AHM Flexi-Flo hopper bash-weathered & DONE!

[tankcar]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53243414@N00/?details=1

The car is a toy with potential. I started the build 22 years ago, but lost interest. Plano is coming out with a upgrade kit, and that got me fired up. Deconstructing the car takes several hours before you can begain the build. I rebuilt the end platforms with styrene, shaved off the vertical side ribs, and rebuilt the hopper bottoms. Lots of work to do, but it's all fun. I hope you like it.

Regards, Bobby

[Philip H]

Is that the HO model?

[ednadolski]

Impressive work!   What do you use for the detailing, like the ladders/rungs, stirrups, and bolt heads?

Ed

[tankcar]

Yes Philip it is the HO model.
Ed, I use all the commercial parts I can find and make the rest

Regards, Bobby

[tankcar]

I've added 5 detail photos, including hatch cover, hopper bottoms and A end detail. Each of the hatch covers is made up of 39 parts.

Thanks, Bobby

[tankcar]

Well, I've plumbed the brake system, added the jack pads/lifting lugs, train line and installed IM 38" semi-scale wheels. Lots more to do.

Regards, Bobby

[tankcar]

I received the Plano # 10930 upgrade kit. I used the walk and corner grabs from the kit. All of the parts are great, but I had already built my own parts in some cases. I built part of the air lines for the PD discharge system, end steps and braces, cut lever brackets, jack pad braces, body grabs,
and card holder.   Thanks for looking, Bobby

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53243414@N00/?details=1

[tankcar]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53243414@N00/?details=1

The car is coming together.

Thanks, Bobby

[Philip H]

Bobby That's fantastic.  Remind me - do you have an intended scheme for the paintwork?

[tankcar]

Thank you Philip. No, I haven't made up my mind on the scheme.

Regards, Bobby

[ednadolski]

That is some serious skill you've shown there Bobby!

I think a *lot* of folks would love to see you do an in-progress thread, with a running commentary and step-by step pics.  No need to be anything elaborate; a basic, common car type would be great.  Is that something you would consider?

Ed

[tankcar]

Thank you Ed. I can't build unless I'm in the correct frame of mind. I have a tank car waiting in the wings, it's very involved. Thank you for asking.

Regards, Bobby

[tankcar]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53243414@N00/15190363571/sizes/o/in/photostream/

I've painted the hopper with weathering next. The link will take you directly to the large photo.

Regards, Bobby

[Philip H]

Bobby.
This is outstanding work.  As in run it Model Railroader kind of work.

[ednadolski]

This is outstanding work.  As in run it Model Railroader kind of work.

It is outstanding to say the least.  The detailed piping in this pic has got to be some of the best I've ever seen in any scale.

Bobby's work is way too good for MR (and MR doesn't want any projects that take more than 7 minutes  ).


Ed