This post/inquiry was buried in a different thread - so I chose to re-submit it as its own entity.
I wanted to know what I could do with the 'Super Chief' passenger train to increase its size/length. As a set, Walthers is offering eight cars total, and they are recommending an ABBA engine consist to haul it. That ratio, in of itself, seems disproportional. I think. I would think that an ABBA would be more evenly matched to a 14 car [+/-] 'Super Chief'. Yes? No?
If yes, what are my options to increase the car total [in time] from 8 to 14 or so cars?
a) double and triple up on specific cars within the 8 car offering? b) do a partial [letter (a) solution] and add something else as well? c) if (b) were possible, would the REA be an option? If so, would REA 'refrigerated' also be acceptable?
My preference is to slip in other unique looking cars [car colors other than silver, especially], but I would only do so if it was reasonable and acceptable by historical standards. A previous 'Super Chief' thread seemed to focus entirely on the silver [cars/appearance] which could very well be the only solution for this train whereas other ATSF passenger trains appear to be more accepting of variation.
I just do not have local access to the books others have referenced w/o buying them over the internet. Their cost, at this juncture, is too high [often > $50.00] to purchase given that additional cars are in need which cost less than the books themselves. In time, I plan to get some of these terrific books, but it just isn't as pressing only because certain, desired, train cars seem to sell out [disappear] long before books tend to sell out. I would happily spend a day flipping through a book if I had access to one. They certainly offer the information and visual images that I will need in the long haul. Their intrinsic value is not in question. For now, however, I must ask for help from those of you who are lucky enough to own a book and/or have access to one.
Thanks!