Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by mondotrains Just a thought about you adding weight to the cars. I've found that lead shot, available at Gun Shops, is a great way to add weight to passenger cars. There are little "wells" in the base of some of the cars where lead shot can be added. Just place them in the wells and any other spot where they won't show and pour on some Tacky glue (available at craft stores like Michael's) and let it set. [/quote] Another cheap source of lead, although it requires a bit more work for small places, is to get discarded tire weights from auto shops. I've been using these on scratchbuilt brass locomotive frames to add weight to the fuel tank area. I've also used plaster poured over a modeling clay cast of the bottom of an Athearn tank car to bring it up to weight. To melt the lead I hold the steel clip with pliers, take a propane torch to the weight and let it drip into the mold. It ends up lumpy, but takes up less space and gives a lower center of gravity than those cheap Athearn weights (of course the cars are short on weight - people pay to ship by weight - you want to pay for it?). Whole 1 ounce weights can be used for boxcars. The clips make a handy spot to glue them to the floor.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community