OO9 009 Prototype Railbus for KATO 103 / 109 / 105

FAQ – Product FAQs

OO9 Railbus Body, Roof & Interior – FAQ

What exactly is included with this OO9 railbus kit?

The sale is for the OO9 railbus body shell, separate roof and separate interior seating only. All parts are supplied unassembled (where applicable), unprimed and unpainted, with all resin supports removed. The KATO chassis shown in some photos is for information only and is not included.

Which chassis does this railbus body fit?

This railbus body is designed to work with either a KATO 103, 105 or 109 chassis. You simply choose the appropriate option from the drop-down menu when ordering.

Is the model supplied painted or ready-painted like in the photos?

No, the model is supplied unpainted. The first pictures show a painted example so you can see the level of detail and the quality of the finish you can achieve after priming and painting.

How are the parts manufactured?

All parts are printed in the UK in high-detail resin. They are cleaned and cured by hand, and supports are removed before dispatch. This gives a crisp, detailed finish that is ready for your own priming and painting.

How is the item packaged and shipped?

The model is dispatched with free postage via eBay Parcel Link (Hermes in the UK and Royal Mail for worldwide orders). Packaging is eco-friendly: the outer packaging is made in part from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, and the inner packing materials are acid-free and made from 99% recycled pulp fibres.

Is this suitable for beginners in OO9 modelling?

The railbus is designed to clip onto the compatible KATO chassis and the roof is a simple push fit, so basic assembly is straightforward. However, as with most resin kits, some minor finishing and painting skills are helpful. A beginner who is comfortable with light sanding, priming and brush or airbrush painting should manage well.

The body doesn’t seem to clip onto my KATO chassis properly. What should I check?

First, confirm that you are using a KATO 103, 105 or 109 chassis, as other chassis will not fit correctly. Check that there are no bits of leftover support material or paint build-up on the inside of the body or on the chassis edges. Lightly clean or very gently sand any tight spots and test-fit again, applying even pressure until it clips into place.

The roof feels too tight or too loose as a push fit. How can I improve the fit?

Because the roof is a push fit, a little adjustment can help. If it is too tight, carefully and lightly sand the contact edges on the roof or body until it slides on smoothly. If it feels a bit loose, a tiny amount of removable tack, or a very small dot of flexible adhesive at the corners (used sparingly) can help hold it in place while still allowing removal for access.

There are visible lines or small marks on the surface. Is this normal?

Some faint support marks or print artefacts can be present on high-detail resin prints. We do our very best to remove support marks, but a little fine sanding is sometimes required before priming. Use fine-grit abrasive (e.g. 800–1200 grit) and sand gently until the surface is smooth.

My model arrived damaged in the post. What should I do?

If the piece appears to have been damaged in transit, please take clear photos of the damage and the packaging as soon as possible. Contact the seller with these images and they will see what they can do to help. Please note that breakages caused after safe delivery (for example, dropping the model) cannot be covered.

The resin feels delicate. How should I handle it during work?

Resin can be quite delicate, especially around thin details. Handle the parts by the more solid sections where possible, avoid flexing thin walls or edges, and work over a soft surface so that if the model slips, it is less likely to be damaged. Try to avoid dropping the parts, as impacts can cause breakages.

Do I need to do any preparation before priming and painting?

All items are cleaned and cured by hand and supplied with supports removed, but we recommend a quick inspection and light preparation. This typically includes:

• Checking for and gently sanding any remaining support marks.
• Lightly smoothing any small surface imperfections.
• Ensuring all parts are free from dust before priming.

What type of paint and primer should I use on the resin parts?

The parts are supplied unprimed and unpainted, ready for you to prime and paint. Use a primer that is suitable for resin or plastic miniatures, applied in light coats. Once primed, you can use your preferred model paints (such as those formulated for plastic models) to achieve the finish you want.

How does the roof and interior fit for painting and final assembly?

The roof is designed as a push fit onto the body so you can paint it separately before final assembly. The interior seating is also a separate piece, allowing you to paint it on its own. Once painted and dry, the interior drops into place inside the body, and the roof can then be pushed on to complete the railbus.

Can I add my own driver and passengers inside the railbus?

Yes. The interior seating is designed so that you can fit your own driver and passenger figures if you wish. Paint the interior first, then add your figures using a suitable adhesive, and finally drop the completed interior into the body before fitting the roof.

Do I need glue to assemble the body, roof and interior?

The body clips onto the compatible KATO chassis and the roof is a push fit onto the body, while the interior simply drops into place. In many cases no glue is strictly necessary, but you may choose to use small amounts of suitable adhesive on non-removable joints if you want a more permanent assembly, taking care not to glue parts you may wish to remove later.