Bethlehem Car Works skill level

[csmith9474]

Again, myself (as I am sure many others here) have dealt with car sides quite a bit. They are a pain at first, but once you get the hang of it they ain't too bad. Just don't be afraid to ask questions. No question is a stupid one, especially when you are walking into something new.

And about the brass car sides; the nice thing is that if you do screw up, it is easy to start over because you can't damage the brass as easily as the plasticl. Good luck and have fun!!!!!

[jblackwelljr]

I will definitely stick with the plastic side cars for now. At least if I screw up, it will be a relatively small investment. I will contact BCW (or maybe even talk to a LHS) and take the leap - experience is the best teacher!

Jim

[emdgp92]

Are some BCW kits formerly offered by Eastern Car Works? They look a bit similar to me.

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wawa

The biggest difficulty with BCW kits, brass or plastic, is that the instructions used to assembly the kit are not as detailed as they should be and are real disappointing. Patience and a little engineering ingenunity will go a long way but the finished product is worth it.

That is how most car side kits are. I have even gotten istructions in kits that were hand written and the drawings were done by hand. It makes things a real PITA. But if you want a nice prototype car, that is the price you have to pay!![:)]

[wawa]

The biggest difficulty with BCW kits, brass or plastic, is that the instructions used to assembly the kit are not as detailed as they should be and are real disappointing. Patience and a little engineering ingenunity will go a long way but the finished product is worth it.

[csmith9474]

What you are describing would be a core kit which typically includes a floor, roof, ends, and sometimes vent castings. It appears that some of their kits come with core kits, and others without. I would definately contact them in regards to the specific car or cars you are interested in. BTW, what cars are you looking to purchase? You should definately stray away from the brass sides until you are a little more comfortable with these types of passenger car kits.

[jblackwelljr]

Smitty,

Thanks for the insight. Does all this mean that the kits don't come with roof, ends, etc? I see on their web site they have those part for sale separately. I would go with a painted/decorated car for my first one - I'm not up to painting yet. I will be modeling both Reading and PRR in the anthracite coal region during the 1950's.

Jim

[csmith9474]

Being that they are car sides, as opposed to a completed body, the first skill requirement is patience. Car sides are not difficult as long as you take your time and use the intructions provided with the kit. One of the first things that would be handy when constructing kits like this is having as many prototype photos as you can get your hands on. The reason for this is a guide for placing various details such as roof vents, grab irons, and battery boxes. The photos are also a great guide for the correct trucks.
If you are going for an undecorated kit, you will definately want to was all the plastic part in tepid water with a mild detergent and dry them as best as you can. This cleans the mold release and other "grime" that can affect painting.
If you are constructing a decorated kit, don't get crazy with the plastic cement. Use just enough to get the job done. Make sure that you remove paint from the surfaces to be glued together. This will assure a good bond.
You also want to make sure you weight the car for better tracking.

They take some work, but just take your time. You definately don't want to ru***he first car because that will be the learning curve. And don't be afraid to ask questions, you obviously aren't. Once these are complete, you will definately appreciate the great model you have assembled.

[jblackwelljr]

Does anyone have experience with passenger car kits from BCW? I'm particularly interested in the skill level required on their line of plastic car kits. They look great on their website but what does it take to get them looking like that? My only experience is with older Athearn and Roundhouse kits, which are pretty simple to assemble. Also, since trucks & couplers are not included, I assume they will recommend the right ones. I realize I could contact them, but I value the opinions of this forum.. Thanks.

Jim