(Cuttingpartsoffof sprues: twohours, 29minutes –Assembly:
threehours, 50minutes).
Phase three assembly – roof
Theparts in this subassembly include the roof, runningboard
(and supports), grabirons, and retainer valves. I built the roof
assemblies, I then glued them to the car bodies.
The roof is thepart of the
car that isusuallymost vis-
ible. Extra caremust be
taken toget the running
boards right.Oneapproach
is toglue the runningboard
to the roof usingguidepins
cast onto the runningboard
that fit inholes in the roof.
Theothermethod calls for
the runningboard tobe
glueddownwithnopins,
directly to thewalk supports
in the center of the roof. I
find thepins candistort the
runningboard, anddon’t
allow it to lieflat on the
roof. I thereforeoften cut
themoffandglue the run-
ningboarddown to the roof
freehand.
Regardlessofwhichmethod
isused, thekeypointsare
toget the runningboards to
Batch-building freight cars 101part 2- 4
30a
30a-30b: Aboveare
examplesof airbrush
weatheringon the stock
car underbodies. The
airbrushmadequickwork
of theweathering. ThePFE
refrigerator car underbodies
have just thefirst coat of
brush-paintedweathering.
30b
31:Mywell-worn tools include tweezers, pin vise,
knife, screwdrivers, pliers, sprue nippers, and an
Optivisor. There are other items thatmay be needed,
depending on the type of kit you are building.
Tools
Mostmodelershaveaprettybig collectionof tools if theyhave
been in thehobby for very long. Good toolsdomake things go
morequicklyand the task ismoreenjoyablewith the right tool for
the job.Onewordof adviceon tools: Buyquality.
Awell-stocked tool kitwill include the following:
1.Optivisor or some sort ofmagnifier to see small parts
2. Strong light
3. Spruenippers andhobbyknives
4. Tweezers andpinvisewitha#76bit
5. Flat box lids to storeall of the subassemblies
6. Airbrush topaint andweather
7. Hardwork surfaceanda some sort of cuttingmat or board
8. Coupler height gauge
31
MRH-Apr2014
