John try any craft store they come in all sizes
Looking good. they are bigger than you’ld think
Progress has continued on the conversion of the flat car.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/091029%20001.jpg)
The wheel areas have been extended to allow for the yet to be purchased standard trucks.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/091029%20002.jpg)
The dark grey, almost black, plastic, plus the white has been added for the extensions and the support.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/091029%20003.jpg)
Here is the question - Before I epoxy the wooden deck on to the frame work, do I paint? I’m thinking not. I’m thinking I paint from the bottom and leave bare plastic for the attachment of the decking on the top. It will never be seen once the deck is glued on. What’s your thoughts?
Here is a couple of pictures of the standard gauge flat car next to a Bachmann 1:20.3 narrow gauge Heisler. I think the size is already dramatic.
The size is pretty impressive.
As for painting /not painting the bonding surface…you’re probably right.
I usually paint everything first when possible. But I’ve had a few things fall apart 
Ralph
I would just turn it upside down, spray paint the bottom flat black and leave the top unpainted. The sides can be done the same way with whatever color you going to paint it. Just leave the top unpainted.
Ken Brunt said:That was my thoughts. I wanted to paint everything, but from past experience, the paint will become an unsecured surface for the epoxy and thought the wood may stick quite well to it, but that isn't the structure and the paint may release from it. I also thought about etching the plastic with some plastic glue right before applying the epoxy, to soften the surface a little to give a real strong traction or more tooth. If I do this I'll experiment on scrap, first.
I would just turn it upside down, spray paint the bottom flat black and leave the top unpainted. The sides can be done the same way with whatever color you going to paint it. Just leave the top unpainted.
Looks good, Ric. You might want to look at that 3M Emblem Adhesive - I’ve had good luck with it holding wood to plastic. I like it a lot better than epoxy.
I too would paint first and just leave the top bare for gluing. Too often the layer of paint interfers with the glue and I think it will save you a lot of work in the long run.
I’ll check out that emblem cement. Thanks all for the replies.
Ric only problem I see with just turning it over and painting are all the ledges that will be left unpainted that way. Most might not be seen but …
Bruce Chandler said::)
Looks good, Ric. You might want to look at that 3M Emblem Adhesive - I've had good luck with it holding wood to plastic. I like it a lot better than epoxy.
Dave,
I agree about the ledges and have decided to mask the glue surfaces and paint also from the top, just not getting paint on the glue adhesion surfaces. Getting real close to the painting process, just a few more pieces to get to the right heights. Also planning on begiing to rip the deck boards today, if there is time.
Okay, it is ready for paint -
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/091031%20001.jpg)
and the top is painted
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/091031%20004.jpg)
turned it over to paint
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/091031%20005.jpg)
and it is painted
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jgolding/091031%20008.jpg)
Masking tape is off and it is on the narrow gauge trucks, ready to be decked
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jgolding/091031%20014.jpg)
And another picture up aganst a Bachmann 1:20.3 Narrow Gauge Heisler with better lighting
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jgolding/091031%20015.jpg)
Would you believe the last 3 pictures had to go in Jan’s Freight Shed, because I filled mine up. 
Well , ya shouldn’t make so many models , should ya ?
Nice one Ric .
Mike M
Looks Good Ric!
Really like that way of alterring the car Ric. Turning out nice
Are you planning on putting in a standard gauge interchange or are you just going to have this as a standard gauge car on narrow gauge trucks?
A 3 rail interchange with a transfer crane to change out the trucks would be an interesting addition, like in Mt. Union?
Will this car be part of the fleet to be set out at various industries and how are the clearances out there on the mainline?
Just wondering, since Bart was leaving bits and pieces of his Shay here and there…
The plans are to have about 4 ft of dual gauge track on the “Timesaver” and display it there. The standard gauge trucks are coming. Clearances for something this size on the KVRwy is pretty much non- existant. I would like to also do a Bachmann 45 tonner, but it doesn’t even need to run because it will just be a static display with this flat car. The whole point is to show the small size of the narrow gauge equipment.
Two days before the Fall Ops Session and I’m working on a project not related to the OPs Session, go figure. In the early hours and after dark, I got the deck installed.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jgolding/091105%20001.jpg)
Yeap, that is a teak deck. Hey, you use what you got.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jgolding/091105%20002.jpg)
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jgolding/091105%20005.jpg)
Looks nice with the wood contrasting aginat the frame, however it needs a little clean up and then it will get a coat of paint top and bottom.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jgolding/091105%20003.jpg)
Almost done - the paint as mentioned, some weathering, a little hardware, the standard gauge trucks (that are ordered) and it will be put in service.
Nice job. Are you offering shop services 