vincen47

Thanks! It’s been a good learning process.

Next up is the chassis. Factoring in the length of a scale 45’ rig, I wanted a strong frame, even though the RV body itself will provide a source of support having it’s own framework, but I didn’t want to risk it. Since I’d have to stretch a factory frame so much anyway, I figured a fully scratchbuilt, one-piece frame would be easier to make in the long run - and stronger, too. I scratchbuilt the frame rails with styrene strip/sheet and added brass angle to the inside corners. No flex. The frame rail material is thicker than the stock Italeri 378 frame rails, so I had to modify the ends of the Italeri crossmembers to fit inside the new rails. I then began work on the front axle and suspension. I wanted to model an air ride front axle with a 16k capacity. Here’s a photo of a 1:1 Pete 379 upfitted with an aftermarket air ride front axle. Like the photo above, the build represents a retired Pete 379 that’s been retrofitted with a heavier axle and aftermarket suspension during the conversion to an RV. I used 3/16” brass strip for the single leaf spring, auslowe resin air bags and components from the parts box, along with parts from a glue bomb Italeri 378 - old parts getting a new lease on life, just like the real thing. In the photo above, you see the shocks in a slightly different position than I ultimately decided on. I later changed the angle to match the 1:1 inspiration photo in this post. Spring hangers are from the Italeri kit. On the theme of a sturdy frame, I added a metal front axle from Auslowe. For the Italeri rear axles, I cut off the ends and I carved out the inside a little to be able to insert metal tubing to make them stronger. Here the tubing is way too long, but I later cut the tubing to match the width of the original kit parts. I added some bolt head detail to the front area, but most of the frame rails are smooth with no added detail as they will be pretty much hidden when the body is added.

Thanks! The other forum is the Model Cars Magazine Forum. It’s not specifically focused on trucks, but it has some truck-only categories.

I haven’t ordered anything from them yet, so I’m looking forward to your opinion.

This will be a neat build. You’ve got a great start. Does the second axle have a passive or active steering system? Also, how many of the drive axles are powered? I’ve seen those trucks during trips to northern Michigan, but I’ve never checked them out up close.

Excellent all around! I love your choice in wheels, tires, and engine. Everything is spot on, looks exactly like a typical fleet truck of that era. Your weathering is fantastic, too. Just the right amount to look realistically used, including the diesel spill down the fuel tanks and the grease on the fifth wheel. Not to mention, you don’t see many models of a 9600, so that’s unique. You’ve even got a bag of Doritos in the cab!

A fitting addition to your growing fleet. A unique and interesting build that I’ve enjoyed watching come together. You ought to be proud, it looks great.

Welcome to the group. Glad to have you here!

Excellent color selection and finish.

Wish you the best in getting through it all.

Wow, that tank is impressive!

Fantastic. I was looking forward to seeing a photo of the whole fleet. I like the way you put the trailer in the background of the family portrait.

Another unique build. What a classic.

Good progress. It’ll be a great build.

Sometimes hard to backtrack, but I’m sure it’ll be better in the end. I like how you’ve opened up the grille. Are you planning to integrate the grille shroud into the hood? AMT shouldn’t have made it a separate part for this era T600.

I’ve enjoyed watching this one come together. Excellent build of a unique model. I’m looking forward to seeing it with a trailer.

I like the air line box. Ya don’t see that feature modeled very often.

Glad to have you join us. Looking forward to your posts.

Nice looking trailer, and that awesome Transtar does look great in front of it. The trailer reminds me of a diecast Kmart rig I had as a kid. It had a red flat top w900 pulling it. Really, just about anything would look perfect for it. Nice work.

Welcome to the forum! Hope you have a great time here.

Understandable you’d like them to be able to roll, and there’s nothing stopping you from experimenting with metal rod. As a side note, I used to try to get the wheels to roll as well, but found the extra effort not worthwhile. Often, they’d be wobbly if they did roll at all. I found it better to get the wheels set perfectly square and plumb and glue them there, as it’s stronger (wheels don’t fall off later) and prevents the model from rolling off the shelf or workbench. But if you’re going for working wheels, big rig kits tend to be harder to get them to roll because they lack the simple solid metal axle rods that a lot of cars have. So, you have to contend with the plastic wheel to plastic axle connection. The Revell 359 is about the worst kit as far as the design and functionality of the wheels and tires. Other kits are better, but they’re not sure thing either. It’s been a while since I’ve built an AMT truck, but I think they may roll better. Aftermarket wheels and tires are often a better choice for accuracy and detail, but they usually require you to adapt them to the kit axle, by drilling them out larger or using a plastic sleeve, which often forces you to glue them in place anyway. One option to consider is the Moebius big rig wheel and tire sets. They’re not too expensive and they look nice. But, when I used them on my 359, I glued them in place, I didn’t look into making them roll, but that might have been possible. Another idea, I used metal tubing to reinforce the Italeri axles for my current 379-based RV project. The reasoning was to allow the axles to better support the weight of the body going on the chassis. It’s going to be a heavy build. I adapted the Italeri axles to mate with aftermarket aluminum hubs and wheels, resin disc brakes, and resin tires. But again, I wasn’t looking to make them roll, so everything is glued in place. However, I bet the basic concept could be applied to the rear axles of Italeri kits with a solid rod or open tubing to make them roll as you describe. Try to drill out the axle to fit the rod or tube, and sandwich the two halves over it. Then, making sure it still rotates, glue the wheel sets onto the rod/tube. I’m not sure how you’d approach the front axle, or other brands, but other builders may have ideas.

Nice start with the project especially with the corrections to the engine. It looks great.

Ford blue or Cat yellow?

Welcome aboard, I hope you enjoy it here. You’ve built a very nice model, it shows skill and talent. The weathering is excellent and I like your extended front and bumper. Hope your hand injury continues to improve.

Welcome aboard, Brian. Good to have you here. It’s not the busiest forum, but the models, tips, and ideas on here are great. The MTB store sells some great aftermarket products. But most of all, everyone has always been kind and helpful. Looking forward to seeing your refuse truck build. I’ve been considering getting one of those kits, myself.