HO CSS Baggage-Combine Car #2, Chessie Steam Special

Combine Car

These hybrid cars typically featured a seating section for passengers and a dedicated compartment for baggage or mail—combining two essential services into a single car. Combines were especially common on smaller trains and rural branch lines, where lighter passenger loads didn’t justify a full baggage car.

Usually placed near the front of the train with other “head-end” equipment like the RPO (Railway Post Office), combines played a vital role in keeping the train lean and efficient—delivering both people and parcels across the rail network. Some variants even carried onboard clerks, sorting mail en route while passengers enjoyed the ride just a few feet away.

For this production run, we’re offering 11 prototypical paint schemes, including a general Maintenance of Way version and a PRR MOW car based on an actual prototype. We’re also including a festive holiday scheme. Each model features railroad-specific detailing, and all non-PRR cars are equipped with standard Pullman 2411 trucks.

Features