New Duplex Sleeper

We have selected and begun production on our latest RailSmith N Scale model – a new duplex sleeper!

As railroads entered the ‘Streamline Era’, sleeping cars were developed that had a variety of accommodations all in the same car.  These were a popular choice in this time of expansion. Pullman-Standard led the way with the 4119 floor plan. There were several other plans that used the ‘duplex’ design, with the differences being what end of the car the vestibule was on or if there was a porters accommodation or not. Plan 4119 has eight duplex roomettes, six regular roomettes, three bedrooms and one compartment, these cars were ordered by the Northern Pacific for their new ‘Streamlined’ version of the North Coast Limited. Check out this image to see how the duplex design works.

Great Northern selected two different Duplex plans for their 1947 Empire Builder. Plan 4108 had 16 duplex roomettes with four double bedrooms. This plan is easy to spot as there are many more rooms (windows) with the staggered pattern. Plan 4107 had four sections, eight duplex roomettes and four double bedrooms. In 1950 they selected Plan 4181 which had seven duplex roomettes, four sections, one compartment and three double bedrooms. Both of these were built by Pullman-Standard and similar to the 4119 plan. How fun is this GN advertisement for the Duplex Roomette,  ‘only $2.13 more’!?!

All said, we did our research, and selected to model a popular plan not done before. We are very excited to bring this newly tooled car to our models of the Empire Builder and North Coast Limited trains. Other appropriate schemes are also planned.

It is interesting to note, the other streamline cars for the 1947 North Coast Limited train were: Baggage, Mail-Dormitory, Coaches, Lounge and Diner. These were added to existing heavy-weight sleepers, baggage and lounges to complete the train. Even though this 1947 consist contained heavy-weight cars, it was called a ‘Streamlined’ train as it spoke to the cutting edge best-of-the-day. See NP Company ad photo of 1947 NLC in station.

The 4119 Duplex Sleepers lasted to Amtrak and beyond, some going to work train service before the end of their usefulness.

Check out related products here!

Lowell Smith

A native of Portland, Oregon, Lowell Smith married his church choir sweetheart Barb in 1978. After a lifetime of rail-fanning, Lowell and Barb ventured out in 1992 to launch a new business in Portland, Oregon. Read more

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D.K.

Aside from the quality, creativity and originality, you are to be commended for your ongoing commitment to this (GAC) series, and all of your series of trains over a period of so many years.  There is always something to look forward to. Keep up the great work!’ D. K. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

K L

What a trip! We had a great time- exceeded our expectations by a mile. The Silver Lariat was simply stunning. A gem on the rails. The scenery and weather were perfect. The delays were not an issue for us at all. All just a good days work on the railroad! Thank you for all the…

R.M.

You know I’m always looking forward to the next release and its arrival with great anticipation. I treasure my Lowell Smith Signature collection. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Jerry

I really am enjoying what you are producing, Lowell! Thanks for doing it. Jerry Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

R.L.

Ferdinand Magellan is great! This really fits your mission of offering significant cars that otherwise wouldn’t be produced. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Charlie S.

Thank you for producing such well researched quality offerings. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Jerry E.

Received GN A10 today. Absolutely stunning! I am very pleased. Thank You all. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Ray F.

I just wanted you to know my O gauge Hood River Pears car came yesterday in perfect condition. This car is just beautiful I can’t wait for the next one to come out. Keep up the good work. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Paul G.

I just received my Carolwood Pacific cars yesterday. They are exquisite! Every attention to detail was paid here, and I can’t thank you enough for putting this into production.  They are going to look amazing, circling my main Street miniatures display. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Anonymous

The thing I love about all the things you do is the fact that everything is so well thought out, so beautiful and so unique.   Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest