I wanted to build a small kit just to keep my interest up. Many months ago I purchased Inter-Action Hobbies 17' Vintage Travel trailer kit.
Darryl Jacob is the owner of IAH and if you haven't seen any of his kits, please check them out. He has some great kits. Readingbob is building his Meth Lab and mobile home kit. I also, many years ago, built the 1950's Gas Station kit.
Darryl also has the butcher shop kit. That kit was the shop the Soprano's hung out in.
Anyway, I don't get anything for boosting IAH. Their kits are very nicely done.
Here are the kit basics.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-140924132400-529241962.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-140924132400-529251232.jpeg)
I went on line to print the instructions although the kit looks pretty much straight forward.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-140924132401-5292665.jpeg)
Looks like fun! I'll be following along. :D
I agree that Darral puts out a nice kit(s)....I'm working my way thru a Model T truck...I had a little trouble shaping the front fenders but overall I like the kit
terry
Quote from: ReadingBob on September 15, 2024, 09:35:36 AMLooks like fun! I'll be following along. :D
Bob,
Thanks for following along. This is a nice little kit and a different one also.
Tom
Quote from: Vietnam Seabee on September 15, 2024, 09:49:05 AMI agree that Darral puts out a nice kit(s)....I'm working my way thru a Model T truck...I had a little trouble shaping the front fenders but overall I like the kit
terry
Terry,
Yes, he does make some great kits. I looked at the trucks but haven't picked one I would like to try.
The roof on this one has me a bit concerned but this to shall pass.
Tom
Most of today was spent on prep work for building the model.
I painted the parts the colors that would represent chrome like the back bumper and hubcaps using Floquil Silver. The trailer hitch was painted with Floquil Old Silver. I painted the tires with Tamiya Black. The interior walls and floor were painted with Tamiya Sky. The color is actually very light green. Not sure why it is called Sky.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145743-52930187.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145743-529311386.jpeg)
The modeler has the option of having the door open or closed. There is also an interior door that can be used as a screen door.
The screen door is separate from the side door and has laser cut screen in the door as shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145743-52927895.jpeg)
I cut this portion out of the screen door as I'll use a screen material. I probably won't use the screen door but just in case I'll add the screen.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145743-52928392.jpeg)
I also cut out and glued the heater vent to the out side of the trailer where indicated.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145743-52929621.jpeg)
Back in a few, time for a cold Diet Pepsi.
These four pieces make up the spare time. I glued one on top of the other.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145825-529321053.jpeg)
I did the same with the trailer tires.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145825-529332139.jpeg)
Once the tires pieces were glued and dry, I used an Emory board to round the tire edges. I then touched up the tire sides with the Tamiya Black paint.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145825-529341055.jpeg)
As I mentioned, the hubcaps were painted Silver to represent Chrome. They were then glued to the center of each tire.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145825-529351842.jpeg)
Done for today.
As usual, some clever uses of layering and materials.... I'm looking forward to seeing how this comes out.
dave
Looks like a fun little kit. The color is called "sky" as it's a WW2 RAF color used on the underside of some aircraft. Not sure why they called it that, must have been partially color blind. :)
Jeff
Quote from: deemery on September 15, 2024, 04:30:37 PMAs usual, some clever uses of layering and materials.... I'm looking forward to seeing how this comes out.
dave
Dave,
I agree, I've seen some kits FOS released doing the same thing. This is a fun build and should have it finished in a few days. Of course, I'm adding more than is needed to build it.
Tom
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on September 15, 2024, 04:35:38 PMLooks like a fun little kit. The color is called "sky" as it's a WW2 RAF color used on the underside of some aircraft. Not sure why they called it that, must have been partially color blind. :)
Jeff
Jeff,
It is and thanks for the sky information. Not sure why the WW2 RAF didn't use light blue.
Tom
I decided to add a screen to the interior screen door. Here is how I did it.
I have a roll of fine ribbon from Joan's Fabrics. This is the material I use for door and window screens. One roll will last you a lifetime.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150924145743-52928392.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133601-52936505.jpeg)
I cut a small piece off as shown.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133601-52937261.jpeg)
I glued the screen material to the back side of the door. When dry, I used a new #11 Xacto blade to remove the door from the carrier sheet.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133601-529381309.jpeg)
The trailer door on left and screen door on right.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133601-52939411.jpeg)
Easy peasy!
On one of the carrier sheets is a small panel. This is used as an interior brace and is slightly larger than the door. I wanted two braces so I traced the edge of the original one on the RIB card. I forgot to mention the trailer carrier sheets are made up of RIB board, resin impregnated board.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133601-529402126.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133646-529411147.jpeg)
I then glued the back bumper on the trailer and the trailer hitch to the front. Again, these are glued to the top of the main bottom as shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133646-529422109.jpeg)
At this time I decided to check the roof paper. As you can see it fits over the rear bumper brackets.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133646-529432020.jpeg)
However, the front didn't fit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133646-52944437.jpeg)
I marked the paper and cut small notches in the roof paper so it fit over the front trailer hitch. See below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160924133646-529451745.jpeg)
Done for today.
I'll be looking in on your build Tom..... :)
Quote from: GPdemayo on September 16, 2024, 02:09:21 PMI'll be looking in on your build Tom..... :)
Greg,
Thanks, much appreciate you following along.
Tom
After painting the interior walls, I stuck the them to painters tape and sprayed the exterior sides with Tamiya Silver.
When dry, the walls were removed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134441-529461833.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134441-529471566.jpeg)
The walls are stiff but looking forward, I'm thinking they will be a bit wobbly when the roof is applied.
So. I used a 6X6 piece of HO scale wood and cut one piece the exact width of the trailer floor. I set the 6X6 to the side for now. I'll have more on this later in the build.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134441-529481117.jpeg)
I then took some scrap 6X6s and glued them vertically on the inside of the trailer walls. This will help stiffen them later. When the glue was dry. I painted the 6X6s with the green.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134441-529491876.jpeg)
Be sure if you do this on your build you leave room for the wheels.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134441-529502187.jpeg)
I then glued one wall to the floor section.
Back in a few, Diet Pepsi time.
My next step was to glue the walls to the bottom floor of the trailer.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134603-529511944.jpeg)
While that was drying, I added the Acetate windows. I left the paper on to minimize the finger smears on the window.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134603-529522477.jpeg)
The paper can be left on to represent curtains/blinds.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134604-529532134.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134604-52954508.jpeg)
Done for today.
Tom,
How do you like that silver spray paint from Tamiya Color ? Never used it and silver can be a hard color to control...Tommy
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on September 25, 2024, 03:13:50 PMTom,
How do you like that silver spray paint from Tamiya Color ? Never used it and silver can be a hard color to control...Tommy
Tommy,
I like the Tamiya sprays. The paint sprays on evenly and as it dries, seek its on level.
I've used many different colors and have had no problem with any.
Thanks for checking in and the question.
Tom
This is coming along nicely, Tom. The pictures kind of hid the fact that this thing is probably a lot smaller that it appears to be. I'm sure it looks really sharp in person.
Quote from: ReadingBob on September 26, 2024, 10:02:14 AMThis is coming along nicely, Tom. The pictures kind of hid the fact that this thing is probably a lot smaller that it appears to be. I'm sure it looks really sharp in person.
Bob,
Than you. I'm very happy with the way it turned out and I'll finish the thread this afternoon. It was a fun build and a well thought out kit from Darryl.
Tom
I then added the floor bracing. Remember I cut a second piece? Both were glued in place as shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134604-52955950.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134743-52956534.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134743-529572093.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134743-529581856.jpeg)
Referring to the photo above , I made the mistake of gluing in the one wheel. This created a problem with gluing the other wall to the floor panel.
I had to balance the trailer on a metal plate and let the wheel hang over while I glued and squared the wall until dry.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134743-52959174.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134744-529601580.jpeg)
When the other wall was dry, I glued the other wheel in place along with the suspension springs.
NOTE: The wheels need to be glued in place prior to adding the roof skin.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134846-529612486.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134846-529622399.jpeg)
At least the trailer is level and the tires fully inflated.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134846-529632302.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134846-529641503.jpeg)
Back in a few, Diet Pepsi time.
I used my NWSL Chopper and cut two 4X12 pieces of wood for upper side supports. remember the 6X6 I cut earlier. I used that as a length to cut the 4X12.
I glued one to the top between the walls making sure it was flush with the sides of the upper portion of the trailer walls.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134847-52965397.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134952-529661880.jpeg)
I did the same with the front of the trailer but made sure the 4X12 was set inside the curve of the front wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134953-529671367.jpeg)
When and if you decide to add a brace to the front, make sure your brace is below the front window line.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200924134953-529682012.jpeg)
I rolled my roof panel around a small bottle of paint. I forgot to take a photo of this step. This will give you a start on the roof curve as you glue it to the walls.
NOTE: This next step is very critical. The length of the roof panel is set and no one wants to end up with it not fitting.
Refer to the photo below. Make sure you glue the back/rear of the roof "FLUSH" with the bottom of the trailer floor panel.
I glued mine in place and let it sit over night to make sure the glue was dry. I also checked to make sure the rear of the roof panel was flush with the bottom.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130047-529872226.jpeg)
The next morning I glued the roof half was up the sides and on top as shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130047-52988705.jpeg)
After several hours of letting the glue dry, I finished gluing the roof on the walls. There is just enough of the roof length to tuck it up and flush with the bottom the front of the floor panel.
It was necessary for me to hold the front in place between the trailer hitch until the glue dried. I held it for about 10 minutes while the glue set.
This is how if looked after gluing the roof in place. You can see where the roof panel hangs over the sides.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130047-529891789.jpeg)
The instructions call for the modeler to use a sharp blade to "cut" away the excess or overhang of the roof skin. Here is a photo from the instructions.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130047-529901190.jpeg)
This method was a little testy in the rear around the bumper. I used the smooth side of an Emory board for this.
When finished trimming the roof skin, I thought the trailer looked a little square. I guess on the real thing the roof edges were in fact square.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130047-529911302.jpeg)
I used the smooth side of the Emory board and lightly rounded the roof edges.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130128-529921565.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130128-529931805.jpeg)
My sanding of the roof edges caused some of the silver paint to be sanded off. Here is how I prepped the trailer to receive a new coat of silver.
The Acetate glass is already on the windows. I used painters tape and cut five pieces to just cover the windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130128-529941360.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130128-529951735.jpeg)
Back in a few more.
I sprayed the trailer with Tamiya Silver as I did the first time around. It was dry to the touch after several hours but I let is sit over night so the paint could cure.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130128-529961720.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130230-529971764.jpeg)
I touched up the black on the tires and let it sit for about an hour. I added the spare tire and brake lights. Darryl also includes small license plates to use. The plate bracket and roof vent were painted silver and added where applicable.
I glued the screen door to the inside of the main trailer door and then glue them in an open position on the trailer. I glued Sally in as well.
Here is my version of the finished 1950's style 17' aluminum trailer.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130230-529981429.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130230-52999827.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130230-530001855.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130230-530012348.jpeg)
I think this is an excellent kit to build. It is tricky in some areas of the build. However, you follow Darryl's instructions, you'll have no problem in the construction.
I have a tendency to over build a kit with my own spin on how I want it to look.
If you are considering purchasing and building this kit, I strongly suggest you use extra bracing on the floor and top to help keep the walls square. I found this very helpful when adding the roof skin. The top bracing kept me from pinching the top of the walls inward as I was gluing on the roof.
I opted not to add the red stripe around it as I like the full aluminum look. This is a kit/model you don't see on many layouts.
Here is where mine is for now.
Tom
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130259-530021099.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260924130259-530032090.jpeg)
Very nice little scene...it certainly fits your locale. Nice job!
Nice work on what looks like a fun kit to put together. Fits in your scene perfectly.
Jeff
That came out wonderful and looks great in its new home. Kudos to both you and Darryl!
Well done Tom, it looks great in place. 8)
That turned out to be a very clean build. Well done.
Nice work and model Tom! Looks a bit like the old 50's Shasta trailers.
Philip
Quote from: cuse on September 26, 2024, 02:20:11 PMVery nice little scene...it certainly fits your locale. Nice job!
John,
Thanks very much Butty. Its right at home under the oak tree.
Tom
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on September 27, 2024, 08:43:51 AMNice work on what looks like a fun kit to put together. Fits in your scene perfectly.
Jeff
Jeff,
Thank you and it was very much a fun build.
Tom
Quote from: ReadingBob on September 27, 2024, 09:52:48 AMThat came out wonderful and looks great in its new home. Kudos to both you and Darryl!
Bob,
Thank you, the credit goes to Darryl. Without him there would be no trailer.
Tom
Quote from: GPdemayo on September 27, 2024, 01:51:08 PMWell done Tom, it looks great in place. 8)
Greg,
Thank you and don't you dare try to move it. ;D
Tom
Quote from: Rail and Tie on January 04, 2025, 10:41:30 PMThat turned out to be a very clean build. Well done.
Darryl,
Thank you kind sir. I really liked building it. Now I need to try a couple of your trucks.
The Gulf/Sinclair Gas Station was a fantastic build and kit.
Tom
Quote from: Philip on January 05, 2025, 08:02:48 AMNice work and model Tom! Looks a bit like the old 50's Shasta trailers.
Philip
Philip,
Thank you, much appreciate you stopping by. I agree, it does.
Tom