|
|
 Posted - June 18 2008 : 10:16:37 AM
|
At the last show I attended I bought several Virginian Quad-hoppers one mint and one missing steps. I got another in a deal from the 'bay that was needing steps also. Both hoppers needed 2 steps. Each is a different version of the Virginian hopper and are common but it's what I had to repair I considered casting steps but for now I've replaced them with steps from several junkers I discovered in a box last eve.
I used my Dremel tool and a cut-off wheel, on slow speed, to cut the stubs and smooth the surface. This pic shows the second attempt. The first went well but are a little shorter than the originals but I think "good enough" and preferable to none at all. On the second repair I cut deeper into the parts hopper frame to get the correct height. I may remove the frame from between the top of that step on the next repair. It took a little time to shave-off enough plastic to get the height correct and level and square. Once I achieved what I thought looked square I set the step on the upside down car and brushed some liquid glue on the broad side of the step and nudged it into position. Once the broad side was dry I added some glue to the brace side and left it dry.
At this point I need to dig out the silver paint and add a strip-brace to the back of the step for extra support. I think this repair may go unnoticed by most when it's on the track. This restoration takes a car that some would toss out and makes it more presentable.
I think I can make improvements to the process as I fix other pieces of rolling stock.
The one on the left was the second that I repaired and both steps on that end were fixed. Both steps shown on the right car were repaired.
Alco Fan
Edited by - Alco Fan on June 18 2008 12:26:51 PM
|
Country:  USA ~
Posts: 2496 ~
Member Since: August 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: September 17 2024
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - June 18 2008 : 12:44:56 PM
|
I have done this repair a few times on several pieces of rolling stock. The nice thing about Tyco is that you can fix a "rare" piece with a missing step very easily, because there are so many common versions to get parts from.
I would caution that a Dremel cut-off wheel is probably not the best choice. The thickness of the wheel will remove too much material as well as melt or burr the surrounding egdes.
What I use is a simple Xacto chisel blade. To remove the good part from the donor car, I make the cut with the flat side of the blade against the piece I wish to keep. I then prep the car to be repaired by chiseling off any remaing original step material, flat against the body or a parting line.
98% of the time, the parts mate exactly. Once painted to match you have to look very hard to tell anything was done!
The standard Testor's Silver paint is a good match for the VGN hopper. A Silver Sharpie will also work in a pinch.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2175 ~
Member Since: July 15 2006 ~
Last Visit: January 31 2010
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - June 18 2008 : 1:09:00 PM
|
If you have easy access to Tyco parts that would be the best choice for the job. I used a Riv hopper and I'm not sure who made the other one, I had tried some kind of a custom paint on the parts hoppers and forgot about them.
This method is better than trying to custom build the steps. I think I'm going to try an old plastic credit card for stirrups on box cars etc.
The Dremel tool makes quick work of the cutting and smoothing. I took into consideration the amount of step that was needed and that's why I cut into the car's frame.
Alco Fan
Edited by - Alco Fan on June 20 2008 08:47:14 AM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2496 ~
Member Since: August 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: September 17 2024
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - June 24 2008 : 9:29:19 PM
|
I know this is cheap but I made 2 hi-cube box cars look better on the track buy just cutting a rectangle the size of the step from plastic sheet , glue it on the car(s) and paint one orange, the car color and, the other stayed white. Makes them look more complete and these are the only 2 hi-cube cars from Tyco I have and both had filled steps.
Alco Fan
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2496 ~
Member Since: August 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: September 17 2024
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Forum Admins & Mods
Register
