Large Scale Central

Banta Modelworks boxcab

Modeling
#1

Hi folks In the pursuit of a boxcab, I came across the Banta Modelworks boxcab kit. http://www.bantamodelworks.com/T2127.html It arrived yesterday, so I thought I’d do a build-along thread. I’m deviating from it in that Im not using a Bachmann Davenport power truck (since I dont have one on hand), and, instead using an LGB three-axle one out of my parts bin.

The kit arrives in a nice cardboard box, and the parts are bagged in what I assume are three sub-assemblies.

Three double-sided pages of instructions are included. They apparently are the same for the On30 flavor of this kit, since there are both 1:20.3 and On30 mentioned here and there on the pages.

#2

First off is assembling the basic box. The parts are cleanly laser cut, with slots and tabs, and fits together nicely.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0725.JPG)

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0726.JPG)

And the roof ribs

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0728.JPG)

This needs to dry solid before I start on the next step.

#3

While waiting for the box to dry, I opened the next bag, which contains the outer wall pieces. The boxcab is built to represent a wood sided boxcab. I’m tempted to use the outer walls as patterns and cut some walls out of .040 styrene and see how it would look built as a riveted metal model.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0729.JPG)

#4

I think I am going to go this route, looks great.

#5
todd whittier said:
I think I am going to go this route, looks great.
It's a little smaller than the basic box I was drawing up to start with, but as a base, at least, I'd think rather have a pre-engineered solution. I'm thinking of adding some more wood inside for strength, too. Have to figure out mounting of things like speakers, batteries, etc, too. Definitely going to be a puzzle to get it all together, yet accessible.

And if this doesnt work out like I want it, I’ll go back to CAD and see what I can design up, looking at what I’ve learned building this one.

#6

Spent about 15 minutes with the riveter, and whipped out the big part of one side in styrene. Wood:

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0730.JPG)

Riveted:

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0731.JPG)

Hard to see the rivet lines…

#7

hmmm, looks like an interesting kit… Nice to see the build log… :slight_smile:

#8

Nice start Bob. I like seeing the two options on the side finish. What adhesive are you using on the wood to wood joints ?

#9

I think it’s going to look neat as heck with that drive block!

#10

That looks great, but i’m not good with wood… .:).

#11
Nicholas Savatgy said:
That looks great, but i'm not good with wood................. .:).
Quiet Rooster! ;)
#12

Bob,
I know you and Bart have had conversations about the riveter, but what does it look like?

#13

This thing.

http://www.micromark.com/emboss-it-model-rivet-simulator,9314.html

I resisted getting one for many years cause theyre a bit pricey, but finally bought one last year. its really worth it for getting perfect lines of rivets.

#14

Clicking on that Micro Mark link leads to a bit of a ‘happiness let down’ as the tool is no longer available.

I have used a drill press to make rivets in the past, with a ‘non spinning’ drill bit in the chuck being used as a ‘press.’

Nice to see there is movement on the Box Cab project!

Bob

#15

Bob,

Below the Micro-Mark listing is an “alternates” button…It will lead you to an even less expensive unit. The key is buying the right punch set or making your own. An arbor press is a silly waste of space…Until you need one, then they are priceless! :slight_smile:

ebay can be a good sourse too if you need something a bit more heavy-duty.

Looks like Bob’s had a really nice x-axis adjuster not found on the others.

#16
Bob DeForge said:
Clicking on that Micro Mark link leads to a bit of a 'happiness let down' as the tool is no longer available.

I have used a drill press to make rivets in the past, with a ‘non spinning’ drill bit in the chuck being used as a ‘press.’

Nice to see there is movement on the Box Cab project!

Bob


Take a look at the “original” from North West Short Line: http://www.nwsl.com/NWSL_Online_Catalog.html
The Sensipress and the Riveter.

#17

Northwest Short Line makes the same thing - the “Riveter” and the “Sensapress.” It’s a good penny more than the Micro Mark version, but it does the same thing. You really just need the Riveter, though, if you’ve got a drill press. That’s all I use, though I may have to quickly snap up Micro-Mark’s press before it’s discontinued because that way I don’t have to tie up my drill press when I’m doing rivets.

Later,

K

#18

Some more work today. I elected to build this as-designed, and use the wood sides. Here I’ve added the exterior walls, and the grab irons.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0733.JPG)

#19

First coat of paint

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0734.JPG)

Allis-Chalmers orange

#20

Not the greatest picture, but here it is sitting on the power truck at the approximate height.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bob_mccown/RollingStock/banta_boxcab/IMGP0736.JPG)