Marsh Creek Miniatures 300 User manual

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS FIRST!
#300 MAINE FRAME /#301 MAINE FLAT HON30
Kit #300, the “Maine Frame” in HOn30 scale (1/87 scale, 30” gauge) is a “craftsman” kit. This kit
is not intended for modelers just beginning into the hobby. The kit requires patience, and general
modeling tools and experience. The idea for the “Maine Frame” was born out of an idea to have a
universal Maine 2’ gauge frame in which to build other models, like flat cars, gondolas, and box
cars. The design is based roughly on a Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway (WW&F)
28’ flat car. Included in kit #300 are the following parts:
1. Frame
2. Decking
1. Remove all flash from castings. There are a number of different ways to do this. My personal
favorite way is to tape a piece of medium (220) grit sandpaper to an absolutely flat surface,
such as a piece of glass, or marble tile. Sand the bottom of the castings until the flash flakes
off. There may be some irregularities in the thickness of the flash, so sand carefully to ensure a
flat even surface. A sharp hobby knife can be used to trim flash off of the parts as well.
2. Wash all castings with warm soapy water and let dry. Natural skin oils from handling, and mold
release agent may be present on the castings, and will interfere with glue and paint adhesion.
3. Drill and tap all holes in frame before assembly. Truck screws are typically 1-72 in size, M-2
would be the closest equivalent in metric. The coupler pockets are designed to accept a Micro-
Trains ® 001-10-001 (1015) N scale coupler, which are supplied with 00-90 screws. See Fig-
ure 1. If using truss rods, drill #76 holes into frame at indicated location (See Figure 1)
4. Attach queenposts so that the outside edge of the queenpost is aligned with the slope of the
Items not provided that would be required to build a complete car:
1. Trucks
2. Couplers
3. Details Truss rods, monofilament, brake rigging, sides, roof etc.
4. Hardware (screws)
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

body bolsters. Ensure that the pair of queen posts are aligned with each other, so the truss rod
runs parallel to the frame members.
5. If using truss rods, pass one end of the monofilament through one of the holes, and attach with
CA (ACC) glue, and let dry. Thread a turnbuckle over the monofilament, and pass the other end
of the monofilament through the second corresponding hole. Once the monofilament is pulled
through the second hole, it helps to attach locking tweezers or hemostats to the free end. Doing
this keeps the “truss rod” tensioned enough to glue in place. Move turnbuckles to their proper po-
sition between queenposts and glue in place with thin CA, and glue the trussrods to the queen-
posts.
6. Carefully trim the truss rod material from the (top) side of the frame and file or sand smooth. Take
extra care that you do not pop the truss rods out of their holes.
7. Use the attached drawing to help align stake pockets. A trick: trim only the flash from the right
and left sides of each stake pocket. This will leave some flash on the front and rear of the pocket,
which can be slid under the frame for gluing. Glue in place, then remove the remaining flash with
a SHARP blade.
8. Align the deck material with the frame and glue in place. 5 minute epoxy works well for this, or
CA will work if you are sure of the placement.
9. Attach brake hanger as shown in figure 2. Drill with #76 bit to accept bronze wire. Trim brake
staff to 2’6” scale above the deck. Attach staff to hanger with thin CA. Attach brake wheel to top
of staff. That’s it! You’ve just built a craftsman resin freight car kit!
FIGURE 1
Paint and weather to taste. For more assembly, painting and weathering tips, visit
www.marshcreekmini.com
We are interested in seeing pictures of your completed work, and any suggestions you have for im-
provements of our kits. Drop us an email!