Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Can someone show me a 1920s or '30s box truck?


Recommended Posts

OK I found a tiny photo on Google but no info. It looks like I can get a good start using the Revell/Mono '37 Ford pickup, but I'll need to build a cargo box. Shouldn't be too difficult. The big question is the wheelbase. Does anyone know what it was? Art? :D

What about reference photos?

Thanks, Lee

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In the 1930's, the new wave for the Commercial Box Trucks were the new "Futuristic" COE design.

hs_oly.jpg

hs_ih_coke.jpg

golden_age_39ih_d300.jpg

Ofcourse for the smaller Buisnesses, and those that weren't ready for the "Future", a Traditional Cab Box was still available from all manufacturers.

Much like this 1940's International Box

golden_age_ih_r_1940.jpg

This is a 1923 Ford UPS Truck

1923_Ford_Model_T_UPS.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh as for the Wheelbase, it really depended on the Size of the box used. Most cases it was a Standard 1Ton Truck(Based off of a pickup, but slightly longer, with Heavier Suspension and Frame Reinforcement). Once the box got to be a certain length, then ofcourse another axle was added to the rear. The idea behind Cab Over Engines(COE's), was the ability to Affordably retain the smaller chassis, but also be able to use a larger box.

As for the 1920's box truck wise, the main vehicles available were the Panel Truck design.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you want to know of a somewhat different build, get yourself one of the many Russian GAZ AAA military trucks. They are Ford clones made in the Soviet Union. Could be a good basis for a box van. One trouble is that the trucks are 1/35th scale. Atleast the look is there and you can upscale a Model A truck with the standard kits out there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Andy-

Those are cool, but I'm looking for something that has loads of style and could be used a real work truck for a plumber today. I want to start my own plumbing company in a few years. I'd like to build a model of a "what if" work truck; "what if" business really took off and I could afford to have a custom truck made with modern everything and '30s art deco style?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 8 years later...

Seeing as how Lee posted this in 2007, my guess is that he's already found what he's looking for. (to misquote Bono)... :lol:

Geez Harry. That's only 8 years. I've got plenty of in-progress builds way older than that, and the right reference photo just might change everything. ;)

I second that. LOL

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I built a box for a more modern chassis; Revell's 1999 Chevy pickup. The box turned out really nice. I found out it is not easy to build a square (rectangular) box from sheet plastic. Clamps from the LHS helped with the 90 degree joints. I even milled holes for the running lights.  I then found out that most service companies don't use box trucks. They are too big and fuel thirsty. (I was an apprentice at a construction plumbing company at the time I posted the OP. They used box trucks.) I ended up not finishing the truck model. I gave the box to a friend who builds commercial vehicles.

 

Here's the box, with some other stuff

http://media.fotki.com/1_p,wwkbsbgwbkrqfrtxwbbkrtkwswr,vi/dtsbqsktwxdtrtgqgrq/3/35189/329049/HPIM0131-vi.jpg

 

 

Edited by LDO
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...