HO Penn Central & Conrail F33 Flatcar Decals

This set was produced to introduce an more comprehensive set for these classes.

In 1968 when Penn Central was crated, the biggest task was the assimilation of the predecessor fleets into a single roster. One of the more notable flatcars in that fleet was the Ex-PRR F33 flatcar, Designed primarily for transport of medium to large transformers, these cars were seen nationally. They were built in two lots, in 1938 and 1942, with a total fleet of 16 cars. All 16 of these cars did make it into PC and later CR, they were numbered 768121 to 768136. Based on ORER data by 1974 all 16 were repainted into Penn Central and by 1983 5 were re-marked for Conrail they were 768122, 768124, 768126, 768127
and 768136. By 1988 all F33 flatcars were out of service pending scrapping.

This sheet has enough data to do 2 cars, 1 for PC marks, 1 for CR marks. The cars initially repainted into PC didn’t receive lube stencils; however by 1972 they started being applied to cars throughout the PC system. The horizontal lube stencils match locations used for repainting and servicing of the heavy-duty flatcar fleet during the PC era, the vertical lube stencils match locations for servicing during the CR eras. Wheel inspection dots have also been included. For those wishing to apply ACI Bar Code Plates, we recommend using the Microscale Products Minical MC-4280. The F33 flatcar has been produced in resin kit form by F&C.

For flatcar painting instructions, in the PC scheme the entire car was painted PC green, the trucks were black. For the cars that were repainted into Conrail, they were Oxide Brown. Although photo evidence shows most of the CR marked cars retaining PC green, with new style marks and numbers.

For references in regard to the Ex-PRR's F33 Gondola fleet please consult Pennsylvania Railroad Flatcars, Revenue & Work Equipment, 1881 to 1968 by Al Buchan and Elden Gatwood published by the PRRT&HS. Also, for pictures of the cars in PC paint the PC Color Guide, page 92 and in Conrail paint, the Conrail Color Guide, page 104, both published by Morning Sun Books. Articles on modeling the F33 classes can be found by searching the index of The Keystone Modeler, internet e-zine published by the PRRTHS at their website, www.prrths.com