Hello everyone. Longtime lurker, first time poster. I always thought a Polar Express reefer would look great on my scale set and hoped Lionel would make one. After waiting without success through a few catalog cycles, I decided to try my hand at making one. So, I bought this MTH R50b from Steve Nelson (Mr. Muffin) back in the fall:
From there, I stripped it, primed it, air brushed it, and re-lettered it to this:
I had no experience whatsoever in such a project. The final result isn't perfect by any means, but it passes the test for a rookie. The only thing more pedestrian than my airbrushing skills are my photography skills, but if they were better it would be apparent how terrifically well the paint colors match the scale Lionel set. This is by no means a way of puffing, but instead brings me to the main reason for my post: literally everything I used in completing this project came from this forum - selection of an airbrush (I didn't own one before), types and colors of paint, decal removal technique, decal application technique, and even where to purchase the decals (forum sponsor) - it all came out of this forum from guys like AMC Dave, Keith (Mich & Ohio Valley Lines), and others. It really is a great place to learn.
I meant to post these photos back in the Christmas season, but time gets away. However, my procrastination is not a reflection of my appreciation for all the great information I have learned from lurking around these parts for the last several months.
