Custom PSC Western Pacific Harriman baggage project

AH, the old spring trick, love it!

Ron

I realized I was getting cold solder joints on the chain attachment, so I decided to drill and epoxy a small lift ring to which I could attach the chain. Much happier w the result. 

The more I look at this thread, the more I think that this car will be fantastic and to show the advance step by step is interesting. 

jpv in France

So far so good... testing assembly and whatnot, many details missing here tho

Simulated wood floor should help the interior a bit...

Awesome 

Using real glass for this project, a first for me

Started priming today

beautiful work......a true craftsman....

Thanks, guys. Body primed, may go with a few more sprays. Some roof holes filling is showing so I'll have to sand a bit more. That's the beauty of priming.

what do you sand with Santiago?.....if you don't mind me askin..................Pat

Of course not! Nothing fancy, several sandpapers and water sand papers in different coarses.  For curved surfaces a sponge sander is a must. I used them a lot on the roof. 

hope you don't mind me being a pest, always want to learn.....do you mechanically scratch the brass with sand paper or scotchbrite before priming? or do you use an etching primer that chemically bites the brass? I see beautiful detail even with the primer coat on. I'm always worried about flattening out details like rivet heads and what not.....yours are perfect ......im impressed

Hey thanks...

I don't scratch the bare brass. I simply clean it as much as I can with glass cleaner and soapy water, then I prime and let the primer cure for about two days. This is an acrylic primer by Vallejo, you really need to let it sit and cure for about two days for it to harden. Hope this helps...

I will paint with enamels though

Undercarriage painted, the front of the boxes will be pullman green. 

 I like to follow your work and admire your attention to detail. Sometimes when I'm building, I think of cutting corners as it's easier and saying good enough. I've even said that's all the major players do. Other times it's because it's the limit of my talent.

 So once again I find myself needing to add,...... your work is very inspiring! and Thanks for sharing.

Sorry for interrupting!

Thanks for the kind words, Joe.

I've found over the years that I am happier with no more than three projects at a time. That way I can really delve into them and get them as right as I can.

You are a rare commodity in our hobby Santiago and your work is true master modeler quality.  You've made a nice car exceptional and done what few modelers would do with a new brass model. 

BH

I'm humbled by your words, B. Thank you.

Ok don't know if this will work, but I made the card holders using archer resin transfers on a copper plate. Depending on how the details show after painting I will add them. 

I know, I ramble, but what a beautiful work! 

jpv in France

Before I use enamels, I coated tthe car with a dark olive green acrylic paint. Enamels are very transparent, and this will help me get a richer green in less coats.

Added the card holders, that wasn't easy. Hopefully the enamel pullman green will blend everything.

Trucks painted, coated, lubed and ready to install...

Nice job. 

This is done... happy w the belt on the dc turbo transformer 

Roof painted, will satin coat at the end. A bit glossy now.

I'm unhappy with the way the paint looks on the roof, I think there was some overspray from the primer... most likely I'll send the car to another paint stripping bath..... ugh

painting really is the most difficult thing there is

I followed a forumite suggestion and gave sanding a try, it looks like it will work! I was hesitant because the paint and primer seemed to delicate to sand, but it's holding up pretty well.

No project is without its issues, that's for sure.  Here you can see the difference in texture:

I was  critical of the former paint job, better put my money where my mouth is!

Yeah, I don't think you'll be happy with it till you strip the roof and start over. I have really enjoyed the project.

ron H

Are you using a Airbrush? or Canned spray?

Ron, maybe so. But when I run my finger on the sanded surface I feels smooth as silk, really it may work. 

Bruk, airbrush for sure. 

Painting is a complexity, a mystery even. It may have been the humidity, the temperature, the primer, etc. 

A suggestion

Try painting the roof with Krylon Matte Sealer Chalky Finish (you can get it at Amazon in the US):  http://www.krylon.com/products...-paint-clear-sealer/

When sprayed over black, it gives the texture and variation characteristic of a tarred roof.  That may not be the look you are going for, but if it is, give this a try.  

Thanks, John.  The challenge is to match my PSC BE express car factory paint job, so far I'm failing...