IH 3800 - plenty of seats to go around!

[peteski]

This is developing into a very interesting project.  Nice!

[Joe Nunes]

An interesting build indeed that has caught my attention.

Joe

[Perspect Scale Modelworks]

11 hours ago, Repstock said:

I like the project, but what is this "squirrels" reference everyone seems to be using?

That's what I'd like to know 

[stitchdup]

41 minutes ago, Perspective Customs said:

That's what I'd like to know 

i think its a term for ooh a squirrel easily distracted folk, at least thats what i think off when i read it

[gotnitro?]

Yeah the squirrels comment is a joke about how easy I get side tracked. They tend to suggest another project while I'm involved in the current 

[Perspect Scale Modelworks]

8 hours ago, gotnitro? said:

Yeah the squirrels comment is a joke about how easy I get side tracked. They tend to suggest another project while I'm involved in the current 

Oh okay. I'm am very familiar with that.

[Mopar - D]

Wow Jeff you’re off to a great start on the bus and looks like you have a lot of good resources following along. 

[gotnitro?]

12 hours ago, Mopar - D said:

Wow Jeff you’re off to a great start on the bus and looks like you have a lot of good resources following along. 

Thanks Dan! I didn't realize we had so many bus operators past or present on our forums, it's very helpful!  Glad to see you back in the forums too hadn't seen you around hopefully you had a great holiday.

[gotnitro?]

Progress continues on my bus, yesterday I started working on the flat front cowl. Being a Thomas bus, its well, flat lol. I added a few filler strips across the top, and sides to match the hood profile. I spotted a cool detail from a 95 Thomas bus photo off an auction site. The flat cowl has a step down on the edges right beside the turn signals .

I kitbashed a paystar rear wall for the front panel. The curves matched my plans, only requiring a stretch. I chopped it right down center, added the filler piece and reattached. A couple bits of scrap strip was used to reinforce the joint. 

top view showing the very rough cowl details, those will be blended in this wknd. I also want to add the drivers side air vent fairing.

Thanks for following 

Jeff

[Warren D]

Interesting that the windshield halves are angled.  The 1978 Thomas I drove had flat front windows.  Makes sense they would try anything to improve the aero.

[gotnitro?]

Slow week at the bench, but finally have a decent windshield frame. I added half round strip to replicate the seals, and curled the edges making a pseudo A pillar.

While that dried, I found a suitable screen material for the cowl vent. Its actually plastic screen from tamiya for a 1/35 tank lol. 

Now to hopefully combine all these pieces making up the front, and start on the large sides 

Jeff

[TarheelRick]

Glad to see you continuing your work on this build. That angled windshield is new to me.  The Bluebird I was driving before quitting was only 4 years old and it had a flat windshield.  If I recall correctly, the majority, if not all, the buses in our fleet have flat windshields.

[gotnitro?]

@TarheelRick- yeah the angled windshield is more common on newer buses. I'm using a 95 bus as my main reference, and the drawing. I wish I'd stuck w flat glass...this has been a challenge! 

 

[gotnitro?]

Speaking of that windshield, I built the sign/ light panel to finish off the front. I attached it, then noticed several spots that don't fit tight. Couple thin shims later tightened things up. 

It was the moment of truth, would it look right with the flat cowl and hood ? Everything needs final blending, but I'm pleased 

I'm planning to have the entire top removable, showing the interior. Splitting it right behind the front light panel should work.

I lucked out that Daniel from plaskit has a mold for bus seats, and is casting a bunch for me, saving a ton of time ! 

Thanks for looking,  and comments or criticism welcome 

[Warren D]

Looking good!

[Dutzie]

Looks good. 

[gotnitro?]

I found a large sheet of evergreen i stashed yrs ago..I guess it was saved just for this ! The side walls were laid out and cut last night while the Bills got properly stomped by Cincinnati. Glad this sheet was 24 inches long..I needed 15 1/4 for each side 

Each window opening needs minor sanding, then the entrance door will be trimmed out. I'm still unsure about cutting the angle on back wall..but thats for later 

Thanks for all the feedback 

 

 

[Rockford]

All looks good and square to me. Cowl assembly is excellent too. 

[Gary Chastain]

Great fab work, impressive 

[Repstock]

I chose to make the side windows by using two long strips of clear plastic (upper window and lower) and attatched all the pillars and detail to the glass. Saves cutting out a bunch of windows!

[gotnitro?]

On 1/23/2023 at 11:37 AM, Rockford said:

All looks good and square to me. Cowl assembly is excellent too. 

Thanks! I need to  blend everything together still, trouble w multiple pieces coming together 

 

On 1/23/2023 at 12:49 PM, Gary Chastain said:

Great fab work, impressive 

Thanks Gary I'm waiting for materials to add the rib strips down the sides.

@Repstock- wow incredible work on your bus!!!! Every overlapping panel and rivets too..excellent work. Please share more photos if ya would 

Thanks for the tip on the glass, I've been saving materials from my daughters toys! 

 

[Repstock]

1 hour ago, gotnitro? said:

 

 

 

@RepstockPlease share more photos if ya would 

Thanks for the tip on the glass, I've been saving materials from my daughters toys! 

 

 

Edited January 24, 2023 by Repstock

[redneckrigger]

Looking fantastic Jeff!

[gotnitro?]

21 hours ago, redneckrigger said:

Looking fantastic Jeff!

Thanks Tom ! Not your level of detail but enough to pass the peek test lol

@Repstockunbelievable work ! The rounded body makes me envious lol. Thanks for sharing 

[Mopar - D]

Awesome progress Jeff. looks like Tom has provided proof that this bus can be done.