How I detailed A 50' Baggage Car (Pics)

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
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Here are pics showing how I detailed this La Belle 50’ (open platform) baggage car. BTW, building a La Belle kit is as close as you can get to scratchbuilding without having to figure out which materials you need. Everything you need is included. The kit, as built per instructions looks great. But the detail “freak” in me said, “something was missing”. That something was interior detail. Not wanted to detail the whole car, I devised a partition wall that was used as a view block. This allowed me to use the unseen portion of the car to house a 1.5 volt battery holder to power the GOW bulb. The car has quickly become a favorite among my visitors.

The first shot shows the car with roof removed.

Here is a close-up view of the “open door” effect.

This last shot shows the car as seen from a normal distance.

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A question, if I may: Why did you choose to go with a batttery, which must be replaced on occasion, rather than picking up track power? I’ve been addijng interior lights to my mini-fleet of Mantua streamlined passenger cars, and I’m happy with taking track power and living with occasional flickering.

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I once tried the rail pick-up method, but was unhappy with the results. For one, as you made mention, I did not like the flickering effect. Second, this allows the car to stay lit even when there is no power to the rails.

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kool im impressed on how you detailed it and made it look 10x better

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As always Bob, a great job.

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Plus the “Bunny” keeps “Going, and going, and going!”
Thank you for sharing more of your excellent work with us.

Will

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Beautiful. I’m still curious about the battery. Did you install a switch to turn it off?

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jxtrrx:

Since the roof is removable, I did not bother installing an on/off switch. I just simply remove the battery from its holder.

Bob.

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OK BOB confess, you are a PRO at this and just not telling us.
Looks like you have a background in: ART, Photography, Special effects PLUS more talent in your pinky then I have in my BODY!
Thank you for elevating the bar!
Take Care
George P.
PS keep the pictures coming!!!