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AMT Diamond Reo with logging trailer

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Kit #2:
My ambition is to build most of the AMT truck kits to get a feel for how to go from start to finish, learn the common techniques,  and to also find which AMT kit will become my favorite.
After I have a couple of builds under my belt, I hope to purchase several (3?) copies of the "chosen" subject and attempt some really advanced building.

My hope is to throw some really great paint, like a Peterbilt with a 6-color color scheme, polished,  piano hinges, full plumbing and wiring, lights, maybe smoke(?).  
It is ambitious.  Time will tell.   

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After test fitting the Diamond Reo, this will not be my chosen subject.   
The kit has several big fails.  The hood and  rear axles are poorly fitted.
I have heard the "AMT Freightliner" also has major flaws ( I still want to build one).

The wheels and tires are nice.  I will keep this in mind as a future donor kit.

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Satisfied with attempted plumbing of the engine.  The hardest part was doing the research. 

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My son had mentioned that "getting the right color is everything".   I didn't understand this at the time he said it, but do now.
My "Cummins Yellow" is a 50:50 mix X-8 Lemon Yellow: XF-88 Dark Yellow2 plus X-20A thinner for the gun.


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Doing some visual comparison of the kit mud flaps vs. an aftermarket part from Sour Kraut Model Trucks.  
I'm going to use the aftermarkets because the kit mudguards are unusable with a tilting hood.
 
https://www.sourkrautsmodeltrucks.net/

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Began to question my color choice.  But am not willing to start over.  I don't like this kit enough to care.  
Will continue by "faith" that the decals along with some in-service weathering will rescue it.  

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Dash and interior detail  is "good enough" for under the over-thick glass canopy.

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Not satisfied with the kit exhaust stack.  Might replace with an aftermarket and scratch-built brackets.

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Also suspect the AMT trailer tires are over-sized.

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When I snapped an axle while removing a tire, I decided they were not up to snuff.   Holes were drilled and new brass rod was installed.
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Side by side comparison of tires.
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"Tip Top Shop"  and  "Weekend Wrenchin' " arrived by delivery.  Replaced the exhaust stack with a photo etch and resin kit by Auslowe.IMG_0874.thumb.jpg.9bade4fe57bc5f8ae36fcf3ac27de77b.jpg

Details for the front bumper.   This is now Double P Logging Company truck #39.
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How the colors turned out is now easy to see.  A few details lefts, and it will be done .   
The question is "do I leave it clean?"   Is this the end, or the start?
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That's beautiful -- so clean and nice and showroom fresh!

So I'm gonna go ahead and make a wild guess that you're not quite done with it yet.

Love the grill and front bumper, btw, they look perfect.

Johnny

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I think you can take it a lot further by adding some weathering. Good job so far, but it sounds as though you’d like to take it in a different direction, especially if you’re not in love with the paint scheme. Good choice in replacing the stack. Several items in AMT kits leave a lot to be desired, but they do provide a good basis for a project like this one.

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Up next is the Pete, and my mind is already three builds ahead.   I miss scrapping styrene and sniffing glue (orange flavor) and need the space on the bench, so it is time to push this truck along.

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Some of the clean "before" photos.  Bare bones.IMG_0800.thumb.jpg.dc7375c75e55252e481bca3d82384584.jpg
 

A view from the rear.  It came as a surprise to me at how "perfect" it came together.  Sure turned out pretty.  

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Maybe too pretty.  A perfect yellow rack and bunk doesn't seem possible (in my imagination) for a logging truck.
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Rust, chipped paint, and bare metal from wear was the effect I was aiming for.
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The fan (depth) wasn't fitting right, so I drilled a hole through the engine block and mounted it on a brass rod.  Now it could be adjusted wherever for final assembly.
Careful painting of the pulleys and belts also added a nice touch.

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The underside was turning out nicely, so it was time to stop.  IMG_1975.thumb.jpg.defd308cdae92fc5e9968ed39b717ec8.jpg

A view of the dash thru the back window.  (120 ?,,  I don't think so...ha!.  kmh?)
I forgot to add a driver, or any misc. debris to the interior.  It was already glued in place and too late.IMG_1871.thumb.jpg.a3e0db439816c7afa0118a33aa60c8ea.jpg

Bought this product and it works fantastic.  Will definitely be playing around with it in future.IMG_1829.thumb.jpg.cfb1e7c62f5c2b3ada4a0237825f618a.jpg

 

Used Vallejo Acrylic heavily watered down as a wash to add some grime and streaking to the rear of the cab.IMG_1988.thumb.jpg.54041c9497dcff4b09211012a687e3bd.jpg

 

A  sixty thousands (.060) shim was added between the axle and leaf spring on the driver's side to give the frame a bit of twist (torque). 

It is very subtle and you might not notice (only subconsciously, which is the best kind of affect).
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The mirror brackets are four pieces glued together and were very intimidating to build.
We are nearing the finish line.   I joke with my adult son on how AMT expected kids to build these kits.
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Nice weathering !!

Looks like they hosed it down when it came in but didn't try too hard. (Plus it's been dirty before.)

And thanks for the tip about the Vallejo brown earth.

Johnny

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I agree with every one, this is a great build, he flaps on the front bumper is a real nice touch, and really makes the truck look like a worker.... excellent !

Jeff

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