N Scale Pennsy

Observation Cars

POS21


The POS21-style blunt-end observation cars were commissioned from Pullman for the revamped 1948 Broadway Limited.

Kato

Model Number Car Name Paint Scheme Lights
106-068 (set) Mountain View Tuscan 3 Stripe Optional
106-069 (set) Tower view Tuscan 3 Stripe Optional

The Kato options are part of their 1948 Broadway Limited sets, which come unlighted by default, but they sell lighting kits and preinstalled lighting versions are available.

Centralia Car Shops lists a Mountain View and Tower View in its lineup, however they are not included here as they are round-ended observation cars more similar to the POS211A

POS21A


The POS21A-style blunt-end observation cars were commissioned from Pullman for the Fleet of Modernism.

Bachmann

Model Number Car Name Paint Scheme Lights
14356 Metropolitan View Fleet of Modernism Yes

The Bachmann model is surprisingly accurate, the only issues I have noticed are a slightly small window on the corridor side and an innaccurate generic PRR-logo drumhead. I can’t comment on the accuracy of the paint colors much more than that the gold seems a little too bright and the maroon band and tuscan seem a little too dark.

POS211A


The POS211A-style observation cars were commissioned from Pullman for the Fleet of Modernism.

Centralia Car Shops

Model Number Car Name Paint Scheme Lights
CCS7508-02 Juniata Narrows Fleet of Modernism Battery
CCS7508-03 Lewiston Narrows Fleet of Modernism Battery
CCS7509-03 John Edgar Thomson Tuscan 3 Stripe Battery

The Centralia Car Shops cars are slightly inaccurate, as some scouring of forums reveal they are following Pullman’s plan 4082 instead of the 4081A that sources indicate the PRR used. There are a few extra windows compared to the prototype, and one is missing from the compartment side. The hallway side window pattern is significantly different. Overall, given the lack of options, I’d rate these as acceptable stand-ins.