accessories, gray $14.95.  Not stocked.  Available by special order.
8020 Core kit - outside swing hanger trucks and accessories, black $14.95.  Not stocked.  Available by special order.
8025 Core kit - Commonwealth trucks and accessories, black $14.95.  Not stocked but available by special order.
8030 Core kit without trucks in gray $12.95.  Not stocked but available by special order.
8040 Core kit without trucks in black $12.95.  Not stocked but available by special order.
We can also supply other ALM items by special order, subject to manufacturer availability, with a minimum order of six each of those model numbers we do not regularly carry in stock. Our quantity discount schedule applies to all of these kits.  Bulk packs and drop shipping are available by special arrangement with Brass Car Sides.  Please note the $0.50 per kit add-on to our basic $4.50 shipping charge. 

New and Recently Arrived Sets: (Revised May 26, 2010)
N PS 14-4 Pullman Plan 4153 sides for B&O, KCS, MP, and T&P (#173-528, $23.75) first run arrived in late April and are available from stock.
N UP 5211-5211 (and later 1502-1523 series) and C&NW 6160-6166 1937 Challenger 56-seat chair car sides (#173-567, $23.75) were received in their commissioned first-run on May 9 and are available from stock as of May 26.
IC/B&O PS Plan 4167 10-6 sleeper sides (#173-41, $31.75) are back in our catalog and available from stock as of May 26.
N Milwaukee Road "Falls" 5770-75 Touralux-Coach sides for 1947-51 Olympian Hiawatha (173-566, $24.75) arrived in late 2009 and is available from stock.   The HO version will be produced if sufficient reservations are received, at $33.75.
HO Northern Pacific "Holiday Lounge" 487-493 parlor-bar for Mainstreeter and Coast Pool Trains Nos. 407-408 (173-65, $31.75) arrived on March 24 and is available from stock.
N Northern Pacific "Holiday Lounge" 487-493 parlor-bar for Mainstreeter and Coast Pool Trains Nos. 407-408 (173-565, $21.75) arrived in late April and is available from stock.
HO Milwaukee Road "Grove" Cafe-Parlor 180-85 (173-60, $31.75)  This set has been resized to fit the Walthers Milwaukee Road Hiawatha cars and retooled for improved accuracy based on recently obtained technical data..
N Milwaukee Road "Grove" Cafe-Parlor 180-185 (173-560, $20.75)  This set has been retooled for improved accuracy.
HO PS smoothside dome overlay sides for Wabash dome parlor (later COG & SR), MP/T&P/IGN dome coach (later IC 2210-2212), and B&O "Strata-dome" coach (later Amtrak) (173-64, $31.75).  Designed to overlay the Con-Cor PS "Pleasure Dome" lounge of ATSF heritage.  All reserved orders have been filled and this item is now available from stock.
N Budd Vista-Dome Coach sides for GN Empire Builder and NP North Coast Limited (#173-520, $21.75).  Designed to convert the Con-Cor Budd corrugated-side Vista-Dome coach of California Zephyr heritage.
N PS smoothside dome overlay sides for Wabash dome parlor (later COG & SR), MP/T&P/IGN dome coach (later IC 2210-2212), and B&O "Strata-dome" coach (later Amtrak) (173-564, $21.75).  Designed to overlay the recent Con-Cor PS dome lounge of ATSF prototype.  May be adapted to use Röwa shell for B&O prototype.

Planned for Future Release - Reservations Encouraged: (Revised May 26, 2010)
HO & N Milwaukee Road 2016-Series 85' Storage Mail sides for conversion of Walthers 85' cars.  Reserve now.
HO & N Milwaukee Road 1350-1356 85' Baggage-Dorm sides for conversion of Walthers 85' cars.  Reserve now.
HO Milwaukee Road "Falls" 5770-75 Touralux-Coach sides for 1947-51 Olympian Hiawatha (#173-66, $33.75)
HO & N GN 1160-67, CB&Q 1168-69, SP&S 700 PS 8-4-4 "Pass" sleeper for 1947 Empire Builder and 1950-71 Western Star. A few more reservations needed to make this set a reality, but we expect that by fall 2010.
HO & N UP/C&NW "Western" and Wabash "Blue" 12-4 sleeper sides for Cities Streamliners and other trains.  (The announced Rivarossi HO plastic version of this car was never produced and that project has been reported suspended.)
The design of N-scale Northern Pacific 455-459 Budd Dining Car Sides (173-529) is suspended, pending anticipated Budd core kit from American Ltd. Models.

Milwaukee Road N-Scale Decals for 1948 and 1952 Olympian and Twin Cities Hiawathas available from Pete's Custom Decals.  (Posted January 27, 2009)
We have received great news for Milwaukee Road N-scale modelers!  Through the diligent work and craftsmanship of our No. 1 Milwaukee Road N-scale customer Randy Stahl and Pete Trick at Pete's Custom Decals (http://www.petescustomdecals.com/index.html), complete N-scale decal sets for the 1948 and 1952 Olympian Hiawatha and Twin Cities Hiawatha are now available direct from Pete's Custom Decals.  The 1948 lettering is gold and the 1952 is in maroon, of course. Each set contains sufficient lettering and names for five cars.  Price is $6.50 per set, plus shipping.  See links at the top of our homepage for enlarged photos.

Detail Parts to Upgrade Three Brothers Manufacturing and Holgate & Reynolds HO Commuter Cars: (Revised September 8, 2008)
173-350 Stainless-steel center loading door (pair) $7.50 [Original stock sold out.  May be rerun as special order item.]
173-351 Brass air intake side vent for C&NW intercity bi-level cars $3.75
173-352 Brass air intake side vent for P-S commuter bi-level cars $3.75
173-353 Brass air roof vents for P-S commuter and intercity bi-level cars $3.75

Other Recent and Retooled Items: (Revised January 21, 2009)
N GN/CB&Q 1181-88 "Glacier" 16-4 PS sleeper sides (173-525)  In stock.
N GN ACF 48-seat coach in GN 1215-18, 1227-32 series (173-512)  In stock.
N NP/CB&Q 588-99 PS, SP&S 300 leg-rest coach sides for North Coast Ltd. (173-504, $20.75) In stock.
N NP 350-63/CB&Q 480-82/SP&S 366 PS 8-6-3-1 PS sleeper sides for North Coast Ltd.(173-505, $20.75) In stock.
HO GN 1198-99 "Club" 8-2 buffet lounge sleeper sides for Winnipeg Limited (173-62, $31.75) In stock
N GN 1198-99 "Club" 8-2 buffet lounge sleeper sides for Winnipeg Limited (173-562, $20.75) In stock.
HO GN 1100-04 mail-baggage sides for 1947 Empire Builder, Western Star, and other trains (173-63, $36.75) In stock
N GN 1100-04 mail-baggage sides for 1947 Empire Builder, Western Star, and other trains (173-563, $20.75) In stock
N SP/NP 10-6 Plan 4140C sleeper sides for Cascade and  NCL with all-new tooling (173-551, $20.75) In stock
HO Northern Pacific PS Diner 450-455 (#173-61, $31.75)  In stock.
N Northern Pacific PS Diner 450-455 (#173-561, $20.75)  In stock.
N Northern Pacific PS 56-Seat coaches NP 500-517, SP&S 301-305 (#173-530, $20.75)  In stock.
HO Milwaukee Road 60' Postal Cars 2152-53 (173-59, $36.75)  In stock.
N Milwaukee Road 60' Postal Cars 2152-53 (173-559, $20.75)  In stock.
HO C&NW "Northern" series 16-3-1 PS sleeper sides (#173-6, $31.75) retooled for the TSP #807 core kit.  In stock.
N C&NW "Northern" series 16-3-1 PS sleeper sides (#173-506, $20.75) for ALM core kits.  In stock.
N PS 13 Bedroom Plan 4071 sleeper sides (#173-521, $20.75) have been retooled for the ALM core kits.  In stock
HO Illinois Central PS 56-seat coach 2614-2640 (#173-44, $31.75) have been retooled for the TSP #807 core kit.  This side set was originally produced to match the Rivarossi "1930" length.  In stock.
N Illinois Central PS 56-seat coach 2614-2640 (#173-544, $20.75) were released in July of 2006 and have been designed for the ALM core kits.

We solicit your reservations and orders directly, or through your hobby dealer.  We are also maintaining a list of other prototypes that could become side sets..  We need firm reservations for 15-20 for any one item for it to move into production.  Please print and send in the reservation form, or contact us by e-mail.

Milwaukee Road "Skytop" Parlor and "Creek" Resin Shells from Jim Stillman: (Revised 7-12-10)
One of our N-scale customers, Jim Stillman, has developed handsome and easy-to-use resin shells for both of the Milwaukee Road's "Skytop" observation cars for the Twin Cities Hiawatha and the Olympian Hiawatha..  These cars complement our Hiawatha side sets.  In fact, Jim used our #173-503 parlor as a pattern for the side windows of the "Rapids" parlor version.  The ALM core kits can be used to supply the floor and trucks.  In early July of 2010 we were alerted that Jim's website at www.nscaleskytops.com was not operational and we have been trying to reach him by e-mail without success so far.  (Jim, if you are reading this please get in touch with Brass Car Sides.). 

General Announcements (Revised December 29, 2009)
It has been clear for some time that sales of certain side sets drop significantly when that prototype becomes available as a high-quality ready-to-run plastic car.  The effect of the poor economy has only magnified the problem for keeping certain items in production.  We have been forced to discontinue some HO side sets and this process will continue.  Modelers and dealers are encouraged to contact us directly to determine the status and availability of our products.  We are working with Walthers Trains to maintain the availability of as many items as possible.  See Walthers web pages at www.walthers.com for Brass Car Sides, Manufacturer No. 173 for current availability of our products there.

Custom Etching Services, Special Runs of Discontinued Items, and Suggestions for New Items (Revised March 5, 2010)
We receive requests from time to time to do custom etching, particularly for heavyweight HO cars and cabooses.  Since we subcontract all of our etching work, and for a variety of technical and economic reasons, we are not in a position to offer custom etching services.  We can fill special orders for most of our discontinued HO side sets in multiples of four sets.  Please contact us if are interested in buying a minimum of four pairs of any discontinued HO side set. 

Suggestions for additions to our line from individuals or groups for particular streamlined HO or N-scale side sets are welcome, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Indeed, most of our recent releases, particularly in N-scale, have been the result of a one or two modelers contacting us with a recommendation which is then communicated to various online modeling groups and produces the necessary reservations.

Quantity Discount Schedule (Effective July 3, 2009)
We offer the following quantity discounts to direct-mail customers:
5% discount on orders from $85.00 to $165.00, excluding shipping;
10% discount on orders from $165.01 to $330.00, excluding shipping;
15% discount on orders above $330.00, with free shipping.
 

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