How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help to build a complicated kit “Right The First Time” – this from an old engineer.
Often times an O Scale kit comes with some fairly comprehensive instructions telling the modeler how to go about assembling and building out the kit. The creator of the kit basically designed it from the ground up, i.e., from scratch, but along the way might have taken some liberty to make certain things easier for the craftsman. Given we all have differing skill levels and knowledge about materials, some kit projects can be intimidating especially for those of us with less experience.
Here is a simple procedure to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT to help with this endeavor. In almost all cases, the authors of the kit will recommend doing a verification of the parts list and doing a pre-read of the instructions before starting. What you may not know is that you can take those step-by-step instructions and scan them, with your smartphone via Optical Character Recognition (OCR), into text that you can feed into the chat box with CHATGPT and ask it to do the following:
“Can you analyze the following instructions for building a box car kit, optimize or make suggestions regarding the assembly process?”
Then you paste in the text of instructions from the file saved on your phones OCR. As an example, I pasted in the instructions for the All Nation 40′ Steel Box Car and the analysis came back very quickly. The results were very interesting with suggestions and heads up type of ideas. Consequently, I found that the analysis might provide more clarity for the instructions and how to look out for potential mis-steps when doing the assembly.
The input I provided to the Chat Box from the OCR text for the 40′ Steel Box Car (i.e., from the original paper instructions) for analysis was as follows:
1. Assemble and mount metal underframe to wood floor. This assembly is held in place by means of the two bolster mounting blocks, part #3049. The round portions of the blocks fit into the predrilled holes in the wood floor as shown in drawing and held in place by means of two #4-40 screws used with two flat washers. Proper placement of cross braces can be determined by referring to the drawing and to the metal sides to be used.
2. Assemble wood ends, wood roof, and wood floor together using #20 wire brads and cement if desired. Make certain that the wood body is assembled with the floor, roof, and ends square with each other.
3. Use a #70 drill to drill the holes necessary for mounting the brake platform, ladders, brake housing, and roof walk supports and a #70 drill for the grab iron mounting holes and brake wheel mounting hole. The location of metal roof over the metal ends. If too tight, sand off ends of wood roof until metal roof fits snuggly over metal ends. The ends may now be mounted, making sure that they are centered from side to side and are flush at the roof, so that the metal roof will fit down properly over the ends.
4. Press the metal roof down over the wood roof making sure that it overlaps the ends and that it is down all the way. PLEASE NOTE: In our roof stamping operation, a curved corner results due to the die cut-off. File this small corner (or tip) flat with plane of end and side flange. Fasten down by nailing through each of four holes about ¼”‘ from each end. Next nail roof ribs in the center after which the ribs are gently bent over the edge of the roof and nailed in place. There are only Il roof ribs on this car. The first rib on each end is 7/8″ from the end. For cars with wood roof walks: Cut 10 pieces 11/32 long from 1/16 sq. bass wood strip.
File or sand one side of each piece to match contour of roof at center. Cement these pieces in center of raised roof panel sections using Walthers Goo or Adron Alphelcement or Epoxy. Make sure they are centered on the roof and edges are in a straight line. Cement roof walk to these pieces, centering the walk over the ends. Cut four pieces from 1/16 sq. basswood long enough for end walk supports. Cement first piece to roof 1/8″ from end, second piece 1/2″‘ from end. Cement end walk to these pieces. Drill holes for roof grabs through both end walk and supports.
5. For Cars With Brass Blaw-Knox Roof Walks: Trim ends of roof walk to 10 and 9/16″‘ overall; this will leave a crossbar at each end. Lay on roof ribs and center both ways. Glue or solder sides of walk to roof ribs. Pin roof walk end supports to end of car so that the walk is supported straight out from the last rib. Glue or solder the walk to the support. Fasten end walks flush to roof walk with outer end fastened to roof. Drill for corner grabs thru perforations in end walk. If you choose to solder roof walks in place, start at center and work to the ends making sure the walk stays lined up over center of roof. After this is done, roof walk sup-ports, roof end platforms, and roof hand holds can be installed. Fasten AB brake set in place using model airplane cement and mount coupler pockets, first drilling mounting holes. (Coupler pocket on scale car only).
6. Before installing the painted and lettered sides, the entire car as built so far should be painted. The roof, ends. and underbody are painted according to the paint and scheme list which is included in the kit. The matching colors for the All-Nation kit are stated on the carton label. The metal parts should of course be cleaned with a good solvent such as naptha or lacquer thinner to remove traces of oil or solder flux. At the same time the car is painted the ladders, steps, grab irons, door channels and doors which will be used on the sides should also be painted.
7. The final step in completing this kit is to install the sides, mount the doors and hardware, and touch up the heads of the escutcheon pins used to mount the sides and hardware. The sides are mounted by sliding them underneath the side overlap on the ends, and fastening in place with escutcheon pins. It may be necessary to trim the ends to ensure the sides laying flat. Do this carefully, removing the same amount from each end.
Here is the first response from the AI ChatGPT analysis of the original instructions:
“Based on your assembly instructions, I see some opportunities to improve efficiency, ensure structural integrity earlier, and optimize alignment for smoother assembly. Here’s my revised procedure, designed to reduce handling issues and streamline workflow:”
Step 1: Prepare and Clean Components
Clean metal parts using naptha or lacquer thinner to remove oil and solder flux.
Pre-paint smaller details like grab irons, ladders, brake components, and couplers.
Pre-drill mounting holes for parts requiring attachment later (brake housing, ladders, etc.).
Step 2: Assemble Structural Base (Underframe & Floor)
Mount metal underframe to wood floor, securing it with bolster mounting blocks (PN3049).
Use #4-40 screws with flat washers for reinforcement.
Install cross braces now to prevent misalignment later.
Step 3: Assemble Core Box Structure (Walls & Roof)
Attach wood ends to the wood floor, ensuring they are perfectly square.
Fix wood roof to the structure using #20 wire brads and optional adhesive.
Step 4: Fit Metal Components (Roof, Ends & Walks)
Metal roof should be test-fit over wood roof before fastening the ends.
Adjust the fit of metal ends so they align flush with the roof.
Secure metal roof by fastening through pre-drilled holes (¼” from each end).
Install roof ribs centrally, bending and fastening them into position.
Step 5: Install Roof Walks & Detail Components
Wood roof walks: Create spacers from basswood strips and cement them into place.
Brass Blaw-Knox roof walks: Trim to size and solder/glue onto roof ribs.
Attach roof walk supports, roof end platforms, and roof hand holds.
Step 6: Install Brake System & Couplers
Mount AB brake set using model airplane cement.
Drill mounting holes for coupler pockets before attaching them securely.
Step 7: Final Painting & Side Installation
Paint the roof, ends, and underbody as per kit instructions.
Slide pre-painted sides underneath end overlap, fastening them with escutcheon pins.
Mount boxcar doors and door hardware.
Touch up fastener heads to blend with the final finish.
Following these suggestions,
ChatGPT said:
“Thanks for sharing the box car kit instructions! Overall, the process is logical and comprehensive. However, there are several opportunities to optimize workflow, increase clarity, and prevent errors. Below is a detailed analysis and suggestions for each step:”
🔧 General Suggestions
Tool/Material List
Include a checklist of required tools and materials at the start (e.g., drill bits, adhesives, soldering tools, paints, screws, etc.).
Safety Note
Add a safety advisory for using naptha, lacquer thinner, and soldering tools.
Parallel Processing
Suggest which steps (e.g., painting, drilling, or pre-fitting) can be done concurrently to save time.
📦 Step-by-Step Analysis & Suggestions
Step 1: Prepare and Clean Components
✅ What’s Good:
Logical start to ensure parts are ready for assembly.
💡 Suggestions:
Clarify drying time after cleaning (e.g., “Allow parts to dry for 10–15 minutes before handling”).
For painting: specify type of paint (e.g., enamel, acrylic), primer recommendation, and if masking is needed.
Step 2: Assemble Structural Base
✅ What’s Good:
Early reinforcement and structural alignment steps are helpful.
💡 Suggestions:
Clarify whether the #4-40 screws are self-tapping or if a pilot hole is needed.
Specify spacing for cross braces and consider suggesting temporary clamps during installation to ensure squareness.
Step 3: Core Box Structure (Walls & Roof)
✅ What’s Good:
Emphasis on squareness is critical for later alignment.
💡 Suggestions:
Recommend dry-fitting walls and roof before applying any adhesive or nails.
Mention to check roof alignment from multiple angles (e.g., top-down and side view) to ensure symmetry.
Step 4: Fit Metal Components
✅ What’s Good:
Proper sequencing: test-fit before committing to attachment.
💡 Suggestions:
Clarify whether fasteners are provided for metal roof, or if adhesive is needed.
Recommend using a soft-jaw clamp or wood block to avoid damaging thin metal parts while fitting.
Consider adding a note to deburr or smooth metal edges.
Step 5: Roof Walks & Details
✅ What’s Good:
Good distinction between wood and brass walk types.
💡 Suggestions:
Indicate drying time for cement and solder.
For brass: suggest light sanding of contact areas before soldering for better adhesion.
Recommend installation order (supports first, then platform, then handholds) to improve alignment.
Step 6: Brake System & Couplers
✅ What’s Good:
Logical to install functional parts after core structure is stable.
💡 Suggestions:
Suggest testing coupler alignment with a gauge (like Kadee coupler height gauge) before final attachment.
Specify brake system orientation (e.g., “triple valve should face toward the B-end of the car”).
Step 7: Final Painting & Sides
✅ What’s Good:
Smart to paint major areas before attaching fragile parts like doors.
💡 Suggestions:
Recommend masking techniques to protect painted surfaces while handling the car.
Add a note on curing time before handling freshly painted parts.
Escutcheon pins: suggest using a pin vise or awl to start holes for better accuracy.
🧠 Optional Enhancements
Exploded Diagram or Assembly Sketch: Especially helpful for beginners.
Checklist Box for Each Step: Users can track progress easily.
Estimated Time Per Step: Helps with planning and pacing.
In conclusion, your mileage may vary depending on the instructions you give for analysis; however, it gives the modeler another view point before embarking on the journey to build a kit that is more than just shaking the box of parts to get a finished master piece. The ChatGPT can even reformat its output for printing or to a pdf file for a further reference while building the kit.
Although a bit different approach, maybe from your great grandfather, none-the-less, it is an interesting way to move forward.
