On30 MOW car

[oldbloodhound]

I've been working on this kitbash for a few weeks now and thought it was time to get some pictures posted.
This is made from my On30IMA outside braced Caboose kit http://www.on30ima.com/purchase.html
The regular caboose kits could also be used but I had some spare parts and needed to show some of the possible options with these kits.
I'm not going into great detail on this because I have a PDF on the website on how to assemble the kit.   I'm just going to show the completed sub-assemblies.
Now, the mandatory kit contents:


Well, it looks like I can't add any comments after I upload the picture so I guess it will be on to another post.

[oldbloodhound]

That's a real PITA not being able to add comments between pictures.

So, onward.
The first job, as in all my kits, is to assemble the frame and truss rods.   After I got the bolsters and needle beams glued, I added the queenposts and then the truss rods and turnbuckles.   The floor was glued on last and then the stake pockets on the sides.
One thing new with this frame and all my new gondola and flat car kits is that I have supplied a pre-drilled side frame for the stake pockets.   Just glue it to each side, drill through and add the pockets.   No more measuring or templates.

[oldbloodhound]

Next, I shortened the kit sides and cut out the window and door configuration I wanted.
The kit parts are laser scribed  on the backside with various options and you cut out what you want.
I'm not totally happy with this as cutting them out if you're not careful can cause the side to break or they may not be quite square.
My next run I may just go ahead and laser cut the openings instead of offering an option.

I then added the outside bracing.   Windows and doors won't be added until I paint this.   And because my paints are all packed, I may not get to completely finish this, but you'll get the idea.

I then glued the sides and ends together using the frame as a template to get them aligned and square.

[oldbloodhound]

Next task was to cut out the cupola opening in the roof.   I have this also laser scribed for either the center of the body or the end.   As this is a MOW car I chose the end position.
Then, using the previously assembled body as a guide, I formed the roof over the curved top and used rubber bands to hold it so that I could glue the roof trusses in place.   I did each one individually and let them dry, starting tithe the rear truss.   Then with those two dry I could do the interior truss and finally the front one.
Because I'm going to leave the roof on over the open frame I need to add some horizontal supports under the roof.   These came from my scrap box and I cut notches in the end walls to accept them.
This simulates what a maintenance crew might do to an existing caboose to turn it into a handy work car.

[oldbloodhound]

Then it was on to the cupola which is pretty straight forward.   I use rubber bands to hold it all together as it dried.   I only added the roof after the side were dry.

[oldbloodhound]

And then I was able to put them all together for a temporary picture.   I'll add more later when I get more done, like the flat car side and stakes and rear railing.

[NEMMRRC]

Nice feature providing the scribed options.


Jaime

[ACL1504]

Dave,

I like it and I'm following along.

Tom

[deemery]

Cool!   Another possible kitbash would be a telegrapher's car.  There's been some discussion of these on RR-L.


dave

[oldbloodhound]

Thanks Jaime, Tom and Dave.
There's endless possibilities with this kit.   Which is why I offered it with a variety of window/door cutout options.
Problem is that when cutting them out, if care isn't taken, the openings might not be square and the siding might split.
I don't get much feedback on my kits so I'm not sure how the modelers feel about the options.

More to do on it today.

[oldbloodhound]

Got some more done and a few better assembled photos.
The cupola, roof, sideboards and body are not glued down yet so I can remove them for painting.   Normally they would have been painted by now but everything is packed away and I don't know which box the paints are in. 

I'll install the windows and doors after it's painted also.   I can add the stirrup steps, end beams and NBWs next.