Johnny M

Wow ! Super nice build. Kudos on the hydraulic tank and exhaust system. And thanks for the little plexiglass bug screen that mounts to the back of the bulldog -- I had forgotten about those things, but they really worked! On the B models you had to mount them with the little wings facing forward so the hood(s) wouldn't hit them when you opened them up, but the R models eliminated the problem by going with a tilt hood 👍. (At least I think that's why they went to a tilt hood.) Johnny

You only needed plates and/or fuel permits for the states that you actually operated in or planned to operate in. Some states issued door decals, some issued metal license plates, and some issued those little stickers that go on the bingo board (love that name btw). It was up to each individual state to issue or not issue visible proof of permission to operate in their state. Some issued these things at the first weigh station you came to and some had to be ordered by your carrier and delivered to the carrier and displayed on your truck before you entered the state. Some states had what they called "reciprocity" with some other states, so that if you were base-plated in state "A" you didn't need any special permits to operate in state "B". It was a mess, not to mention a mess of paperwork. You carried a hardback folder for all your permits in your truck at all times. If you operated in a large number of states both of your doors would be covered with fuel permits and you could have 8 or 10 or more license plates hanging off the front of your truck. It's funny now to think of it. That all went away during deregulation, which began in the late 70s. Pretty crazy while it lasted, tho. Thanks for the fun memories. Johnny

NIce ! Great detailing. Comin' along great. Johnny

Oh many thanks -- this is great ! I will turn this info over to my computer and graphics manager next time she comes over. I know we can take this and go with it. I have quite a few trucks that could really use some good door signs. They're mostly 1:43 and 1:24. Johnny

Thanks! Looks like time to brush up on my computer skills (a lot!). I could really use some good door signs. They add that perfect touch to truck models. Got it ! I'll get my granddaughter to teach me how 😎 Johnny

Sweet! Love the two-tone green and black. How did you do the door signs -- or did you find them in your door sign drawer? Also, that doesn't look too big, maybe 1:43 or 1:50? That's my favorite size range. Johnny

Beautiful ! Johnny

Wow! OK, we model buildin' now -- oh my goodness. Let me just point out two things out of all this : The sunlight and shadow in the photograph, and the rust on the old Ford. Excellent. Johnny

Thanks, Brian -- I'll look there. Johnny

Beautiful ! The wraparound frame protector with the lines coming up through it is a nice touch. Also love the stacks and the visor! Johnny

Lookin' great ! Love the spring-loaded rear flaps and the air bag suspension. Nice realistic touches. Can you tell me where to find that non-skid pattern aluminum that the headache rack is made from? The only pieces I have of it are just random leftovers from old model kits, and they're not very big. Johnny

Wow -- looks great! Super nice detailing on the wheels and tanks. It looks pretty big. Is it like 1:24? Johnny

Comin' right along! The tanks and quarter fenders are looking good and I like the wheel treatment with the painted hubs and lugnuts. Nice contrast. Johnny

Hi all, I just wanted to let you know I bought a set of the Earl Miller air lines from the MTB store (well, three sets actually, one straight and two coiled) and they are beautiful. They're so realistic and detailed -- amazing. They're sold as 1:24/1:25 scale, but they're definitely not too large for a couple of 1:43 trucks I'm building. Thanks, MTB Johnny

Love the engine detailing and the excellent exhaust manifold. Cheers! Johnny

That looks great. Where did you get the "RD Trucking" door signs, or did they come with it? Nice work! Johnny