Whickham Whale Oil 36' Private Owner Boxcar Decal Set HO Scale
Whickham Whale Oil 36' Private Owner Boxcar Decal Set HO Scale
Decals
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This humorous freight car design has a historical basis in a real article printed by the Utah Enquirer in 1890 describing an experiment in planting sperm whales in the Great Salt Lake to build up an inland whale oil industry carried out by one James Whickham of England. Letters one car.
While sperm whales never reached Utah, urban legends and hoax reports circulate to this day - including the rumor that state code forbids whaling. This decal set was designed as a "what if" - what if Professor James Whickham was successful with his experiment and founded a thriving inland whale oil industry? Many privately owned freight cars of the period were lettered in extravagant "billboard" schemes advertising their wares and this one fits right in.
Note this product is the decal set only, car is not included.
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This unusual decal looks great on the car. It slid off the backing and if carefully placed and the carrier is with drawn it snuggles right on down and in place. I used it on an older wooden central valley refinished box car green.
The decals are really nice, but they are super thin. The thinnest I have bought. I had trouble applying them. Just sliding them off caused them to fold under and stick. Also had problems moving them into position without folding under, the adhered immediately and didn't want to move. Messed up one set. Second set I cut the decal into multiple parts. Worked well then, I probably would buy again but have learned how to use these. I have some other decals from the same manufacture that I bought at the same time and I will be more careful. These are HO scale on a On30 18 ft. boxcar.
I saw notes about Whickham Whale Oil and it is great to have a decal set to be able to decorate a car to match
I'll be honest here, I have not ordered the parts yet to actually *make* the custom car in question but, I am excited to see how it will go. Regardless, the conversation I had with the person on chat (who's name I sadly forgot, but I think it started with a "J") was super professional and courteous towards my interest and questions. The same applies to the Superior Detritus John Allen set I acquired at the same time. Much like Whickham, parts have not yet been ordered but I am excited to see how it will go.
10/10 would recommend your services to friends!
Art on old refrigerator cars were always an enjoyable part of this hobby
Made-to-Order Manufacturing
At 3DPT, every model is manufactured to order rather than pulled from warehouse inventory. This approach allows us to offer an extensive catalog while ensuring each piece is produced with the care and attention it deserves.
Most orders ship within 7-14 business days. However, larger models, complex projects, and high-volume orders may require 4-6 weeks or longer due to extended print times and production requirements.
While extended lead times are uncommon, they may occasionally occur during periods of high demand or due to circumstances outside our control. We appreciate your understanding as we continue our mission of preserving transportation history in miniature through high-quality, made-to-order models.