vincen47

Now this is excellent all the way around. What a crowd pleaser! It’s got everything. I especially like the dented bed effect, truly spectacular - you’ve got the inside wear from all those loads too! My favorite builds are ones like this, using techniques I can learn from.

Great info, thanks!

To add to the unfortunately short list of out-of-the-box modern US trucks, here are six more to consider: Italeri’s Volvo VNL780 and VNL670. Out of the box, they build around a 2003 model, curbside, and go together well. Though not a US-owned manufacturer, they are built here and are extremely common on US roads. Also, Italeri’s Ford Aeromax 106 and 120 kits can be seen as mid-90’s, rolling off the assembly line up until around ‘97 - though the chassis isn’t exactly correct for Ford, nor the engine a mid 90’s vintage. And from the same kit manufacturer, the Peterbilt 378 and 377, both of which are easily mid 90’s representations out of the box with period-correct chassis and engine. In fact, with the Series 60 Detroit, the 378 could be up to about a 2002 model, I believe. They just lack Peterbilt’s latest style, even though they are from the modern era. There are many resin conversions available of more modern trucks, like AITM’s Peterbilt 386, too.

Very cool project, one of those “you can’t see everything the first time” builds. You need to go back a look a few more times to catch all the details.

Excellent, and I always like your outdoor photos.

Beautiful paint colors, well done.

Thanks for the resources. I’ve been to those sites before looking for info to use in model railroading.

I’m so very sorry. It’s sad to see a fine artist’s work destroyed. These were great builds. I’m sure during the time they were displayed they brought information, inspiration, and a smile to those who viewed them - just as they did for us on this forum. I wish you the best in this unfortunate situation. Keep us posted.

Finally! What great news!

A great build and a fine tribute.

100% Agree. It’s the lights that take away from the design. I’ve said this before, cover up the top 2/3 of the light buckets, and the look improves greatly. Change the lower turn signals to headlights and the whole upper part of the unit back to fender. I think that would actually look nice.

Very nice!

You got Larry’s homework wedged down in the seat?

I just took a trip across Lake Michigan on the coal-fired steam-powered SS Badger car ferry. Many trucks make this crossing too. Grabbed a shot of a Brigadier they use to haul coal trailers on board for re-fueling. Plates don’t look current, and the drive tires are bald, but it doesn’t leave the dock area. Rear axle lifts. Also a shot of a Coronado and a beautiful 379 unloading. It’s a neat operation, and a recommended trip.

Very cool! The graphics are impressive!