Al Brown wrote: Thanks, Al, This is what RP CYC 24 says. I should just go with that instead of trying to interpret fuzzy photos. But I appreciate the help. Tony Thompson Editor, Signature Press, Berke

I have been following the discussion of this model with some interest, because I tried a kind of "stand-in solution" to the underframe issue. It certainly does not correct the problem but it does help

Bill Pardie wrote: Most were originally built for plasterboard service. In my opinion, these should not be confused with pulpwood cars, which almost always have canted decks and were not suitable for

Bob Witt wrote: The SP started building homemade bulkhead flats in 1949. For years they were essentially used only for plasterboard. That's how I use the ones I have on my layout. Tony Thompson Editor

Jack Burgess wrote: My standard for masking continues to be "drafting tape," which looks like regular masking tape but has FAR less tack. I have never had it lift any paint. You do have to firmly burn

Claus Schlund wrote: Yes. though here, as in bridges, the vertical posts are for convenience, not necessity. Tony Thompson Editor, Signature Press, Berkeley, CA 2906 Forest Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705 ww

Eric Lombard wrote: As early as 1932, the Standard Railway Equipment Co. called the paneled roofs "Aolidsteel" also. I don't believe the name is associated with absence of panels. Tony Thompson Editor

Eric Lombard wrote: Richard Hendrickson may wish to chime in on this, as I know he has researched it extensively, but I would urge GREAT caution in any interpretation of the word "improved." In the fl

Dennis Storzek wrote: The quote over my name is Eric Lombard's, not mine, and I entirely agree with Dennis about the importance of solid steel roofs, which were mechanically far stiffer, simpler in th

Armand, I'm on vacation in the Tetons till next Wednesday, and I don't recall offhand what color the roof is on the model. I will check when home, and let you know. Tony Thompson [Non-text portions of

Now we're getting somewhere, as we enter the realm of "even more statistically insignificant." Good term, Armand. Tony Thompson [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've sent the following message to Railroad Model Craftsman: Congratulations to author Mike Evans and to editor Chris D'Amato for the outstanding article on the tank car to covered hopper conversion i

I understand Don's frustration with the odd arrangement he describes, but in fact NO ONE "has control" of the RPM title. This is ordinarily not a problem, but situations like this one raise the ugly p

Bob DeMoss wrote: Read the email from Don Valentine. Tony Thompson Editor, Signature Press, Berkeley, CA 2906 Forest Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705 www.signaturepress.com (510) 540-6538; fax, (510) 540-1937

Use Canopy Glue! No problems with differential expansion. Done it for years with both running boards and diesel grilles. Tony Thompson Editor, Signature Press, Berkeley, CA 2906 Forest Ave., Berkeley,

Yes, that's the generic name. I wrote about this in a blog post, which covers brands. If interested, you can see it at: http://modelingthesp.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-few-words-in-praise-of-canopy-glue.h

Michael Watnoski wrote: Similar, yes, but not the same. For one thing, it's not as strong when fully dry. Tony Thompson Editor, Signature Press, Berkeley, CA 2906 Forest Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705 www.s

Pierre Oliver wrote: Nope. As Tim O'C corre4ctly stated, the Apex grid bars are 1 inch high. The Plano etched board is 0.0085" which in HO is 3/4-inch. The Kadee, to cite one of the best plastic ones

Staffan Ehnbom wrote: Probably depends on the chemistry of the particular foam. I had one of these problems, and rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol got almost all of it off. Tony Thompson Editor, Signature P

Fenton Wells wrote: Not sure what you mean by "easy," Fenton. There are ends which can be substituted to make preceding classes R-40-14 and -20 (W-corner-post ends instead of Dreadnaught) or you can u