"How-To" Modify the MTL Husky into an AP

[HoboTim]

Some time ago I created an etched brass modification to change a MTL Gunderson Husky into an All-Purpose Gunderson Husky. The modifications will distinctly change the looks of the MTL Husky. They will not make the MTL Husky into a 100% prototypical Husky AP, but the difference is definitely noticeable. The photos should speak for themselves!



For those of you who have requested this modification kit, this will be a crude assembly guide to change one of your MTL Husky's into a Husky AP just like the one in the photo above.

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For starters, you need to completely and carefully remove all the parts from an MTL Husky. Some of the parts are very small so take care not to lose any of them as you will need some of them during final assembly, namely the 4 ladders and the coupler/trucks.

I suggest using a yellow TTX Husky as the ladders are molded in yellow plastic.

Next, using a paint striper, ELO or 90+% alcohol, strip all of the paint from the metal body. Once clean, you will need to file away "Carefully" several areas of metal to more resemble the Husky AP. The following photos show the areas that need to be filed. I colored them with a red Sharpie so you can see all of them.

The Bottom- remove the "X" braces



Each area in red must be filed away. Use care as a smooth mill file can easily remove metal that does not need to be removed.


The other side shows the rest of the red areas.


to be continued!

[shamoo737]

Tim, I been looking to do this project for a while. I am glad you finally got the etching done.

For people who other projects with Tim, please send him a private message or start other tread. I dont want this tread being hijack. This tread is mean to be a tutorial.

[HoboTim]

Once all areas of red are filed down, you will want to remove the brass from the fret. Use care when bending the brass walkways and the trailer hitches. Follow the instructions in the next photo drawing.



You can use liquid CA to keep parts tight.

Once the "X" braces are removed from the Husky frame, CA the brass bottom plate to the remaining supports. The bottom of the brass is etched so it will fit securely in place.

Attach one of the 4 supplied brakewheels to the brakewheel stand located on one of the walkways.

Next, you will need to fill the hole on the brakewheel end. I use Squadron White Putty. It is just a small fill. The hole is where the original Husky's brakewheel stand/air tank was attached. Allow to dry then file/snad flat/smooth.

Airbrush the metal Husky white as a primer and then TTX Yellow. I mix my own color of yellow which is more rich in tone than the Floquil TTX. I use Railbox yellow, TTX yellow and a hint of CSX yellow.

Airbrush the walkways silver. You can brush paint the trailer hitches orange. The brakewheel can either be orange or yellow. Usually it is yellow.

Once the Husky frame is dry, apply the decals as shown in the photo. Both sides are typical (Same).

Once the decals are dry, carefully CA the 4 original Ladders back into place. Then attach the end walkways. The 2 trailer hitches are last. Once all parts are in place lightly spray the Husky AP with a clear flat coat to protect the Husky and to hide any glossy spots. Weather the Husky AP as you wish!







Please post any questions you might have about assembly. Also post your Husky AP conversions here too.
Thank You!

Hobo Tim

p.s. Please keep all postings to this thread on subject! Thank you!

[shamoo737]

Tim, I am already starting the conversion on my first car. :D

[rray]

Very nice mod Tim! It really looks like a totally different car! :D

[Trucklover]

Tim, i dont know how you do it in Z man! That is some excellent work! Great job :D

[SJ Z-man]

That's a great convert Tim. Wathca gonna put in it ???
.

[shamoo737]

Tim, I got the etchings and started working on the first car. Mill the car and bend one of the ends etching. So far so good.

[shamoo737]

A AP earning some money for CSX.