Improving the HOrnby acHO STEF refrigerated wagon (1)

Original page created on 02/05/2013.

In the 1970s, I had already taken over the decoration of these wagons, which I own in triplicate, including two brown end-of-series without marking. In particular, I had assigned to them a UIC number engraved by hand! I would like to do better, because even if their engraving is outdated, I still find them very sympathetic.

What is planned

• replace the standard couplings with elongation drawbars
• put metal axles to NEM standards, with or without spokes
• align the brake blocks with regard to the wheels
• put brass bearings to improve rolling
• replace the buffers with parts of correct length and look
• add some detailing parts (handles, steps)
• improve the marking

Supplies (2009 prices, with exceptions)

Name	Qty	Provider	Ref.	Price
Elongation drawbar (short vehicle)	2	Pierre-Dominique	Roco 40343	22.00 per 12
Wheel set, with ⌀ 12 spoke or plain wheels	2	Micro-modele	PE JR5 PE JR3	1.65
Brass bearing, shouldered, ⌀ 2	4	Micro-modele	PE JR14	5.00 per 50
Convex buffer, burnished brass	4	Micro-modele	LU-Tamp-Bo	6.00 per 20
Brake equipment for five wagons	1 bag	Micro-modele	Makette 2404	7.93
Parker screw 2.2 × 5	2	Micro-modele	DIN 7981 2.2 × 6.5	2.20 per 50
Phillips screw M2 × 5	4	Micro-modele	DIN 7985 M2 × 5	2.95 per 50
Bronze wire ⌀ 0.3	200 mm	Micro-modele	Filbrz 0.30	5.00 per 10 m
Brass angle bracket 1 × 1	200 mm	Micro-modele	L laiton 1x1	2.70 per 0.5 m
“Expanded metal” brass Scale Scenics	Some cm2	Micro-modele	652-3501	€6.00 for an 80 × 150 sheet
Steel sheet 1.5 mm thick	101 × 23	Salvage	—	—
Decal 1	1	TMC	Carpéna 87.60	9.00

1. The decals are a disappointment to me, because the era IV markings are black, while all photos show white text on black background.