Unionstationproducts fluting

[simsuper80]

Is the fluting the same for all cars? And is it decent when compared to a manufactures car, or even a 3d print? I'm curious about those who have used these sides.

[thomasjmdavis]

Is the fluting the same for all cars? And is it decent when compared to a manufactures car, or even a 3d print? I'm curious about those who have used these sides.

He makes fluting for PS, Budd and ACF cars that are slightly different from one another, as were the prototypes.  The PS and Budd are shown here:
https://unionstationproducts.com/fluting/
I was able to get some ACF fluting years ago by emailing a request.

Here is a photo of a USP side (which I labeled in my gallery as a coach, but is actually a 14-4 sleeper).  This will give you an idea of the overall effect.  I am pleased with the outcome, but... it is not in the same league as, say, a Kato car out of the box.  Patience and care go a long way when working on USP sides, as with most model building.  Note that I don't have the letterboard installed yet on the model in the photo.  The kits include narrow strips of fluting that are installed fluting side in that mate with the fluting to form letter and number boards.



Here is what a side kit looks like-


Hope that answers some of your question.

[simsuper80]

He makes fluting for PS, Budd and ACF cars that are slightly different from one another, as were the prototypes.  The PS and Budd are shown here:
https://unionstationproducts.com/fluting/
I was able to get some ACF fluting years ago by emailing a request.

Here is a photo of a USP side (which I labeled in my gallery as a coach, but is actually a 14-4 sleeper).  This will give you an idea of the overall effect.  I am pleased with the outcome, but... it is not in the same league as, say, a Kato car out of the box.  Patience and care go a long way when working on USP sides, as with most model building.  Note that I don't have the letterboard installed yet on the model in the photo.  The kits include narrow strips of fluting that are installed fluting side in that mate with the fluting to form letter and number boards.



Here is what a side kit looks like-


Hope that answers some of your question.

Ooh ok. Thanks. I was thinking about ordering some amtrak california car sides to replace the kato surfliner car sides

[altohorn25]

To my eye (after using the product), the styrene fluting is a bit thick.........I wish it were thinner so it didn't stick out from the car side so far.......that being said, I'm not sure how much thinner they could make it without compromising the structural integrity of the piece of styrene.

Here's one of the cars with the styrene fluting........as I said above, it looks a bit thick to my eye compared to "factory" fluted cars.

Just my opinion.....still a nice product however.

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[Sokramiketes]

I'm very happy to have a special car for my Wabash Blue Bird, built from Union Station sides. 

The drawbacks are the thickness and type of fluting, and the fact that every window opening is oversized.

I believe its a slight misinterpretation of general arrangement drawings, as the opening size for a window is then filled with the window and trim.   

[craigolio1]

This car is a Kato Superdome with USP Budd fluting applied to represent BC Rail Pacific Starlight Dinner Train “Stardust”.




This one is a Kato observation car stripped down to a core, with USP side and Budd fluting applied to represent BC Rail Whistler Northwind lounge car “Pavilion”.





Both are finished with a gloss black bass coat and three coats of Alclad II chrome laquer.

Craig.