Detailing a Walther's 54' GSC flatcar

[Philip H]

Have any of you guys done any detailing on Walther's 54' GSC flatcar?  Is anyonemaking upgrades for this model, specifically laser-cut wood decks?  Thanks!

[Ryan87]

Isn't the Walther's car a solid metal casting? Changing the deck on it would be alot of work...

I would say that the Athearn car might be a better starting point...

[wazzou]

I shortened the bulkheads on mine to more closely match the height of those on the GN and moved the brakewheel to the correct location, added plates for end numbers and added all of the wire grabs that were necessary.

[wcfn100]

I had started modifying the bulkhead version as well.  I got a little off track when I started looking at all the modification I needed to make to the bulkheads.  As stated already, you probably wouldn't want to go through the hassle of trying to put a wood deck on this model as the floor is cast metal with the body.  But if you're going to be detailing it, I assume you'll be painting it so you can get the deck to look like wood yourself.

This was one of my early attempts:



The basic idea is to paint the metal with a white primer where you're going to want it to look like wood.  Then spray your base color.  With a real fine sand paper, sand in the direction of the grain.  From there, dark washes will give you a nice variation in the wood (I needed to sand a little more on this one).

On another note, I believe the stake pockets on this model are a bit wonky.  I need to find the photo for this.

Jason

[wcfn100]

Ok, so here's the stake pockets.




You can see that they are stepped and don't line up on the outside.

I tried to modify this with out much luck.



If I go back to this project, I'll remove the metal nubs and replace the whole bottom of the pocket.


(FWIW, the only reason I'm doing this is because I need to put white dots on most of the pockets and they won't fit otherwise.)

Jason

[Philip H]

Thanks for the start of the info.  I think I need to clarify a bit - I'm talking abou tthe GSC flat without bulkheads, and I've already got the car.  I'm definitely going to remove the brakewheel from its vertical wire shaft, and create a more appropriate side hoising in styrene.  I agree that modifying the Athern car would be a good idea, but I don't see a reason to trash this one instead.  And wouldn't  have to glue down the American Model Builders laser cut deck on an Athern car anyway?   

[wcfn100]

I think I need to clarify a bit - I'm talking abou tthe GSC flat without bulkheads,

Same car.


Jason

[Ryan87]

And wouldn't  have to glue down the American Model Builders laser cut deck on an Athern car anyway?   

True but you there's parts of the metal frame that's level with the wood... Athearn makes the wood as a plastic insert so you can easily replace it Walther's you would have to grind some of the floor without damaging other parts...  

I'd go with Jason's recommendation of painting the deck...

[Sokramiketes]

Third here for Jason's suggestion.

Here's the same situation in Z scale with a cast metal flatcar.  In this case for a more bleached look than what Jason has going (era dependent)  the base coat is Polly Scale Milwaukee Rd Gray.  I use rough sand paper to get grain, something like an 80 grit or 120 grit should do, and then go over with chalk or washes.  The key is that sand paper and you don't have to be careful, you're just trying to get a random look.

[sirenwerks]

Nice work Jason!

[Philip H]

Third here for Jason's suggestion.

Here's the same situation in Z scale with a cast metal flatcar.  In this case for a more bleached look than what Jason has going (era dependent)  the base coat is Polly Scale Milwaukee Rd Gray.  I use rough sand paper to get grain, something like an 80 grit or 120 grit should do, and then go over with chalk or washes.  The key is that sand paper and you don't have to be careful, you're just trying to get a random look.

All good ideas - maybe tonight after softball I can give it a whirl.