Modeling the CZ
from the THE WESTERN PACIFIC Headlight / Issue 18 January 2002
By Bruce Conklin
An n-scale modeler wishing to replicate the California Zephyr can build a very accurate trainset today. Most of the cars, certainly the most distinctive ones, are available as high-quality plastic models from Con-Cor and Kato USA. We will look at which cars can be used to create the n-scale CZ.
Within the last couple of years, both Con-Cor and Kato have introduced to the n-scale marketplace accurate well-manufactured plastic models of Budd corrugated passenger cars. To the credit of both manufacturers, their offerings do not duplicate what the other manufacturer has produced. This allows the n-scale passenger train modeler the opportunity to create distinctive trainsets for several railroads.
California Zephyr Cars
Con-Cor has produced the greatest number of cars based on California Zephyr prototypes. The Con-Cor baggage, vistadome, 10-6 sleeper and vista-dome-observation cars all model California Zephyr cars from the 1948 order. The available coach is based on the 16-section sleeper that was converted to coach configuration in 1964. All have been offered decorated for the California Zephyr, although these are hard to find at the time this is written. Other stainless steel paint jobs, such as Burlington or Santa Fe, can be readily relettered with decal sets from MicroScale. The appropriate decal sets are 60-108 and 60-1110. Con-Cor cars are available as single cars.
Kato's Budd offerings reflect a different set of designs. Many of their cars are based on Burlington prototypes, and none come decorated for the California Zephyr. Kato's 10-6 sleeper, however, is based on the sleepers ordered for the California Zephyr in 1952. Any stainless steel paint job can easily be relettered for the CZ. The slightly different window arrangement of this car provides a nice visual contrast to the Con-Cor sleepers. The dining car does not match the CZ diner but is based on the 1938 Zephyr order from the Burlington. With Burlington lettering, it could serve as a "stand-in" diner as the Burlington used these cars for protection of its trainsets out of Chicago. The Kato cars are available as four-car sets.
What is currently not available for the California Zephyr in plastic n-scale cars? A proper CZ diner, the vista dome-dormlounge, and the distinctive 6-5 sleeper. Con-Cor has announced that they will release three additional Budd cars in their n-scale line in 2002. This will include an RPO, a parlor car, and a diner. It is not known at this time what prototype the diner will be based on but we can hope that it will be the California Zephyr dining car. Significant kitbashing would be required to replicate the window arrangement of the vista dome-dorm-Iounge and the 6-5 sleeper.
California Zephyr Locomotives
There are fewer n-scale locomotives available for the California Zephyr than there are cars. Kato has made excellent F-7 A and B locomotives as well as excellent F-3 A and B models. Neither model has been available for some time but may return to production in 2002. Neither the F-7 or the F-3 were offered in Western Pacific paint so a custom paint job will be required for these locomotives to model CZ power. Con-Cor offered an F-3 set in WP paint several years ago and BevBel offers a LifeLike F-7 in WP paint with a black outline of the winged logo on the nose. Neither of these models are state-of-the-art in detail or performance however. Model Power has announced that it will release a metal-bodied FP-7 A in 2002. No paint schemes have been announced nor has a working prototype been available for review. If this model does not perform as well as the venerable Katos it could still provide the desired FP-7 shell to lead the trainset. Kato F-7 and F-3 B-units are powered and an F-7B-F-3B pair would provide more than adequate power to pull a fifteen-car California Zephyr trainset and push the appropriately-decorated FP-7 shell in front of them.
Zephyrette
No discussion of the Zephyr would be complete at this time without a mention of the recent release by Kato of the Budd RDC-2 in Western Pacific paint. Both number 375 and 376 are available in a two-car set. The mold work on these cars is excellent and they are great performers also. The n-scale modeler seeking the ultimate in fidelity can add readily available details such as grab irons and stirrup steps.
Interior lighting kits are available as are venetian blinds and other window treatments. One detail omitted from all available models is the small placards on each car indicating ownership. The placards all were different sizes making it difficult for the mold makers to include them on the models. The' MicroScale decal sets include the appropriate lettering for the modeler interested in adding this small detail.
Larger Scales
Thom Anderson
HO Scale
Brass
Nickel Plate Products (early 1970s)
Oriental Limited (early 1980s)
Challenger Imports (1999)
Shoreham Shops (2000)
Plastic
No exact model of the CZ has been made in plastic in HO scale. ( this is as of 2002 - see update below...)
American Train & Track in the early 1970s had shortened models of some Budd design Canadian Pacific cars that were similar in appearance to CZ cars.
Con-Cor and Walthers has fluted side passenger cars similar in appearance to CZ cars that could be used. No complete CZ train was offered by either firm.
S scale
American Models has fluted side cars available that are short (65') models. They are not believed to be exact replicas of CZ cars.
O scale
Sunset Models imported brass CZ cars several years ago. Mac Shops offered extruded aluminum type kits, and. Midland Reproductions offered a craftsman type kit for CZ cars. The current availability of both is unknown.
Post 2002 Update
The Broadway Limited Imports (BLI) HO Scale Western Pacific (WP) California Zephyr 13-Car Passenger Set is a highly coveted, premium model train release replicating the iconic California Zephyr.
The defining attribute of this particular 13-car collector's set is that all 13 passenger cars are completely sub-lettered or road-named for the Western Pacific Railroad, making it an accurate representation of a complete WP-specific fleet lineup rather than a prototypical multi-road name mix.
Key Details & Characteristics:
- Scale and Material: Pre-assembled HO Scale plastic models with highly authentic metal components.
- The "Holy Grail" Finish: Considered a premier collection cornerstone due to its trade-secret plated finish that accurately simulates stainless steel and its unique, prototypical bluish window tint.
- Interior Detail: Includes full interior detailing in every passenger car along with factory-installed track-powered internal lighting.
- Availability: These 13-car single-road name matching sets were part of BLI's earlier production runs and are long out of production. Today, they are primarily sourced through specialized collector platforms like BrassTrains.com, ReSourced Rails, WorthPoint, or eBay.
