NOBX project

Hi everyone, it has been a while. I would like to present this NOBX project. Every so often, I get an idea in my head that I just have to see through. On my layout that is under construction I will have a small Container Terminal. It will be front and center. I want a motley collection of NSWR Container Wagons to service this yard. My Goal is to have them highly detailed and nicely weathered as a Center Piece for Photo's etc. I have a Number of AR Kits NOBX's built up as the first type, but I have been keen to add some of the second type. 

Around this time, Auscision had just released their representation of the Second Version of the NOBX. It stands on its own as a Reasonable Model. I think with a nice weathering and new bogies they would blend in OK with my small fleet of Detailed AR Kits Models at a distance. But in respect to the Container Yard, up close there is just too much difference for the modelling standard that I would like to show.

After putting some thought into my options, I took notice of the Metal Chassis that is fitted to the Auscision Model. I have always wanted to Model an NOBX with floorboards missing and this metal chassis gave a good base to start the project. This is the reasoning behind this Kitbash and Photos will probably explain the process better than words from here on in.  

Auscision verse AR Kits. I didn't like the half relief tie rails and the top Gunnel just didn't look right compared to the AR Kits version. I made the choice to used AR Kits Side and end panels for this project. 

First step was to cut out a piece of 5 Thou Styrene sheet to the same size of an AR Kits Floor 

 

I removed the Metal Chassis from the Auscison Model and most of the detailing parts

I glued the Chassis to the Styrene

I added styrene Strip around the floor section for better anchoring of the sides and ends

I added C section for the floor supports and Couplers

I then cut out the 5 Thou Styrene sheet to fully expose the Frame

I then sat it of Bogies to check heights before adding the sides

It took some time to fit the sides. I decided to remove the doors on this model to better highlight the chassis through the missing floorboards.

I reinstated all the Brake Gear as per the original model

I installed the original End Boards but thinned them with a File

I added Styrene Rod for the Tie Rails and details for Tarping Supports 

A bit of Primmer

Paint and Weathering with some Styrene 2x4's added

Only decals to go. I hate decals

Paint work to match this Prototype 

                                                      Will do some more one day

Thanks Justin Moy