#hlcx

[prouddadofeight]

#Roots #HLCX (at Have Life Church)

[dusty-locomotive]

Here is an example of one of the Athearn blue-box 86′ boxcars that I am currently working on. The first image shows a bit of the detailing process. The first step is to get all the lumpy plastic cast details removed using appropriate blades. I also removed the trucks, as is typically done, just to prevent damage. Eventually, this will be painted a rusty blue, so the trucks would have to be removed eventually. So far (seen in the second image) I have carved away all of the plastic castings that are intended to represent bars and steps on the original kit. I have placed a new walkway, but have not done any lift bars or ladders yet.

This one will become HLMX 86153 which is an A806 car, but it differs in a few details from what the stock Athearn shell provides. This car has ladders to the left and right of the coupler walkway that will be added using a Detail Associates part. I will use Tichy wire grab irons and A-Line stirrup steps. The more interesting feature of the prototype is the area seen in the second image filled in with white styrene. The Athearn shell shows this area as a recessed panel, but the HLMX car is flush with a raised riveted seam that I am approximating with a strip of plastic. There isn’t much chance of pushing this kit to any level approaching extreme accuracy, so this small adjustments should be enough once the car is rusty.

[elena121970]

HLCX 7175 is on Q-710 at Ridgefield Park, NJ 4/26/2015

[lennycarl08]

Evening MOW train at Hercules on Flickr.

[lennycarl08]

HLCX in the Lead on Flickr.

[elena121970]

Wasn't going to take a picture of the X-785 because I was on the dark side, but then I saw this rare red HLCX unit and had to take the shot. HLCX 6209 is in the consist of X-785 at Ridgefield Park, NJ 8/27/2014

[elena121970]

HLCX 7156 is on Q-418 at Ridgefield Park, NJ 6/1/2014

[elena121970]

HLCX 8146 is on Q-254 at Ridgefield Park, NJ 5/20/2007.