What are we talking about when we say ‘Classic’ trains car?

For those of you that have jumped on the RailSmith train more recently, I thought it would be helpful to clarify what we are calling a ‘Classic’ passenger car.

It’s our opinion that you the consumer would like to know more about the models you are buying. Since the start of RailSmith Models, we have called out when a car is a ‘prototype’ car. Meaning that it is exactly the model used by that railroad in that paint scheme.

If it is not a prototype car, then we use the term a ‘Classic’ version of that car, meaning that the windows may not line up to the actual car of that name or road number, and the interior may not be exactly accurate.

By calling one of our models a ‘Classic’ we are simply telling you it is not exactly like the actual car. And we call this out because we assume you would like to know, just like we would if we were buying a car that wasn’t a prototype match. Knowing whether the car you are purchasing is a prototype or not, is something that other N Scale passenger car manufacturers do not tell you. 

As a model producer of fine N Scale passenger cars, with RailSmith you can count on accurate paint and lettering. Accurate road names/numbers for the model as well as a brief history of the model. RailSmith is striving to bring to you a level of realism that will give you enjoyment, and confidence of your purchase.

Why a ‘Classic’ version?

You probably understand that the cost to produce a particular model is very high and that a prototype car for every run is simply not feasible. So choices have to be made. Which prototype car do we produce? In the case of our diners, we produced five different versions of a diner that is most common. That way the diner on your train is either prototype or very close. If it is ‘very close’, we will still call that a ‘Classic’ version of the car. But we cannot make multiple versions of every car all the time. So we use this term ‘Classic’ to tell you the difference.

Other models, like the Dorm Baggage car we are currently working on, have a variety of window patterns, and door size and placements. We simply cannot do all versions. So because our new Dormitory car will be very close for the train you are building, we will call it a ‘Classic’ version.

We hope this gives you enough information and explains more what we are doing. We are glad you are on board and appreciate you’re enjoying the journey. 

Happy Rails!