HO scale Thrall 89' DODX flatcar kitbash aids

Kitbashing aid to create a representation of a Thrall built DODX 89' flatcar by overlaying a new deck and side sills over an Atlas 89' flatcar - the DODX cars are a little taller (thicker deck) and wider than old piggyback flats so I don't think this approach looks too bad.

The prototype cars of this type are owned by the US military and are used for moving military equipment between various sites - they have the capability of loading containers or vehicles, with four tracks in the centre of the deck for tying down vehicle loads. The Thrall built ones seem to have been delivered around 2000-2001.

3mf file contains 5 plates:
2 versions of the deck piece, the one I initially copied seems to have been missing the covers from the container pedestal pockets so that has holes in it, I later added a deck with the pockets covered which is probably more common
2 versions of the side pieces, one prints better but leaves you with a funny angled block, the other doesn't print quite so easily but is probably the better shape.

There's also some container pocket covers but those are untested.

These will just fit on the plate on my A1 placed diagonally - If you have an A1 mini these won't fit as designed, but feel free to download and chop in half, it'll give you a little more filling and filing but will probably still get you to the same place in the end.

1. Refer to photo's - try railcarphotos.com  or https://www.rrpicturearchives.net to get some images to help - similar 89' flats are in the DODX 42xxx series, with the Thrall built ones the higher numbers from 42354 to 42535
2. Take the Atlas 89' flatcar and remove the handbrake lever and rod from the side and keep that for later, remove the handrails from the sides also - end ones can stay if you like, the stirrups can also stay.

3. Use a file on the top and end of the metal body to flatten everything that isn't a separate part that can be removed, as well as the lumpy bits above the truck bolsters on the sides - the metal is quite soft so shouldn't take you too long - see the image for an idea of which bits to file down flat.
4. Glue the deck of choice on top making sure it is central

5. Once the deck is glued on and set, glue the sides to the underside of the deck and the sides of the metal shell - it will look rough, don't worry.
6. Once the sides are set run a load of filler down the gaps between the sides and deck

7. When the filler is set, carve/sand back to get the finished body shape.

8. Primer, paint (I used The Army Painter daemonic yellow to get a brighter than TTX yellow for the top coat) - then decal to taste - K4 decals does a great decal set that covers this specific type of car, the HO scale set will cover a pair of cars of this type as well as some bits useful for other types. https://k4decals.com/products/department-of-defense-army-dodx-flat-car-decal-dodx

Again - i'll stress very much a kitbashing aid to get a representation of a car not otherwise available and for which just repainting a stock one would look wrong as no commercial 89' flatcar has the thick deck and DODX style details on top.

Anyway - hope they are of use, have fun. I have a couple of other files that i've been working on for a military train project also so will upload those too.

 EDIT - for clarity, the donor model to add these parts to is the Atlas Master ACF 89' flatcar, not the F89J “bowl deck” car.