What is the best way to install the doors on a 40’ Athearn Blue Box freight car? I do not want to break the glide hinges trying to force them in place. Is there a secret to doing this an easy way that can be shared with me? Thanks.
Quick method: See if the top guide rail on the body will come off. On some units that have been exposed to heat, they can be difficult to remove. But if not, the rail can be wiggled out. Slide each door on to the bottom door guides, slide into the closed position, then reinstall the top guide rail on to the body over the door.
I figured it out. And I did not have to remove the top guide rail. First, I had to clean off some flashing on the bottom door guides. Then I slid them on starting of the left side of the box car. The mistake I made before was starting on the right side. Once the bottom door guides were in place, I slid the door towards the center, then bowed just a little and slipped the top of the door into the top guides. I was making it harder than it was.
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Antonio, I finally figured out your method a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I’ve only had the need to use it a few times since.
Regards, Chris