Most of our parts are injection molded in medium impact gray poly-styrene.  Where bearing surfaces or parts are subject to breakage from handling, a few parts are modeled in DelrinÒ, in appropriate colors. 

Parts shown in our catalogs and in the website are molded in Styrene, unless otherwise noted.  All parts are drawn actual size.  In some cases where enlargement is used to show detail, a black silhouette shows actual size. 

Prototypes for Grandt Line components are thoroughly researched.  Our parts are as accurate as our information and the manufacturing process permit.

Styrene parts may be cemented to other styrene parts using Testors Liquid or other liquid cements.  Apply the liquid sparingly, using a 5-0 brush.  Glue will not adhere to DelrinÒ parts.  It is necessary to surround these parts with cement.  Styrene and DelrinÒ parts may be applied to wood using any of the instant-set adhesives, such as S-Dine, Eastman 910, Locktite 404 or Crazy Glue. 

Before assembling plastic models, a good modeler removes parting lines and sprue marks.  This may be done with a razor knife or a small file.  If a part should break during handling or assembly, cement it at the break (holding slight pressure) and allow it to dry for at least ten minutes.

General preparation of parts consists of cutting parts off of their sprues and filing parting lines and gate marks.  When necessary, you may need to ream holes in pipe fittings to slide on the brass or plastic  “piping”.  Whenever possible, leave sprues on small parts to act a handles when cleaning those parts.  Trim off the sprue just before assembly.

In working with our parts, we have found some basic tools and materials helpful. 
The following are suggested:

                 Pin vise
                Small drills:  See your instruction sheet for sizes required
                X-ActoÒ modeling knife and blades
                A pair of small needle-nose pliers
                Flush-cut diagonal cutters
                A new 8" or 10" mill smooth file (don’t use for anything but plastic)
                Emery boards
                Tweezers
                A surface plate (or other flat surface) for alignment
                Liquid cement for styrene (such as Testor’sÒ or PlastructÒ) and ACC (such as Crazy GlueÒ)
                A 4-0 or 5-0 brush for applying cement
                Paints of your choice (see painting suggestions further on)

As mentioned previously,, two types of cement are recommended.  Alpha Cyanoacrylate (ACC or CA) and Liquid Cement for Styrene (Testor’s LiquidÒ or Plastruct BondeneÒ).  The liquid cements are slow setting, but quite strong.  Use them to weld styrene parts to other styrene parts.  In our instructions, the word “cement” is used where application of liquid cement is necessary.  Use of ACC or  CA is required to fasten DelrinÒ  parts in place and to attach styrene to metal and other surfaces.  In our instructions, “ACC” or “CA” indicate usage of this product.

NOTE:  When cementing metal to metal, metal to DelrinÒ or Delrin to styrene, see that ACC surrounds the joint or surrounds the Delrin pins.    This is the only way that Delrin can be secured.  Only a small amount of ACC is necessary for a good bond.

We have designed our kits to be assembled by modelers of average skill.  However, many of our  kits contain a number of  parts and assembly should be done in the sequences suggested.  Each kit comes with detailed, illustrated instructions.  Please read the instructions thoroughly before starting assembly.  This will help you to understand what must be completed in the sequences given in the instructions.  Plans are usually separate from the text describing assembly steps to aid in referral to them while reading the descriptions of each step.

In the more involved car and loco kits, parts are packaged in small bags, each of which is labeled with a list of parts contained in that bag.  These, in addition to our standard parts ID pages in the instructions, should aid in identification.  We suggest that as each bag is  opened, you staple the parts listing back onto the opened bag in such a way that you can remove parts from it without misplacing the list.  Check each package for any missing or damaged parts.  We will replace any such parts upon receipt of the enclosed coupon.  If you keep all as yet unused parts in their numbered bags, it is easy to locate needed parts.

Plans and/or photos are available from the following sources:

Coronado Scale Models      1544 E. Cypress Street, Phoenix, AZ  75006
Underground Railroad Press:  216 S. Broad Street, PMB 4  Brevard, NC  28712-3702
Maxwell  Collection            www.coloNG.com
R/Robb Ltd.                           PO Box 649, Union City, CA  94587
Denver Public Library Photographic Collection:  http://photoswest.org/
Library of Congress:   http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/fsowhome.html

We feel that the most accurate plans and information are available from these sources. 
Accurate drawings have also been published by Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman.