vincen47

According to a post on FB, it looks like we may see a reissue in 2025?

I’ve seen a few guys on FB put an engine in it, and I’ve got plans to eventually do it myself. Depending on the extent of detail and accuracy you’re after, hinging the hood, cutting out lower engine portion that’s molded into the chassis, and installing an engine is your basic job. If you’re wanting to go further, you’d need to scratch build the air intake system (I plan to use a modified under hood cleaner from an Ltl 9000) along with the duct work on the underside of the hood, and modifying the firewall to fit the engine and to look more realistic. Other under-hood components, like coolant and washer reservoirs, steering shaft, etc, could be added as well. For the engine choice, a widely-available Italeri Detroit Series 60 would be a good choice for the 2004 model the kit represents. An A&N resin Cummins ISX 15 would also be a good choice for the next few model years. For a late model, A&N also has a Volvo D13TC engine, and that would work if the truck is from the 2017 model year. Though, the VNL’s from 2015-17 had a slightly different bumper, updated mirrors, and fairings. In 2018, the VNL was updated quite a lot, beyond what the kit can easily represent.

Great job. Very unique.

You put better tires on it as well. Nice work.

A very unique and great model of a run-of-the-mill truck. I agree - boring, but an essential part of modern trucking.

Nice. Happy to see one of these built.

This will be a fun one to watch. A unique project. Not sure if I’ve seen one of these in model form.

Wow. That sums it up. WOW.

Nice job as usual, Brian. I’ve always been a fan of your builds, from concept to execution. They always look the part, great on detail and aftermarket parts, making for an accurate and unique model. This one doesn’t disappoint, either.

Fantastic work on the cooler and condenser. The whole radiator unit is incredible.

After looking at the photos I recently posted of the hood, I came to the conclusion that the seams were too deep and overall, out of scale, including where the grille surround meets the hood top and sides. More of a “trench” than a tiny seam in the aluminum panels. So, I puttied the seams and sanded it all again, carefully scribed the new seams. It also meant I needed to reapply most of the rivet decals again. Not a pleasant experience, but now the hood looks much better. Here it is in the (hopefully) second to last primer coat. I used Mr. Surfacer 1500 black. By far, the best primer in my experience.

Looking forward to it this Sunday.

Great to see. I don’t have a printer yet myself, but if someone was producing this, I’d jump in line to purchase.

Nice! Great to see another modern truck. 3d is the way of the future, especially when modeling trucks we see on the road today. I wonder if anyone is making a Kenworth T660? That would be a good one to add to your list.

Wow wow o wow. Awesome work. I’m into HO as well.