I’m building one and find it is great. Except…NONE of the brake system mounting tabs fit into the fishbellies. I had to enlarge the slots and file the tabs. Is this a general problem, or did I just get a problem kit? The rest of it is so good.
I’m not a branchline guy but saved the entire www.atlasrr.com post.
In part, “The underbody” Many of the parts and steps are indicated as “optional” , and you better think about it before tackling them. Most of the parts will not fit without some serious help.
Eash part that is to be installed on the frame & sills needs to have the hole widened with the tip of an X-acto blade(no exceptions) This really drags out the process and makes an already difficult process worse with the frustration factor.
If you need more info let us know. It’s a four page article and took the modeler seven hours. Also the windows caused a minor problem.
Here’s a site for window upgrades.
http://www.rgspemkt.com/NEWRELEASES.html
First, test fit the part to make sure all the wholes line up. Then follow the general instruction advice to put the plastic cement in the holes or slots. The cement acts as a
lubricant to ease the insertion of the part.
Prior to applying the cement, make sure the sprue extentions are cut completely off the tab. Another hint, when attaching the air line, which extends thru a slot in the center sill, leave that section extended off the edge of your working surface so that the air line is not pushed out of attachment holes.
I’ve always found that enlarging the holes is necessary for any Branchline kit. I suspect they intentionally make them small.
Hiya, guys. That was my 4-page post to the Atlas Forum that “locomotive3” referred to.
I just want to point out that even though it really did take me 7 hours to build this coach, it did result in one of my best looking passenger cars. Next time, I will use the LaserKit windows and save myself at least some grief. [:)]
Finally, it is perfectly possible for Branchline to make their parts fit correctly (for example, I’ve never had a problem with Intermountain kits). That they choose not to is rather puzzling.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
Ironically, I’ve had more problems with fit on Intermountains than Branchline, especially underframe fit. Although I’ve not built any heavyweights (The only ones in my road are the 8-1-2 Pullmans, which are in livery 13 years too old for me).