Large Scale Central

D&RGW Rotary OM Water Car 0471

Modeling
#1

Here’s a project I’ve been working on; a kitbashed Rotary OM water car 0471.

It started as a Precision Scale UTLX tank car. It was in pretty rough shape so I don’t feel bad about kitbashing it. I stripped the original paint off the tank.

I’m using a Precision Scale tank because our layout is 1:22.5. Any of the much easier to find 1:20.3 tanks would be too big. The Precision Scale 1:24 tanks look great with our 1:22.5 layout.

The side tool boxes all operate thanks to some tiny hinges. The boxes are held on with double sided tape for the photos. After painting I’ll glue the boxes to the tank car.

I’m awaiting one more hinge for the tank cover. Once it comes I’ll then work on the top walkway railing.

Here’s a close up of one of the four tool boxes. I tried to replicate the plug and chain as best I could.

Here’s the prototype:

#2

Very nice!

I knew Precision Scale made some 1/24th parts, but was unaware they made whole cars.

#3

Ray Dunakin said:

Very nice!

I knew Precision Scale made some 1/24th parts, but was unaware they made whole cars.

Thanks Ray.

Many years ago, might be more then 20, Precision Scale made some 1:24 rolling stock. I think they made a caboose, boxcar, and tank cars (both frameless and framed like the one I’m working on). They are hard to find.

I have some of their frameless tank cars. Below is a link (link because photo is large) to a photo of two Precision Scale Gramps tank cars on my layout:

Tank Cars

#4

Got another hinge so I was able to attach the top cover. I also painted the “wood” walkway boards. Nothing plastic is glued down to the tank yet. Next step is to paint the tank.

Here’s a fun side project. The cactus came on a cinco de mayo cake from the grocery store. I had to paint it as as it was a super bright neon green. Looks pretty good now. Just about right for G scale.

#5

Funny, the lid on that tanker kind of looks like a toilet!

#6

That’s what I was thinking of while building it. A toilet.

#7

Keep the Yard Bums away from the car!

#8

Finished the railing. I think that’s it for fabrication.

#9

and then?
won’t that be to precious to run outside?

#10

I’ll run it. Not too concerned.

#11

Matt,

Nice work, a great project to be proud of. Any chance you could share your source for the tiny hinges? I’ve been searching for a good source for a long time without success.

Jim Kottkamp

#12

Jim Kottkamp said:

Any chance you could share your source for the tiny hinges? I’ve been searching for a good source for a long time without success.

Sure Jim. There are two sources I’ve used for hinges.

For this project I used MicroMark hinges. They are called “H” hinges. Product #15258. They offer several different types of hinges.

The other source is eBay. I’ve used these really tiny hinges for other projects.

#13

Thanks Matt, I’ll give it a try.

#14

Matt Doti said:

I think that’s it for fabrication.

Almost forgot about the rivets on the tool boxes. I didn’t notice them missing until I posted the most recent photo of the tank. So still some fabrication to go…rivet decals.

#15

Matt , Great looking job on the water car.