OO9 009 Prototype Tram/ Railcar for KATO 103 / 109 / 105

FAQ – Product FAQs

What exactly is included with this OO9 railcar kit?

The kit includes the resin railcar body, separate roof and separate interior seating unit, plus brass rod for the window guards and a simple bending jig. All parts are supplied unassembled (where applicable), unprimed and unpainted, with all printing supports removed. The KATO chassis shown in some photos is for illustration only and is not included.

Which KATO chassis will this body fit?

The body is designed to use either a KATO 103, 105 or 109 chassis for motive power. Simply choose the chassis option you prefer when ordering, then clip your own KATO chassis into the body during assembly.

Is the model ready to run out of the box?

No, this is a kit intended for modellers. You will need to supply your own KATO 103, 105 or 109 chassis, assemble the parts, and then prime and paint the model. The resin parts are cleaned and cured by hand, but some minor finishing and painting are still required.

Where is the model produced and what material is used?

The railcar is printed in-house in the UK using high-detail resin. Each piece is cleaned, cured and checked by hand before packing.

Is the model already drilled for window guards?

Yes, the body is printed with 0.9 mm holes for the window rails. Brass rod and a simple bending jig are included so you can form and fit the window guards easily if you want that extra level of detail.

How is the kit packaged and shipped?

The kit is dispatched new 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 partly made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, and the internal packing is acid-free and made from 99% recycled pulp fibres.

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

First, ensure you are using a compatible KATO 103, 105 or 109 chassis. Check that there is no stray resin or flash inside the body where the chassis clips in. A very light clean-up with a fine file can help if there are tiny ridges. Make sure the chassis is fully seated at one end before gently pressing the other end into place until it clicks.

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

The roof is designed as a simple push-fit onto the body. If it is too tight, lightly sand the inner roof edges or the top of the body with fine wet-and-dry paper, testing frequently. If it is too loose, a tiny amount of removable tack or a very small dab of canopy glue at the corners (once painted) can help hold it in place without making it permanent.

There are faint lines or marks on the resin. Is this normal?

All items are cleaned and cured by hand and we do our best to remove support marks. Very fine layer lines or slight marks can still appear on high-detail resin prints. These are normal and can usually be removed with gentle sanding using fine-grit paper before priming.

My kit arrived with damage from the post. What should I do?

If the piece has clearly been damaged in transit, please take clear photos of the damage and the packaging as soon as possible. Contact the seller with these images so they can review the situation and see what can be done to help.

I accidentally broke a part while handling it. Can this be replaced?

Resin can be quite delicate and we cannot be responsible for breakages after delivery. However, if you have a breakage, it is still worth contacting the seller with photos. In some cases, advice on repair or options for replacement parts may be available at their discretion.

How should I prepare the parts before painting?

Although the parts are cleaned and cured by hand, it is good practice to give them a gentle wash in warm (not hot) soapy water, rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely. Then lightly sand any remaining support marks or imperfections with fine-grit paper. Once you are happy with the surface, you can apply a suitable primer for resin before painting.

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

Use a primer designed for plastic or resin models to give your paint a good key. After priming, acrylic or enamel hobby paints both work well. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick one to preserve the fine detail. Always follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.

How do I assemble and paint the interior seating?

The interior seating is a separate piece so you can paint it independently from the body. It is best to:

• Prime and paint the seating unit off the model.
• Add any driver and passengers you wish while the interior is separate.
• Once fully dry, drop the interior into the body; it is designed to sit in place and cover the motor.

When should I fit the roof during painting?

The roof is a push-fit so you can keep it separate for painting. Most modellers find it easiest to:

• Prime and paint the body and roof separately.
• Complete any weathering and varnish coats.
• Install the painted interior and chassis.
• Finally, push-fit the roof once everything is dry.

How do I bend and fit the brass window guards accurately?

Use the supplied bending jig to get consistent spacing:

• Cut a length of brass rod slightly longer than needed.
• Place it in the jig and bend it carefully to match the required shape.
• Test-fit the guard in the 0.9 mm holes on the body and trim if necessary.
• Once you are happy with the fit, fix the guards in place with a tiny amount of suitable model adhesive, taking care not to flood the holes.