At an operating session not so long ago, my friend Derwin asked me if I’d ever considered building a kit for somebody else; and if I’d make a Sylvan CNR Automobile Boxcar kit (HO-1078) for him.
I’ve had a lot of fun operating on Derwin’s “Canadisle” layout over the years, and I thought building this car would be a fun way to give back. Additionally, Derwin models the late 70’s and early 80s, which allows me to explore another era with no commitment. I decided to break from my Group C flat-car scratch build for awhile and put together the kit.
[Note that I don’t currently have any intention of changing my period of focus, although I do have 4 Rapido RSC-14s on pre-order, but I digress.]
Derwin didn’t have a specific road number in mind, so I cruised around on the Canadian Freight Car Gallery until I came across an excellent Jim Parker photo of #740215 in June 1980, right in the middle of Derwin’s era, and decided this would be the one to model.
The car is built entirely to the kit’s instructions, except for the prototypical differences such as the removed running boards, cut end ladders on the “A” end of the car and a few upgraded parts, such as Des Plaines Hobbies 8 Rung Canadian Ladders, A-Line stirrups, cut levers and Cal-Scale brake details. Derwin also supplied Tahoe Model Works trucks with Intermountain wheelsets, my suggestion.
The car was primed with Tamiya FSP Oxide Red, pre-shaded and painted with Vallejo acrylics, gloss-coated with Future Floor Polish, decals applied with the included Black-Cat Decals (+ Highball ACI Labels and National Scale Car Chalk Mark) matt coated with Vallejo Matt varnish. The matt coat was followed by a very light mist coat of white to simulate paint fade and then sprayed again with Vallejo Matt varnish.
Closeup of the cars brake-wheel and remaining lateral running-board. 
Close-up of the cut ladders on the end-door end of the car. Note the simulated ladder brackets towards the roof of the car, remnants of the original full-sized ladder. 
View of the underbody brake detail. 
Prior to paint. 
Primed and pre-shaded.
I’m pleased with how this project turned out, and it was a lot of fun to explore a different era for change. This model was the first I’ve ever applied a noodle decal to, let alone an ACI label!
I’m happy to have been able to contribute to Derwin’s layout, even if it’s a small piece of it, and with that in mind, I built this car as if it were for myself.
Calvin
PS: That Group C flat-car scratch build is coming to a close; post coming soon!
VERNON RIVER in 1:87 
Hi Calvin
Excellent work Calvin. Your quality and attention to detail is truly impressive.
Please put it all forward to be considered for the AP program.
Kind regards
Dave
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What color did you use for the shading, and why? It looks like a light blue, almost? Most shading I’ve seen was darker, but this came out well, so I’m curious.
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It’s actually Vallejo Model Air “NATO Black”, which I would consider a “warm” or “chalky” black.. it’s pretty well my go-to black.
I think the lighting in the photo tints it a little blue, but it doesn’t have that look in person.
Calvin
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Cool, thanks for clarifying!
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Wow – that looks great Calvin! Thanks for sharing. Nice to see another post, too.
I really wish somebody offered these cars in S scale…
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Superb, I like this a lot, neat modelling, lovely attention to detail and great painting.
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This car turned out just beautifully. You do such beautiful clean work and it’s always a pleasure to see each project. I could just keep looking at these photos–hope that doesn’t sound like too much of a confession.
Chris
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