TIM BUEHRING'S IM-2 "RAXSTER" Container Stacker - Double-click to enlarge
TIM'S COMMENTS:
Upon recieving a package in the mail I ripped it open to find a Searails Reacher kit inside. I began by reading the inclosed instructions before starting. I then inspected the parts. Putting the lower half of the Hydraulic Cylinders under the Reacher Chassis for shipping purposes is unique. Another item that is unique is the upper half of the Hydraulic Cylinders made to pivot inside of the boom. Perhaps a more simple explanation of this needs to be in the instructions for when I read it, I was slightly confused. Only by inspecting the boom did I notice this unique machining.
Once I established what went where, I assembled the Reacher using a CA Gel (Super-Glue Gel). Once it was dried, I prepped my airbrush and paints. I sealed all of the parts with a clear acrylic sealer made by PLAID found at your local Hobby Lobby or Michaels craft stores. I used only PollyScale acrylic paints. I applied a primer coat of white on the main Reacher chassis and then applied a good coat of red. The boom, hyrdaulic cylinder and gripper were airbrushed in black.
Once all of the large parts were airbrushed and dried, I started to hand brush paint the smaller details with a Testors size "0" brush. Silver for tread plates and cylinders, black for the tires and windows. All in all the assembly and painting took about 2 hours to complete. I then created some decals in a Coreldraw program and transfered it to my Printing computer to print on my ALPS MD1000 printer. I then applied the wording "Kalmar" on both sides of the boom and then stripes to each of the front fenders and across the back counterweight. After all decals were dried I applied a final coat of clear matte sealer to finsih it off.
I really think this Reacher is an excellent peice of equipment to have in an Intermodal Yard!!
PAUL ECKES' IM-3 "FORXSTER" Container Forklift Model - Double Click on photo to enlarge
My IM-3 Forxster came as one single piece and required only minimal cleaning, there was a bit of wax residue on the underside, prior to prepping the model for painting. After reading the instructions provided, I cleaned it and primed it with Future floor finish using an airbrush. By sealing it with the Future I was hoping I would be safe in deviating from the prescribed acrylic only paint, as I primarily use enamels. I then applied a base coat of Floquil engine black with no adverse affects noted. Next up was a bit of masking and some of thin coats of reefer white. I used Testor Model Master Chrome silver, engine gray, gunmetal to do the details. Then I “dirtied” it up a bit with a black/gray wash, followed by a coat of clear flat and some pigment powder weathering.
Observations:
-Painting around the fork is a bit difficult to do neatly; IMHO I would have like it to have been two pieces.
-This is rapid prototype model so there are lines from the layer of material that you may wish to clean up with fine sandpaper or file for a smoother finish.
