Assembling MDC 36' Old Time Cars
Part 1: Introduction
I am working on eight more. Two of these eight are shown in the photo above.
Cleaning up the underframe is the biggest task in assembling these models. There can be a considerable amount of flash and rough edges. Sometimes the stirrups are difficult to clean up as the flash is so thick it has to be ground out to figure out their shape.
Here is one of the first five. This is a newer kit with ends that need to be attached.
The monofilament line, wheelsets, and couplers have been added by me.
Parts Added:
- (2) 2-56 flathead screws 1/4"
(this is the minimum length) - (4) Kadee 523 wheelsets
- (2) Kadee #148 whisker couplers
- (3') 12# monofilament fishing line
(for trussrods) - (2) .040 x .060 x .250 styrene
(plastic coupler cover stabilizers)
Drill Bit List:
- 5/64: bolster: coarse screw
- 5/64: coupler mounting post
- .055: bolster: tapping for 2-56 screw
- .055: queenpost beams mounting holes
- .040: trussrod threading holes
Outline:
Part 1: IntroductionPart 2: Couplers & Trucks
- 1. Couplers
- a. De-burring the Mounting Post
- b. Cleaning Up the Chassis End
- c. Covers and Screws
- d. Coupler Cover Issues
- e. Plastic Coupler Cover Helps
- 2. Trucks
- a. Using the Coarse Screw
- b. Using a 2-56 Screw
- 3. Drill Out the Holes
- 4. Underframe Cleanup
- a. Top
- b. Sides
- c. Bottom
- d. Stirrups
- 5. Attaching the Plastic Parts
- 6. Installing Trussrods
- 7. Painting the Underframe and Trucks
Part 4: Body Assembly and Completion
- 8. Assembling the Body
- a. Ends
- b. Roof
- c. Roof Walk
- d. Brake Wheel
- e. Platforms
- f. Doors
- g. Touchup Painting
- h. Completed Bodies
- 9. Completion
MDC Part 1 MDC Part 2 MDC Part 3 MDC Part 4