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 Posted - December 09 2007 : 3:46:08 PM
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Can anyone offer tips as to the best way to prep and complete a wood car with metal laminate sides?
A while back I picked up a complete, vintage Athearn O-scale boxcar kit. Most of the wooden "box" frame had been completed, but none of the details had been added on.
I LOVE this kit! The metal roof with separate ends, grabs, copper reinforcing straps, multipiece underframe and all sorts of bits has been fun to construct.
The carsides are predecorated, laminated metal. Everything else is plain unpainted brass/copper/diecast/stainless metal.
I am torn as to if I should just build it and leave it as-is to marvel and enjoy its old-school design.
But... if I decide to paint it... what is the best way prep and seal wood before painting it to match the carsides? I don't want it to warp or anything.
I should add.... the kit was complete except for all the missing .020 nails, and no instructions. So I've been using HO kits and common sense for reference... which has been fun. [^]
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 Posted - December 11 2007 : 11:34:24 PM
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Well, I finally decided this kit was worth more to me as an exhibit of "the way things were" and how far technology has come.
Plus, the vintage patina that thing had acquired just from sitting in a box all those years was too beautiful to muck up with paint. I mean, look at that roof! I wish all cars had tin roofs.
Lesse... wood, tin, brass, white-metal casting, die-casting, aluminum, wire, etc... just awesome: There is not a single plastic piece anywhere on this car.
Very few things I have done in the hobby, were as fun and satisfying as putting this kit together. Just holding it and working on it, pounding nails felt "right". Even that sinister underframe which had to be built, wasn't so bad.
I'm tempted to do another. I'd encourage anyone to try, provided you have the tools.
Sadly, I may have to swap scale trucks and couplers for Lionels if I want to run it, but for now it's a very neat display.
And I like how the kit was labeled as if "personally sold" by Mr. Irvin R. Athearn... and not some company.
Edited by - GoingInCirclez on December 11 2007 11:37:54 PM
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DrWho
Switcher
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Posted - December 11 2007 : 11:51:36 PM
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Tony;
Shellac was the wood primer of choice in the early 1950's... It sure does smell...
In these days and time poly-urethane sanding sealer should do the job... I've never had it warp little stuff... Picture frames and such...
I find it humorous that someone fond of Nine Inch Nails is looking for itty bitty nails... Anyway, google "wire brads" for a local supplier... You need 20 gauge by however long...
O gauge , mumble, mumble......
Dr Who
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