Gn15 Narrow Gauge Water Tank - with wheels

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do I receive in this kit?

You receive one bogie frame, one single large water tank body and one pair of 12.5 mm diameter wheels. The kit is supplied unassembled and unpainted, ready for you to clean up, prime and paint in your own livery.

What scale or gauge is this water tank designed for?

This water tank is designed specifically for GN‑15 operations, making it ideal for GN‑15 layouts and compatible narrow gauge industrial or railway scenes in that scale.

Is the model supplied painted like in the photos?

No, the photos show my own painted example for inspiration only. Your kit will arrive unpainted in resin, so you can finish it in your own colours and weathering style.

What material is the kit made from?

The parts are made from high‑quality resin. Resin gives you crisp detail and a sturdy build, but it should still be handled with care as it can be delicate, especially on finer sections.

Is this suitable for beginners to model railways?

Yes, it is suitable for anyone comfortable with basic model handling. You will need to do a little fine sanding, some test‑fitting and gluing, plus priming and painting. If you are new, just take your time and dry‑fit parts before committing to glue.

What can I use this water tank for on my layout?

The tank is ideal for supplying water to your railway locomotives, industrial facilities or lineside customers. It also works well as a general liquid tanker for deliveries around a GN‑15 industrial or rural scene.

The parts arrived with visible support marks. Is this normal?

Yes, some support marks are normal with resin printing. I do my best to remove them before shipping, but they cannot always be completely eliminated. A little fine sanding or scraping will usually tidy them up before priming.

My resin parts seem slightly warped or twisted. What should I do?

Minor warping can sometimes occur with resin parts. You can usually correct this by gently warming the part in warm (not boiling) water, carefully bending it back into shape and then holding it in position under cold water until it sets again.

The wheels do not turn freely in the bogie frame. How can I fix this?

Check for any small bits of resin or sanding dust in the axle slots and gently clean them out. Lightly sand or scrape any tight spots inside the bogie frame, then re‑fit the wheels and test again. Do not force the axles, as that can stress the resin.

A small detail has broken off in transit. Can it be repaired?

In most cases, yes. Resin glues back very well with a small amount of cyanoacrylate (super glue). Make sure the broken surfaces are clean and dry, test‑fit the piece, then apply a tiny drop of glue and hold until set.

The tank does not sit level on the bogie frame. What should I check?

First, make sure there are no bits of resin, sprue or sanding debris on the mating surfaces. Lightly sand any high spots on the underside of the tank or the top of the bogie frame. Dry‑fit and adjust until the tank sits level, then glue in place.

The paint finish looks rough after spraying. What might be wrong?

A rough finish usually means the surface was not smooth or clean before painting, or the paint was applied too thickly. Gently sand the affected area with fine‑grade paper, clean off dust, re‑prime if needed and then apply several light coats of paint rather than one heavy coat.

How should I prepare the resin parts before assembly?

Careful preparation makes a big difference to the final result. I recommend:

• Gently washing the parts in warm, soapy water and letting them dry fully.
• Inspecting for any remaining support marks and removing them with a fine file or sanding stick.
• Dry‑fitting the tank, bogie frame and wheels before using any glue.

What type of glue should I use on this kit?

Because the model is resin, use a good quality cyanoacrylate (super glue) or a dedicated resin adhesive. Apply sparingly with a cocktail stick or fine applicator so you do not flood the details or the wheel areas.

Do I need to prime the model before painting?

Yes, priming is strongly recommended. A suitable primer for resin will help paint adhere properly and reveal any small imperfections that may need a final sand before you move on to your main colours.

What kind of paints work best on this resin water tank?

Both acrylic and enamel hobby paints work well on properly primed resin. Many modellers prefer acrylics for their quick drying time and easy clean‑up. Whatever you choose, apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Any tips for painting and weathering to make it look realistic?

Keep it simple and build up effects gradually. A basic approach is:

• Apply a solid base colour over your primer.
• Add a slightly lighter shade in the centre of panels for a bit of depth.
• Use thin washes or dry‑brushing to pick out rivets, seams and edges.
• Finish with subtle rust streaks, dust or water stains to suit your layout’s environment.

Should I assemble everything before painting, or paint parts separately?

Either approach works, but many modellers find it easiest to paint the tank and bogie frame separately, then assemble and touch up joints afterwards. You can also leave the wheels off until the end to avoid getting paint on the treads.