One rare and significant early item in American OO is the original, sand-cast Nason Pullman. Introduced way back in 1934, the model was initially priced at $9 and is a car I have been interested to own an example of for some time.

In a parts purchase I obtained three sides and three floors for this car, and a project has been to get one of them together. This first photo shows where I am with the model in progress. For ends I have modified Selley parts to match the dimension needed to match the original Nason ends. Also note the extra frame and side which show the parts in their raw form from the foundry. The raw aluminum is an interesting look! But I have opted for making a fully finished model.

I painted and decaled the sides and ends before assembly to allow for a cleaner job and completed a roof using vintage Nason roof stock. Holes were carefully drilled and tapped to hold the sides to the floor. And at that point I made a discovery. Now I realize that Nason had (at least) two different types of passenger car roof stock. The roof I made was nice but too wide to fit the car! Digging around I found a piece that fit perfectly, my only spare piece, and it is clearly the original type of roof stock needed for this car. Both types are seen in the final photo.

As to other details, the frame setup pretty much requires the use of Nason trucks, a pair of which will be worked up from parts. I chose the Pullman name Rock Haven out of the decal set as it reminded me of the early OO layout by Oscar Andresen.

As to the roof, with a second chance at it, a new roof is underway and I am sealing the wood better first for a better finish. And first the roof I made with the later type of roof stock won’t go to waste! I have a set of the later, brass Pullman sides and vintage frame details and such to make yet another complete, all original Nason car from parts.