Inter-Action Hobbies Ice Machine

[ReadingBob]

Here's another mini build thread of a rather neat little detail that might be at home in a number of places on a layout. This one's for the Ice Machine kit from Interaction Hobbies. 

Alternately, you can spare yourself from perusing my thread and simply watch the instructional YouTube video Darryl created for this gem. 

Here's the package, which includes two Ice Machines.



And here are the contents of the package.



I began by removing the base and rear pieces from the thicker sheet components.



After removing these components, I smoothed the edges out using an emery board.



A little glue was then applied to the bottom edge of the rear piece. This sits on top of the base piece, as pointed out in the instructions and the video.



I tried to make sure everything was square and properly lined up.



More in a moment...

[ReadingBob]

After removing some of the pieces from the thinner sheet of parts, those that don't get painted white, I painted the remaining parts white using a makeup sponge and Vallejo White paint. This isn't my normal way of doing things. Typically, I remove the parts from the carrier sheet before I paint them. But I thought I'd follow along with the way the video depicts building this one.



I applied glue to the end of the base/rear piece.



Then I added the side walls to the base/rear piece. Once again, trying to make sure everything was in the right position and lined up correctly.



Next, the top piece was glued in place.



I used an emery board to bevel the front edge of the top piece.



I wanted to make sure the two parts that make up the front of the ice machine would sit tight against the side, top and bottom so I continued to use the emery board to make minor tweaks.



More in a moment...

[ReadingBob]

The top piece was glued in place next. The front side of this piece has an outline etched in it to help line up the doors later on.



Then the bottom half of the front was glue in place.



I added some glue (Canopy Glue) to the seam where the two front pieces meet. I'm using this as filler.



While the glue dried, I went ahead and painted the remaining parts using some Aluminum colored paint.



After glue had dried, I went ahead and smoothed that edge using an emery board. I also did the same with the other joints. Trying to eliminate any obvious seam or overhang (there was very little).



After using the emery board on the cabinet some touch up of the white paint was necessary so out came the sponge and white paint.



More in a moment (or two)...

[ReadingBob]

I then glued the two sides, front and top that make up the small, ventilated cabinet at top of the ice machine.



I cut out the decals that cover the doors using a small steel ruler and a sharp X-Acto blade.



After soaking the decals in some water, I applied them to the doors.



Then, I used some Panel Line Accent Color (Black) to make the vents 'pop'. Just a tiny bit goes a long way.



After the decals set, on the doors, I punched a hole through the decals where there's a hole in the doors. Then I carefully added the teeny, tiny, door handles. Thankfully extras are included in the kit since one decided to escape from my tweezers and launch himself into oblivion.



Now it's time to add the remaining decals. Again, these were cut out using a steel ruler and sharp knife. There are enough decals include for three ice machines, so some spares are available if I mess up.



More in a moment....

[ReadingBob]

Applying decals isn't really my thing but I managed to get them in place, and hopefully reasonably lined up.



Finally, the doors were glued in place.



Afterwards, I hit the ice machines with a spray of Dullcoat to hide the edges of the decals.

I didn't take a picture of adding the rust streaks and failed to mention when I did it. I added them prior to adding the decals and I used just a tiny bit of Burnt Sienna oil paint followed by a wash of odorless mineral spirits. I wanted just a hint of rust (probably overdid it). This method is very forgiving. If you get too much on, simply wash it off with the mineral spirits. It takes a fair amount of time for oil paints to set.

And there you have it. Two neat little ice machines to keep our HO Scale Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi chilled.



Thanks for following along! 

[Jerry]

Great job Bob and a very nice tutorial.
Now you have ice to take with you on the trip!! 

Jerry

[Ensign]

Bob, well this turned out really cool!
Thanks for taking the time to show us your steps.

Greg