Ralph Ratcliffe Models

1974 Hahn Custom Pumper

2009-06-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hahn Fire apparatus were very popular in the Northeastern United States, and were my personal favorite. This is a 1/87 scale model of a 1974 Hahn 1000 g.p.m. pumper in an unusual dark green color scheme.

1/87 scale Mack M-75SXT

2007-11-05T19:49:00.000-08:00

This is my latest project, a Mack heavy haul tractor in 1/87 scale. This tractor is designated M-75SXT. This model was built for a private collector in Germany. The model was created from a combination of cast, and scratchbuilt parts. The frame is a modified version of my M-75SX frame from one of my kits. The platform, winch, and fifth wheel are all scratchbuilt. The paint is House of Kolor urethane.

Liberty Bell Trolley # 802

2006-04-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

The "Liberty Bell Route" was an interurban trolley line operated by the Lehigh Valley Transit Company. It ran between the cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Allentown PA.
This is a 1/87 scale model of one of the 1913 Jewett built interurban cars used on the "Bell". These were some of the most luxurious trolley cars of the era, and were used until the late '30's.
I used a Bowser kit to start with, but nearly everything on the model except the basic body is scratchbuilt.

"I'm looking for General Meade"

2006-02-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

Mack DMMEX Concrete Mixer 1/87 scale

2006-01-30T18:04:00.000-08:00

A twin steer 6 x 8 concrete mixer, this model
was built using one of my cast urethane
cabs, and a Herpa mixer assembly.
The paint is acrylic laquer.

Paulins Kill Viaduct, 1:1400 scale

2006-01-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Built by the Lackawanna railroad in 1911, the Paulins Kill Viaduct is 1100 feet long, and stands 140 feet above the surface of the Paulins Kill creek. This magnificent bridge is located in Northwest New Jersey, near the Delaware Water Gap. To build the model, I created one arch master, and made a mold of it, then cast duplicates to create the seven spans. The terrain is built up with plaster, and then covered with Woodland scenics foliage. The bridge model is 11 inces long.
The prototype bridge has been abandonded since the 1970's, but is slated to be used again by NJ Transit trains as part of commuter rail line.

The Hellgate Bridge 1:1400 scale

2006-01-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Hellgate bridge was designed by
Gustav Lindenthal, and opened in 1917,
it spans the East river, between Astoria, Queens, and Randalls Island in New York
City.
The model is built from styrene, and abs.
The center span is about 10". The water is
modeled with plexiglass, and the base is
walnut.

Throgs Neck Bridge 1:1400 scale

2006-01-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

The Throgs Neck Bridge is located in New York City, between Queens, and the Bronx, and it crosses the East river.
This model is made of styrene, and abs plastic, and is built in 1:1200 scale. The overall length of the model is 28.5", and the center span is about 15". The water is modeled from lexan, and the base is made of cherry.

Dodge Power Wagon Fire Truck

2006-01-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

This is my 1/87 scale Dodge Power Wagon Fire pumper. I started with a Busch Power wagon pickup, then removed the pickup body, and scratchbuilt the fire pumper body. All of the detail parts are scratchbuilt. The paint is urethane. The body was raised slightly, for more ground clearance. Notice the broom, shovel, indian tanks, and hose roll.

Mack DMM-686 Dump truck 1/87 scale

2006-01-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

This is one of my latest projects. I used one of my cast urethane cabs, and scratchbuilt the frame, and dump body. The paint is "House of kolor" urethane. The mirrors are modified plano photo-etch pieces.