Improvement to my Menard Flat Car and vehicle purchased

When I saw the recent Menard ad for Free Lighted Grey lighted pickup truck (with a 19.99 purchase), I said why not. Besides what railroad can't use another flat car which I purchased with a Railway Express Van on top. When one checks out what vehicles cost alone, (check out Woodlands price on lighted vehicles)n and flat cars. These are bargains.

Between ordering and receiving was only 4 days. First thing I did was check wheels and running on track and through switches, then couplers. Everything worked great and rolled freely down the tracks with a gentle push. (this is how I check every car I purchase).

Several things I needed to do though. Fill in holes in flat car deck, I used DAK plastic wood putty using a razor blade and edge to bring back the board grooves. Darken and age the deck. Used burn Umber and Black washes. Remove the "Made by Menard" on both sides of car. I used a Q Tip and 91% Alcohol. (Dip Q Tip in Alcohole and touch the wording, the gentle rub it away and wipe with a slightly damp water wet towel).

The Panel Van was to shiny, I dissembled (2 small screws on bottom), took windows out and Matte Flat rattle canned the van parts. Decided to add a driver so found one in my parts bin, painted a dark green uniform. Sorry I forgot to take a picture of the separate interior, but note the seat is high so had to cut seated figure just below his belt line to get the proper fit and seating position.

I'll finish airbrushing flat car wheels and couplers with a rust acrylic paint later. 

Hope this gives an idea on how these Menard Products can be improved with very little work. Total, less then an hour work, not including drying times.