Eastern Seaboard Models - 002003 - Boxcar, 50 Foot, PRR X58 - Eastern Seaboard Models - 2019B

Model Information: The body and underframe are injection molded plastic, with etched brass roofwalk, brake platform and end platforms. Intricate and accurate detail is present throughout. The model rides at the prototypically-correct height above the rails, on BLMA's ASF 70-ton Ride Control roller-bearing trucks fitted with low-profile metal wheelsets, and comes with the following equipment variations based on the prototype -

Features: As-Built body - with roofwalk, high brake gear, high ladders; Transitional body - no roofwalk, high brake gear, low ladders except for the A end; Transitional body variant - no roofwalk, high brake gear, high ladders; Modern - no roofwalk, lowered brake gear, low ladders; Hydra-Cushion or Keystone cushioned underframe; Simulated cushioned-underframe coupler pockets are integrated into the underframe.

Prototype History: Between 1972 and 1973, Penn Central began purchasing the first of the 50' X72 boxcars from US Railroad Manufacturing (Evans) Blue Island, IL, plant. These cars would eventually find their way to Conrail in 1976, retaining their PC numbering series while getting CR reporting marks. However, many X72's can still be spotted in their original PC green paint scheme and PC reporting marks, though fairly rusted and faded.

There is only one subclass of the X72, the X72A. But as Jim Six points out in his Railroad Model Craftsman article, there appears to be no external distinction between the X72 and X72A. Both cars have welded panel construction, with 6-panel Superior doors. Yet I have photographed one X72, CR 269272, with a 6-panel Superior door with raised X-panels, for which no detail part is available.

The X72 is a general purpose boxcar that can be found in nearly every service, making is a very common boxcar. Some cars are equipped with DF Belt Loaders for assisting in loading and unloading of special equipment, while other cars are equipped with Dual Air Paks for shock control of goods, and pallets. These specially equipped cars are in assigned service to specific industries for specific loading.

Brand/Importer Information: Eastern Seaboard Models was founded in 1987. They are a manufacturer of N scale reproductions of North American eastern railroad prototypes. The have both decorated other manufacturers' models as well as designed body styles of their own. They are located at PO Box 301, Waldwick, New Jersey 07463-0301 U.S.A.

Their 2016 lineup includes ready-to-run gondolas, well cars, hoppers, tank cars and boxcars. They also produce craftsman quality kits in their "Made in America" series. ESM products may be purchased directly from their website.