Scratchbuild a Basic Flatcar
While often overlooked by modelers looking for more complex projects, the basic flat car can be deceptive since a number of cosmetic and en- gineering challenges have to be overcome for the model to not only meet scale standards, but also be weighted to operate properly. Addi- tionally, the structure of the car is the foundation of nearly every other type of freight rolling stock. The ad- dition of sides, roofs, tanks or other fittings will readily convert the basic flat car into any thing from a gondo- la to a tank car. Constructing a flat car or two will open the doors to the satisfaction of scratchbuilding. The subject of this project is the
construction of a 36’ wood framed, truss rod equipped car based on com- mon car building methods used from the 1880s through the 1920s. To get started cut the wood frame compo- nents to length and seal with sanding sealer. While these parts dry, cut the 2x6 decking boards to length and stain with either a sealing stain or al- cohol-based hobby stain. Using the scale drawing on the opposite page as a template assem- ble the frame components keeping in mind that stringers A and B are 1/8” deep with the two 1/16” square C stringers positioned to re- tain the brass weight on either side. A central sill is made up of the two 1/16” square C stringers separated by two pieces of 1/16x1/4” bass- wood. This assembly will retain the weight from the bottom. A sub-deck
ABOVE: The basic frame, with a piece of sheet brass for added weight. BELOW: With truck bolders, couplers, brake rigging and other underbody detail installed.
of 1/64” plywood is cut to size and attached to the top of the framing to provide extra strength. Needle beams and a wood bolster should be drilled to accept queen posts and truss rods prior to being glued in position beneath the frame assem- bly. The bolster beam and weight
can now be drilled and tapped for a 2-56 machine screw which will hold the trucks in place. Using the instructions provided
with the brake set position the brake gear on the model adding brass wire and flat stock for the rods and cle- vises. The builder can determine the
s14 BUILDING IN S SCALE • SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE
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