Hellgate Models

[bbussey]

I used InterMountain's 36" metal wheels in mine, but that was before FVM wheels existed.  FVM #3601 should work.

[arbomambo]

I used the FVM 36" wheels...great results!
Bruce

[Joetrain59]

Aaah, thanks. Never occurred to me to use 36" wheels.
 Joe D

[arbomambo]

I used InterMountain's 36" metal wheels in mine, but that was before FVM wheels existed.  FVM #3601 should work.

btw...love the weathering!...I need to do the same and did you punch discs for the windows?

Could you share any info on your build of the Erie Milk boxcar converted to express box service?...
I acquired an Atlas box in anticipation of this build for my ATSF Fast Mail consist.
Thanks,
Bruce

[Bob Bufkin]

Those porthole windows come with the model.

[arbomambo]

that explains it...
I constructed mine with spare parts from a few donors-the trucks were purchased by the guy that sells PRR parts only (he still had a few trucks on hand back then)

[bbussey]

Those porthole windows come with the model.

If they did, they weren't included when I bought my kit.  But I got mine when they first appeared years ago, so it's possible windows were included in subsequent releases.

btw...love the weathering!...I need to do the same and did you punch discs for the windows?

Could you share any info on your build of the Erie Milk boxcar converted to express box service?...
I acquired an Atlas box in anticipation of this build for my ATSF Fast Mail consist.
Thanks,
Bruce

If Archer rivets had existed back then, I would have added them the way Jeff Faulkner did with his.  The windows are laser-cut clear vinyl, either .010" or .015" thick, custom cut by RSLaserKits if I remember correctly.  But it definitely could be done with a short piece of the correct-diameter K&S brass tubing in a Dremel on Evergreen clear styrene, with the inner wall of the tube filed so that the edge is sharp.



Regarding the milk car — it's the Atlas 1932 ARA Vulcan-roof Buckeye-ends boxcar with the sides milled down .010" and etched brass insets applied, riding on modified Athearn milk trucks.  I owe N Scale Magazine an article as barter for sample work by Fine N Scale for ESM, and this one is 90% done.  I need to find a few hours to finish the article and photos and get it to Pamela.

[chicken45]

Alwyn made me do this to one of my windows.

[arbomambo]

If they did, they weren't included when I bought my kit.  But I got mine when they first appeared years ago, so it's possible windows were included in subsequent releases.

If Archer rivets had existed back then, I would have added them the way Jeff Faulkner did with his.  The windows are laser-cut clear vinyl, either .010" or .015" thick, custom cut by RSLaserKits if I remember correctly.  But it definitely could be done with a short piece of the correct-diameter K&S brass tubing in a Dremel on Evergreen clear styrene, with the inner wall of the tube filed so that the edge is sharp.



Regarding the milk car — it's the Atlas 1932 ARA Vulcan-roof Buckeye-ends boxcar with the sides milled down .010" and etched brass insets applied, riding on modified Athearn milk trucks.  I owe N Scale Magazine an article as barter for sample work by Fine N Scale for ESM, and this one is 90% done.  I need to find a few hours to finish the article and photos and get it to Pamela.

I have a number of punches that I will test for fit...
and regarding the brass inserts for the modified milk car...can they be made 'available' or were they a one-off-one-time thing?...
I acquired a couple of the Buckeye end Erie Atlas cars in anticipation of making these mods...
Bruce

[bbussey]

It was a one-time thing.  But PPD probably still has the etching film on file, so a sheet could be output if desired.

[arbomambo]

It was a one-time thing.  But PPD probably still has the etching film on file, so a sheet could be output if desired.

Great news...I do desire!
PPD?-how does one contact them?...I'd be 'in' for a couple.
~Bruce

[bbussey]

It's my artwork, so I have to contact them.  I'll check to see if they still have it on file.