Brenton

Funny you mention vinegar, because the Testors decal set smells exactly like vinegar

Small update: I put on some decals from the California Hauler. I put some decal solution from Testors but I’m not sure if it’s really setting them down because some areas are still not conforming. Once it dries I’ll try another coat of solution to see if I’ll settle down.

Those cables look amazing!! Great craftsmanship!!

That’s great advice! I’ll save this post because I wasn’t really sure where to start on airbrushes. I’ve put models together my whole life and never invested in one. I’ve just been motivated by all the amazing modelers on here and so I want to learn more and take my models to the next level. My goal is to eventually get a model to a show and maybe actually place in a contest.

Wow!!! The engine you’re working on looks great! Thank you so much for the info and the pics!! This is exactly what I was looking for!

So I have question about the engine. According to the box info, the engine is a 6 cylinder turbocharged Caterpillar. I’m just not sure which specific engine Revell used in this kit. Does anyone know??? I want to look up reference pics.

Thank you so much. It’s always the hardest part of builds for me. I plan on getting an airbrush setup very soon so that I can take my skills further.

Looking good so far. I love that lacquer from Testors. The green should look really nice on the van.

Sounds good! I’ll try that and see how it comes out.

What a beautiful truck. You should be very proud to display this one!

That’s an award winning model right there!

Thank you ! I truly hope so!

Yes it will. Haven’t decided if I should rechrome, dull coat, or leave it as is. I’m just not sure which will look best. What do y’all think?

Here’s what I have so far.

I saw that in your post. I’ll definitely try that and let you know how it goes. Moving on now to the interior where I have no idea what I want!

What a beautiful truck! True artistry! Wonderful craftsmanship!

Here’s a couple of reference pics of the California Hauler kit and the Peterbilt Coventional tires. Interesting the difference in tire size. I wonder if the California Hauler, being an older model truck year, actually had smaller tires on those rigs.

Yes they can. I have a few that are warped so I’m hoping I can adjust them. Something interesting I did was compare these tires to the ones in the AMT California Hauler kit. The California Hauler tires are significantly smaller which I saw was an issue with another build on here. I was thinking of using those, but I don’t want the tires to be smaller.

I do have photos posted. It’s taking longer for everything to post due to moderators having to approve each post. I guess they’re doing that because I’m new on here. Here’s the link to the post https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/200227-revell-peterbilt-359-conventional/

I just finished spraying the body and putting on a clear. I used Testors Extreme Lacquer in Mythical Maroon and Testors Wet Clear. I don’t have an airbrush so all of it was done from the spray can. I really like these lacquer paints because they dry really fast and go on very smooth. Should I spray a dull coat on the rims or leave them alone? I’ve never done alclad chrome and I’m not sure how it works, so suggestions and opinions are appreciated!

Thanks! It’s actually been very enjoyable working on a kit that isn’t fighting me the whole time.

I’m working on the same kit. Your truck is looking very clean. The interior is great! I’m hoping mine comes out as good as yours!

So here’s an update. I’ve been able to paint the frame a flat black. I plan to weather it a little just to show the wear of everyday driving and the elements, and to bring out some fine detail. Tire tread has been sanded and I also painted the cab and nose with primer to get it ready for Testors Extreme Lacquer in a maroon color.

So, I’m not a big rig builder. My first attempt was the Revell skill level 5 Peterbilt 359. Needless to say, that kit is really challenging. I’m still working on it, so in the meantime I decided to try something simpler like the 359 conventional. I wanted to try this kit based on some of the finished models I’ve seen on here. Below are some pics of the kit that I have mocked up. So far the kit is going together really well and everything is straight and parts are crisp and clean. I’ve glued the frame, axles, shocks, etc. all together to get ready for paint and primer. Feel free to give feedback and suggestions at any time. I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions about these trucks and look forward to learning a few things.

Those A-Team van kits aren’t cheap! One of the few models I’ve seen where the stripe is accurate to the tv show! Great work!