Story and Photo by George Riley
Rail travel at the dawn of the 20th century carried real risks. Most passenger cars were still built of wood, and in a collision they could splinter—or worse, telescope into one another. Even minor derailments sometimes proved disastrous when coal stoves overturned and set cars ablaze. Open platforms between cars added yet another hazard, making movement from one coach to the next a risky endeavor while the train was in motion.
Seeking to improve passenger safety, Pennsylvania Railroad began designing its own all-steel passenger equipment in the early 1900s. The first step was car no. 1651, built in 1906 as the lone member of the P58 class, a 67-foot, 5¾-inch all-steel coach. It featured steam heat, electric lighting, and enclosed vestibules at each end—significant advances over contemporary practice. That pioneering design paved the way for the far more numerous P70 coaches, and PB70 combines were introduced the following year.
Broadway Limited Imports’ latest passenger car releases feature a set of five “heavyweight” passenger cars unique to the Pennsylvania Railroad. The set includes three P70(R) coaches, a PB70(R) Combine (coach/baggage) and a Z74D(R) Business car with rear open observation platform. This set alone makes a presentable consist for a model railroad when coupled with an appropriate locomotive. Individual cars to build up the consist are also available from dealers stocking BLI products. Three different car sets are available decorated for the 1930s era, postwar late 1940s, and the 1950s. Our review samples represent the late 1940s era.
The Models
Each model features free-rolling trucks with metal wheels and contacts that provide LED illumination. Wheel sets are in gauge and match NMRA RP25 standard allowing operation on track from Code 70 to Code 100. The correct PRR-type of truck is featured on each model. Equipped with Kadee couplers mounted in close coupling assemblies, each car type will work flawlessly on 18” radius track. The PB70 and Z74D models also include a control to turn the interior lights on or off with a touch to a portion of the roof…
