I bought myself a pair of these cars at the show ($75 ea. If they had had more, I would have bought a half dozen at least) So, besides gluing down the journal covers, are there any other before-you-use-em maintenance items I should be aware of?
That’s it, Bob. (Except lube the journals and weathering.)
Thanks John. I didnt think so, since rolling stock doesnt generally have too many issues, like locomotives can sometimes have.
The journal covers are interesting, five of them were popped off between two cars.
Bob, I just picked one up off of ebay (buy it now) for $78 plus shipping, and the seller apparently had more. Also, Caboose Hobbies has them on clearance for $99. (Caboose didn’t put them on clearance until the week after I ordered mine, or I would have bought from them.)
On mine, neither of the trucks could rock side to side, so I had to loosen the bolster screw one so it could roll better over uneven track. But beyond that, new couplers, and gluing the journals in place, it was ready to go. It’s since got new lettering and a healthy dose of weathering.
Later,
K
Stupid question time as I also just received a Spectrum tank car…
Where do all the extra parts go??
I know some of them look like extra covers for the axles, but what about the other pieces?
Looks like there are some plates that would be used for the hazard signs, but I don’t see any holes that they would stick into?
I don’t glue my journals shut i fill them with grease. It keeps the axles lubed and holds the journal lid on.
Terry
I don’t glue my journals shut i fill them with grease. It keeps the axles lubed and holds the journal lid on.
Terry
Terry Burr said:
I don’t glue my journals shut i fill them with grease. It keeps the axles lubed and holds the journal lid on.
Terry
Methinks that is what they were designed for. 
If you’d like to see how I “super-detailed” my B’mann tankers, check this out:
Steve 
That does look good, Jack.
Great enhancements. I bookmarked the page for ideas for future enhancements of some of our cars.
Stan