I’ve built a handy push mower to make quick work of the upkeep.
It’s a Phoenix Model kit from Jennifer’s of Walsall.
It’s recommended to use Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy, so I bought some from amazon (as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases). This stuff stinks to high heaven with the hardener smelling like rancid, rotten eggs, but it is as advertised at least.
I prepped and washed the pieces with dish soap in preparation for painting before assembly. I primed with Rust-Oleum Self Etching Primer. It’s a smelly primer, but its purpose is to bond better with bare metal surfaces. I sprayed the handles with Testors Model Master Metalizer Lacquer in Aluminum Plate. It buffs to a fine metallic finish. I hand painted the grips semi-gloss black.
The blades are also painted in Aluminum Plate. I detailed the roller in the middle and added some grime from use. At first, I thought I might be able to get the wheels and blades to turn independently, but it didn’t end up working. These are rather fiddly kits as the epoxy sets, so I was happy to get it assembled at all.
To keep it simple, I chose black for the wheels and guard. The hubs and connecting rods are Testors Flat Olive Drab, leftover paint from the Sopwith Camel from years back. After assembly, I touched up the paint and added a bit more grime detailing…just enough to give this mower a few years of service. I glued the handles half-way between resting and upright so it would look natural while still being able to sit close to a wall, or against a tree.
In the interest of time, I am stopping here though I’d like to add a grass catcher at some point.
