Model Railroading > Fox Valley Southern Silverside Hoppers

Just got several of the Fox Valley HO scale Silverside Hoppers.  I would like to do some weathering on these models but haven't had much luck finding photos of these cars to work off so I would appreciate any help in finding some.  General impression of the cars is a little on the disappointed side as they have molded on handrails and ladders.  They also have bracing that needs to be added.  Fox Valley supplied the bracing but left this to the modeler to install.  They felt that the bracing would interfere if coal loads were being added.  Brake detail is a black plastic which needs to be painted/weathered.  Cars have good weight, roll well and have clear lettering.  A need car for unique Southern hopper train.

First start with an overall flat overcoat with a 10% or so mix of dust in it. Then go for some wheel spray on the ends. Insides will need signs of black coal dust residue.

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pmirick Wrote:
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> They also have bracing that needs
> to be added.  Fox Valley supplied the bracing
> but left this to the modeler to install.  They
> felt that the bracing would interfere if coal
> loads were being added. 

The top of both the interior side and cross braces when installed sit inches below the top of the car, so adding a formed load on top of the braces will not provide a model that looks anywhere near correct when 'loaded.' A correctly loaded car would show both types of braces depending on who loaded the car and when they started / stopped the loading process. (see the attached images). The interiors stayed a polished aluminum color over time as well.

> Brake detail is a black
> plastic which needs to be painted/weathered. 

When the cars were delivered from Pullman the brake components were painted black as they were made from steel as opposed to aluminum.

There is a nice article on the car in the Apr., 2004 issue of Mainline Modeler by James Kincaid.

Russ

 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/16/15 10:43 by NSTopHat.

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A barcode hopper to go with the barcode SD70ACe.