My main road for US modelling is the Southern. Like the Southern in the UK they were very fond on innovation. They would have a idea and soon something would pop out of the workshop. Here are a couple of my test runs to use up some Athearn cars:-

This is a Pulp Rack (used to carry sawn tree trunks across the wagon, no securing). Its an Athearn 40' flatcar with box car ends grafted on.

The next a Boxcar with hopper doors, slope sheets and extended sides. I used an Athearn Reefer for this one.

A couple of detailed cars.

The first is a Concor 53' flat car. Lowered, wire grabs fitted, and Kadee #4's fitted. Note - It has different era decals on either side. Nice and heavy, track well. Need some weathering.

A scale #58 fitted has been fitted at one end.

The next is an exercise to modify and detail an Athearn Bay Window Caboose. So far only lowered.

That's all for now folks, thanks, Ernie Puddick