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How to Make In-Scale Log Cars

In some parts of the world, the best way to bring commodities such as wood from where it is harvested is by train. It's an efficient and swift means of transport, and in model railroads, there is a great way to commemorate these transporting giants with an in-scale log car for your train.

Things You'll Need

Twigs and sticks
In-scale flat train car
Ruler
Marker
Other in-scale train car
1/4-inch balsa wood
Silver or dark gray paint
Utility knife
Rubber cement
Model chains
In-scale model fence sections (optional)
Sandpaper (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Locate several sticks and twigs you can use as model logs for your train. Rinse them with water and leave them in a warm, dry place to dry out for a few days. This will prevent them from rotting when you are actually using your model trains.
- 2
  Measure the sides of your flat car. Divide this number by seven, so that you have measurements for the six upright beams on your train sides. Mark these points on the side of your car.
- 3
  Measure the height of your scale train car. Note this height as the maximum height of your car. Measure the height of your flat car, and subtract that number from the maximum height.
- 4
  Cut 12 lengths of balsa wood to the height measurement you just calculated. Use the utility knife to make clean cuts.
- 5
  Glue the posts upright on the six marks on the left-side of the car. Repeat on the right side. Leave the glue to dry overnight.
- 6
  Paint the upright posts silver or dark gray to make them look like metal. Silver will look like newer posts, darker gray will look aged and used. Leave the paint to dry for 10 minutes or so.
- 7
  Cut your twigs to the length of the car. Make clean cuts at the ends of the twigs to give the appearance of cut logs. Stack these between the upright posts on either side of your log car.
- 8
  Wrap model chains around the wood, and glue or clip them to the bottom of the train car. This should keep them tight against the train car when it's moving.

Model Railroads