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Working hard toward the finish line.

Assembled and in primer.

It was much easier and quicker to use the PE part above than cutting out the grill detail on this cab. This experience will certainly make me think twice before trying to do a whole radiator. The third window is added to a short cab. PE window gaskets applied. Using a sanding sheet taped to a flat surface greatly improved the problematic cab seam.

I used the white number decals, didn't like them so added the black ones over the top to look like shadow lettering.

The frame gets some weathering. Added headlight bezels, which was a mistake to do so after paint. I tried to remove the orange peel on the cab with Tamiya compound paste. It is well hidden if the lighting and camera angle are right.

The boredom has worn off, and I am back on the bench. A new journey begins. Now beginning my 4th build, IMO I have realized the painting and detailing of the cab is the most critical part of the model. This will be an experiment. 5 kits will be built. Some of the mundane assembly and painting will be "production-lined" to save time with set-up and clean-up. I will try new things and test the limit of my skills. Failure is learning. One (or more) of the kits will probably be sacrificed and end up in the junkyard. I will try different paint schemes. It will also allow me to choose the "best of _____ part" for a showroom build. At the Cummins factory, holes are drilled for brass rod. It will be nice to not have to relearn every step. Some of these are from other kits with variations. "The Seem" First attempt at cutting out the doors was done with an X-Acto knife (an impossible task). The panel scriber worked much better (but still required an insane amount of patience - be prepared to take your time). A template of the floor is made for quick fabrication in the future. Pockets are fabricated for the new door handles. A thin piece of sheet is glued to support and guide an more natural curve on this PE part. The windshield wiper is carefully removed, I am getting lots of practice in manipulating the styrene.

I have "embraced" PE (photo-etch) and am learning to work with the new material. Every part is now a learning experience. The details are removed. The fuel tank steps and straps gave me lots of trouble with adhesion. Most glues do not work well, and the steps had to be soldered. A piece of bathroom tissue is used with Elmer's Glue mixed with water. I have also taken the leap into adding some plumbing and wiring to this build. Thin thread for electrical wire, .020" & .030" styrene rod for air lines, and telephone wire for the transmission. The interior sub-assembly is finished and set aside.

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. Some of the clean "before" photos. Bare bones. A view from the rear. It came as a surprise to me at how "perfect" it came together. Sure turned out pretty. Maybe too pretty. A perfect yellow rack and bunk doesn't seem possible (in my imagination) for a logging truck. Rust, chipped paint, and bare metal from wear was the effect I was aiming for. 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. The underside was turning out nicely, so it was time to stop. 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. Bought this product and it works fantastic. Will definitely be playing around with it in future. Used Vallejo Acrylic heavily watered down as a wash to add some grime and streaking to the rear of the cab. 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). 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.

The Rubicon has been crossed (can't go back). For better or worse....

Option #1 it is.

Undecided.

It was my birthday yesterday and my son made this Wo-jack meme. Thought I would share it, if it gives anyone else a chuckle. 😄

Sometimes you got to set aside a project and let it stew. ....So, what do you do? Start another truck. First up, the front axle and tie rod are pinned with small nails. Next, working to develop a concept for the build. On the paint board are several photos from the internet printed on glossy paper. Old trucker movies are also a good source of inspiration for those who want to capture the original colors of "their time". "Blue" on the right is giving me trouble finding the right color match. I will have to try custom mixing, but don't have any experience or feel for it. My first attempts have been unsuccessful. None of the box decals are ideal, so I will have to buy custom made ones or learn to make my own. Does anybody have a good source? Up next is the paint trial. I don't want to risk ruining the cab. A template of styrene sheet was made to mask the body and try my hand at pinstripes. 3 copies initially are made so that I can play with the technique and the finish coat sheen. A set of machinists radius gauges comes in handy.

The air lines were quite problematic because they are Super Glue resistant. I tried to make them more pliable with a hair-dryer. Holes were drilled into the trailer to simulate a hook-up. Going to call this one done and move to the "showroom". Might add a few pics once I've finished a backdrop.