Batch-building freight cars - 15
useful in preventing damage when the car must be laid on delicate
details for maintenance or repair.
Details can break off the cars even if they are only run on a layout.
All of the layouts that I operate on feature highly detailed rolling
stock. We do sometimes break stuff, but not often. Some modelers
have a “don’t touch” policy for operators, I figure that I wouldn’t
invite someone to operate on my layout if I didn’t trust them to be
24a -24b: This tank car presents a greater challenge,
as there is no roof edge to grab, and the tank has
a delicate handrail. Here the edge of the frame is a
reasonably safe place to hold the car. While it appears
there are fingers everywhere in this shot, the car is
unscathed. Cars without trucks are supported on an
open model box to minimize damage. Note that the
end stirrups and couplers are resting unencumbered.
To lay this car on its side, bottom side down, or
upside-down on a solid surface, is to invite damage.
24 a
24 b
MRH-Mar 2014
