Saturday, August 10, 2013

Finished My First Livestock Trailer - Lots of Pics

I spent some time painting my livestock trailers today, and finished the first one.  I was surprised how clean the model was right out of the box from Shapeways.  I simply soaked it in solvent, then rubbed it with a toothbrush and some toothpaste.  I did take a flat file to the front and top surface to remove some very minor surface lines.  Other than that, it was ready for paint.  I used a flat white primer out of a can, and let that dry overnight.  I then shot it a couple times with a rattle can of aluminum paint.  The tires were painted grimy black to give them a more realistic rubber color.  The mudflaps are paper, and I used a printer to add the Wilson Trailer logo.  The name plate on the front is also paper.

I went overboard on the photos, but as much anticipation as I have had over the weeks of design, and leading up to the printing and delivery, I think this model deserves some attention.

I made these models available for purchase from my Shapeways store in both a single and double set.  This is a larger model, so beware that they are a bit pricey.  However, I am not aware of another livestock trailer available in N scale.  Overall, I think this is near or at the top of my favorites list.


A few people have commented on the lack of a sleeper on my Pete, and I agree that I need some sleepers to go with my day cabs.  I have plans to design a sleeper, and hope to get to that project soon.  My herd bumper is printing now, and I should have that in another week, in addition to my headache rack.












4 comments:

  1. That's funny!
    I was going to suggest a livestock trailer as your next project! I see them on my daily commute here on the highways of Northern New Jersey.

    Lots of horse vans (trailers) too as the horses commute from barn to the various thoroughbred race courses in New York and New Jersey.

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  2. Also, thinking it _might_ be easy to make a Peterbilt heavy duty wrecker!

    http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/4098996553_dfc5392c4f.jpg

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  3. That looks awesome! I can imagine getting stuck behind him on an N Scale highway...

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