opening kato closed-side hoppers

[wcfn100]

Has anyone tried to convert the Kato closed side hopper into an open side?  I remember reading that Kato planned to release the open side but didn't due to poor sales.  All the detail is there, it's should be just a matter of getting the openings at the right angle and straight.  I know Chris chopped one down, any learing points from that?

Jason

[Chris333]

I planned on cutting at least one open myself, but haven't done it yet.  I'd scribe a line first and dig out the triangle with a exacto.

For Erie (black) it's easy, no touch up needed. Just cut and weather.

[wcfn100]

I was going to try and figure out the angle and draw some sort of template but I think maybe I'll just drill a few holes and open it up from there.  I need to make/buy some vibrator castings for mine along with drawing up a set of decals.

Jason

[Chris333]

vibrator castings  ???


You cut yours and I'll cut mine 

[Sokramiketes]

And after the openings are cut (I would just do it by eye also, too small and finicky for any sort of template) just take a straight pin and prick a row of rivets alongs the new opening.

[Mark5]

Seems like a lot of work, especially since DI offers one:

DI


Kato:

[Sokramiketes]

Seems like a lot of work, especially since DI offers one:

DI


Kato:

I'm assuming you haven't seen the DI car up close?  No contest...

[Mark5]

Seems like a lot of work, especially since DI offers one:

I'm assuming you haven't seen the DI car up close?  No contest...

True dat.

[Sokramiketes]

Seems like a lot of work, especially since DI offers one:

I'm assuming you haven't seen the DI car up close?  No contest...

True dat.

Ok, yeah the tooling is ancient on the DI car and it shows.  I think it was originally V-line tooling...?   

[Chris333]

I would like to see Kato do the GE paint job in N. I have the GE DI car, looks like it was microwaved.

I cut out one side of my Erie car last night. If I get the other side done I'll post pics.

[wcfn100]

Here a "what can be done in a night" picture.



The other side is started.  I hope I don't get bogged down on the vibator castings 'cause I know this car will be one of my favorites when it's done.



I'll have to get a pic next to a DI car.

Anyone know off hand if the Kato axle lengths are compatible with FVM wheelsets?  Thay have a split pin bolster so I'd prefer to keep the trucks.

Jason

[Ryan87]

Anyone know off hand if the Kato axle lengths are compatible with FVM wheelsets?  Thay have a split pin bolster so I'd prefer to keep the trucks.
Jason

Not sure about the Kato axles but Atlas trucks will fit on the bolster perfectly.

[Mark5]

Seems like a lot of work, especially since DI offers one:

I'm assuming you haven't seen the DI car up close?  No contest...

True dat.

Ok, yeah the tooling is ancient on the DI car and it shows.  I think it was originally V-line tooling...?   

Ouch! Can't wait for my VGN versions!  :

I have the Kato, but no DI (yet). I dislike greatly the truck mounting on the Kato cars.

Hmmm, N Scale Supply has some good shots up, kinda clunky ...

http://www.nscalesupply.com/DEI/DEI-RS-2-BayRSCovHop.html

[wcfn100]

As to not start another thread on this, I wanted to post a pic of the final model before decalling.  I have to do a better job on the vibrator castings for the next one but with the weathering this will receive, you won't be able to see them very well.




Jason