In the late 1800s, railroads were spreading fast across North America. Trips that previously took days by stagecoach could now be completed in just hours, and in far more relative comfort. Early passenger cars were basic affairs, featuring open end-platforms and a potbelly stove to keep occupants warm, but they were still a major upgrade from the rough ride and cramped conditions of horse-drawn alternatives. Some cars were designed entirely for passengers, while others known as "combines" were built to transport both passengers and cargo. These were particularly popular with rural branch lines that relied more on freight and mail traffic than passenger revenue. Today, examples of these early passenger cars can be found operating on excursion railroads across the continent, inspiring tourists with the romance and stories of travel in days past. Bachmann faithfully reproduces these cars in HO scale with a prototypical late-1800s appearance. Each car features an embossed wood-look exterior, recessed windows, end platforms, separately applied railings, and a clerestory roof. Standard Silver Series® features such as metal wheels and body-mounted E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers are also included.
