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'55 Mack B61(Integrated Sleeper) with 28' Dorsey Reefer


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This model Mack B61T tractor and trailer were just completed in early September of this year and it was probably the most effort I've ever put into a single model....approximately 220 hours (according to my wife).

I've always wanted a detailed version of a B model Mack sleepercab and I'd had a coarse 1/25 'Etter' resin sleepercab in my to-do cabinet since the mid 1970s. A damaged FirstGear Mack wrecker was bought cheaply on Ebay in the early summer and became the impetus to get the project finally started. I bought a resin fifth wheel, rear axle/suspension, and front bumper and modified them all to suit my needs and reference.

That reference, incidentally, was generously supplied by the Mack Truck Museum in Allentown PA, and included the info on the Dorsey refrigerated trailer as well.

I fabricated all kinds of brackets and fittings in styrene and aluminum etc. and made hinged, openable storage cabinets and cab vent-door.

The super-heavy-duty chassis of the FirstGear model was modified to be lighter and shortened, twin battery boxes fabricated in styrene, and air lines added to the brakes/tank etc.

The aluminum tubing exhaust, muffler, clamps and brackets were fabricated also to match my Mack factory photos.

I also took a little time to fabricate some wheel-chocks, flashlight, flare package and first aid kit from styrene, aluminum tubing, wire, and small chain etc. to put into the opening storage cabinets.

I modified an AMT Great Dane trailer to match the 28' Dorsey trailer from the reference that I had (shortened, lowered and relocated side door), matched the refrigeration unit, and finished the ensemble using automotive filler, primer, and custom mixed basecoat/clearcoat.

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Edited by traditional
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Now that's nice!

That is one of the many improvements that Dave Natal has done to the original AITM items, clean them up and recast them in lighter, easier to work with resin. You definitely captured the spirit of the mid 1950s with that one! I am a reefer freak (not the smoking kind LOL!) and I love your rendition of the old ice bunker type reefer. Again, fantastic!

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  • 3 years later...

As a "dye in the wool Mack man" my compliments on an outstanding model! an integral sleeper B-Model has long been on my wishlist to build. I cannot see one thing that looks out of place,and glad the Mack Museum was able to provide refrence material,they are great people to deal with..................................Mark

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