Grabowski N5c,....my 1st full build

[PRRK4s]

Well, the basic construction is now complete. Took the underframe and attached the 'Grabowski ' name plate in the center sill area, added some detail to the underside, ie rods, pipes and levers. Then grit blasted it prior to painting. The underside got painted freight car color, the top will get a layer of scribed wood to represent the interior floor, which will get painted Floor Enamel Red. I also grabbed the set of trucks off one of the other unpainted N5c's so I could move toward the completion of this one. These are PRR Cabin Car Trucks from PSC. The trucks I'm waiting on are coming from Bill Davis, I'll just use those on the one I took these from. I disassembled these trucks, ran them through the grit blaster and gave them a weathered finish. More will be applied once everything is finished. Placed the underbody on as well as the trucks and at that point this projects construction was finished. Weathering, the addition of "repack" stenciling and window glazing will completely finish it. I'll get to that whenever. Latest photos.

[PRRK4s]

Decided to go back and make the chain lifts to both the cut levers and air hoses more realistic. Removed the previous levers altogether, formed new ones from phosphorus wire, fabricated the small bar connector and drilled holes to anchor the chain and to slip it on the cutoff lever. Soldered it into place, soldered the new lever back onto the model and then used a single strand of tiny wire to anchor to the lever. I also found enough chain to add the air hose lift chains as well. Anchored those to the horizontal grab rail and air hoses by means of the single strand of tiny wire twisted tightly as well, then painted them. Now on to the weathering. Not sure when that'll take place.

[bob turner]

Stunningly good work! Finally got to a computer that could do your photos justice - had no idea Grabowski made such a nice kit.

[PRRK4s]

Thanks, Bob. As I mentioned earlier this was my first attempt at a full build of a brass kit. I've been modeling for 40 plus years but nothing this extreme involving this much soldering. I'm used to working with styrene when I built the large scale PRR cabins. I've soldered details and pipes before but no construction. This N5c kit was a bit intimidating when I inspected it but it did go together fairly easy. In the hands of a pro I'm sure it would be a breeze. I'm very satisfied with the way it built up. Grabowski released these N5c's as built up or kit form back in 1975. I now have three of them. His new stuff make these look ancient but they hold their own. Here's a pic of my three, as I was in the progress of building this one. And I did start the weathering. I may have it completely finished in a few days. Finished photos at that point. Thanks again.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

And I did start the weathering. I may have it completely finished in a few days. Finished photos at that point.

Looking forward to seeing them.

[De Bruin]

Great technique on the whole project and again, especially all that end platform detail. Blown away with your process and speed, your model rivaling the better imported factory brass.
Kudos.

[PRRK4s]

Finished the weathering last night. Actually earlier in the day. But when I applied the last and final matte finish to the model the powder weathering all but disappeared. So I had to redo the weathered look and spray only a very light coat of clear matte to seal the powder. This time it didn't erase the work. Then I placed the glazing in the window openings. So here are some final views. First two are indoor photos with artificial light. The rest were taken this morning in the dreary western Pennsylvania winter weather. (At least it's not snowy!) Thanks for all the comments over the last week. Now I may jump into finishing that other N5c seen in the pictures. Thanks again.

[up148]

Outstanding model and fantastic build job!

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Neatly done all around!

[sleepmac]

Awesome!

Dan Weinhold

[PRRK4s]

Thanks again, guys. Progress has started on my still unfinished Grabowski N5c. Since it was an assembled version not much needs done to this one prior to an eventual paint job. All I'm adding are the cut levers and running a chain to it and the chain for the air hose. All that was done this morning. I also modified the slanted H chimney to the simple curved flashing top. Up next is some detailing of the underbody just as before.

[bob turner]

Yep, very nice. Recommend you try your hand at steam - the Scale Craft K4 models are a dime a dozen and can introduce you to scratch building - they need cabs, smokebox, firebox, dome work, boiler bands, washout plugs - the list is endless. And when you are done you will have a better looking K4 than the USH version. Or you now have the skills to build your own K5 - all you need is drivers!

Way to go!

[PRRK4s]

A bit more progress on the third N5c. Model was primed on Friday and panted over the weekend. This morning the decals (champ) were applied. A little solvaset needs applied before going any further. I can concentrate on getting the under frame and trucks painted next. The trucks on this one were the ones I ordered for the N5c I had assembled. (I had taken the trucks off of this current paint job N5c and swapped them) Now these trucks are being used here. Way more detailed than the PSC's that were on this one. These brass trucks are from Bill Davis at American Scale Models. In line with Yoder trucks but a bit cheaper. Sprung, opening journal lids, brake shoes and all the mechanical levers already installed. Just paint them and mount them. Treads are currently taped off ready for painting. That'll get done in a day or two.

[PRRK4s]

Just finished the third Grabowski N5c. Took some photos and now all three are in their temporary display setting. I'll have to keep an eye out for another, maybe give it a later lettering scheme. These are really nice pieces from 1975.

[J. S. Bach]

Excellent! Far beyond my skills; I will have to settle for my two K-Line versions. Which brings up a question: did PRR ever have and with the cupola painted yellow?