I've been wanting an open-platform, truss-rod coach and combine to bring up the rear of an early 20th-century mixed freight. The MTH cars are nice, but at 64' they're larger than many of these cars were. I noticed that Labelle Woodworking had kits of good-looking 58' prototypes; these would work better on my O54 curves, and allow me to paint and detail them as I wished. I had no experience whatsover building wooden kits; probably the most involved kit I've ever built was a Revell Big Boy as a kid. But, with a potent mix of fearlessness and patience, I bought the kits and took the plunge.
These kits come with everything you need, less paint, decals, and trucks. They've been referred to as a "miniature lumber yard", and that's not far from the truth. Very few tools are necessary; I primarily used an Exacto knife, a utility knife, and a Dremel tool sander attachment for just a few parts. The owner of Labelle, Rick, was very helpful, and little by little the cars took shape. They are not a one-weekend proposition, but after a good deal of slow but steady work, I finished the cars today:
To my complete surprise, I found the process to be some of the most fun I've had in a long time. Somehow, obsessing over tiny wooden parts was very relaxing. While I won’t be entering these into any contests, there’s nothing like having one-of-a-kind cars you made yourself. PRR afficionados will notice that the paint scheme differs in a few details from PRR practice - I lifted it from Strasburg, just because I like it. Dry-transfer decals from Clover House were easy to use and came out looking great.
We 3-railers are not known for being big kit-builders. That's why I'm posting this: bottom line, if I can do it, you can. It takes no exceptional skill or tools; just patience. While these were my first kits, they won't be my last. Get out there and build something!
But seriously, bob2, I need to ask you a question on a different topic - can you drop me an email? Address is in my profile. Thanks - David.