Something from Nothing BY CHRIS PALOMAREZ
Ever wonder what some of the train set freight
cars are really patterned after? Before you decide to throw that boxcar away,
consider this: There are some freight cars out there that are lurking in
train sets that resemble real world freight cars! One of the most notable is the
Life Like 50' boxcar with a flat roof and a single 10' Superior door. This car
is patterned after the Penn Central's X-29 boxcar. The boxcar also went to
Canadian National, Conrail, Western Pacific, and a variety of smaller leasing
railroads.
Techniques and approaches for modifying this
car have been featured in print. Be sure to reference this link for more
information on the model and prototype car:
http://crcyc.railfan.net/crrs/box/boxx72refs.html
My car was inspired by James Eager's models as
demonstrated in the now defunct Railmodel Journal. I chose the Conrail car as
the subject for this article. I started with a Life Like 50' boxcar in
"Vlasic Pickles" scheme.
1. Completely disassemble the freight car,
remove the underframe, and place the shell into Chameleon paint stripper
(http://www.chameleonproductsonline.com/). Be sure to follow all manufacturer
instructions and warnings. Let sit for 5 minutes and remove all old paint with
a tooth brush. Repeat as many times as necessary to completely remove all old
paint.
2. Once all the paint is removed, place
stripped shell into a bath of rubbing alcohol to completely remove and
neutralize the paint stripper.
3. - Advanced Step - If you decide to
remove the molded on side ladders and brake wheel to be replaced with better
looking separate parts, this is the stage to perform that operation. Use an
X-acto chisel blade and make multiple passes following the contour of the
dreadnaught ends and other model features.
4. Replace underframe with a Details West #183
50' Evans Cushioned Underframe. -
Advanced Step - you can upgrade the details on the underframe with wire to simulate
the brake lines and air hoses.
5. Paint the entire model using Testors Brown
#1140C2 with an airbrush for best results.
6. Apply decals from set #87-1046 use #60-1046
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". 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 Kadee 70-ton roller bearing trucks (#560
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page560.htm), Kadee Couplers (#58
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page58.htm) were used 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.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRY WONG
|
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.
87-1301 - CSX 60' and 86' Boxcars 87-1310 - Southern Pacific Gondolas MC-5007 - Candian National new web address logos various sizes MC-5009 - ACFX Centerflow Grey Hoppers 4650,5250 and 5701 cuft Data
|
