The all-plastic version looks much better to my eye. I'd just trim the boltheads using a blade rather than filing, as that creates less mess, but good work!
Adam
I did try trimming them using a blade but I find it easier and safer (for both my fingers and the model) to file them. I brush them with MEK after filing to take the roughness off the edges.
I have been doing more of the same with a wagon scratch-build. Although these are main line, rather than industrial, they will run on my pre-grouping era mineral/light railway. First-off is an NBL van.
The body is built entirely from scratch, using plastikard. The frames are Ratio whilst the buffers are proprietary turned brass items.
The NBL van in primer.
Next up is an ancient Triang van, which I converted into a reasonable approximation of a L&Y Diagram 3 van.
Chopping out sections of the body to recess the new headstocks.
Roof hatch, headstocks and solebars made from plastikard. Buffers, running gear and brake gear are etched brass and whitemetal from 51L Models.
And finally, Hornby's old favourite, the 'Prime Pork' van. I had one of these in my very first trainset. It resembles a Hull & Barnsley van, so that's what it is to become.
There's not much to do with this one, except for replace the frames, which I did by using various bits of plastic kit parts. And make a new roof, from plastikard, as the original looked to be too thick.
Brakes on one side only.
All three are awaiting finish painting, transfers, couplings and weathering.