The Florida Trains

Travelers to Florida had several rail lines they could choose to get to Jacksonville. But south from there, there was only one railroad, The Florida East Coast. Owned by Henry M. Flagler, the road was founded in 1895. The simple chart here shows how all lines lead to the FEC. This chart is not at all complete, but a short summary of major name trains that carried FEC cars in interline service. Of these railroads, only the Illinois Central insisted that the FEC cars be painted in the IC’s ‘Panama’ chocolate and orange colors, (for The City of Miami). All other FEC cars in the streamline era were stainless steel by Budd or Pullman-Standard.The Seaboard eventually had lines to Miami but these were not as direct as the FEC.

Eventually the FEC consolidated north/south trains running these name trains in composite consists. Thus a FEC train would be very eclectic in appearance.

To build an accurate Florida train, you will need cars of these different rail lines to replicate a specific train. These books are a great resource for consists in specific time periods.It is for the purpose of building an accurate consist, that RailSmith is producing these Florida East Coast cars. Cars never before produced in N Scale. All-Aboard for Florida!

Read more about it:

‘From the Mid-west to Florida By Rail â€˜Vol. 1 & 2 by Blardone published by the Pennsylvania RT&HS

‘Speedway to Sunshine’ by Bramson

‘Selling Sunshine’  a Kalmbach Video

Posted in

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

Leave a Comment





Latest On The Track

What They Say:

G.D.

Lowell, thanks to you and your company SP&S modelers (myself included) are having a much easier time modeling the North Bank Road. Thank you for your hard work! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

S. Reames

I received my observation/business car today and – like all of my other cars from you – I love it! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

K.

My kids absolutely love the Christmas cars! The C.K. Holiday, along with the Carolwood and Disney cars makes a wonderful Christmas train. It made many a loop under our tree this year. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

J. Arenas

Wow… You made my dream come true with the CK Holiday! I am a great admirer of your work. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

K. Lyons

Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you do for the modeling community. I can honestly say that my enjoyment of the hobby has benefited greatly because of you. 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

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

Dan D.

I look forward to continuing to buy trains from my favorite special run train maker. That’s how I think of you now, “The Train Maker”.  And speaking of cool trains, I just received a box loaded with great looking Texas Special cars. Thanks.  I certainly look forward to all the new releases you are planning.…

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.

I am looking forward to many more releases in the new year. I stayed up really late on Christmas to talk to Santa when he came by our house. I asked him for an n-scale SP&S 700, and he said that was out of his league and I’d better call you. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest