In October 2006, I introduced the first few models from PassazhirRSR range of Russian-prototype passenger cars at the Great Scale Model Train Show at Timonium (Baltimore), Maryland. When I first introduced the PassazhirRSR passenger cars on this website, I stated that I was not able to accept orders until I had produced at least 100 models.

I must tell you the truth. As of today (17 July 2007), I have not produced 100 finished models. However, I have produced 150 body shells, and I have an active "production line" for bogies, roofs, underframes, and detail parts.  I have started to ship finished models to people who made firm commitments for these models beginning in October 2006. This is only fair. These people made financial commitments for these models when (and if!) I actually produced them. No, I did not accept any money! I do NOT accept money until models are shipped to the customer.

In any case, I have decided to accept orders for PassazhirRSR model passenger carriages. If I can fill these orders in 2007 using the body shells already produced, I will do so as soon as I can. If I can not fill the orders in 2007, I will schedule production of the models ordered at a later time.

PLEASE refer to the "Red Star Comments" page for updated information on whether I am currently accepting orders. The truth is, it would be ridiculous for me to accept orders I could not produce until 2010! If I say on "Red Star Comments" that I am not accepting further orders, then that is the truth. Bear in mind that I am developing other models at the same time I am producing the PassazhirRSR coaches, and I also need to produce batches of Zavod1 locomotives and Proletarian Series wagons.

Thank you for your interest in the PassazhirRSR line, and thanks for your patience.

Many people contributed their efforts to this project.  To them I owe my sincere thanks.  My Finnish friend Jouni Rautiainen photographed and measured several coaches from the “Lev Tolstoi” train at Helsinki – braving the wrath of a very unhappy Russian provodnitsa!  As always, Peter Bergs helped keep me focused and on-task with photos, links, and corrective feedback.  James McDonald shared critically-needed information sources, as did Mike South.  Marcel Robino provided the USSR MPS metal emblems.  Yevgeny Kushnir sent me one set of plans which turned was critical to the project; he also took the photos on this page.  Fred Patrick of F & N Hobbies secured the Branchline delrin axle bearings, which were key to producing my own bogies.  To all these guys – thank you.

SPECIFICATIONS:

All these models are made from resin castings which I produce, using masters I designed and produced.  The KVZ-TsNII bogies are made from five resin castings per bogie – bolster, two inner sideframes, and two outer sideframes.  Branchline delrin axle bearings are mounted in the inner sideframes.  The bogies have 11mm NEM wheels or RP25 38-inch wheelsets from Jay-Bee.  All models except the baggage car have interior detail as appropriate to each type.  The close-coupling equipment from Keen Systems in the UK, and you can select Roco close-couplers, European loop couplers, or Kadee #19.

For the first production models, I am producing USSR MPS coaches in olive green with metal emblem; Russian (RZD) cars in hunter green; and Ukraine Railways cars in two different shades of blue.  I would be grateful if you would share your opinions about what proportion of the models I should produce in each livery.

And now, the models.

RESTAURANT CAR

The restaurant car contains castings of the tables and chairs in the dining area.  The kitchen area is partitioned off from the corridor.  The “Restoran” letterboard is a separate casting.  Price $49.00 each

BAGGAGE CAR

This model represents a baggage car with accommodation for crew members.  No interior detail other than partitions in the compartments.  Price $39.00 each.

COMPARTMENT (KUPEINIY) SLEEPER -- OLD-STYLE ROOF VENTS

This sleeping car is detailed with compartments and corridor partitions, and has the older-style roof vents.  Price $45.00.

COMPARTMENT (KUPEINIY) SLEEPER – TORPEDO ROOF VENTS

Same as above, but the roof has the more modern torpedo roof vents.  Price $45.00.

PLATSKARTNIY SLEEPER – OLD TYPE ENDS AND ROOF VENTS

This sleeper has alcoves with fixed bunks instead of compartments; that’s why you can see through from one side to the other.  Older style ends, roof has old-type vents.  Price $45.00.

PLATSKARTNIY SLEEPER – RIBBED ENDS, NO ROOF VENTS

Same as above, but the ends are of the more recent vertical-ribbed type and the roof does not have vents over the alcoves.  Price $45.00.