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Building Your Own Rolling Stock

Learn how to build a model railroad boxcar from a kit.

From "Workin' On the Railroad"
episode DWRR-211L

Guest master model railroader Pat Harriman joins host Chris Chianelli in the Workin' on the Railroad workshop to explain how to put together a boxcar from a kit. He demonstrates how to modify the bolsters on the cars and helps the cars appear more lifelike as they head on down the track.

Modifying the bolsters allows the boxcar to rock back and forth and move more smoothly down the track.

Everything you need to assemble the boxcar comes in the kit.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Materials:

boxcar kit
file

Read the instructions from kit completely.
To modify the bolster (figure A), file at an angle on the rear bolster.
Arrange the coupler in place.
Position the faceplate.
Flip around and insert the end.
Note: All of these pieces snap into place.
To install the door, simply snap into place starting with the bottom of the door.
Install the brake wheel (figure B) by pressing it into the opening.
Assemble the frame by placing the metal weight onto the frame.
Insert the frame over the weight.
Place the track over the bolster and screw on the bolster.
Snap the box onto the frame for a completed boxcar (figure C).