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Passenger Cars Sizes Compared
The different sizes of passenger cars were devised through different criteria.
The original Madisons were intended to provide an appropriate-looking
car for O31 pikes. The result is a car that will look good behind both
scale and semi-scale locomotives. Railking's Madison is obviously sized so
as to accommodate the classic scale-sized O Diesels: F3 / F7, GP 7/9/38,
NW2 and FM. The Railking cars also work with larger semi-scale steam
locomotives. On the other hand, K-Line went for a pure O27 car suitable only
for semi-scale motive power. Aside from a scale heavyweight with scale
locomotive, the K-Line streamliner is the only one that has the right proportion
for its intended motive power: O27.
Again, car size is factored in by the size of the pike. Scale cars
are great on longer pikes, but difficult on small layouts. Railking
Madisons can handle O27 pikes, while the classic lionel / Williams might
have a tight squeeze on curves. The K-Line Streamliner is at home on
O27 and O31. Notice in the photos how a threesome of scale cars compares
to a trio of classic Madisons. The shorter cars are best for smaller
pikes, giving the feel of scale cars without the limitations imposed by the
Heavyweight's greater length.
Railking Madison (L) is shorter in length, but taller than traditionally-sized
60' Madison. Railking is 14.5" long. |
K-Line O27 Streamliner is 13.5 inches long. Behind it is Madison for
length comparison. Madison is 1/8" taller, about 1.5 inch or so longer |
Scale Heavyweight outsizes 60' Madison: taller, longer, larger windows, doors,
etc. Note how the Madison was shortened: instead of 6 pair of windows
in the center, it has 4. |
3 Heavyweights make a much longer train than 3 Madisons - a consideration
when running small pikes |
Railking Madison matches height of Scale Heavyweight |
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Note car length comparison |
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