1-87 Scale M.A.N. ML4500 4.5 Ton Truck

[Mini Me]

Hi everyone, back from the North woods and am easing back into the hobby......so here is a small update. Located the new wipers and under bed tool boxes, as well as a reconfiguration of the tail lights. This should be ready for paint as soon as I decide what to do with the cargo bed cover....the current one is way too modern looking.....hope you like this so far. Rick H.

[outrunner]

Looking good, I admire you guys that work small scale, I doubt if my eyesight could cope.

Andy.

[Mini Me]

Thanks Andy, glutton for punishment I guess.........:rolling:
Rick

[Steve Jones]

I tried the wine bottle foil excuse with the Mrs to encourage her to buy me more bottles. Sadly it didnt work. I have shown her your blog to help my case but still no joy. You will just have to do more scratchery with the foil to help me bring her round to my way of thinking.

Stunning work all round my friend

[minitnkr]

Looking sharp. PaulE

[Mini Me]

Thanks Mr. Jones, Sorry your Missus feels that way, I have found many uses for said foil over the years and the contents of the bottle can be very gratifying as well. I seem to recall that Mr. Eberle has been known to imbibe as well.........correct me if I'm wrong Paul. Thank you as well for stopping by I shall continue to strive on in my efforts and hope not to disappoint. Rick H.

[Mini Me]

I think I have the tarp situation under control. I am thinking Mr. surfacer 1000 to give it a canvas texture, using the stipple method and then knock it down with fine paper after it dries. Or is there a better way? I'm open to suggestions. Rick H.

[SimonT]

Hi Rick - another tried and tested method that's been around forever is to use tissue

Get a tissue (un-patterned unless you really want flowers etc)

If multiply separate to a single layer

wrap it around the plastic tarp and soak liberally with liquid cement

leave to set then trim all the ragged edges off

dry brushing brings out the rough texture

[minitnkr]

HUGE improvement Rick. PaulE

[Mini Me]

Thanks for the input Mr. T, I'll give it a shot and see what happens. Hi Paul, I'm pleased you like it........also very glad there was enough plastic thickness to allow me to attack that tarp with a fairly coarse half round file.
Rick H.

[Mini Me]

As Mr. T suggested I tried the tissue overlay and it worked the BOMB! I'll get some color on this later on today and hopefully this "Beast" will be in the completed threads soon. Rick H.

[Mini Me]

This post is brought to you in "Living Color". All that is left is final assembly detail paint, decals and weathering.

[Mini Me]

Small update.....started pre-assembly and small detail painting no weathering yet . Decals for the License plates will be next. Rick H.

[Mini Me]

Small update: truck is now assembled with full interior and windshield installed, license plate decals are on and a black wash overall. when the decals are dry I'll dull coat it and start the weathering......hope you like the progress so far. Rick H.

[Lee Drennen]

Rick. Your truck looks nice be thankful you can still work in this scale