"Project Freightcar" - Final Week!

friscobob May 8, 2003

  1. ak-milw

    ak-milw TrainBoard Member

    1,292
    0
    27
    Hey Jai, I just finished a proto 2000 ps2 hopper kit. they sure are some fine looking models and they are not all that simple to assemble if you really want them to look good. Lots of really fine brake lines and such. I think they would be a good kit to use!! Just my 1 1/2 cents worth. [​IMG]
     
  2. Dutchman

    Dutchman TrainBoard Member

    30
    0
    15
    Well, I have never done anything like this, but count me in. Looking on the shelf, I found an Athearn work caboose (PRR) that I will modify by at least adding a wood deck (board by board), re-decal for the NYS&W, and who knows what else.
     
  3. Steve Cooper

    Steve Cooper E-Mail Bounces

    56
    0
    17
    Thought I would join the freight car project-though you won't see any pictures,'cos I don't know how to put them on the PC and I don't have a camera!!
    My project is:-
    Athearn 1329 50' plug door ( undec)
    Change trucks,roof-walk,brake-wheel and couplings to KD (#58 for couplings)
    Add Oddball decal set # 187 CGW RBL.
    One thing I have found is some Oddball sets are suspect for #'s, certainly for CGW cars.
    I use Gene Green's excellent Morning Sun book CGW Equipment in Colour.
    Good luck to every-one
    Steve Cooper
     
  4. Martyn Read

    Martyn Read TrainBoard Supporter

    1,990
    0
    33
    Excellent, both those look fun projects too...

    Okay then, last call folks, "Project Freightcar" starts tomorrow.... [​IMG]
     
  5. yankinoz

    yankinoz TrainBoard Member

    1,014
    0
    28
    looks like I'm doing three IM Cylindrical covered hoppers that have been sitting on the shelf for a long time. I have the decals (one of the three is decorated) and will start on or around monday. The plano walkways are on order and should be here in time for the finish.
     
  6. Martyn Read

    Martyn Read TrainBoard Supporter

    1,990
    0
    33
    Well, over here it's the 19th, and so for me this project is a go! [​IMG] However it's just past midnight, so I'm not going to start right now, but here are the bits i'm starting from....

    [​IMG]
    For the VTTX flat, here's the undec MDC flat (usefully in yellow plastic, which will be handy when it gets sprayed! [​IMG] ) 2x Walthers 20' containers, 1x Walthers 20' tank container kit, a Plano etched walkway for the tank container. Both projects will get Kadee couplers (5's) and 36" metal wheels, (Proto in this case) but I haven't included these in the pic.

    [​IMG]
    Second one, the decorated (BN) 60' flatcar kit, plus the pair of Norscot bulldozers.
     
  7. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

    10,534
    707
    129
    Did a little work-up to the project by putting together a Bowser Fricso 100-ton coal hopper. I found a pair of Kadee number 5s for the couplers, and now it's off to the weathering shops for a dusting of chalk dust (Rust and real coal dust) in the interior, and another crushed coal load (I use real live western Colorado bituminous coal, smashed to tiny bits with a hammer) dumped in the hopper. Not only is it a real live load, it adds to the weight.

    Now in the carshops are two covered hoppers (LifeLike Proto 2000 and Intermountain), two Walthers GSC flats, and an E&C Carshops woodchip gondola.

    [ 19. May 2003, 05:36: Message edited by: friscobob ]
     
  8. jaijef

    jaijef TrainBoard Member

    134
    0
    19
    Martyn,
    It is the Walther's KALMAR Container Crane.
    in other word the large forklift kit.
    jai
     
  9. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    10,798
    460
    127
    I will be starting with one of my heavy duty flatcars kits (a very easy one for beginners).

    Then fitting it with a cast resin load.

    Pictures as it progresses.
     
  10. yankinoz

    yankinoz TrainBoard Member

    1,014
    0
    28
    Looks like I've got a lot of despruing to do!

    [​IMG]

    I've never built one of these cylindrical covered hoppers before, so this should be interesting. I found this web site http://members.aol.com/e44e33/Railpix/4bay.htm with some construction tips. Should help out.

    The Procor will remain Procor, the other two are going to be black CP muli-mark (Microscale decals) - one with a through hatch, the other with round hatches. I downloaded prototype photos off the net, but can't find them on line (and don't own the copyright, so can't post those here) - but if I find the web site again, I'll put the link in.
     
  11. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    10,798
    460
    127
    These are the parts I will be using, plus MTL trucks and couplers

    [​IMG]
     
  12. daveheinzel333

    daveheinzel333 TrainBoard Member

    89
    0
    17
    Rob-

    I like the Procor covered hopper! I've been wanting to add a cylindrical hopper to my layout for awhile, but I haven't found a good one yet. What brand is the one you have? I'd like to get my hands on one.

    For the project, I am going to focus on a Cargill covered hopper Lifelike Proto 2000 kit. I also have an Athearn covered hopper (Union Pacific [ex MP]), and an Accurail covered hopper (blue- 'The Rock'). I'll get to these if I can manage to get done with the Cargill hopper first.

    Here's a pic of the parts as they came out of the box:

    [​IMG]

    I haven't been able to find any prototype photos of this car, so if anybody has some, please let me know [​IMG] Thanks!

    Dave
     
  13. William Cowie

    William Cowie TrainBoard Member

    2,113
    22
    38
  14. Benny

    Benny TrainBoard Member

    1,251
    1
    33
    I have settled on doing the 3-n-1 Roundhouse Rotary Snowplow, I haven't been able to tkae any photographs yet due to no setup right now, but I am working on rectifying that situation.

    Yesterday I built up the Coal bunker to cover up the coal tender, I think it looks ok, but it took a bit of work to get it looking less rough. I have to wether it now, and touch up the paint.

    One pice of trouble has croppe dup: Should I paint it White or Silver, or leave it in the Gray that I brushed it with....the amazong part is this coat of paint went on supersmooth, I might keep the plow in gray just for this reason.

    The plow itself is now up to detailing. Does anybody hav the 1977 RMC that details the construction of this unit? The plans say that is were to look for the article that better details the backhead boiler detail.

    Have a great week!
     
  15. Martyn Read

    Martyn Read TrainBoard Supporter

    1,990
    0
    33
    Dave, I can't find any pics online of one of those, but this pic here is of a car of a similar age. The yellow/black combination seems to be a bit of a trademark of Pullman Leasing back then, it looks a little like it was their "default" paint scheme they just added customers logo's to!

    That pic should show the weathering on a similar aged and painted car though.

    Credit to Joe Shaw's pictures site for that one. Lots of freightcar pics there! [​IMG]
    http://www.krunk.org/~joeshaw/pics/


    Rob, ouch. Lots of sprue nipping to do indeed! [​IMG] :eek:


    Benny, the project sounds good. Pics are not essential to take part, but it's nice to see them if you can manage it! [​IMG]
     
  16. daveheinzel333

    daveheinzel333 TrainBoard Member

    89
    0
    17
    Martyn- thanks for the picture. That looks like the same colors I'll be working with. It'll take some time to get it looking as dirty and old as the prototype! I guess that's what this project is all about thought, right?

    -Dave
     
  17. yankinoz

    yankinoz TrainBoard Member

    1,014
    0
    28
    They are Intermountain Kits. They are available as kits or as completed models.

    http://www.intermountain-railway.com/ho/ho.htm

    Some online tips: http://members.aol.com/e44e33/Railpix/4427.htm

    The sections of the center beam are a real tight fit in-between the bays. Make sure the brake lever goes next to the coupler pocket, not outside the guide. It's hard to fix if you goof this step up. The good news, is that the instructions are really good and easy to follow.

    Also - I only put in three of the 4 weights. The model is overweight by NMRA standards with all 4 in place.

    What I do to avoid de-spruing...

    [ 19. May 2003, 23:09: Message edited by: yankinoz ]
     
  18. Dutchman

    Dutchman TrainBoard Member

    30
    0
    15
    Well, here is the Athearn Work Caboose kit and some stripwood. So far, I have stripped the decals (PRR). Tonight I will cut the stripwood to size for the deck planking and weather the wood. My goal for week #1 is to get the wood deck installed.

    [​IMG]
     
  19. ak-milw

    ak-milw TrainBoard Member

    1,292
    0
    27
    Milwaukee Road transfer caboose, I had my Southern RR flatcar soaking in alcohol for about two days, removed all paint and decals. Also removed grab irons, step irons and the brake wheel unit. Recut the grooves in the deck with a fine razor saw, looks like the prototype had steel chanel welded on deck instead of wood, the wider groove makes it look more convincing. That will probably be it for tonight! Sorry I don't have any photos, all I have is an old 35mm camera and will take a few days to develop the pictures after I finish the roll of film, probably won't be untill the whole project is just about finished!! [​IMG]
     
  20. Tompm

    Tompm TrainBoard Supporter

    2,648
    7,736
    78
    OK Here are my projects for Project Freightcar.

    First is a undecorated MDC Roundhouse Covered hopper that I am going to paint pink and decal for Ralston-Jefferson. As you can see I got carried away with airbrushing the other night and painted the undercoat before I realized I should have taken a picture of it before I started.
    [​IMG]

    Second is an Athearn bluebox kit. It is also a coverd hopper and painted pink. This one is lettered for Albert City.
    [​IMG]

    I already have six other pink covered hoppers. My daughter picked out the the first two and I have been adding to the fleet ever since.
     

Share This Page