vincen47

Great work on this one. Looks awesome with the dual axles, another example of what “should have been done” by the kit maker in the first place. Good proportions and balance, certainly looks the part.

That’s a classy looking rig, great color choices. Looks great with the flatbed, and I really like the black on that. Nice all around, great build. And like others have said, lowering it a little made a big difference.

Thanks JT! Thanks! I sure hope the rest of the build goes smoothly. I always have to remind myself to take my time, and not rush things.

Here’s an update. Sometimes you don’t notice things until you look at photos, it seems. I did some needed touch-up painting. I added the lifting brackets to the front and rear of the block. I wasn’t happy with the valve covers, so I refinished those, and they look much better now. This time I did the Molotow first, then added the black. Thanks for looking!

Beautiful build, and now a fitting tribute to your good friend. That makes it even better.

This will be great. I loved what you did with the last dump truck you built.

Wow, almost one new (at least cab) kit per year in the 90’s. Good info. I think the WS Constellation followed in ‘98 or so, too. Even with some having duplicate chassis/engines (something that can be corrected, for the most part, if the builder finds it necessary) - I wish they hadn’t stopped that yearly trend of new North American trucks. Granted, I’m sure some would have huge issues like the Superliner, but others may have been home runs, especially if they tooled up another engine and chassis like they did with the Peterbilts.

That’s a nice looking truck, especially in that beautiful snowy mountain photo. When this first posted, I got the impression that the engine came with it. Not a total deal breaker, but the engine is one of those things I always prefer, if possible, so that’ll increase the cost, and the consideration. That being said, it still looks like a great kit, and like others have said, you get what you pay for - a quality, highly detailed and accurate model of a unique subject matter not available elsewhere.

That’s an impressive build. It’s great to see it finished. Takes up a lot of real estate, that’s for sure, but looks good doing it - that’s the important part.

This really shows the potential in that kit. Not just for beginners. It can be made into something special like this. Great work.

Looks great. I like that C&NW yellow. I think I like that better than UP yellow, but that would have worked too. I like that single horn in the center. Looks right at home in those outdoor shots.

Lowering the headlights is a huge improvement in itself, not to mention the other things you’ve added and swapped.

Nice and clean. Love the green!

Yes, it’s just a difference in displacement. Externally, the 3406E, C-15, C15 Acert and C16 are dimensionally the same, and share most of the exterior components, with subtle differences in details like the valve cover logos. Like the C-15, the C15 Acert is 15.2l, but has twin turbos as it’s biggest spotting feature. The Acert also shares the block with the Maxxforce 15, but the similarities end there. Jamie sells the Acert, and also has the 3406E and C-15 single turbo. So, there’s a lot of flexibility in our modeling world in what we put in our trucks. Especially being how this era of engines are 10-20 years old and many of them have been modified over the years with many parts interchangeable between models. The C12 is a different block, though, and the valve covers are different. KFS has a C13 if you’re looking for something in that range. Thanks!

Thanks guys!

Though it’s not part of a completed truck build yet, I think an engine can be a model in itself. I’ve started my next truck conversion, a 1/24th scale black and chrome Peterbilt 379, and I’ve built a Cat 3406E for it's power. The resin engine is from Moluminum. It wears real Cat yellow, and includes several scratch-built extras. Further detailing will be added when it’s in-frame. While most of Caterpillar’s 3406 line was 14.6L, It represents a ‘99 15.8l E-Model 3406. Factory rated at 600 horsepower (and often up-rated higher), the final generation of these 964 cubic inch beasts were the precursor to the C16. This one has been remanufactured and up-fitted with chrome and ceramic parts, to boost the performance and style. It’s representative of the custom engines from diesel shops that outfit gliders and other owner-operator rigs. Big Cats like this are highly sought-after for their power and pre-emissions reliability. They often find a second life in a glider or show truck. it’s coupled to an 18 speed Eaton Autoshift transmission that’s been up-fitted with a trans oil cooler. The build was detailed using Ken Smith’s Car Modeller 3406E article and online photos for reference and inspiration, many from Kustom Truck, an Oregon-based glider and diesel shop. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Next step is the rolling chassis.

Nice box art.

I was wondering about that. I bet you’re correct. Thanks, good to know. I would have been disappointed if I grabbed one thinking I could build it stock.

I imagine it’ll have the stock parts, like the grille, hood, mirrors, etc. Hard to tell, but looks like the side of the box shows the stock version?

I don’t remember where, but I too have seen great results with Alclad over bright blue. I agree, the standard gloss black generally gives it an ever so slightly darker chrome effect - pleasing and effective, but possibly not the brightest it could be.

This list will be a great resource. Thank you for your willingness to post and edit. You have 1995 for the Italeri Western Star 4800 (really a 4964, or Classic, on later reissues) I’m not certain, but I believe that should be a decade or so earlier, correct? The original kit was released in 1989, according to scalemates. Also, for the Peterbilt 378, I remember Tim Ahlborn saying it could represent up to a 2002 model, the last year the DD series 60 was offered. But, I recall something also about the kit’s dash determining the model year up to the year 2000. Likewise, the 377 being a 1995-2000 representation.

You have an incredibly high standard for your builds, and that’s noble and impressive. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and the results are worth it. Build on!

Absolutely excellent! Again, you’ve captured that period-correct look, right down to the spot-on weathering and details.

Thanks, when I see builds with this level of finish quality, I always wonder what quality materials the builder started with, but knowing full well that it takes skill to put them to use. You’ve got great finishing skill and talent, that’s apparent. I’ve seen great results from Zero Paints, I may have to check them out more.

That’s a color you don’t see much, what paint is that? Nice look.