Open Loads to Customize Your Models

Making a Scrap Wheel Load
Convert old plastic wheels into an interesting gondola load.

Open Loads Photo Gallery
If you've got an empty freight car and are looking for an inspiring load, take a look at these prototypes and models.

Detailing Empty Gondolas and Flatcars
The most common residual lading in gondolas and flatcars is the blocking and packaging materials left behind from a previous load. Some cars are permanently equipped with special racks or tie-downs. Others must have special blocking installed for each load. Cars are supposed to be cleaned out when loads are emptied, but this doesn t always...

Open Loads - Modeling Empties
Even an empty car is rarely completely empty. Lingering chunks of coal or stone and discarded blocking and bracing often litter the bottoms and decks of open cars. Modeling this debris not only adds interest to an otherwise empty car it helps to suggest that the model is in fact in service and not fresh out of the box.

Adding Loads to Open Freight Cars
Every model railroad has freight cars that can show off their loads. Modelers often call these open loads . Open loads can be as simple as a pile of coal to detailed models of machinery and everything in between. There are lots of commercial products available in every scale to recreate loads, or you can make many of them yourself.

Open Loads for Heavy Duty Flatcars
Some loads require special handling. These are as much a challenge to operate as they are to model.

Open Loads for Flatcars
If you re looking for a showcase for your modeling skills, a flatcar can be the perfect stage. Like gondolas, flatcars come in many variations and carry an array of loads. From lumber to heavy construction equipment, flatcar loads come in all shapes and sizes.

Modeling Open Loads - Gondolas
Gondolas endure some of the most demanding jobs in railroading. They can be used for everything from high-value steel coils to scrap railroad ties. Generally, these cars take a lot of abuse and will show more weathering than other cars in the train. There are many commercially-made loads available, or you can produce your own. If you plan to...

Making Open Loads for Hopper Cars
Make your own or improve manufactured coal and other loads for model hopper and other cars.

Modeling Scrap Fiber Steel Loads
Modeling scrap steel strands as a removeable load for model train cars.

Making Model Loads from Household Junk
Hidden modeling treasures abound in broken household goods.

Making Removeable Loads for Gondola and Flatcar Models
Making model loads for flatcars and gondolas that can be removed for variety.

Scratchbuilding Tarped Loads for Model Train Cars
Easy to make tarp-covered loads for model train cars in any scale.

Detail the Interior of a Boxcar
An open door can shed light on an interesting load inside a boxcar.