Looking Good

Looking good, Matt!

Very fine job!

The tank cars look great!  I particularly liked the crispness of the black and yellow paint job you did.  Came out really well.  Nothing better than one of a kind cars sets to make a railroad interesting.  The loading facility in the background will appreciate the work too.

Actually I think the work took a lot of patience!

Nick

Paint and Masking

Thanks, Jack and Nick.

I was very fortunate in this project that one piece of 3/4" masking tape perfectly match the diameter of the mounting ring for the dome, which defined the location of the break between black and yellow.  For this I used plain old garden variety blue painters tape.  One thing to keep in mind when using masking tape is to burnish the edges of the tape - that is to press down the edges with a small but smooth tool, be it wood, plastic or metal, to ensure a solid bond between the edge of the tape and the masked surface.  It's much easier than it sounds!

Matt

Paint and Masking

Thanks, Jack and Nick.

I was very fortunate in this project that one piece of 3/4" masking tape perfectly match the diameter of the mounting ring for the dome, which defined the location of the break between black and yellow.  For this I used plain old garden variety blue painters tape.  One thing to keep in mind when using masking tape is to burnish the edges of the tape - that is to press down the edges with a small but smooth tool, be it wood, plastic or metal, to ensure a solid bond between the edge of the tape and the masked surface.  It's much easier than it sounds!

Matt

Very Cool!

Excellent job, Matt.  And now you have a unique car no one else has.  I love that part!

Nice job, but I have a long

Nice job, but I have a long list of other things on my "do-it-myself" list for when the basement is finally finished.  That means I can be patient and wait for a company to make RTR models for me!  

New models

Jim, a new model you really need is only produced after you have spent lots of time and effort to build the original from parts or a kit modification.

It's a rule.

Eric

New Models

Eric,

You hit the nail right on the head.  The rule holds.  For my fellow modelers desiring the GCCX cars, I hope it holds.

Matt

Stunning Work

Excellent work.  Research and execution are flawless!

Cumbres and Toltec.  Sam

Weathering?

Great job! Superb in all respects. Are you going to weather either of them? That picture of the one from Protocraft Decals does show a bit on the top. So, I'm just curious. Some modelers like weathering, others don't. I model PRR and they had a reputation for being "not spotless". But on my layout, they will be the only spotless cars. Other roads may get dirty. LOL

Weathering the Tank Cars

Since my primary era is 1927 to 1932, these cars would have been relatively new.  I have lightly weathered them to take the depth off of the black section and to add some dust and grime to the top of the tank and the downward facing section, as well the frame and the trucks.  I'll probably "rust up" the trucks and wheels before the next operating session.

Weathered Tanks

Morgan,

I agree, and have applied a light amount of weathering to the cars.

I model 1927-30 era and these cars were relatively new (1925 according to the 1931 ORER) at that time.

Great job Matt

lookin’ good! There’s nothing like creating your own models. Lately my health has held me back from major Layout work and I’ve been pulling non-descript freight cars from the roster and giving them the personal touch. Depending on the model, certain derails are added: wire grabs, better roofwalks , different doors and tracks, repainting and decaling, metal wheels or new trucks. Weathering is optional.

Looking at these “reanimated” cars gives a guy real satisfaction, immeasurably more than acquiring a well Detailed RTR Car. In fact I’ve been disposing of most of my limited number of RTR’s, though I’ll definitely keep the real favorites among them, maybe 12-15 cars. But of the 275 or so remaining freight cars at least 200 will be custom painted and lettered, virtually every one of them kitbuilt.

Again I will salute your work. Rather inspires me to take on a Tank Car next. What the heck, I’ve got the paint and decals.

Barry P.

Jim, a new model you really

Or someone else has!     

A rule I know all too well!

I've observed time and time again.  I thank those who have done that.  Recent examples:

Bobby did the the Flexiflow, now Rapido has one on the way.

Mark did the F68AH bulkhead flat car, now ScaleTrains has one on the way.

Too many others to enumerate here!

Maybe when I finally get the basement finished and a layout up and running, and if I still have time, maybe I'll have the time and desire to "do it myself".  I'm not impatient presently because I have plenty to keep me busy!

That’s the way yo do it!

That model may be released one day but if you can do it yourself why wait!

Nice looking models by the way!

Joe

Yes, nice looking models!

Yes, nice looking models!