A while back I was going through my freight cars in preparation for some house cleaning.  I have way too many kits that will probably never be built (Athearn, Roundhouse, etc).

Anyway – I stumbled upon the six Walthers Cryogenic cars I had purchased when they were released.  I got a chuckle when I saw the sticker price of $11.98.

So I pulled one out and figured I give it a go.  Wanting to learn how to install details I gave this kit a try with air hoses, updated break wheel and chain, cut levers, ladders, and finally stirrups.

After about 4 months of scraping, filing, painting, and mostly attempting to figure out how a 50 year old can drill a #80 hole the kit became a model.

I have a new appreciation for modern detailed models which carry a heavy price tag – and think they're worth the price of admission.  This kit, even with some details added, still lacks the crisp graphics you see today – but I’m at the point where it may be OK.

I’m undecided as to peruse the other five – although I enjoyed taking my time working at a slow pace; seeing the kit transform into a model, etc.  These cars are pretty neat and even though they dwarf others on my modern (yet tiny 1x6 layout) I feel it will add some much needed variety.

Mike