Adding detail parts... I just bought #724, and so far I have to say I'm very pleased with the way it runs, looks, and the fact that it comes with all those detail parts. Great job on FVM's part. Smike, thanks for posting the pictures of your work installing the details. In regards to those detail parts: Smike wrote... "The detail parts were a breeze to add if you have done them on others. The dimples make the hole drilling part of the process a snap." That's good to hear, but...since I've never attached detail parts before I have a couple questions. First...what sort of glue did you use to attach them? Second...did you have to remove the front handrails to attach the grab irons on the front of the cab? Lastly...any and all tips you could give me would be great, as this will be my first time. Thanks... Lee
Hi Lee, I hope I can help. I did take apart the body to make sure nothing was in the way in the areas to apply the details. That part that took some time and patience with is the hand rail removal. The side hand rails slip down between the body and side panels in the area behind the cab. I left the cab attached to the engine compartment onced I removed from the handrails and floor. The front and rear hand rails just stay attached to the floor section. I used a #80 drill bit with a $6 pin vise. Practice on a scap sheet of plastic, the key is to hold the bit constantly at direct angle while spinning the drill so the hole is not off angle. The dimples guide you where to drill, and then test fit the parts before use glue. I used a drop of super glue on a card, then with tweezers i just tapped the end in just to get a tiny drop, then slide it into place. You may need to get an exacto blade to put nude it and wedge it back away from the loco surface if you slide it too far in. You get a minute or two work time before it sets up. Blmamodels.com has a good video that helps show all that. BLMA Models Good luck! Mike
I love the photos and can't believe that your Norfolk Southern locos jump out in those pictures. I love to see how you did that mountain side.
Thanks Mike... Your info is very helpful. I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of taking apart the body like that, but from the looks of things it seems to be the best way to get to get easier access. I'm thankful for the drillling indentions, and your picture for placement b/c I didn't know where everything went. Did you bend the sunshades down to the right angle before or after gluing them in place? Also, did you have to make a bend on the windshield wipers? I'll watch the BLMA video..thanks. I didn't know they had one. Lee
In addition to what Smike said, I use a thumbtack to start the drill location. It gives the drill something to bit into and makes it a little easier to hit the dimple. I use a standard plastic, post type tack and not the metal flat type. Brian
Most importantly, don't use a lot of force when drilling the holes. Let the bit do the work for you. They're fragile and snap easily, and can't take a lot of side to side motion before breaking. Line up the pin vice and bit straight. Start spinning your pin vice with light pressure. You'll be surprised how fast and easy the bit will get through the shell.
Mike, I love your pictures, and wow- someone else running RBMN, thats awesome! Keep up some great work, I love to see it, my best, Jan
Thanks Jan, who else is running RBMN? I live about hour from the Lehigh Gorge, so they were a must have item for me. Still looking for a set of atlas 90 ton RBMN hoppers. Lee, I had to bend the shades down, but they are soft and bend easy (after install) The wipers need a 90 degree ben on the arm at the stamped bend. Easy with tweezers, then they slot into the hole.
Thanks for the advice guys. It all sounds good. Now I need to get up the courage to start punching holes in my brand new shiny engine..haha.
Thanks. I'm going to be able to finally update the website on Thursday after my desktop computer shows up. I shipped it back in June with my other stuff and it's finally getting here. Must have gone the long route... Brian
I wonder how many times your computer circum-navigated the globe ?? haha Thanks for your service too.. Lee
