vincen47

Wow what a difference the photo stacking makes. That photography is incredible. Takes an already impressive and exceptional model to a higher level.

It was my first time making an operating door like this, so I experimented a bit with some scrap plastic to see if the hinges would work. I originally thought I’d try piano hinges, but I started with small brass dollhouse hinges I got on eBay. I had to figure out how to orient the hinges to allow the door to fully open and close yet not have the hinges stick out too far beyond the outside wall. I wanted as close to a scale look as possible. Then I used CA glue to attach them to the existing door frame and the outer door skin. I cut the door narrower than the door frame to allow a gap for the hinges. I covered the gap later. Then I layered on the framework for the door using the same square styrene rod I used for the “studs” for the rest of the trailer walls, and some thin strips that matched the thickness of the brass hinge plate. The trailer walls are a sandwich of .040” sheet on the inside and outside of the studs. Then, the inner door skin was added. Now I just had the gap around the hinges to fill from the outside with styrene strip and cover over on the inside (like door frame casing). With each step I made sure the door would still operate before any glue was applied. There was some trial and error. In the last photo below, you’ll see that the interior casing leaves a void behind it to allow the door to close. You can see a notch in the inside frame where just out of sight, is the hinge. Hope this helps. Thanks for checking it out.

Making great progress. I like the two hole wheels.

Coming along nicely. Impressive work.

Got some more of the finish work done on the interior of the stacker. I improved the cabinets with trim and BMF (I wasn’t happy with the finish of the Revell Chrome). Made the edges more precise. I added a 120v electrical outlet panel from Iceman - I thinned the depth before mounting it to the cabinet unit. I also added under cabinet lighting and more photo etched switches from CTM’s VN interior set to finish it out. I updated the attic space by adding rubber coin sheets to the walls and moving the e-track. The ladder was installed. Mounted spare tires for the trailer and for the RV were installed using modified In-Bed Tire Mounts from Iceman. The workbench stool is from Black Sheep Customs on eBay. Shortened the height a little. Goes well with the style of the build. Lots more detail work to be done inside, but first I need to turn my attention to the exterior of the trailer.

Yep, it’s a Cat C13. If you’re looking for a DD13, nobody has made one yet, but 3d Concepts just released a DD16. It’s closer to a DD15 than a DD13, but probably as close as you can get at this point.

I’ve always enjoyed your big sleeper K100 trucks. The latest is the the best in the series.

Thanks. It’s 1/24 scale photo etched WWII aircraft carrier tie downs from Tom’s Modelworks, part number 2402. Not an exact match, but pretty close. I searched far and wide for e-track before coming upon the stuff from Tom’s.

Thanks! Yes, the roof will be removable and the rear door operational. The lift is removable too, so it could be posed in the down position.

I have the interior of the stacker mostly complete. I decided on grey walls, with stainless and black cabinets. I figured I had to do the interior work, with the exception of final details and trim, ahead of the exterior, for painting purposes. I couldn’t mask and paint the various finishes with the exterior walls in place. I had to get the sidewalls basically finished up first. So, I got to work on the side entry door. I was able to make it operational by sandwiching small brass hinges into the framework. Adding finish styrene trim and the door skin, it fits snug and smooth. I painted the aluminum/stainless surfaces with Revell Chrome and Spaz Stix Clearcoat. The rubber coin flooring got a coat of Tamiya rubber black. The front workshop area started with cabinets from BCS Trading, but I customized them, adding a workbench top, and skinned them in styrene and chrome paint to represent stainless steel. I also modified a washer and dryer I got a while back on shapeways. Some large RVs are equipped with a stackable washer combo inside them, but I always thought it could be put in the stacker instead, freeing up interior space. In a custom stacker, anything goes. The “attic” has rub rails and e-track tie downs, along with an operational drop gate to connect with the lift. Next, I’ll begin work on the rear ramp door, the roof, and trim work. The interior will need a lot of detail parts, too. Then, exterior finishing.

That double frame and the detailed crossmembers are exceptional. Wrapping it with styrene was a simple and effective solution for the resize, not to mention, resulting in a realistic double frame. The tank end looks good, too.

Thanks! I should have an update on the trailer build this weekend.

This will be another masterpiece, for sure, and very unique. I haven’t seen a bridge inspection truck built in scale before.

Simply stunning! Even screen on the window!

Forgot to mention, A&N currently has a wait time of 3 months for shipping. They make absolutely fantastic products, though. The engine is highly detailed. Lots of reference photos are available online of Lonestars with ISX15 engines, as that was the only engine option they offered.