Best Of Detailing the Micro-Trains BNSF Fuselage Set

[atsf3751]

Down to 23 now.

[pmpexpress]

To further assist your super detailing efforts, some images of Boeing 737 fuselages mounted on BNSF flatcars:

1. Notice the random lengths of yellow tape that holds the white and black protective material over the nose and various windows.

2. There are also various markings and or placards on the black cockpit window and aft coverings.

3. Along with white topped ends (to designate their excess height), each side of the parts box on the idler flatcars bears a pair of yellow warning placards with black "Excess Height & Width Car No Running Board" text.

[mu26aeh]

7:37am and sold out. 

[Mark W]

Not to worry, there have been several mentions that a second run is already underway. 

[Mark W]

3. Along with white topped ends (to designate their excess height), each side of the parts box on the idler flatcars bears a pair of yellow warning placards with black "Excess Height & Width Car No Running Board" text.

Thanks Neville, good timing as that's where the focus is this week, the parts boxes.  Before I can get to end tops and decals, I have to figure out grab-irons. 

The resin box comes with molded grabs on the doors, those are an obvious trim and replacement with .01 wire.  On the first one, I also carved out the side ladders, as well as gave the side access doors hinges.
I'm debating whether it's worth the extra effort on the rest of them, but have a feeling I'll end up doing it for the sake of doing it right.  It's not much to look at before being painted, but I'm sure (hopeful) it will be worth it after.

http://i.imgur.com/epiv1hQ.jpg


[Edit: Image URLs]

[EspeeGoldenState]

Not to worry, there have been several mentions that a second run is already underway.

Just want I didn't want to know! I'm sure with different numbers hopefully. I was wanting four but didn't want to have to renumber as well.

[peteski]

Just want I didn't want to know! I'm sure with different numbers hopefully. I was wanting four but didn't want to have to renumber as well.

One thing MTL is know for is that they do not reuse numbers on subsequent runs of their models. I don't see why this would be any different.

[pmpexpress]

Thanks Neville, good timing as that's where the focus is this week, the parts boxes.  Before I can get to end tops and decals, I have to figure out grab-irons. 

Mark,

You're welcome.

While you are presently working on the aircraft parts boxes...

According to a picture that I have previously seen (and cannot locate right now), the brake wheel on the idler flatcar is not located on a stand mounted on the front of the car.

Instead, the brake wheel is attached to the left rear door of the parts box, directly below the lowermost hinge.

Given that there should be a chain located directly under the brake wheel, not exactly sure how this setup actually works.

Also noted that there was some black excess height text in the white areas above each door and some unknown white text on the left side door, which is centered between the lower door hinges.

[heyrob]

Are the brushguards aluminum or steel? If they are steel being able to put a tinge of rust along the edges would improve the appearance some and take away the brand new look to them.

They are aluminum.

[Mark W]

Thanks again for extra details Neville!  I already planned on concealing the break stand on the flatcar.  I found the component box itself fit over top, hiding it.  Then I too saw a photo with the break wheel mounted on the rear and liked that look, so I did a "cut & paste".  On another photo I saw what appeared to be a toolbox mounted to the right door.  And yet another showed mesh platforms below the doors.  So it seems there are as many variations as there are prototypes, and I like the idea of adding that variety to mine. 

So the first one out of the shop comes equipped with what I'm calling a toolbox and a rear mounted break wheel (I assume the break chain detaches when the door needs opening... but then would that even be possible?).  I also added an replacement side door. 


http://i.imgur.com/QO9rrRH.jpg

Next one I want to etch some mesh platforms.

[Edit: Image URLs]

[peteski]

That looks really good. How did you manage to get both cars in focus in that photo?

[Mark W]

Photoshop focus stacking. 

[peteski]

Photoshop focus stacking. 

Ah, and I thought you found some new camera with extreme DOF. 

[pmpexpress]

Thanks again for extra details Neville!  I already planned on concealing the break stand on the flatcar.  I found the component box itself fit over top, hiding it.  Then I too saw a photo with the break wheel mounted on the rear and liked that look, so I did a "cut & paste".  On another photo I saw what appeared to be a toolbox mounted to the right door.  And yet another showed mesh platforms below the doors.  So it seems there are as many variations as there are prototypes, and I like the idea of adding that variety to mine.  I also added an replacement side door.

Mark,

You're welcome.

Your ongoing project is coming along very nicely.

Have you also noticed that regular BNSF flatcars (i.e., without the component box) are sometimes utilized in moves?

Though it should probably be located much closer to the handrail and hinge that is located above it, the box mounted brake-wheel looks great.

The only problem with repositioning the component box casting is that because the Micro-Trains 57' 6" converted TOFC flatcar (rather than a plain steel or wood decked model) was utilized, the raised deck frame work is now completely visible.

On another photo I saw what appeared to be a toolbox mounted to the right door.  And yet another showed mesh platforms below the doors.  So it seems there are as many variations as there are prototypes, and I like the idea of adding that variety to mine.  Next one I want to etch some mesh platforms.

Cool...

Have never seen the prototype variations that you have referenced.

One should certainly consider modeling some of the box and fuselage variations if a four plane unit (i.e., eight car) consist is going to be constructed.

Some additional thoughts...

Rather than using the supplied converted TOFC flatcar, really think the currently out of production, Intermountain Railway 66409 BNSF 60' Wood Deck Flatcar should be substituted for the MTL model.



Is it just my imagination?

All of the prototype images that I have seen seem to indicate (i.e., albeit not taking into account the effects of age and weathering) that both flatcars were painted the same shade of brown.

From all of the photos seen of the MTL model, the idler flat appears to be a variation of red, rather than brown.

Have an HO-Scale set of decals for the component box lettering and placards headed my way.

Hope to use these to recreate an N-Scale set.

I assume the break chain detaches when the door needs opening... but then would that even be possible?

Inquiring minds want to know...

Are their any prototype railway component experts among us?

[Mark W]

I'm starting to wonder if the rear break wheel is only on the Skybox style, which has doors on the opposite end, and not the angled component box which only has rear doors.


http://i.imgur.com/EPETAr3.jpg

Here is the video (and screenshots) I saw the platforms and box thing, which looks less like a toolbox on closer look.  Any ideas what that may be?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPdvEKeJrgk


http://i.imgur.com/1iNT6UF.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/3AN6Gip.jpg

[Edit: Image URLs]