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Modeling UTLX type X and V (was Blackstone Models UTLX tank cars)
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Folks,
As has been noted here before, Precision Scale offers a plastic kit for the UTLX 6500 gallon type V in both HO and HON3. The HO kit does need some detail changes beyond simply 5' wheelbase trucks to be correct (following Richard's article), but it is a nice starting place. Precision Scale also offers an HON3 "narrow frame" version of this tank car, as apparently, so will Blackstone. Having recently ordered one of these, I compared it to the frameless car. Importantly, Precision has changed out the casting for the bottom sheet of the tank, so that the heavy castings for the type V are not present, making this tank appropriate for a car with a frame. The frame, while not appropriate for a Type X car, could serve as a starting point, with the coupler pockets and bolsters being useful. All in all, the PSC "narrow frame" car looks like an excellent point for a kitbash of the UTLX type X. Bruce F. Smith V.M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pathobiology Scott-Ritchey Research Center Auburn University, AL 36849-5525 334-844-5587, 334-844-5850 (fax) http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/index.pl/bruce_f._smith2 ************************************************************************ ********* "Evolution is a fact, get used to it" |
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soolinehistory <destorzek@...>
--- In STMFC@..., Bruce Smith <smithbf@...> wrote:
Bruce, You posted while I was typing before. I'll keep your comment about the "narrow frame" car being a better starting point for a standard gauge class X car in mind. Since you and Jack have both looked at these cars, what do you guys think about the quality? Are the tank moldings decent, and do the fit together well? What do you think about the walkway? Fragile? Downstairs I till have a brass tank PSC imported years ago, and their castings for the tank saddles / bolsters, but it needs walkways, and every time I think I should work on it, I seem to find something else to do. If I find a better way to model one or two of these cars, I'll turn the brass tank into a storage tank at a bulk oil dealer, which is where I found the Van Dyke car I can't locate the photos of. That car didn't have its walkways, either. Dennis |
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Dennis asked:
Since you and Jack have both looked at these cars, what do you guys think about theThe castings are nicely detailed. The tanks are molded in 3 pieces, a bottom and 2 side/top pieces. This results in a seam down the top of the car, which is made worse by the rather uneven casting edges and drift angles. A 4th tank piece is inserted in the bottom to help get the bottom and side pieces aligned. Filing and filling the seams will result in an acceptable result, although working around the rivets where the tank sections joined can be a challenge. These are definitely NOT beginner kits<G>. The walkways are styrene and look relatively robust, although like most listers with these kits I have yet to actually complete one <G>... I do have one tank assembled and waiting putty. As has been noted before, you can buy these cars with plastic or brass details... go with the brass! These include PSC's tank car railing stanchions and the unique UTLX sill steps. To summarize, it would be wonderful to have a 21st century tank casting for these cars, but these kits are certainly very viable alternatives to give a rather unusual car (the type V) and the narrow frame car, with almost the same parts is a good place to start the more common type X cars... Regards Bruce Smith Auburn, AL |
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Anthony Thompson <thompson@...>
Dennis Storzek wrote:
If I find a better way to model one or two of these cars, I'll turn the brass tank into a storage tank at a bulk oil dealer, which is where I found the Van Dyke car I can't locate the photos of. That car didn't have its walkways, either.My exact strategy with Tichy tank car bodies <g>. The frames can be used for other tanks. Tony Thompson Editor, Signature Press, Berkeley, CA 2906 Forest Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705 www.signaturepress.com (510) 540-6538; fax, (510) 540-1937; e-mail, thompson@... Publishers of books on railroad history |
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Roland Levin
Hi Dennis,
I have built 6 of the Precision Scale frame less tank cars. They are very good models. You should buy the version with brass details if you like to avoid fragile details. The parts making up the tank goes well together but you need to work with the seam at the top. It will be noticeable if you just paint the model after assembly. I will try to use this tip when I get more time to fix the seam on my cars. http://www.swannysmodels.com/Seams.html I personally don't like the trucks you get with when you order the model with brass parts but that wouldn't be a problem for you if you are going to convert it to standard gauge. Roland Levin Stockholm, Sweden hem.bredband.net/drgw Från: STMFC@... [mailto:STMFC@...] För soolinehistory Skickat: den 24 september 2009 05:10 Till: STMFC@... Ämne: [STMFC] Re: Modeling UTLX type X and V (was Blackstone Models UTLX tank cars) --- In STMFC@... <mailto:STMFC%40yahoogroups.com> , Bruce Smith <smithbf@...> wrote: Bruce, .... Since you and Jack have both looked at these cars, what do you guys think about the quality? Are the tank moldings decent, and do the fit together well? What do you think about the walkway? Fragile? ..... Dennis [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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Jack Burgess <jack@...>
Dennis wrote:
Since you and Jack have both looked at these cars, what do youBruce's description is right on the money... Jack Burgess www.yosemitevalleyrr.com |
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