The Ulrich Model Kits were popular in the 1950's.  This kit was all wood and had many parts you had to cut and glue.  It took a long time to build, but I was very happy with the final result, though it was far from perfect.  

From Train Miniature, this boxcar is decorated to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, 1776-1976.

This 40' refrigerated boxcar was used from the 30's to the 70's.  It was nicely put together from a wood kit from the '60s with sliding doors and wood floor.  

This old Silver Streak boxcar probably dates from the '50s judging by the box.  It was a wood kit very nicely put together.  It has the old Devore couplers from the 1950's.

A sort of ordinary boxcar from Union Pacific, but nicely weighted and weathered.

This boxcar is reminiscent of the billboard boxcars from the '20s, a colorful era. 

This car was made in Yugoslavia back in the 60's, when they were communist.  That makes it special in my eyes.  I also like the colorful ads on the sides of these reefers.  This car looked plasticy, so I weathered it.

This is another billboard reefer from Train Miniature from La Mesa.  Train Miniature began making train cars in the 60's out here in La Mesa, CA.  By the late 70's they moved to Illinois and a few years later were bought by Walthers.  

Who doesn't like Canada Dry?  This reefer has shiny silver trucks and old horn couplers that I will probably change out to Kaydee's when I get the chance.

This kit was from 1962 by Roundhouse.  I bought it already assembled.

A nice simple caboose from Athearn that was well-taken care of.

This looks the same as the AT&SF caboose except for the lettering.

This bright yellow wide vision caboose has the old horn knucklers which I might change out to the Kaydees.

I put this kit together from Walthers, probably dating from the '70s.  It has what are called the plug-style doors.

This Athearn kit is "ready to roll" and needed no assembly.

Similar to the Walthers, it has plug-style doors, and was a plastic kit that I put together, substituting the Kaydee couplers for the ones they provided.

This 3-dome tank car has a road name of Deep Rock and is from Athearn, probably from the '50s or early '60s.

This Mantua tank car is heavy and as you can see, came with two different old-style couplers.  I'll probably change them out to Kaydee's.

This is another old Silver Streak car with the old style 1950's couplers.  It's all wood and metal, no plastic.  Having real wood for the sides makes a big difference in adding to the realism.

I put this kit together.  It was all metal, and had eight doors on the bottom that open and close.  I changed out the couplers for Kaydee's, and it's a great-looking car.

Here is another kit I put together.  The sides are metal, and there is no wood (and no plastic).  I added modern Kaydee couplers.  Eventually I want to add a coal load.