I recently picked up an HO American Car & Foundry 4-bay Center Flow decorated for Union Carbide Plastics. My research shows that it's from the 70s.
Problem: The weight is loose in the car and causes it to lean and not take curves well. I'd like to glue it down properly, except I'm not sure how to get inside.
Is there some sort of exploded parts view? Or does anyone know how to open it without breaking it?
I'm pretty sure the bottom, the sloping end panels on each end, and the main car body are 3 separate pieces. You should be able to gently remove the body. Some where all the way, some one may have glued it all together, so maybe by using a hobby knife, you can slip it in between the body shell and the base and work it loose. You might want to remove the trucks and the couplers first.
Mike.
My You Tube
Here you go.
http://www.hoseeker.net/athearninstructionscars1970/55acfhopper1973.jpg
Jim
Got it. Thanks all!
I have 3 of those center flow hoppers that I bought back in the 70s. Cotton Belt, Union Pacific, and Stauffers.
I replaced the stock plastic wheels with P2K metal wheels, added BB shot pellets to the bottom of the hopper bins and secured them with Elmer's Glue. They roll and track very well.
Even with the thick ladders, these cars look really nice when you add light weathering and body details, such as metal stirrups, realistic brake wheels, and air hoses.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
I've got a bunch of Athearn covered hoppers, both the Center Flows and the large square Pullman Standard ones. Both types had the weights mounted so high that they were top-heavy and tended to derail on curves. I removed the sheet metal weights and filled the hoppers with BBs and drizzled on some Elmer's Glue to secure them. What a difference this made! The cars now hug the rails and don't wobble or lean on curves. As a matter of fact, they're almost self-righting like those inflatable "Bobos" they sell with sand in the bottom for kids to punch. I've actually tipped some of the hoppers over at various angles by hand, and they spring right back up. By all means, the BBs in the hoppers are the way to go!
BuoyBoy,
You just reminded me that I have a couple of Athearn BB 54ft Covered Hoppers that I ignored! You're right about that high center of gravity from the lone weight as they'll tip over if you breath on them too hard. I'll add weight to their bins as well.
mbinsewi Some where all the way, some one may have glued it all together, so maybe by using a hobby knife, you can slip it in between the body shell and the base and work it loose. Mike.
Some where all the way, some one may have glued it all together, so maybe by using a hobby knife, you can slip it in between the body shell and the base and work it loose.
That's unfortunately very true with this hopper. Some previous owner glued every joint and even some places where glue shouldn't go. So now I gotta file away all of it.
Sigh...
Oh and Antonio and BuoyBoy, thanks for the BB tip. I'll see how that works.