Adding Realistic Details to Inexpensive Hopper Cars

Every time I complete one of these “car bashing” videos, I resolve that it will be the last one – for sure! Then I come across a project which demonstrates new techniques. This is one such project; so here we go again...

Note on Rio Grande Heralds
In the video, I mentioned that I could not find any Rio Grande hopper car decal sets. In fact, Microscale sells a very nice set (87-816) but it features the so-called “stacked” flying Rio Grande herald, which had a small "Rio" on the horizontal extension of the "G" in a large "Grande." This herald did not come into use until about 1967, so it is too modern for my layout.

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Links to items mentioned in this video. (Note: I am NOT endorsing any particular product(s), nor am I compensated by or connected to any of the companies mentioned.) I do NOT guarantee that these links will give you the best available price! Consider these links to be a starting point for your search.

Kadee #245 Drill & Tap Set for #2-56 screws: https://www.kadee.com/246-tap-2-56-an...

#2-56 Screws: https://accurailinc.com/products/150-...

Kadee #206 Coupler Height Gauge: https://www.kadee.com/206-ho-insulate... I prefer this gauge because it won’t cause a short if your track is powered. If you need to check the mounting height of uncoupling magnets, you’ll need the metal (#205) gauge instead.

Hopper Car Brake Set: https://accurailinc.com/products/140-... This link is to the black set – there is also a brown set, which I used simply because I had it on hand. For $6 you’ll get the brake set and several other detail parts which might come in handy some day.

I got my brake wheel, Ajax mechanism, brake chain, brake platform, and platform supports from Tichy’s K Brake set. This set is included with many of Tichy’s freight car kits, or it may be purchased separately as Part #3005: https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/...

Ladders: https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/...

18” Straight Hand Grabs: https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/...

18” Drop Style Hand Grabs: https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/...

0.0125” Phosphor-Bronze Wire: https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/...

Double Offset Stirrup Steps: https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/...

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This video was edited using Shotcut for Linux. Video footage and still images were recorded using a Galaxy A10e phone and a Nikon D7100 camera.

0:00 Introduction
0:30 Disassembly and Inspection
2:06 The Underframe
4:17 Removing Cast-On Details
7:32 Adding Brake and Frame Details
9:43 Installing Ladders and Hand Grabs