RPCX 228
My HO scale model of RPCX started out as an undecorated Atlas Evans boxcar. I had a set of Microscale decals for the Ralston Purina scheme. I also ran across a photo of the real RPCX 228 on the internet. Even though Atlas offers an Evans boxcar in a similar scheme, RPCX 228 was slightly different. I thought it would be worth modeling.
I made a lot of the same modifications to the car as I did to my model of SFLC 11157. I have a number of these Atlas models and they all generally get similar treatment. I usually replace the crossover platforms, couplers, stirrups, add uncoupling levers, and change a few other details.
Once the body was finished I washed it in Windex and water and let it dry. I airbrushed white primer on the entire car first. Then I sprayed on the red paint. Unfortunately I don’t remember what red I used. After the red was dry I masked the roof and sprayed it silver. A final clear gloss coat was applied to prepare the model for decals.
The Microscale decal sheet had all of the major markings. Some of their newer decal sheets also have a lot of small stencils. Unfortunately this was an older sheet and did not. Evans boxcars have a lot of instructions printed on the doors. Reproducing those markings was a challenge.
I ended up using bits of this and that from various Microscale boxcar and freight car data sheets. Doing both sides of the car took a considerable amount of time. My markings are still not 100% true to prototype. The best I was able to do was to make something that looks right. My model of RPCX 228 looks just fine parked next to other factory painted Evans boxcars. Only a true nitpicker with a magnifying glass would notice the difference.
Once the decals were done I sprayed the car will a clear matte finish. This provides a good base for weathering. I weathered the car using my reference photos as a guide. The techniques I used are covered in our HO Weathering & Detailing series.
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