WM #62 F7A from Highliners Kit - Pilot
Install Pilot
This is the Pilot to use on the WM. Note the parting lines on the "plow"
to the bottom right and bottom left. Be sure to sand these off with 1000
and 1500 grit sandpaper before assembling with the body.
Before installing the pilot, you may want to epoxy in place the photo-etched
steps. I did not yet have the epoxy when I put these together, so I
installed the pilot without them. I will install the steps at a later time,
before painting.
Installing the pilot was the second trouble spot for me with this kit. I
couldn't get the pilot to sit squarely on the bottom of the nose. No
matter which way I put it in, or what I sanded, there was always a gap.
To try and minimize the gap, I weighted the top of the locomotive while the
pilot glue was drying. It helped, but only marginally.
Here is a close up of the gap on the left side. Even though the detail
makes filling difficult, I think I might be able to get a pin in there with
some thin putty or CA. You can only even out the pilot so much before you
start to destroy rivet detail. Same goes for the body and the horizontal
flange detail. You can also see the gap to the far left. It looks
worse in this closeup :-)
To glue the pilot in place, apply cement to the inside lip and hold in place
until it sets. Try to even out any gaps
Install Pilot Bumper
You can see the Pilot Bumper installed in the photo above. Simply apply
some cement inside the locator hole on the front and install the bumper,
lip-side down. It is made to stick out a bit just like the real thing.
Next Step Number Boards
If you find the information on this page useful or interesting, please take a
moment to sign my guestbook.
Thanks!
|