OK... After the sale of some old Bachmann Locos, i have some money in my Paypal account that has been burning a hole in my pocket. I've been looking at Alan Curtis's models, and I have a few questions before i decide to buy any.... How hard are these to build? Really... for someone who hasn't built anything more difficult than a few plastic buildings... how hard is this going to be? Which trucks do i need to get, and how difficult is the install on these? I've read a lot of threads on how great these cars are.... But never have i seen how difficult they'd be for someone without much experience. Please help!! Anyway... Here's the ones I've been looking at: 53ft 5-unit All-Purpose Spine car SPINE CAR 5-unit 48ft All-purpose - Kit CONTAINER-ONLY 5-unit SPINE CAR kit DOUBLE STACK CAR 5-unit GUNDERSON Kit Thanks for the help guys!
I think I should leave others to answer this But on my website are some "how-to-build" pages, which may help. But they are easy to build.........honest
I've built several sets of Alan's kits. To me the hardest part is finding the decals and putting them on.
YES! That is the only negative in my opinion. The kits are great, and easy to build if you just follow the directions and take your time. Mine (48-foot All Purpose spine and a set of Pup trailers) are assembled and ready to go, but I can't find decals. Maybe Alan can point us in the right direction to find them.
I have several of Alan's products and the first kit I ever assembled were the 48 foot all purpose spine cars. They were quite easy to assemble and run great Still awaiting decals which I will get around too one day. I have recently purchased a ready to run impack car set which I also highly recommend With this order I also purchased 2 log spine car kits. I started the kits last night and these are also very simple to assemble. Here is a picture of the finished product off Alan's site. As for locating trucks these are Microtrains trucks that can be ordered online from any hobby dealer or from your local hobby shop. Another great advantage is that because Alan is an administrator here he is always available for advice.
Thanks for the order John, just received I get all my decals and trucks, etc. from Tim's Hobby in Everett, Wa. My contact is Larry Verducci. Email me off TB if you would like his email addy. He gets them direct from the manufacturers if they are not in stock at the shop, and the service is very fast. All the kit instruction sheets give the truck and decals info needed for the individual kit.
Good deal.... I can't wait to receive them! Maybe they'll get me motivated to start my new trackplan and start building! Or maybe they'll give me an excuse to not get in there and clean out the room it's all going in.... lol
Hey Guppyman, Just want to add my name to the list of people who like Alan's kits. I'm one who is kit challenged but have had a great deal of success with Alan's kits. They are great and I know I will continue to add AC cars to my fleet!
Just thought I would add my name to the list of A C Models fans.I have one 5 unit wellcar set(custom painted for the GVR),3 spinecar sets ,3-60'flatcars,4-89' flatcars.and one of the 4 truck flats.Soon as I can get some plastic clear I'll be buying some of the logspine cars also I al;so have some of the autorack upgrade kits from Alan.
Thanks Richard and Johnathan By the way Catt, I am still waiting to see some pics of the GVR well car
Well.... I just got home and have a million things to do..... Gotta change the thermostat in the car, fix the window that won't roll up, install a new kitchen faucet..... But wouldn't you know it, I checked my mail first.... they're here!!!! I've spent the last half-hour checking everything out.... This looks like it's gonna be a blast to build! Thanks Alan! Can't wait to get em built and get some pictures up!
sorry but it has been a rather hectic week i hope to be able to paint my log cars this weekend i'll post some pics as soon as they are finished
Alan,the wellcars got superceded (SP) by other projects.I hope to finish them by the weekend and get you some pics. Anybody know where I can get some 48 hour days??
Quick question about painting.... I sat down and started building my spine cars last night... The yellow i had no problem with painting, I ended up buying a cheapo can of Caterpillar yellow spray paint from Wal-Mart... They came out looking nice... BUT- being the low buget guy that I am, I decided to buy a small jar of testors flourescent orange paint for the hitches.... After brushing this on.... they look horrible! I have decided to go buy a can of spray-- What would look good.... is Orange the color I should use.... (I thought about painting them black instead)...? All in all, this kit was simple.... Thanks a lot Alan! My trucks and decals should be in tomorrow (though I don't know when I'll get the courage to try the decals)....
You might try a product called EASY LIFT OFF by POLLY S.If the part can be taken off,than remove it,and follow the instructions.If it cannot,than carefully brush the LIFT OFF on the part,let it strip,and remove it with a clean brush.when all paint is off,wash the part in warm soapy water and let air dry.The product will set you back about eight buck for a 8 oz. can,but it will last a long time.I've stripped whole bodies,both metal and plastic with very good results.the orange paint must be painted over a base coat of white for good results.The EASY LIFT OFF is available at a good hobby or train shop.Hope this helps
