fixing an engine

[ShaunCN]

i have a CN F7A model that had dual headlights, this is incorect so i removed the lower headlight, now i am left the hole in the nose. What can i do to fix or "patch" it?

[nbrodar]

Some styrene (depending on the size of the hole, either sheet or rod) and a little Squadron White putty are all you need. Patch the hole the best you can with the styrene and smooth it out with the Squadron White. Finish sand with some 360 grit paper. Paint it up and you're all set.

Nick Brodar

[ShaunCN]

ok i hear some much about "styrene" but what is it?

[bogp40]

shaunCN,
Besides the repairs to the shell for blocking out the lower light, you should also check that the nose herald and/ or access door was not altered from the prototype on your decorated version. I assume that you are working from prototype pictures of the unit your modelling.
Bob K.

QUOTE: Originally posted by nbrodar

Some styrene (depending on the size of the hole, either sheet or rod) and a little Squadron White putty are all you need. Patch the hole the best you can with the styrene and smooth it out with the Squadron White. Finish sand with some 360 grit paper. Paint it up and you're all set.

Nick Brodar

[gvdobler]

Styrene is just plastic that is sold in most hobby shops. It comes in various shapes and sizes. There is also glue for it and puddy for filling and smoothing.

[ericsp]

Technically, it is polystyrene, styrene is a liquid. Although since most people refer to it as styrene, if you call it polystyrene you would probably confuse people.

[ShaunCN]

yes the door now has been slightly altered, no big deal as this was only a freebie shell, just a fun project to do.

[dave9999]

Shaun,
Get a piece of styrene rod the same diameter of the hole. Cut a piece a little
longer than you need. Superglue it in the hole with a little sticking out and let it dry.
After it's dry, cut it as close as to the shell possible with some flush cutters. Sand
the rest smooth and paint. This should fill the hole up nicely. Good luck, Dave

[ndbprr]

I'd take a different route. You didn't say what brand of engine it is but most F unit shells are pretty compatible and several are made with a single light. You can get a single headlight shell at any good hobby shop along with all the details you need to make it into a CN unit. There might even be one available that is already painted. Last time I bought one they were about $4-5.00 each. They are probably higher now but why reinvent the wheel?

[ShaunCN]

my LHS is the worst for trains, he hasn't gotten anything new in his train department for months.... no new engines for a year, some have been sitting in thier for 3 years now.

[CP5415]

Shawn, try going across to Bluewater Hobbies in Port Huron.
See if you can get your Dad or Mom to take you.
They are the only decent hobby shop within a reasonable drive.
Look them up on yellowpages.com.

Gordon