Scratchbuilding a new car

[Anonymous]

Years ago when I was modeling HO trains I learned how to build my own autoracks and 89' trailer flats using rubber molds and polyester resins . I was thinking of building the 5 platform articulated trailer flats in G guage for my railroad . This idea started when I saw Aristocrafts 53' trailer van trains. These would look great on my homebuild flats.I will have to scratchbuild 3 platform masters and then build a dam of plastic around them and fill the mold with the master in it with rubber . After a few days to cure you take out the original master car and you have a mold . You have to be carefull when you build the original car that any pieces that will hang up on the mold when you try to releace it are omited and put on later .Today there are much better choices for plastic you put into molds than polyester . Anyhow I guess my question is where would I get pictures , measurements , etc on these cars .

[bman36]

Hey there,
Not sure where you would get the specs but I sure would like to see what you make. keep us posted on your progress. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by blue aster

Years ago when I was modeling HO trains I learned how to build my own autoracks and 89' trailer flats using rubber molds and polyester resins . I was thinking of building the 5 platform articulated trailer flats in G guage for my railroad . This idea started when I saw Aristocrafts 53' trailer van trains. These would look great on my homebuild flats.I will have to scratchbuild 3 platform masters and then build a dam of plastic around them and fill the mold with the master in it with rubber . After a few days to cure you take out the original master car and you have a mold . You have to be carefull when you build the original car that any pieces that will hang up on the mold when you try to releace it are omited and put on later .Today there are much better choices for plastic you put into molds than polyester . Anyhow I guess my question is where would I get pictures , measurements , etc on these cars .

I'd like to see that too. It would be fun to learn that skill!

[Anonymous]

Usually the master you make is sacrificed when you pull it out of the mold . Thats the bad news . The good news is now you have a mold and you can pour a new one piece copy a few times a week if you want . Ill take pic's of my progress as I go along . I might have to sacrifice one of my USA articulated cars as I will be using the ends for this project . Haven't broke the news of that step to my wife yet .

[cacole]

Sometimes the manufacturers have blueprints of their products on their Web sites, so you might be able to find them by checking there if you have any idea who made the prototype.

You might be able to use strip and sheet styrene pieces instead of castings.

[Anonymous]

Cacole , I will be using Evergreen plastic shapes to build the "master" or original car to be copied .