Representing Brake Gear - More Art Than Science

[doctorwayne]

Nicely done, Andrew.  

While I'll occasionally add the piping on a model, it's usually only for the sake of doing it, as no one will see it unless you're in the habit of having dramatic roll-over-type derailments as part of your regular operating sessions....

This scratchbuilt car was an experimental project....





On cars like these Train Miniature boxcars, I backdate them by carving away the major AB brake components (moulded as either part of the underbody or the separately-applied frame) then simply add KD or KC brake gear from Tichy, along with only a representation of the rodding...









Even very basic models, like this Tyco gondola, can be improved with such upgrades...



I usually do, however, add at least the basic piping to tank cars, since it's more visible, as seen on this shortened Varney tank (free, at a train show) on a Tichy underframe....







Wayne