Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

1942 GMC COE Three Ton Urban Fuel Oil Delivery Truck


Recommended Posts

PA210354-001.jpg

PA210359-001.jpg

After at least two months of effort, my brother has just completed this 1/24 scale 1942 three ton GMC COE that uses about 70% scratch built components done in styrene and brass.... the complete tanker body, wider steering axle, bumpers, grille, 270 cu.in. 6 cylinder motor, pumps, hose reels, hydraulic lines, wiring harnesss details, marker lights, directional lights, etc. The basic cab utilized a Danbury 1938 GMC casting but modifications were required to bring the details up to the correct 1942 appearance. The truck represents an urban home heating fuel oil delivery truck and includes the typical right side and rear metered discharge assemblies.

Paint is custom mixed basecoat/clearcoat to approximate '42 GMC 'Omaha Orange' with the standard black fenders, and the lettering is model railroad 'letraset' style pressure sensitive lettering

These short wheelbase 'cab-over-engine' tankers were used in the prewar and early postwar period because of their maneuverability in the urban and suburban environment where they often had to negotiate laneways behind buildings and homes. Anyone growing up in the '40s or '50s will probably remember the small chain dangling from the rear of tanker trucks as a standard fitting on mid 20th century fuel trucks to eliminate static build-up.

My brother fusses with small details such as the scratch rear hubs, for example, made from 11 small pieces each.

He has only returned to model building with a passion in the last year or so but I've certainly enjoyed his choices of subject matter, the overall look of his models, and the fidelity of detail.

GMCCOEtanker016-1.jpg

GMCCOEtanker026.jpg

GMCCOEbrassgrille0031-1.jpg

'42 Grille handmade in Brass/ Silver solder

GMCCOEbrassgrille0041-1.jpg

GMCCOEbrassgrille.jpg

Edited by traditional
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very cool build. A question about this style cab, what are the doors on each side of the front body above the headlights for?

Those are access doors for simple engine maintenance chores....checking oil level (long dipstick), adding water to rad etc.

The more serious engine maintenance required the removal of the interior floor panels, and sometimes the seats as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...