This is a small and simple to build kit loaded with detail. I first recommend that you clean the flash from all castings and then wash them in hot soapy water and rinse well before beginning construction. Let dry thoroughly. You can pre-paint the parts before assembly which is advised but not needed if you do not mind cleaning the wheels. I used ACC gel type cement for all construction. Please view the detail photos of this car at the following web site to familiarize yourself with the parts, www.locopainter.com/WATERCAR1.html .
Step 1: The frame is designed to have Kadee #5 coupler pockets snap in place. Assemble the couplers as advised by Kadee instructions. Carefully with a hot knife or soldering iron melt the the coupler box pieces together in a couple spots. Once this is done a small drop of the gel type ACC and a firm press onto the locating tabs will set the couplers permanently in place on the frame of the car.
Step 2: Glue one sideframe carefully centered onto the face of the side beam of the car which is under the deck. Carefully place both wheel sets axle ends into this sideframe and then add the second sideframe on the opposite side. Note that the wheel sets are insulated on one side. being that this is a metal car both insulated wheels need to be placed on the same side of the car to prevent a short when placed on the track. Add the wire handrails to the underside of the car by drilling a #74 hole for the wire to fit into. Location of these handrails is your choice. We did a long one on the large tool box end and a short one on just one side on the opposite end. You can now paint your basic color on the frame assembly. We used Scalecoat oxide red followed by Testors wood on the deck followed with Floquil engine black on the side straps and brake gear on the top of the deck.
Step 3: Take the resin tank and carefully sand the bottom flat on a coarse piece of sand paper. Rotate the piece in your hand while sanding to assure that it stays level. On the top of the tank on each side there are small faux strap ends cast into the tank with a U shape on one end. They are difficult to see but they are there. In the U shaped areas drill a #74 hole for the top hand rails. Bend the brass wire provided to fit in this location to your satisfaction. Glue the Lid to the top of the water hatch and then drill holes for the handle. Bend the wire to fit the holes and glue in place. Next add the tank drain pipe on the front side of the tank positioned so the elbow will fit over the end of the car. It is a slightly softer casting than the others so be careful not to break it. Remove the casting pins and file flush the shorter end of the four tank hold down brackets and add them to the ends of the tank near the outside edges . Your Tank assembly is now ready for painting. We used Krylon brown camouflage paint as it has an excellent rusty brown color. Any color will do to suit your preference.
Step 4: Paint the detail castings to your liking. The smaller parts We blacken first before painting using Blacken-it.
Step 5: After paint on the sub-assemblies has dried glue the tank to the deck and add lettering if desired and the detail parts to your satisfaction. We weathered our car with Floquil weathering colors and chalks followed by a final very highly thinned overspray of Floquil engine black to tone down the colors.
We hope you enjoy this kit and please let us know your comments.
WISEMAN MODELS SERVICES INC.
303 STONER AVENUE
PARIS, KENTUCKY 40361
e-mail kwiseman@pqisp.net