009 Prototype Maintenance / Inspection car for KATO 103 - OO9

This is a OO9 Maintenance car that requires the older KATO 103 chassis. It fits easily into place onto the chassis and clips into place and is held by the sub chassis. The main body is a drop fit onto the sub-chassis and allows for painting prior to assembly. In addition there is a seperate load for the rear that covers the Kato motor and features a hydraulic jib, an oil drum , excavator trenching bucket and a box. Suitable items for trackside maintenance. The kit is printed using high detail resin in the UK , see my other listing if you want to use one with the later KATO 109 chassis instead.

The sale is for the body, sub-chassis and loading area only, it is unpainted and supplied without the KATO chassis which is shown for information only.

The first picture shows the kit painted and there is one with a coat of grey primer so you can see how good the finish is.

May require some minor finishing if required before painting. Condition is New and is dispatched by Royal Mail. Our packaging is Eco friendly, the exterior packing is made in part from Recycled Materials and is fully recyclable, the interior packing materials are acid free and made from 99% recycled pulp fibres.

Finishing: All items are cleaned and cured by hand. They are unassembled (if needed). Ready for you to prime and paint.

FAQ – Product FAQs

OO9 Maintenance Car – Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is included in this OO9 Maintenance Car kit?

The sale is for the OO9 maintenance car body, the sub-chassis and the rear loading area only. These parts are supplied unassembled (where needed), unprimed and unpainted, with all printing supports removed. The KATO chassis shown in any photos is for illustration only and is not included.

Which chassis does this body fit?

This maintenance car is designed specifically to fit the older KATO 103 chassis. It clips easily onto the 103 chassis and is held in place by the sub-chassis. If you want to use the later KATO 109 chassis, please refer to the separate listing made for that version.

Is the model supplied painted or ready-to-run?

No, this is a kit for modellers. All pieces are supplied unprimed and unpainted, and the KATO chassis is not included. The main body is designed as a drop-fit onto the sub-chassis so you can paint the parts separately before final assembly.

What is the rear load and what details are included?

The kit includes a separate rear load that covers the KATO motor. This load features a hydraulic jib, an oil drum, an excavator trenching bucket and a box, giving a suitable trackside maintenance appearance once painted and fitted.

How is the model produced and where is it made?

The kit is printed in high-detail resin in the UK. All items are cleaned and cured by hand before dispatch, with supports removed to make preparation easier for you.

How is the item packaged and shipped?

The model is supplied new and dispatched by Royal Mail. 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.

My body doesn’t seem to clip properly onto the KATO 103 chassis. What should I check?

First, ensure you are using the older KATO 103 chassis and not the 109 version. Check that the chassis is clean and free of flash or debris, and that the sub-chassis is fully seated. The body is designed as a drop fit onto the sub-chassis, so make sure it is aligned correctly and pressed down evenly along its length.

The rear load is not sitting flat over the motor. How can I fix this?

Check for any small bits of resin or leftover support marks on the underside of the load and on the top of the motor area. A little gentle sanding on high spots can help it sit flat. Take care not to remove too much material; test-fit frequently as you go.

I can see faint support marks on the resin. Is this normal?

Yes, while we do our very best to remove support marks, some fine sanding may still be required. Lightly sand the affected areas with fine abrasive paper or sanding sticks until smooth, then clean off any dust before priming.

Some parts look slightly rough or have tiny lines. What should I do before painting?

Minor finishing is sometimes needed with high-detail resin. Gently sand any rough areas or visible layer lines, then wash the parts in mild soapy water, rinse and allow to dry fully. Once clean and dry, they are ready for primer.

A part arrived broken in the post. Can you help?

If the piece has been damaged in transit, please take clear photos of the damage and the packaging and get in touch. We will review the images and see what we can do to help put things right. We cannot be responsible for breakages that occur after delivery, so please handle the resin carefully.

How do I assemble the body, sub-chassis and load?

The sub-chassis first clips onto the KATO 103 chassis. The main body is a simple drop fit onto the sub-chassis, allowing you to paint both parts separately beforehand. Once the body is in place, the separate rear load is positioned over the motor area at the back. Test-fit everything before final painting and weathering.

Can I paint the parts before assembly?

Yes, the kit is designed with painting in mind. The main body being a drop fit onto the sub-chassis means you can prime and paint the components separately for easier detailing, then assemble once the paint has fully cured.

What type of preparation is recommended before priming?

All parts are cleaned and cured by hand, but it is still good practice to:

• Inspect for any remaining support marks and lightly sand them.
• Gently sand any minor imperfections or layer lines.
• Wash the parts in warm, mild soapy water, then rinse and let them dry completely.

Do I need any special tools to work with the resin parts?

No special tools are required beyond typical modelling tools. A sharp hobby knife, fine sanding sticks or papers, and small files are usually sufficient for cleaning up and fitting. Always work gently, as resin can be delicate.

Is the resin fragile and how should I handle it?

Resin can be quite delicate, especially on finer details like the hydraulic jib and smaller accessories. Avoid dropping the parts or applying excessive force when sanding or fitting. Handle the model by the sturdier sections where possible and store it safely while working.