12-14-2016, 08:55 PM
I'd not seen that thread before, but upgrading trainset quality cars is a common pasttime for many: the cars are cheap and plentiful, but in many cases, once the overly-thick paint has been stripped off, some of the moulded-on detail is surprisingly good.
With some prototype photos for general guidance, it's fairly easy (and very rewarding) to make a credible-looking model from what many consider to be a toy.
Back when I was modelling the '60s/'70s era, I did similar work with Athearn, Tyco, MDC, and Front Range cars. Athearn, Tyco, LifeLike, and Model Power diesels were also good fodder for upgrading and kitbashing, and I wasn't above hacking up Atlas diesels, either.
I did notice that the poster in your link was using a #11 blade to remove the cast-on grabs, but a #17 or #18 would do a better job, and either can be shaped, using a cut-off disc, to suit specific jobs, like this #17 cut-down to fit into narrow spaces:
![[Image: Olderstylecouplers006.jpg]](http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/doctorwayne/Some%20kitbashed%20stuff/Olderstylecouplers006.jpg)
Wayne
With some prototype photos for general guidance, it's fairly easy (and very rewarding) to make a credible-looking model from what many consider to be a toy.
Back when I was modelling the '60s/'70s era, I did similar work with Athearn, Tyco, MDC, and Front Range cars. Athearn, Tyco, LifeLike, and Model Power diesels were also good fodder for upgrading and kitbashing, and I wasn't above hacking up Atlas diesels, either.
I did notice that the poster in your link was using a #11 blade to remove the cast-on grabs, but a #17 or #18 would do a better job, and either can be shaped, using a cut-off disc, to suit specific jobs, like this #17 cut-down to fit into narrow spaces:
Wayne