ACL W-5-A pulpwood rack project

 

SCL G-5 Construction Part 2

Progress continues on the SCL G-5 gondola from Plate C Model Prototypes and 3D Central Trains. The "heavy lifting" is completed, and the model is fully assembled, grit blasted and ready for primer. The last detail to add is the application of the missing rivets by way of Archer Fine Transfers to overlay the damaged areas caused during the production of the model. The application of glazing putty filled in the pitting, however, it appears that when grit blasted, some of the material was again removed.

The model is seen riding on the appropriate Plate C trucks, part number 4119-04 Barber S-2-C 70-ton roller bearing trucks. These trucks really bring out the proper look for these gondolas.

The installation of the brake gear was exceptionally straightforward and the etched metal adds a nice touch to what is rarely if ever seen. Due to the majority of the brake rods and linkage not being visible, I chose to use the kit supplied etchings.

 The interior of the car is now concealed by way of a custom made new railroad tie load made of styrene and painted. The model will be primed and then painted using Tamiya colors. The long wait for the decals now begins.

SCL G-5 Construction Part 1

SCL G-5 construction continues with the results above. To correct the pitting of the sides, I sanded the areas with a new #11 blade to remove the remnants of the raised details such as the rivets. A small amount of glazing putty was applied and allowed to dry. Once thoroughly dry, the areas were sanded with 0000 grade steel wool to smooth the surface. Once primer has been applied, the areas will be sanded once more and finally Archer Fine Transfer rivets will be installed to capture the look of the prototype.

The underframe has been detailed and the grab irons installed. The draft gear installation will commence once I obtain the proper tap for the coupler covers. The model was started with the installation of 0.0125" phosphor bronze wire, which quickly transitioned to the provided grab iron etchings as determined by the spacing needed. 

Some of the grab iron etchings broke despite being exceptionally careful with the indicated breaks in the etchings. The result is a mix of wire and etched grab irons. Once painted black, I will assuredly have a difficult time determining which is which. Overall, the model assembles quickly and so long as one takes the time to review and the supplied diagrams, modelers should not have difficulty. The only instance of frustration I experienced was the result of etchings breaking or flying into the land of lost detail parts. Including some additional etchings would be greatly appreciated for those who lose the small bits.

The model will ultimately become SCL 131589, a member of the 1970 order delivered from Bethlehem Steel.

Plate C Model Products Seaboard Coast Line G-5 gondola

The new Plate C Model Products SCL G-5 gondola has been released, and for those needing many this is a good reason to order the kit. It will be detailed per the instructions and chronicled in an upcoming issue of the Seaboard-Coast Line Modeler. In the interim, enjoy the images and get ready to be amazed at the quality of these kits.

 

Seaboard - Coast Line Modeler Issue 33 now available

 

The latest issue of the Seaboard-Coast Line Modeler is now available for download. Issue 33 can be downloaded for free at the ACL & SAL Historical Society’s website at https://www.aclsal.org/publications. The issue contains articles on SAL G-11 steel high side gondolas, a SAL/FGE 50’ RBL, Georgia Railroad and West Point Route AAR Pullman Standard built 50-ton hoppers, and a New Products section.

SAL 25348 - Beer service PS-1

 

Hopper Work - Western Railway of Alabama USRA hopper

 

The diminutive USRA hopper was one of the most important hopper designs of the time. This model will become an example of the Western Railway of Alabama fleet that saw service throughout the southeast. The model is built following the instructions with several additional details added. It will become the subject of an article following Georgia Railroad and West Point Route hoppers.