
Getting back to the 1923 ARA boxcar build with this posting. This edition will show the details that I applied to this rebuilt Atlas ready to run X29 import.
A new 3D printed grab iron end was used to detail the body. The parts are shown below. Dan Dawdy decided to create his own version and is offering them.

Since the last posting, Glacier Park Models decided to create a plastic version of the grab iron ends. They are offering four sprues for $5.00 plus shipping. The best way to contact them to purchase the parts is by emailing Jim Booth at rocky@glacierparkmodels.com

The plastic parts are much easier to add eo plastic models using liquid styrene cement or MEK. The parts have asmall pin on the back side which can be used to locate the part.
If you prefer the 3D printed parts you can go to this https//modelrailroadresources.com/wp/

The alternate rivet pattern was applieed using Archer decal rivets. In addition I used their rivet decals along the lower edge of the patch panels and on either side of the door opening. The rivet decals should be applied towards the end of construction since they are fragile.
The car B end requires some effort to install the necessary details.


The Ajax brake wheel is a PSC plastic part with a gearbox from Grandt and the fulcrum from an old Chooch set. There are other sources available as you may know.

I used a set of Delrin sill steps left over from a Des Plaines Hobbies X29 kit. It turns out that they still have these in a set that includes ladders. The Atlas running board is resting on the roof to see how it looks. It is a bit thick (.050″) compared to a more scale thickness of .030″ Not sure what I am going to do with this part.

The next step will be to paint the model and add decals. I reached out to Doug Harding who is a fan of railroads like the Chicago Great Western and others. He provided me with a PDF which offered recommendation for paint colors.
George Toman prepared a presentation for the 2017 RPC describing the construction of a CGW 1937 boxcar. The presentation outlined paint choices and that the roof and underframe were covered with Texaco car cement (black) and the running boards were unpainted.
The following is a direct lift from George’s presentation:
The color for the 4 paints would reasonably match a medium red-brown such as Tru-Color Paint TCP-188, 193,197 (they are the same). This color was commonly used by numerous railroads in the mid-1940s-1950s, such as SP, Seaboard, NP, MP, NYC, WP, IC, RI, RDG. The color is for a new car and does not take into account any “scale factor” or subsequent weathering effects.
The Pullman bill of materials for paint specs start by instructing “Laps & Joints” of the roof and underframe to receive car cement. The car cement was Texaco black car cement.
Later instructions denote one coat of car cement on the underframe as well as one coat “Stibloy” and one coat of car cement. Also one coat of black paint on the trucks. The sides and ends were to receive either Glidden or DuPont Freight Car Red (75 cars each). No mention is made about painting or not painting the running boards. (I don’t know what “Stibloy” was, but it’s relatively unimportant since it was covered by the car cement.
That is all for this posting.
Gene