HO Projects 2026
Left: the MDC kit.    Right: body is assembled.
I have added 12# monofilament line, Kadee #148 couplers, and Kadee wheelsets.

Chassis
The chassis requires quite a bit of flash to be removed. Holes for the truss rods were drilled out and the edges rounded off with a larger drill bit. This was done on the top and bottom of chassis.
I had planned on using Kadee #711 couplers but the shank is too small to fit over the cast in coupler pivot. I then installed Kadee #148 whisker couplers. Trucks were also test fit. Trucks and couplers removed and the screws reinstalled so the holes would not fill with paint.
Once the chassis was cleaned up, the queenpost beams were fitted. They have to fit flush against the chassis. The air cylinder was glued in first and then the beams. The tiniest amount of CA glue was used (I see the blob also).
Chassis and truck frames in the spray booth getting a coat of red primer.

Trussrods
Top: the MDC instructions for threading the trussrods.

Left: I will be using monofilament line which measures out at .011". My best measurement on the included acrylic thread was .010".


I cut a piece of the line 3' long. One end is
threaded from the bottom of the chassis up
to the floor per the MDC instructions. Several
knots were tied so the knot would be larger than
the drilled hole. CA glue was dabbed on the knot
to make sure it doesn't come undone.

The line is woven per the instructions but not pulled tight. Tape is used to hold the line in place as the line is stiff.

I began tightening up the first rod by pulling it from the floor side. Then the second rod was pulled from the bottom side to hold the first rod secure. CA glue was put in these two holes on the floor side and allowed to set. Then the next rod was tightened. This process was continued until the car was threaded.
When the last rod was pulled tight, I taped it
to the floor and immediately used CA to secure it.
Once the CA set, I tied a knot close to the floor
so the line would not slip through the glue.

Finale
I painted the trussrods and the brake wheel with the red primer. Car is finished.
Copyright © Jack Hess 2025