Built by: Jeff Harper in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

The Groovy Grader has always been one of my favorite Tom Daniel kits, and just like Tom, I like construction vehicles too.

It wasn't until I found my Unreal Roller that I started to work on my 'company' grader. It had been a long time since I had built a Groovy Grader, and if you are going to paint one of these, the paint and assembly sequence can give you 40 fits.

Since there was going to be a series of company vehicles I decided to stray from the original colors and decals. I chose to use Duplicolor Mirage paint, in a 'flip-flop' green to silver color.

This paint system uses a three step sequence of base coat / color coat / clear coat, and works pretty well. Although when done the paint actually looks the best in a natural light.

Once the body was painted I decided to paint the engine block fluorescent green, and detail it with green telephone wire, which had almost a metallic look to it.

I did not do any other detailing to the model, paying honor to the simplicity of these kits that we had so enjoyed as kids. The final touch was to apply a set of "TD CONSTRUCTION CO." decals, another club member made on his Alps printer.

Each vehicle was given a 'truck number' on the model, and that is the actual kit number from the box.

Now I just have to finish the TD dump truck & trailer!