HO N&W G-12 Gondola Decals (1968+)
Starting in June 1965, Norfolk & Western built 1000 class G-12 gondolas in its Roanoke, VA shops. The first 500 cars (NW 98000-98499) were equipped with Freightmaster end-of-car cushioning, while the remaining 500 (NW 98500-98999) were equipped with A.O. Smith cushioning. The latter proved heavy and unreliable, so many of that group were gradually converted to non-cushioned draft gear. In 1966, 100 cars were selected at random and returned to Roanoke to receive covers and interior bulkheads for bar/sheet steel service. These were reclassed G-12A and renumbered NW 198000-198099. (Examples provided are Freightmaster NW 198044/198005 and Smith NW 198083/198053.) Then in 1967-1969, 26 more randomly-selected cars received covers and troughs for coil steel service. These were reclassed G-12B (soon changed to CS-4) and renumbered NW 70610-70629 & 72140-72145. (Examples provided are Freightmaster NW 70613/70622 and Smith NW 70623/72142).
Finally, as far as the scope of this decal set is concerned, two cars became class G-12D and NW 70450-70451 in 1974, receiving various modifications and racks for Libby-Owens automotive glass service.
This sheet has enough data to do 4 cars, two cars in as-built “Hamburger” Scheme (1965-1971), and two cars in the NW Block Lettering Scheme (1971-1986). Data is provided for all the above classes and configurations for at least one example of each. Please see the lettering diagrams for specific data applications per car version. Many cars lasted in revenue service carrying the NW Block scheme into the early 2000’s when they were rebuilt and repainted by Norfolk Southern.
There are three different reweigh locations provided (RO, BX, CT) and five different reweigh dates. There are also appropriate lube stencils included. For those that need wheel inspection dots, I recommend the ones made by Highball Graphics. Modelers wishing to apply ACI Bar Code Plates, we recommend using the Microscale Products Minical MC-4280.
The N&W G-12 Gondola and subclasses have been produced as a 3D printed kit by Plate C Model Prototypes, being sold by 3D Central Trains.
Painting instructions for any of these gondolas; the body and trucks are black.
Online resources include Fallen Flags: rr-fallenflags.org RRPicture Archives: rrpicturearchives.net / RailcarPhotos.com Also the N&W Color Guide published by Morning Sun Books.
G-12 Gondola Kit from 3D Central Trains: https://3dcentraltrains.com/collections/gondolas/products/1103-n-w-g-12-gondola
