Last year, when there were only rumors and speculation after MT's release of Allied trucks, there was some discussion on the various forums about the possibilities of either scratch-building or (hopefully) kit-bashing some of the post-war equipment some railroads built using retired troop sleepers. Don Brown suggested to me that by the time I got one scratch-built, MT would have released a troop sleeper and, of course, he was right! Now that I have troop sleepers in hand, I am eager to get started bashing a Bangor and Aroostook "buggy" and have been planning and thinking the project through but I am hung-up on "blanking out" windows. Just painting over the clear plastic inserts doesn't look like it will be satisfactory. Therefore, a question: have any of you out there begun a bashing project with these cars and, if so, what method did you use to plug the unwanted window openings? I eagerly await your responses. [ 15. July 2003, 19:05: Message edited by: absnut ]
That's just what I had in mind a couple of weeks ago. I was checking out e-bay for troop sleepers to covert to ERIE LACKAWANNA boxcars or camp cars. While I have not tried this (yet) on these cars, I think styrene cut in the shape of the windows would work well. I have found that the modeling putty Milliput (superfine grain) sold by Micro-Mark filled in the windows on a caboose of mine very nicely. Good luck with it, let us know how it comes along.
I have heard (but never tried it!) that you can put a piece of Scotch tape over the outside of the opening, then fill it with epoxy from the back. When the epoxy has cured, remove the tape. Cheers, Rod Schaffter
Like Don said, I just cut styrene to shape and fit it snugly to the window. The patch work will still show, but that is what I want. Some of the older cabooses had windows completely patched over so it looked like a solid piece. I think that might require the putty or some sanding. I would like to see your pictures of your model, too. Flash Blackman San Antonio, Texas
Thanks, for the suggestions. After a good deal of thought, I opted for the styrene plug method, painfully slow with the cutting, filing, sanding, fitting, etc., but the results were quite satisfactory. The car is finished but, with Rail Images down, I can't post a pic. Will do as soon as I'm able. [ 29. July 2003, 05:19: Message edited by: absnut ]
I am one of the lucky ones,who have been fortunate enough,to see this effort from Dick(he sent me a photo).In a word,it is "superb". Thanks Dick. Gordon
I am one of the lucky ones,who have been fortunate enough,to see this effort from Dick(he sent me a photo).In a word,it is "superb". Thanks Dick. Gordon Sorry.I have no clue.how this double post happened. [ 29. July 2003, 17:27: Message edited by: PLATINUM LINE ]
Trying out a new image host. Here's the troop sleeper/caboose project. Needs a little touching up and proper decals.
