MiJack Crane

Impressed with your N scale model of the MiJack crane, but caught your comment about not being pleased with the wire hangers. Took a look at a similar prototype currently in use and noticed that the container carriage is attached to the crane with heavy chain. Specifically three links, plus the attachment points, also noticed that the chain was painted black, even though the remainder of the machine was yellow.  My rough estimate of the three links of chain would be about 16 inches long.  Although I have the opportunity to see these machines in use on a frequent basis, photos and "hands on" measurements are not to be available.   Another modification would be the addition of the barrier that surrounds each large tire.  This may be an after market addition that local regulations require.

Mi-Jack Crane

Roger

This is showing a lot of promise.  It is going to look very good once done.

I would go with fishmack on using fine chain to replace the wires between the spreader and overhead beams.  Consider shortening the spacing by a half from what you have now.  A quick search of online photos will give you a better impression.  Regrettably few are of high resolution, but you should get a good idea.  

I am looking forward to seeing this scene when it is finished.

Bob A

Thank you for the

Thank you for the suggestions. I may change out the links at a later date. Chain would definitely look more appropriate. I have been looking for some material for wheel guards and may try to see if some photo etch material can be modified. 

Thank you Bob. I am looking

Thank you Bob. I am looking forward to seeing it finished too. 

Roger, Thank you so much for

Roger,

Thank you so much for posting these photos. Beautiful work. I have the Walthers Cornerstone Mi-Jack N Scale kit in hand and am hoping to learn from your experiences with it before beginning. A few questions if you have a moment.

1. Where did you find the tires?

2. What color and paint did you use for the yellow. Looks exactly like the real world Mi-Jack web-site colors.

3. Did you airbrush or brush paint it. Any primer?

4. Did you paint it before assembly or after?

5. Other posts mention lots of trouble with moving parts after painting, and advise don't paint it at all. How did the moving parts aspect work out for you?

Thank you for your time Roger,

Bob Rudolph

Excellent

Nice model!

Joe

You will be very happy you

You will be very happy you picked up this MiJack kit and thanks for commenting on my post.

1. The tires on my model came with the kit, I painted them with Testors Rubber.  

2 & 3. The paint I used is Model Master Insigna Yellow. I did not use a primer on the plastic and airbrushed the paint over the moulded orange plastic. This darkened the yellow a few shades.

4. I painted this kit after assembly so I could have the best adhesion of the glued parts.

5. Assembly of the moving parts went well for the most part. Two issues I had were the attachment for the carriages to the fixed beams. The carriage is two pieces, glued together then slipped over the beams. The beams are then glued to the Frame. I didn’t allow the glue to fully cure on the carriage pieces so they were still soft and shifted when I assembled the beams. They other issue is the wire rings attaching the container crane to the MiJack. This is my only complaint for this project. I have no suggestions for you. I just kept plugging away until it held and then fixed in place with CA glue. 
 

I hope this helps. Please post a picture when you have finished this project. 
 

cheers, Roger