MDC/Roundhouse Ore Car Detailing

[ocalicreek]

Hello All,

I'm starting this thread to kick myself into gear on finishing another project that's been sitting around too long half completed.

I purchased a set of 6 ore cars that were at one time drawbar connected by the original owner, in two groups of three cars. Not sure how I want to do it as there's no mining industry currently set up on either of my layouts, but that's another topic altogether.

What I'm really after are any ideas on dressing up these cars with better details. Has anyone here done anything with these cars besides air hoses and weathering?

I've also got one lettered for the G&D that'll actually be first in line for completion.

Thanks in advance.

[sumpter250]

I haven't had much of an interest in ore cars, never did a mine, so I'm not completely familiar with the MDC ore cars.
That said, there are always things that can be done to "dress up" cars. Replacing cast on details with separate castings, and wire hand grabs and ladder rungs, is a start. there are door operating rods and levers that can be modeled, and brake rigging can be added. The internal supports of the hopper area can be researched, and added.
You're looking at what could turn into a very ambitious project, but, if these cars are going to be prominently featured on your layout, it will be worth the effort.

[ocalicreek]

Yeah, I've got my hands full with an ambitious steam engine detailing project at the moment, so I was thinking somewhere above basic but not anywhere near 'museum quality'. The cars won't be a major feature of the layout, but will be part of regular service and switching at a mine...someday. Until then, I'm just going through unbuilt/halfbuilt kits and deciding how to take them up a notch.

Thanks for your reply!

Galen