I start with a L&N boxcar and an undecorated one.

Firstly, I've put off the L&N letterings using a spray can to clean the ovens which contains some caustic soda. We must be careful using this product because it's dangerous for the health (and the breath: don't smell it and do the work outside).

I sprayed the foam onto the plastic body and immediately I put it into a plastic bag. I closed the bag.

During this action, it's important to wear a respiratory mask and vinyl gloves to protect yourself.

After a night, the letterings are gone away: it's magic!

The plastic becomes cleaned "as new".

You just have to clean the body with hot water, soap and a toothbrush.

If you don't have a spray to clean ovens, you can use two of three tablets for the dish and plates washing machines, poured into a bucket of hot water. It's less dangerous and the result is similar.

I've gone away the molded grab irons

...to replace them by handmade ones using brass wire.

... on the roof

The stirrups

The brass wire really makes a difference. Please keep posting pictures as the transformation continues.

Thank you for your comments Rick.

I used Tamiya primer for the first coat

Meanwhile, I've modified the trucks to install better IMR blackened metal wheelsets.

After some paint and rust...

After the trucks, I've worked on the chassis

Firstly, the wooden floor

and then, the skeleton

A photo to compare: in black color (before), in rust color: the painted one.

With the wooden floor installed

Hello Jacky !! Nice to see your there .

As always, your weathering skills are amazing !! Your model looks very realistic with many nice details

.

Many thanks to you JF. I'm here from a long time ago but I stayed silent.

I've seen your are depicting your N scale layout on this forum. Good.

Coming back to the body with a coat of airbrushed matt Humbrol paint

To save time, I've painted two bodies at the same time.

...And I have applied the dry transfers for my shortilne company, the "IOWA CENTRAL" and chalk marks.

On the second body I've a little trouble with the painting... it's gone away and show a black location on the body. But this little problem has been easily solved.