Wow that Caboose looks great Ed. I probably can't come close to that good. This will be a learning process for me. I have two of these so hopefully I will do better with the 2nd kit.
How did you attach the trucks? What screws do I need?
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
hon30critterI would suggest priming all the pieces before removing them from the panels.
I am in the same camp as Dave on this one. I've built several laser-cut kits and I've enjoyed every one. One of the rolling stock kits was a New York Central wood caboose.
IMG_7223_fix by Edmund, on Flickr
IMG_7255 by Edmund, on Flickr
I pre-painted as many of the pieces I could using Krylon red oxide primer. I like Krylon as it doesn't seem to build up as thick as other primers.
MotleyI just started the first step, inside walls with no paint required on them.
I suggest painting every exposed wood surface. The unpainted side may absorb moisture and lead to warping. When placing the very thin sectioned parts with the sticky backing I use a PVA glue from Faller, which is very thin, to seal the edges and prevent the part from peeling away. The thin glue will soak into the joint by capillary action.
https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/faller-ho-170494-expert-laser-glue-multi-purpose-7-8oz-25g/
If you decide to use this glue be sure to keep the needle clean. I have to rinse it out with water quite often (left-hand threads on the cap)
IMG_7231 by Edmund, on Flickr
I later painted the exposed edges of the ceiling beams as shown above as well as the gray primer on the floor.
IMG_7251_fix by Edmund, on Flickr
Note the end rails and ladder are very thin sectioned wood pieces. Delicate? Pre painting will help strengthen these parts to a small degree.
NYC_190xx by Edmund, on Flickr
Here's the caboose nearly finished still in the Krylon primer. I wasn't too satisfied with the outcome of the yellow grab irons as the paint came out a bit thicker than I wanted but for now they will stay. I used a white primer on them and put it on too thick.
Once finished I used a brush and hand painted a color closer to New York Central oxide brown/red before using dry transfers to letter the car.
caboose track2 by Edmund, on Flickr
Good Luck, Ed
Ok thanks for the help on this. I just started the first step, inside walls with no paint required on them.
I need to get the paint, will just go with primer and spray paint instead of acyrilics.
I will post photos when completed.
Hi Motley,
I would suggest priming all the pieces before removing them from the panels. Any cheap automotive primer will work (not acrylic). Paint both sides of the bare wood pieces but only the front side of the self adhesive bits. If you are going to be using lighter colours or blues/greens use gray primer. If you are going to paint the caboose red or brown, use red primer. Apply two or three light coats, alternating sides.
If you are using acrylic colour coats the primer will prevent warping, although additional bracing on the larger flat pieces is a good idea too, as was suggested in an earlier post.
You can still use wood glue to assemble the kit.
I have not built an AMB kit, but if they are as accurate as their Laser Kit window glazings are, they should fit together very nicely.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
AMB kits are very well engineered and go together easily. Just take one step at a time. Much of the assembly will use the peel and stick method. For the rest Elmer's will work, although I like Sig's yellow...or any yellow "carpenter's" glue, which is much more economical. Paint everything you can before assembly. If you're using acrylics, be sure to add bracing where there might be warping and/or pin the parts down to dry. Airbrushing avoids most warping issues. I'd be surprised if you have any gaps as the parts usually fit nicely. Get started and you'll soon have a really nice model.
Mike
There was an excellent step by step article in Model Railroader a few years back.
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I would find it and start there.
For wooden kits I use yellow wood glue and brush paint everything with Vallejo Acrylic paints. That works for me, but I do not know if it is the best way to put one of these together.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I just purchased 2 American Model Builders Caboose kits. I have never had a laser cut kit before, so first time building these.
Looking for some tips on how to paint and build the kit. I also purchased the Tahoe Model Works #TMW 105 Barber-Bettendorf Swing Motion Caboose Trucks. (reccomended from AMB website).
A little intimidating looking at the many parts in the kit. The instructions appear to be good and detailed.
What kind of paint and glue should I use. Will Elmers glue all work? For the red caboose paint what do I need. For the silver bits can I use rustolem silver (already have that).
Any other tips for building this kit is appreciated. Will the sections being glued together show? If so how do I fill the gaps.
Do I paint all the parts first then assemble?
It looks complicated, how long can I expect to spend building it.
I can post photos here of the completed kit.