How best to cut a Bachmann BH Boxcar?

[CoggesRailway]

I am thinking of having a chop at one of these... if I was to do some major cuts in the body which is the best technique for precise cuts? Hacksaw with care? Is there anything easier?

 

[Dtsteam]

A razor saw is a much better bet. They remove a lot less material and are a lot easier to control. Last month I got one of these http://www.shesto.co.uk/p1272/Zona_#050_Superfine_Razor_Saw/product_info.html
and its the best saw I've ever had.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Yes, I bought one of those from Hobbycraft a couple of years ago - rather SWMBO bought it for me as a birthday present.

But, I think it lacks.............oomph. Try this instead

http://www.streetfire.net/video/v8-chainsaw-talk-about-amazing_17174.htm

 

[ntpntpntp]

Yes I agree, use a razor saw. Better than (say) a junior hack-saw.

X-Acto is a reasonably well known brand in hobbyist circles, quite often to be found model shops. You can get various depths of blade and teeth pitch.

http://www.xacto.com/Product/X75300

I'd go for a fine pitch (small teeth) and a deep blade.

 

[steven large]

mr spockie did hack his bobber caboose with razor saw!! very good and neat!!! wink...

 

[C&S]

If you cut up a Big Hauler boxcar by counting planks from one end, beware. The doors are not opposite each other, but are slightly offset. Decide where you want to cut on one side, but mark with a ruler on the opposite side.

I cut up mine with a razor saw. It may be easier if you get a bit of wood to put inside the body shell to support the body while you are making the cuts.

 

[JRinTawa]

Yes a razor saw. One thing you can do is scribe the cut line first with several pass with a scalpel or craft knife leaving a moderately deep cut. I find by doing that I can follow the scribed line easier than say a pencil line and I guess the razor saw sort of follows the scribed/cut line than wanders.

 

[CoggesRailway]

Many thnaks for the tips I will let you know how i get on. thanks especially for the tip about the doors not being opposite - would have resulted in some frustration!!

 

[Rod Fearnley]

I chop all my Big Hauler stock with a band saw. Works well enough for me, as I recover all of the original with foil or new plastic skin. Modernisation in progress.
Rod

 

[Woderwick]

Razor saw, and dont cut the groove between the planks, you will have a hard time getting the join even. Much easier to cut down a plank slightly off centre each side to allow for that tiny bit the saw cuts away. It is a small amount, but it is noticable if you cut between the planks or dead centre of a plank.

Here is a pax and baggage car I made from 2 combines using that principle. Cladding as Rod says is an option, easier still as shown below.

Bye now