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Wow!

JT, you are the man! You pulled that one off just great.

Thanks much for the tips on the fuel tanks. Wow. Incredible.

Gonna be real interesting to see what you do with the the engine, exhaust and paint. Reminds me of the old Willys "gassers" and other crazy kits from the 60's and 70's AMT and Revell used to make. Totally obnoxious (in a good way) just waiting to happen! Very very cool. Look forward to seeing more.

That is going to be sweet. Look forward to seeing it on the workbench. Great score!

WOW! That is a mean looking rig. You hit the weathering just right! What all did you use for the sleeper trim and bedding?

Darn nice job! Gotta save some pennies and get one of those miter rite boxes.... Probably would pay for itself in reduced material, sandpaper, and certainly would reduce less than optimal verbal outbursts. Especially for a bonehead like myself that cant measure or cut worth a hoot despite measuring over and over. Thanks also for the info on the oscilating fifth wheel. Didn't have those in my day. Nice. But is the trailer more likely to lean if unevenly loaded? Impressive job friend. Are you gonna have the door operate?

You do a nice job on your frame stretches and tanks JT. I fought the same problem on my freightshaker. (hotel room builder posted a month or two ago) On mine, once I cut just a fuzz out of the gear shift tower, it dropped right into place. Of course this was not determined until after the cab was on and painted. But I was able to pop the platform the shift lever is in and shave down the mounting posts a bit and not make a mess. Might be worth a look see if you decide to go after it. nice job on filling that horrible cab seam! I think AMT did that cab that way just to keep us all humble.....LOL One of these days I would liket to try making a double bunk version of this when I am in the mood to torture myself BTW - how about some loose potting soil on the trailer floor?

Nice job. I would not be surprised to see "test dirt...do not wash" or some snide remarks written in the grime on the back doors. This needs to go behind Q Tips (John S) tired looking IH Transtar 4070A! Well done! Any weather secrets you wish to share?

Welcome! If you are doing the heavy haul Pete, take a look see as one of the guys just finished up an incredible one. You will find everyone really helpful and encouraging. I am no "master" but these guys have always been willing to assist and have taken me way up the quality ladder.

Sweet.

Wow! And your weathering job is SO realistic. Would love to know details especially on the tires and turbo/exhaust. Most impressive.

Its all good my friend. Just like to attempt to stir the pot a bit in a fun and slightly psychotic way every once in a while... Comes with the job I suppose. Lighten up, live, and be thankful for each day. The alternative really sucks. It is a shame AMT blew this kit so bad based on what I have read here and heard. Thanks for sharing and posting. So what is next on the bench?

wow! that is going to be really slick. Love the interior and the frame box.

That was great Todd! Anyway, here is your jpg to make some decals..... Have fun! They just gotta go on the mud flaps minimum! And while your at it, why not go for the "eyelashes" perhaps out of a cheap black brush. Cant remember who it was, but somebody mentioned strawberry shortcake a few weeks ago.... Is nothing sacred? Is a therapy session needed or is it just our male hormones revolting against the "system"? Me? I will stick my classic gun waving Yosemite Sam "Back Off!" mud flaps. Yuup, bored if you could not tell......

Eeons ago I worked at Lonestar Peterbilt in Dallas, TX. I remember they sold a pile of 379's down the road to Mary Kay cosmetics. Pink down to their frames and all if memory serves me right. Drivers got alot of ribbing about them but they were making about double the going rate (or so they claimed). Definately got your attention. Cool. Dare to be different! Hope she enjoys.

That would be great for the suspension. Going down amnesia lane, Hendrickson walking beams with springs typically had ratings up to about 50,000 lbs. I am sure there are exceptions. Above 50K and severe duty on up often use rubber block. The design has changed little since day one. I dont know if torque rods or shocks were used back then. Talking about a rough riding beast! If you are going to get real obsessive on this one, note that in the pic you posted, it has the heavier "parking brake" chambers on all 4 positions and in addition they are mounted "up high". That was the typical on heavier off road suspensions and optional on most highway rigs back in "the day". This is just so cool.

Wow! How in the world did you do/make that ultra fine black stripe between the various stripe colors? Cab mounted exhaust? Never seen such a thing on a Freightliner. That must have been a challenge. Really neat the way you handled that and put in the discoloration and inevitable leaks. Like the air cleaner piping too. Very very nice.

Nice job. I too am quite a novice (compared to some of the true works of art these guys come up with), build on an extremely tight budget and dont have much in terms of tools. But that is ok. The guys on this forum have been very very helpful and encouraging. What KW are you looking at?

This is very cool. Just suggestions since obviously scratchbuilding is obviously a strong suite. (I am jealous). Consider researching the steering wheel and seats. These are a bit "fancy" if you are trying to go for original 1950's but by the same token desirable upgrades as they became available. Consider low backs and a bare bones smooth white plastic for the wheel. The Hendrickson walking beam suspension is a good choice however my experience with loggers is they typically have a heavier arrangement for the springs or are sometimes on rubber blocks. The extra springs sticking out towards the rear as on your kit are more typical on walking beam suspension found in highway service and have a lighter load ratings. Not saying it is "wrong" by any means, simply a heavier version is typically used. See below. I honestly cannot recall on these if the clutch pedal was a floor mount or suspended. Pete was big on a rather odd shaped floor mount for decades. The clutch pedal actually came thru the floor almost below the steering column and kicked to the left. The picture below is just to throw out to give you an idea what was used for so long (be aware the foot surfaces are not original). Again, I dont know for sure how it was done on yours. .

Ya know, it is no wonder so many of "us" truckers listen to Coast to Coast AM reading this thread..... Haul just 1 "top secret" load and it just primes the whole conspiracy mindset pump...and with good reason. Spent years railroading and it was always a hoot when these kind of things came through the rail yards. Similar stories/situations I always wanted to (but never did) say "my tax dollars paid for this load, I have a right". Somehow I dont think that would have worked or result in call back. Some guys just have no sense of humor. Sort of like telling the trooper "Ya know, you ARE a public servant. I want a basket of hushpuppies!". You are either going to make his day......or....you are going to make his quota. Ahhh....nice trip down amnesia lane. .

Absolutely insane! I think you are very modest. Heck, if I can come out as good as some of prior works, I will be elated!

Really enjoying following this. Great job! Please continue to post lots as I am learning from your ideas/experiences working on a 1/16 KW W900 "gold nugget" edition. It is my first real step outside the box as well.

Love the blown tire! Gives me an "out" the next time I destroy a perfectly good fender trying to make it better! Back in my model RR days, a common trick to beat up the freight cars (expecially those used to haul scrap iron) was to heat up a soldering gun and with different tips and just "create" the dents, tears, and creases. This one is going to be very believable when you get it done. A "nasty" trailer and some outdoor photography and it would definately require a second look!

Wow. Talk about a rag to riches! How did you make the air filter housing?