Cornbinder

We're all here because we share an interest in building scale models of "big rigs".... semi tractors, straight trucks, wreckers, transit mixers, logging trucks.... or whatever particular subject(s) may light your fire. But for me, a lot of this is new. While I've always had an interest in pretty much all types of machinery, and have been building scale models since the age of six (which was a time much further in the past than I'd like to think about), I have only really gotten into modeling the subjects we showcase here in the last few years. In fact, it was not until 2009 when I built my first semi tractor model. That's just over one decade after building my first model ever. Sure, I'd dabbled with a few, and I'd done a few medium duty truck models, like a Ford C-600 stake bed, but I'd never built an honest-to-goodness semi until I picked up the reissued White Freightliner Dual Drive kit from the now-defunct Hulings Hobby House in Alma, Michigan. I don't know why... the box art makes the WF look so unappealing with it's yellow and brown color scheme, but something about it just jumped out at me. So... home with me it went. Wasn't too long before I had it built, and even though it's a mess of a model, it still sits on the shelf, and I'll never change it or redo it unless it gets damaged somehow. It was Numero Uno, and it was what got the ball rolling. Here it is... in all it's glory. I learned a lot on this one, what to do and much more importantly... what NOT to do! It wasn't until 2012 when I really got serious about them again, and that's when I started accumulating kits at an alarming rate. I have to say there was a method to my madness. I thought "Truck models cost more, and take up more room. Maybe that will help me keep tabs on the stash, because I won't buy as many kits due to those factors." I couldn't have been more wrong! I've finished quite a few this year... more than at any point up to now. I even did a second Dual Drive as a Michigan Special. Since I was never happy with the first one, I always vowed to pick up another DD and "do it right this time". And I have to say the Dual Drive isn't my favorite subject, in 1:1 or small scale form. But here I am, with two built, and two more in the "I'll Get To It" pile. If I actually like the subject? Forget it. I can't tell you how many Internationals and Diamond Reos I have accumulated. I don't have as many Transtar Eagles as I have Moebius F100s or Hudson Hornets, but give me a few more months and we might just see! What got me into semi models, at first, was the challenge. I kept hearing about how fussy those old AMT truck kits were. But I have to say... I don't really see the big deal. A few truck modelers have this kind of superiority complex, and seem to think that they are better modelers who build other types of models. That's pure malarkey. Any model is only as challenging as you make it out to be. The only real difference between a kit with 300 parts and a kit with 30 parts is that on the 300 part kit, you're gluing more stuff together. Really. That's the only difference I see. Yes, some truck kits can be a pain in the bum to wrestle together, but some are an outright pleasure. Same as with any other type of subject I've built. So, while I expected a challenge, I stayed simply because I enjoyed it. The experience was a lot of fun. A kit of a big rig subject inherently includes more detail, just on account of it's size. While a kit manufacturer can get away with a one-piece "plate" chassis with everything molded to it if they're doing a '70 Chevelle, they can't really get away with that on something like a Peterbilt highway tractor. But I have to say the real appeal (for me) of these kits is variety. Yes, you can build, say, a '67 Mustang in a variety of ways. But with a standard semi tractor, you can pretty much go in any direction you want. That AMT California Hauler could, with a little work, become practically any Unilite-era Peterbilt you want it to be. There are so many choices as far as engines, axles, wheel and tire combinations, etc.. Most manufacturers had more than one BBC (and thus more than one hood length), set back axle configurations, sleeper options, and the like. And what do you want on the back? Anything from a simple fifth wheel to a two-bedroom combination car hauler is possible. There aren't as many limits, and that's before you consider building something custom. And in that case, all bets are off. If you don't let the complexity scare you away... like I said, you're just gluing more parts together... a big truck model is an impressive addition to any display shelf. The same basic modeling skills and tools you'd use to build a 1:25 Corvette, 1:48 P51 Mustang, or 1:35 Abrams tank will serve you just as well on a 1:25/1:24 truck. Try it, you might like it!

I might have some completed photos for this up later today. Stay tuned...

I think everybody has that one favorite that just sticks out in their mind. For me, when I think of the perfect heavy truck/tractor "look", I usually think of a Diamond REO Raider. Especially in set-back axle form. There's just something about that big bumper and imposing grille that "does it" for me. And when it's set up on spokes with a short wheelbase, that seems to enhance the brute look. A while ago, I got a very old Frank Gortsema casting of a Raider. This was a slush-cast piece with the hood and cab molded as one piece. It's hard to see in the pic, but there was some severe damage to the roof and the thickness of some of the casting was inconsistent, so I cut away the resin cab and spliced in an AMT cab. I'd like to point out that I'm not trying to "diss" Mr. Gortsema or his talents... just remember that resin casting 30+ years ago wasn't as advanced as it is now. This is the casting as I received it. As you can see it also includes the interior and an air cleaner box, as well as the bumper and interior tub. The dash is a direct recast of the AMT part, even though the Raider, introduced for 1975, had the newer style "square" gauges. Since the dash is so hard to see in these kits anyway, I'll live with the mismatch. Here is is mocked up on a modified AMT chassis, with the AMT cab spliced in. I wanted to make the hood functional, but two things stymied that effort... the thickness of the casting, and the fact that the grille insert stays in place- the surround tilts with the hood when opened, but the vertical grille bars are attached to the radiator core support and remain upright. That would have meant cutting through that thick resin. And that also meant I'd likely end up destroying the grille insert in the process, so I'd need to make a new one. All this on top of having to make up some sturdier hinges to 1-support the weight and 2- work with the moving hood/fixed grille insert situation. Yes, you could make it work, but I didn't want to go through all of that. So this will be a curbside, with just enough of an incomplete Detroit 8V-71 to fill in the blanks. I used some Italeri wheels and tires up front... not that it is ever a good idea to mix radials with bias plies. :v There are three different type of tire on the Raider... the aforementioned Michelins, then a quartet of Goodyears on the forward drive axle, and finally four Uniroyals bringing up the rear. Why not? I mean, I've seen a few old tandems that literally had ten different types of tires on them... if it's only being used for yard duty, no need to buy a full set of new rollers for it, right? You can also see a few rough spots in the hood sides. Here it is wearing a coat or two of Krylon Hunter Green. The can proclaims "Fast Drying". Ha... as of right now it's been on for 24 hours and it's still tacky in spots. :v I have attached the headlights and front signals- more detail painting, foiling, and some weathering is still to come. The fuel tanks and battery boxes are also in place at this point. Unlike the dash, I will be updating the much-more visible outer door handles- they went from the quarter-turn type included in the AMT kit to a push-button grab-handle type around 1973. I think a set of handles from a Revell '64 or '65 Chevy pickup kit will be just the ticket for that. While my model won't be an exact replica, this real Raider has served as my "muse" for this project...

Looking tough already.

Progress from today... The intake, exhaust, and related ductwork are in place. The Detroit was also "oiled up" quite a bit. A hole was cut to fit a cut-down Freightliner grille. The stock ALF headlights were moved down and outward from their intended position. I believe some small side steps will go underneath the doors.

Shaping up....

Nice!

Here's a further-along progress shot I forgot to put up last night...

The power went out at work, so I found myself with an extra hour to burn this afternoon. I fiddled around with the Transtar a bit. Chassis and engine still need some detail work, but the basic paint work and assembly are done. Chassis is Harvester Red, of course.

I did. Like I said, he's not tech savvy, but he's getting the hang of the online thing and he does want to contribute.

He doesn't. But he can send you his product listing via e-mail. Lots of pictures of his stuff online too.

I've got a couple I need to get around to building myself.

I don't know- I can still see them. *Edit* I THINK I know what happened, and I think I fixed it.

A little bit more progress. The engine is mostly done- it needs a little detailing and paint touch up. I used DupliColor Chrysler Intense Blue for the engine block... in person it's a few shades darker than in the pic, and looks like a decent match for the blue used on Navistar engines. I cut off the LoneStar's mud flaps and modified the Transtar's to fit to the LoneStar mounts/taillight housings. A "Scout" decal from an AMT/Ertl scout was used. I need to touch up the IH logos and clean off some fingerprints on some of the chrome, but these pieces are pretty much done.

Fixed it for you. Cool project, too!