[Train-a-Mania]

For the era I am modeling, the FJ&G owned two combination coaches: 21 and 22. 21 was purchased secondhand from the Delaware Lackawanna & Western in 1916 (built in the late 1880s), and 22 was purchased new from Jackson and Sharpe in 1900. Visually, the two are very close in appearance, and I am using the LaBelle HO-12 to model #21 first. This kit is basswood with metal and plastic parts for certain details. Here is a photo of the kit as completed by someone else. I am using this model railroad forum thread as a guide, since he is using the HO-11 kit (coach version of the same car).

I plan on using CA+ glue to attach the pieces together. My biggest question going into this is, should I paint all of the wood pieces before or after assembling them? I am thinking of painting detail pieces separately before I attach them. The painting method I plan on using to prevent warping the wood is to use acrylic paint, dip the brush in the paint, touch the brush to a used laundry sheet to remove most of the moisture, and then apply to the wood. This was suggested by a hobby shop owner I spoke with.

 

[I Am Fasha]

I have never undertaken a project like this, but I have put on a lot of plastic details and painted a fair amount of plastic shells. With that in mind, I can say this. It is much easier to glue items together that have not been painted prior to assemble.

CA usually takes the paint off and sometimes makes it run. It also makes for a weak joint of contact.

 

[nvrr49]

I have built many wood kits, both cars and buildings. For wood, use wood glue, the yellow stuff. Personally, I prefer to do the basic assembly, then prime it, and you really need to prime wood with a solvent primer, then once it is dry, you can use any kind of paint you want for a top coat. If you use acrylics straight on bare wood, you stand a good chance of causing it to warp. Sometimes you can weight it down while drying, and you will be okay, but sometimes not. Here are links to several of the wood cars I have built.

http://nvrr49.blogspot.com/2009/09/painting-in-august.html
http://nvrr49.blogspot.com/2009/10/whats-on-bench.html
http://nvrr49.blogspot.com/2009/10/kitbashes-and-craftsman-kits.html