I have never built a cast resin freight car but with my small layout completed and functioning quite well, I would like to begin to upgrade my freight-car fleet with some of the fine looking resin kits offered. What would be the best starting point for this? I model the early 1960’s. What are some tools I would need?
TRNJ
I assemble several Funaro kits each year. Not the easiest kits mostly due to the instructions. However they are do-able. One of the most important tools I have for these is a 3" x 12" piece of oak that is flat and smooth. To this I double sided tape a sheet of 80 grit sand paper to one side and do the same with 120 grit on the other side. This flay board is perfect for cleaning up the “back sides” of the flat parts in the kits. Other than that the normal hobby knife, pin vise, drill bits andgood quality super glue will get you started. Some of their newer kits are one piece bodies which make assembly easier. One other real important tool for resin kits is patience. These kits are not the typical shake the box kits that the major manufacturers put out.
Dan
I think the best Cast Resin kits are those by Rail Yard Models. They mostly make more modern cars with the oldest starting in 1965. I have built the PC X79 Boxcar and plan on a number of G41 and PS4785 Covered Hoppers.
Here is a link to their website:
http://www.railyardmodels.com/home.html
Here is my completed X79 Box Car.
Rick