All - Chris Frissell's article is really well done, with a variety of weathering styles from moderate to 'is there any paint on that car?' His techniques are to be commended. I have just started weath

Yes, if you needed a car NOW, you'd find the closest one that fits the requirements. The only exceptions would be not loading feed (bagged or bulk) into a car assigned to hide service, or flour into a

Thank you, Johannes, for your additional comments. Todd Sullivan

Jeff, I own several of the Trix UP 'ACR' 40ft boxcars, and the springs are associated with the Trix couplers. You can remove the couplers, draft gear boxes and the springs with no danger to the operat

I have seen photos of similar flat cars owned by the OWR&N in log service in WA state. Does anyone know if they were a Harriman std design or built by Std Steel Car? Todd Sullivan

I suffer from digital dyslexia. Todd Sullivan

Hi Tony, My brain and fingers have never had a strong connection. I found out when I tried to learn a musical instrument and again when I learned to type. I do proofread what I type, but misteaks slip

The hoppers are USRA design triples, which Westerfield still makes in HO. Longacre is at the east end of Smithers (I actually have a book on Smithers). This was an area that produced good coking cola.

The 'reinforcement rail' on concrete is probably one side of a mobile gantry crane setup. This looks to be at a Boston & Maine team track near Lechmere Square. The crossing is not unguarded: there are

George, Thanks for sharing with us this great technique. I'm sure I will use it on various resin models. Todd Sullivan

Thank you, Fenton! Todd Sullivan

Jerry, So where would I find an accessible copy of Bill's Modeling the AAR-ARA Standard Steel Boxcar.pdf? Todd Sullivan

Hi Darrall, I use Woodland Scenics Hob-E-Tak, which I believe is similar to canopy glue. Hob-E-Tak is great for tacking resin kit parts in position before adding CA, and it will hold parts together if

George, I don't have a set of the clasp trucks, but I do have a set of trucks for the 40' UCR gondola from the same 3D printer. The trucks are equipped with Tangent wheel sets, and they roll reasonabl

Hi Corey, There are a couple of thins that will come before a photo of my UCR gon in log service: 1) Completion of our new house, scheduled for March 8 currently, but subject to possible delays (as wi

Mont & all - Rodents are not man's best friend when it comes to model railroads. I had several that considered peeing on the rail of my nickel silver track was great fun. It's almost impossible to get

Hi Rich, Two handsome looking models. Thanks for sharing. Todd Sullivan

Thank you, Corey. The D&RGW GS gons and UCR gondola kits that you offer in 3D printed versions fill a gap. I've built one of the UCR models, and it went together well and looks good. I have a DRGW 46f

Thank you for the additional information, Tony. Gifts of information like this are what makes this collection of modelers the best, in my opinion. Todd Sullivan

Except that, if the tank car is insulated, the tank bands would be installed to run under the insulation so they could securely clamp the tank to the frame. Tank car insulation was asbestos sheet cove