Gondola Loads

[dougdagrump]

I picked up a package of the cable reels, 8, by K-Line. Now I need to figure out a good way of mounting them. Anybody have any pictures that I could use for reference? I also have a bunch of the resin crates and barrels to use as well.

[brianel027]

Doug, I assume you want to put these items into gondolas?

I created a bunch of universal load holders for K-Line gondolas and flat cars that have the "U" shaped ends on them. I meansured the load items and built drop in frames out of basswood that slip in and out of the car easily. Basically it's 2 long pieces the length of the car, with shorter spacer pieces that leave a space for the load to fit comfortably in without moving around in the car. When I repaint the cars (which is more often than not since K-Line didn't think traditional-sized modelers wanted current road names like Conrail, CSX, BNSF and NS) I paint the self-made load carriers the same color as the car, though they also look good left natural.

You could also use black foam core board or balsa wood to make some spacers to fit width wide in the gondola. You can cut them tight enough to wedge into the car without ruining the paint since these two materials are pretty soft.

You can also use girl's soft fabric hair bands wrapped around the car and the load. These are made in black and brown as well as a rainbow of other colors you probably wouldn't want (though if you had a young daughter, she might dig the pink load holders). Most have a metal piece that holds the band together, but the metal piece can be positioned on the underside of the car. They also make bands that are metal free but are more costly.