FilmStripV3
Vol. 1 Issue 10
September 2009 
IN THIS ISSUE
NEW RELEASES
IN THE WORKS
QUICK LINKS
SPECIALS - WEB ONLY
Bargin Bin Image
PRODUCT PROFILE
MICRO-SOL DECAL SOLVENT

870-1306 test

Micro Sol setting solution is for the most difficult irregular surfaces you find on models. It completely softens the Microscale Decal allowing it to drape down onto the surface of the model conforming perfectly and without distortion. You can get the most amazing results in seemingly impossible places, because Micro Sol actually makes the decal part of the paint. For that reason you should coat Micro Sol on for only a few seconds and then leave it alone, it does the work. Do not touch until dry as the decal is very soft at this stage and could be easily damaged.

LINKS:

www.athearn.com
www.testors.com
www.kadee.com
www.hitechdetails.com

Strategies for Customizing an Athearn C&NW Hopper

Take this situation into account. You have a purchased a number. of freight cars and two of them end up with the same road number. Even more troublesome your friends join you to run trains and their car numbers match yours! This is a symptom of the times where more ready to roll is not only accessible but has become how all the new "kits" come to market.

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Take this situation into account. You have a purchased a number. of freight cars and two of them end up with the same road number. Even more troublesome your friends join you to run trains and their car numbers match yours! This is a symptom of the times where more ready to roll is not only accessible but has become how all the new "kits" come to market.

 
Fortunately renumbering and customizing the lettering on ready to roll items is much easier then starting completely from scratch from an undecorated model. With  these easy steps you can have your fleet customized to match the real thing. I settled on this car as the prototype for the sample model. CNW 178635, Image from Fallen Flags
 
1. Follow the procedures from the March 2009 newsletter to remove the lettering from the Athearn RTR hopper.
 
2. Unscrew and remove the trucks and couplers and set aside in a box for reassembly.
 
3. - Advanced Step - If you decide to fade the overall color, this is a good time to do that. For the C&NW yellow cars, use Model Masters Light Ivory (Bottle - #2709, Spray - #1963) An airbrush will yield more controlled results. If an airbrush is unavailable, practice with a spray can before applying to desired model.
 
4. Spray entire model with Testors Model Masters High/Ultra Gloss Finish (Bottle - #52720 Spray - #28139). Let dry for length specified by Testors
 
5. Apply decals from set #87-1299 use #60-1299 for N-scale. Use the directions indicated with both the application of Micro-Sol and Micro-Set. Reference the Microscale FAQ "Basic Instructions for the Application of Microscale Waterslide Decals"

- Advanced Step - Matching the LD WT and LT WT marks of your car is possible by using the small 3" numbers in the middle right next to the yellow reporting marks on the Microscale  #87/60-1299 decal sheet.
 
6. Let model set over night to give ample evaporation time.
 
7. Coat final finish with Testors Dull Cote  (Bottle - #1260, Spray - #1160). Again airbrushing the Dull Cote will yield finer results.
 
8. - Advanced Step - Final weathering application. Water colors and chalks work well to duplicate the rust marks etc. found on the real car. Reference the actual photos to best replicate the appearance of mother nature.
 
9. Painting trucks, wheels, and couplers will enhance the overall appearance of the entire model. - Advanced Step - For the display model Athearn Genesis 100-ton roller bearing trucks (#4599), Kadee Couplers (#119) were used opposed to the stock RTR couplers and trucks for enhanced operation and appearance.
 
10. - Advanced Step -  Adding extra details helps too! Detail Associates Coupler Cut Bar (#6215) and High Tech Details Air Hose (#6036) for the final touches.

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Photo Courtesey of Chris Palomarez
Sept new releases 2009
2009 Catalog IN THE WORKS

Each month we will be letting you know what we're working on for the near future. Please remember to check out this newsletter each month for details of upcoming releases.

- CSX Covered Hoppers
- SP Beet Racks
- Consolidated Lube Plates Early 1970
- Consolidated Lube Plates 1970-1980
- Consolidated Lube Plates 1990-2000
Microscale has been serving the model train hobby market for over 50 years. We pride ourselves in delivering the finest quality products and service. We also provide a variety of custom printing services for manufacturers and other organizations alike. If you have a custom decal project and want us to provide you with an estimate please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].