Well the last overhaul project I did for covered hoppers was converting a Walthers NSC 64’ plastic pellet car down to a 5150cuft model used for grain service. It was pretty straight forward, cut out the middle and then glued, puttied, and sanded. The ends used a little bit of styrene and I modified the bottom from a crappy AHM car. Then painted it, used Microscale decals and clear coated and weathered. Still need to get some stirrup steps for it though.
Next project on the books is making a Thrall 5250 covered hopper lettered NDYX for First Union. Intermountains car is too short and Accurails is not tall enough so it looks like Ill be scratchbuilding the side sheets, ends, and hoppers. If anyone else has tackled this project, advise and tips would be welcomed. Thanks
-Tom