40' Flat Car - Concept Model by Jack Hess

A. The 1/35 Prototype
	The prototype was built as a 1/35 scale moon utility car. It has HO roller bearing trucks with 40" wheelsets. Built from styrene.
B. Designing the O Scale Model
	I decided to construct an O scale version of the car as a 40' standard gauge flatcar. I made proportional drawings using 1/4" grid paper. Changing the scale and gauge altered the look of the model.

C. Building the Rolling Chassis
	The very first matter of business is to get a rolling chassis completed. I built the centersill according to the notes I made. It is ready for trucks and couplers.
	I used Atlas 2-rail roller bearing caboose trucks converted to 3-rail and Kadee #804 black couplers. The rolling chassis is finished.
D. Completing the Chassis
	Floor bracing added which defines the outer edges of the chassis.
	The cross braces have been added. Now they need to be sanded to give the correct angle for the sides, which I decided would be nine degrees.
	The cross braces have been sanded and the sides added along with the ends. Body is ready to be painted.
E. Project Completion
	I made a floor from Evergreen O scale car siding and gave it a rather dark color. I switched the trucks to Atlas 2-rail 100 ton RB.
	All the components sitting together.
	The completed car. Body was painted a light beige color, the trucks dark red. I made the decals.
The car did not turn out as I had hoped. I couldn't figure out how to add details I really wanted light flat gray but didn't have any on hand Decals went on slightly crooked The angle of the sides is barely noticeable. I don't like the floor Car looks too hulky, like the body is oversized for what it is. But this is what a concept model is for: to decide if it works or it needs work! I need to think about what to do and try another model later.

Articles Pre-2025

40' Flatcar - Concept Model