I'm in the process of respraying some MPC-era PRR cars for the Razorback Traction Co.'s crack express, "The Crimson Comet", and figured y'all might like a look under the hood, if you've never dismantled one...
RPO with the top popped. All MPC Madisons use one standardized roof/window assembly, with the same windows doubling as hold-down latches.
Closeup of a latch. Pushing down on these with a non-scratching implement such as a popsicle stick releases the roof.
The rather Chic Sale lighting arrangements.
The pickups are also rather spartan. For all this, the body casting itself is first-rate, and has been reused over the years for sets like the Polar Express, the Major League Baseball trains and so forth.
The (in)famous MPC plastic truck rivet. While these do make assembly simpler, they're not the most sturdy or best performers out there.
The car entirely dismantled. Very spartan, really.
Each MPC Madison came with one roller and one wheel pickup. For best lighting performance, I recommend 600-9050-150 combined pickups on each truck.
With a bit of careful soldering iron work, the wheel pickup can be melted free of its frame...
And melted into place with the roller, to make your own complete roller pickup!
(left) Home-made and (right) factory pickup.
If you're so inclined, the vestibules are held in place with two tabs. I'm not bothering...
Off to the paint shop! Krylon's claims for its MAXX cherry red spray paint notwithstanding, I think I'm going to prime the rest of the cars before painting 'em...
Stay tuned for more later!
Mitch