Lee Drennen’s Vintage O Scale Puritan Cudahy 34’ Wood Reefer Car Restoration

[Lee Drennen]

This a very old O scale wood kit made probably in the late 1950s or early 1960s. A friend off of the Model Train forum sent this to me and a couple others because he knew I like these old Reefer Cars. So I picked this one out to restore.
This is what I’ve got so far. I remove the cross braces and sanded the top down and also made new ends for it for more detail look

[Lee Drennen]

Now for the painting

[Lee Drennen]

Adding the Hardware from Scale City Design

[Mini Me]

Tremendous improvement Lee. You have certainly changed the complexion of this old girl.
Rick H.

[Lee Drennen]

Rick. Thanks

[Lee Drennen]

Painted the Hardware getting closer to being done

[Lee Drennen]

Added the Trucks, Couplers and the stirrups steps and went out from my comfort zone and added a wheel and brake rod. I will hand paint all this when it all sets up good

[Guest]

Not a train person Lee, so not felt able to comment before, but you are doing lovely work here. Excellent stuff.

[Lee Drennen]

Thanks Pete I understand glad you like to complement on it I must be doing something right

[Lee Drennen]

I’m calling it a day on this Reefer. Tonight I painted the Hardware on the Brake Wheel and platform and I also added some end rails at the roof top and sides. Next I have to add the air tank and valves and roof walkway supports at the ends and I’m calling it done

[JR]

I think someone put a lot of effort and skill in redoing that Lee.:thumb2:
Love the idea that the body is made from ply and the chassis is timber, great job buddy .

[Mini Me]

That will look great on your layout Lee, I can't wait to see it behind your SW1500 switcher.
Rick H.

[minitnkr]

Excellent resto. It could be even older as I recall these early wood & paper kits were made almost extinct by plastic by the mid-50s. PaulE

[Lee Drennen]

John. Thanks I’m enjoying this build for sure. One of the O gauge forum members sent this to me as a gift he knows I love redoing old rolling stock

Rick. thanks for the complement I have 4 more braces on the roof and it’s done and yes I will post some pics of it behind my Switcher great idea and I’ll post some behind my steamer as well

Paul. Thanks for the complement and glad you recognize the age on this it looks like it was in the 1950s I guess you remember these?

[minitnkr]

Lee, I remember of them from visits to Spoonly the Trainman's store. We bought the Lionel ready made locos & rolling stock. Christmastime of 52, I remember Dad bringing home a used Lionel starter set & erecting a 4'X8' table for it. This grew into a three simultaneous train layout of 20'X 25'. as each Christmas & birthday of my 2 brothers & I more was added in presents & labor. I vividly remember my dad & uncles Bud & Ken kneeling on the layout, butcracks & all building a 20' X 1' mountain range W/Mr. Fox, the electrician up the street laying underneath doing wiring. PaulE