For years now, many HO scale modelers have noticed the numerous releases of exquisitely weathered N scale rolling stock produced by Micro-Trains as part of its “Grit N’ Grime’ series.  Now, Micro-Trains is collaborating with Accurail to deliver HO scale freight car kits with this same level of highly intricate weathering.  Its first HO “Grit N’ Grime” series release is a trio of 2-bay ACF covered hoppers painted and prototypically weathered after actual cars from three different railroads – NS/ex-Southern, BN/ex-Frisco and Union Pacific/ex-CNW.

The actual car upon this kit was modeled after, seen here in  Dallas, Texas on September 14, 2014. Photo by Roberto Alaniz.

Each of these models begin with Accurail’s standard 2-bay covered hopper kit that represents a 2970 or 2980 cubic foot car built by American Car & Foundry (ACF). Micro-Trains applies paint and lettering followed by its proprietary high-resolution weathering process. All that the modeler needs to do is to put together this easy-to-build “shake-the-box” kit.

Liveries include Union Pacific (ex-Chicago & North Western), CSX (ex-WM), Burlington Northern (ex-Frisco), and Norfolk Southern (ex-Southern Railway).

Eack kit retails for $49.95 MSRP,  Cars arriving now at your favorite dealer or direct while supplies last.

Micro-Trains, 351 Rogue River Parkway / PO Box 1200, Talent, OR 97540; www.micro-trains.com

Note the intricately finished rust and cement dust effects straight out of the box.  Each side of the car features different weathering patterns corresponding to prototype photos.

With just a screwdriver, a hobby knife, a little glue and part of a free evening, modelers of any skill level can now enjoy a masterpiece of weathering on their layout with HO scale “Grit N’ Grime” rolling stock kits from Micro-Trains.