Scratchbuilding a PRR 'FM' 40' flat in HO brass

[jbvb]

Thanks, Tom B, Tom L and Dave.  I've helped judge a few NMRA contests and I've already got one Merit Award for a lightweight sleeper built from car sides on a core kit. With rivets and light weathering but without a load I'm fairly sure of 88+ points. I'll have a better idea after I do the SoQ. But this is only the first of four scratchbuilt cars required, regardless of the sleeping car.

[GPdemayo]

Beautiful work James.....

[Bernd]

Nice work James. Impressive to see somebody else work in brass. Good idea also to use brass for an empty car.

Bernd

[jbvb]

Last night I studied my Archer and Micro-Mark rivet decals.  Archer didn't make the 6" rivet spacing the FM plans show, but Micro-Mark does.  MM's instructions suggest using  an acidic "decal setting solution" first, then a "decal solvent" after everything is in place..  I read this as Micro Set and Micro Sol, but I don't have either on hand, just Walthers Solvaset.  So I could try out the Internet's thinking that vinegar diluted 8:1 with water will substitute for Mico Set, or I could drive 30 miles to a hobby shop.  Anyone with experience or opinions?

[deemery]

Last night I studied my Archer and Micro-Mark rivet decals.  Archer didn't make the 6" rivet spacing the FM plans show, but Micro-Mark does.  MM's instructions suggest using  an acidic "decal setting solution" first, then a "decal solvent" after everything is in place..  I read this as Micro Set and Micro Sol, but I don't have either on hand, just Walthers Solvaset.  So I could try out the Internet's thinking that vinegar diluted 8:1 with water will substitute for Mico Set, or I could drive 30 miles to a hobby shop.  Anyone with experience or opinions?

Now that's -rivet counting!- 

dave

[jbvb]

I thought it was pretty obvious on the plans, but then again I've been the junior member of contest judging teams.

[jbvb]

Here's the PRR "FM" flat car with the first decals removed.  No reason to repaint till the rivet decals are added.



And here the Micro-Mark decal rivets are in place:

[jbvb]

Here I've repainted the car from my ancient Floquil Boxcar Red.  It's a can I got from the estate of a guy in town I hadn't known was a modeler. I'm probably 10 years too young to have seen Floquil in paint cans in hobby stores.  But at about 65, the can still seals far better than anything I can buy hobby paint in today.



Here the Speedwitch decals are ready for dull varnish.  They weren't too delicate for Solvaset.  I chose the number as a car still listed as in interchange service in a 1966 ORER.  At least 50 years old then.

[ACL1504]

James,

Great job on the decaling.

Tom 

[friscomike]

Howdy James, I have enjoyed your metal work and am happy to see you continue here.  The flat car is outstanding.  The rivets set it off.  Nice work.  Have fun, mike