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Updating the R-70-15s to a late-70s era appearance

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Here are a few photos showing my modifications updating the Red Caboose R-70-15 reefers from an "as-delivered" fresh-from-the-factory appearance to a later 1978+ era appearance.

Key spotting features for a circa-1978 appearance include:
1) SPFE or UPFE restenciled reporting marks (to signify the car owner after 1971) (Microscale set 87-17 or 87-409)
2) Running boards (on roof) removed. Easily removable with a #11 X-acto knife.
3) Tall ladders on the A-end shortened to four rungs. (Just a couple of quick snips with my flush cutting sprue nipper.)
4) ACI labels applied. Use Microscale set 87-2 or MC-4379.
5) Consolidated/COTS Lube Plate Stencils added (1974). Use Microscale set MC-4379.
6) U-1 wheel inspection stencils added (1978 onward). Use Microscale set MC-4379.
7) Replacement plug door modeled with updated 70's era lettering and Load Divider decals in new locations. Use Microscale set MC-4379.
8) Car End reporting Marks updated to "SPFE" and "UPFE" as appropriate using Microscale set MC-4379 - a PERFECT match!!
9) Coming next for the SPFE:(not shown) A Perishable Freight Experts sticker over the UP herald. (as seen on many SPFE cars after the 1978 split). Use Microscale set MC-4379 or 87-17.
10) Weathering next!

Disclaimer: My modeling isn't perfect, by any stretch, but I'm satisfied so far with the results. And yes.. weathering is next!

All photos Copyright 2009 - Harry K. Wong - While linking to these photos is permitted and encouraged, these photos may NOT be republished without prior written permission of the photographer. Thanks for your understanding.

Last updated 1/31/2009.

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Running boards removed from the car on the right. SPFE reporting marks still to be added to the car ends.
Running boards removed from the car on the right. SPFE reporting marks still to be added to the car ends.		 Overall view of 70's era updates to the Red Caboose R-70-15. An unmodified car is also shown in the center background.
Overall view of 70's era updates to the Red Caboose R-70-15. An unmodified car is also shown in the center background.		 An overall view of the car updated to a late 70's era appearance - sans weathering still to come.
An overall view of the car updated to a late 70's era appearance - sans weathering still to come.		 SPFE stencils, ACI labels added. New updated markings on plug door.
SPFE stencils, ACI labels added. New updated markings on plug door.
COTS label and U-1 Wheel inspection dots applied.
COTS label and U-1 Wheel inspection dots applied.		 A-end ladders cut down, COTS label and U-1 Wheel inspection dots present.
A-end ladders cut down, COTS label and U-1 Wheel inspection dots present.		 Original lettering for a UP-owned PFE R-70-15.
Original lettering for a UP-owned PFE R-70-15.		 Once the roofwalk was removed, I plugged the remaining holes with 3/64 Evergreen Styrene Rod.
Once the roofwalk was removed, I plugged the remaining holes with 3/64 Evergreen Styrene Rod.
An otherwise unmodified car with running boards removed. Holes plugged with Evergreen 3/64 styrene rod.
An otherwise unmodified car with running boards removed. Holes plugged with Evergreen 3/64 styrene rod.		 a smidge of putty applied after the styrene rod is cut to fit.
a smidge of putty applied after the styrene rod is cut to fit.		 Updated Door lettering. Close and Lock Door Before Moving Car yet to be applied. That little R is going to be removed too.
Updated Door lettering. "Close and Lock Door Before Moving Car" yet to be applied. That little "R" is going to be removed too.		 Original door lettering on Hydra-Cushion equipped car.
Original door lettering on Hydra-Cushion equipped car.
Original side lettering - A-end
Original side lettering - A-end		 a smidge of putty applied after the styrene rod is cut to fit.
a smidge of putty applied after the styrene rod is cut to fit.		 Holes plugged with Evergreen 3/64 styrene rod.
Holes plugged with Evergreen 3/64 styrene rod.		 UP-owned car shown here. A portion of leftover Evergreen 3/64 rod (#221) lays in the foreground
UP-owned car shown here. A portion of leftover Evergreen 3/64" rod (#221) lays in the foreground
Another overall view of the updated 70's era look.
Another overall view of the updated 70's era look.
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Scott Sanders 31-Dec-2008 04:27
Great work Harry
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