Brinx

Tom, I love the "assembly line" build technique. I did something similar several years back with the snap Crown Vic (was getting many requests from cop friends). I managed to punch out 6 units, with 6 more in various stages of "pre-assembly" (and have been taking up room in my "warehouse" ever since...lol). A find like yours is a perfect match for the hauler project and I'm looking forward to seeing the whole display. I'd say more, but I've got to be heading out to the Ollies right n........

She's lookin' good JT, love the trailer stretch and skirts. I'm always glad to see your orange rigs rolling down the super slab.

Amazing DR/Dumper...looks great! (that sign sure is familiar...seems I see one like it EVERYDAY on my way to work!)

I've built maybe 4 or 5 of the 352 kit over the years...I still have yet, to get the cab/hinges to work right. Looking forward to seeing your Pacemaker, its looking good so far.

Wow!, even the rust streaks on the trailer match up to the actual truck, just WOW! Thanks for sharing this gem Sergey.

Very nice Dennis! The builds are fantastic. I especially like your study of old (restored?) meets new (modern). Quite well executed.

Joe, I had a similar need some time ago, here's what I found: check the site www.rogerstrailers.com From there you can select from their product line and most had a basic mechanical drawing with several measurements. The picture is PDF format and should get you the basics of what you need (I am assuming you're interested in a lowboy in general, and not a Kaufman specifically?). Best wishes on your project...keep us posted. brinx

Angel, I'll offer my personal experience with re-builds. I favor makeovers and touch-ups as opposed to a full on "Mulligan". I've found many times that taking them apart and trying to salvage the kit to be pretty tough endeavor. Always seems that even if I do manage to not break something, the parts just never seem to look/fit right a second time. I too, agree with friends that have said that this could be a good project to gauge your skill improvements. For me, I've noticed two things about my builds: 1) The next one usually comes out (sometimes only slightly) better than the last and 2) It is seldom that I have ever finished a model to 100% completion as there is always one more thing to add. About you model specifically, Over all, looks like a pretty solid build. I do like that shade of blue and your red stripes look quite straight and well lined up (I like the thinner one above the thicker one. I'd suggest trying some smaller detail painting and/or some other decals/stripes (I did that once to hide a thumb print I made during final assembly). The best part, If you still don't like the end results, you can always enact "plan A". What ever you decide, I hope you'll keep us posted.

Looking good JT, I like how you addressed the side skirts, That was one problem I had and kept me from stretching the wheel base to something that would allow a trailer. On another note, its always great to see another orange rig coming out of your shop!

Fantastic looking rig, with a great looking load on a realistic looking road....they don't get much better.

Dave, that is one fine looking R&D Trucking rig! Looks like you captured the "first-unit" rig perfectly. The sleeper looks perfect.

Very nice conversion Angel, You really nailed the back wall of the cab, looks perfect!

@jimB..if you're asking about the buttons in the "diamond tuck" of the interior , they appear to be dark Green into tan. (season 2 episode 19) brinx

Trade completed with Sam I Am (Sam Grabenhorst). Everything was as described and well packaged shipped promptly. No worries working with this gentleman, and I plan on doing so in the future. brinx

Indeed the Pride of the Fleet. Only the company owner and maybe, just maybe your trusted, senior operator will be who gets to drive this beauty.

Great shots, will be most helpful as I'm going to (eventually) try my hand at weathering. Thanks Clayton.

Thank you guys for this post, I wish to express my appreciation for the time and effort put in. I have made use of this references a few times and regret not having taken the time to say "Thanks" until now. brinx

Gary, I'll first start off with echoing the remarks by my esteemed Friend JT. However you finish it, I think your son will be very happy just simply because it came from Dad. To answer your inquiry, I've done a couple of die cast models that came factory painted and assembled and highly recommend stripping them down to bare metal as the paint over the already finish will not yield as nice a look, and will chip very easily. The basic techniques for die cast painting are rather similar as plastic: I have done a few die cast projects and have found stripping them down to bare metal and priming (recommend using an automotive grade, self-etching primer as a base) Once you're satisfied with the color(s) do a couple of coats of (gloss?) clear and this should help give the finish a bit of protection against chips as 3-year-olds tend to crash their trucks...A LOT! (go ahead, ask me how I know...lol). Be sure to allow a few days before the clear coat to allow the base paint to cure/off-gas. My choice of paint is: (not sure If I can say brand-names but, one starts with a "K" and ends in "rylon" and the other starts with "Rust" and rhymes with "linoleum"). Being as this is intended as a toy as opposed to a display piece (bravo, btw) be sure to double check for and avoid using any paint/clear coats with lead content in them . The best way to strip the paint down is a rotary, wire brush (SAFETY GLASSES!) Be sure to remove any/all plastic as the brush will destroy plastic instantly (no matter how steady your hand is). I offer the above with the disclaimer that I do not consider myself an expert in die cast painting or painting in general ( a couple of cars and 4-5 wall outlet covers). This merely what I've found as best-practices as I've gone along (your results may vary, batteries not included, member FDIC, void where prohibited.) The picture you offered in your post is giving me inspiration for a future project using one of the Revell snap Petes. (sharp looking rig). Keep us posted on your progress and Keep on truckin' Dad!

David, Fantastic! I like how you combined old-school with modern tech. The super-singles look great on her, I get the idea that the owner still uses it for daily work, but keeps it clean enough to bring to shows. Excellent use of the flag decal as back window tint (gotta give that one a try myself). Beautiful restoration!

Great looking rig Angel. Flawless paint, stripe and decal work really look fantastic together.

Looks like a great resource, You get 10 out of 10 for that tip, thanks Larry!! brinx

I like the stripe and sign work especially. Heat-shrinking trash bag for a trailer covering....simply brilliant! (going to "tarp" a flatbed load using your method, hope I can get results as nice as yours). Overall, very nice rig.

For me, the part I always dread, Windshield and windows. There is an area I've found that can go wrong quite easily and is one of the most conspicuous places on a model. I'll offer a couple of other observations: Mirrors?...I have to admit, a few rigs in my fleet, the driver has to stick his head out the window to back up. I will however give kudos to the mirrors on the AMT Pete 359. With the way the brackets are engineered (and some super-glue), those have been the easiest ones I have ever worked with. It is too bad they didn't do that on the rest of their offerings. Chrome in general, I'm with you guys all the way on that subject. For me, less is more as I tend more toward the "work-horse" variety of subjects (although I do appreciate a rig all decked out and shiny sometimes too). But, what gets me is chrome on the engine. It seems the idea might have been to chrome something that should represent bare metal but the result is just seems to look out of place (specifically addressing the AMT engines, esp. Cummins). brinx

Fantastic work! That is one fine looking tanker.

Bring 'em on Travis, love what folks are doing with these snap Petes/KW's.