vincen47

Chassis complete. Frame extended, and I wouln't say the Series 60 just dropped in, some modification was needed for the radiator hoses, etc. Not sure of how I want to do the fuel tank(s) under the cab - exposed with steps or a single one under a shortened aero skirt as originally planned and built so far. If I do a pair without skirts, I'll have to get some aluminum ones. I can't stand the kit ones with seams. Cab and hood work is coming along, I'll update when that is complete and on the chassis. I'll also switch out the tires when I get some more aftermarket drives and steers.

Very nice work. What did you use for the air cleaner lights?

24.5" in 1/24 scale? Now that would be nice. Accurate modern tires to go with them? I'm in. Can't wait to see them.

neat build!

I'll be watching this one.

Looking forward to more, I really appreciate your work. I may be putting in an order soon.

Couple new sets coming out soon from CTM... Can't wait for the Millenium Markers, though, but these will be great for several projects.

I just read on another forum that the VN780 will be out in late November. Any one else confirm this?

Top Notch. Museum Quality.

Can't believe I missed this one. Wow, very cool.

czechtruckmodel.com

I think there is a small market for this, however, they would all have to use the cab and chassis from a 359, right? I think most people could get over the chassis not being accurate, but I think the cab would be an issue for people, but maybe not. I am fine building in 1/24, so the Italeri 378's cab works with most of the modern resin hood conversions, so I'll pass. But I appreciate the effort and interest in expanding the resin market.

Excellent. Jan makes some great stuff and they ship fast too. I hope they continue to expand the North American product line.

More lights, good news! but I wonder what style they will be? The oval, Millennium style?

I have searched high and low for those specific oval marker lights. My only suggestion is look at Czech Truck Model, they have very nice etched marker lights with colored lenses in red and amber. I've ordered several sets. They are the best modern US style marker light I've found, though they are not the sleek oval design, but more boxy. The lights come in multiple pieces, so you can leave off the outside guard, and they are still low profile w/ a chrome bezel. They also have several very nice interior and exterior photo etched detail sets for US trucks. czechtruckmodel.com

I have begun my first Class 8 truck conversion, this project has been in the planning stages for a while. My first one will be built on a Revell Ford Aeromax 120, a kit I partially built back in high school. The kit had been in storage, along with others for quite a while. I had been a die hard model railroader, but now I have "diversified" and I am back into model kits too. Anyway, I'm looking to scratchbuild the 25' coach body on a single axle, much like this rig. I think I'll go with the "standard white" paint too: So far, I have finished the engine and I've started on the cab and chassis. Power will come from a Detroit Diesel Series 60 from an Italeri 378 kit. I have painted it with real Series 60 Blue, a rattle can I picked up at a Freightliner truck repair shop. Plumbing and wiring is wire from Radio Shack. Decals are from Scale Truck Detail Studios by Kurt McLucas (You can get them from Ben @ Class A Resin). A big thanks to Kurt for his decals and reference pics from his awesome models. The cab parts, like many others, were warped and required putty fill and a bunch of work to get it together. Filled all of the roof holes, as with the bunk over the cab, I won't be mounting anything there. It has been sanded and is ready for primer: The workbench has the spread of parts, frame has been stripped and an axle removed. Thanks for looking, I'll update when I have the chassis complete.

It may be 2 years old, but it is new to me. Good work, glad to see it.

Looks great! Classy reefer with the black sides and spread axle. Nice.

True about the Peterbilts. I've always wondered why Italeri decided to make a 378 instead of a 379 in the first place. Any Ideas?

Thanks Dave, as always, for your imput and effort in the hobby. This information makes total sense. No matter what it is, it is great to hear another one may be coming down the line.

Yes, Yes. Modern Tires, Please. Michelin Steers would be great, But I'd take most any brand. What material would you use for the cast?

Fantastic, grimy engine and great details!

No, that's the way it is. Like Robert stated earlier, it is my only real complaint too. The rear wheels are one piece (though Michael said he has made them separate before, but for more $) and I noticed it more when I put the XDY's on them, as they have less sidewall buldge than the Italeri tires. I'm overlooking it because the overall effect is so pleasing, and they will be mostly covered by a motorhome box. Now, if I was using them on a tractor, especially with no trailer, it might bother me more. But, with a nice set of real metal full rear fenders, rear tail light bar and mudflaps...yeah your large car would be pure class, and those wheels will be perfect... I considered the accurate 1/24 resin wheels from Ben, but I really wanted the real aluminum ones, and it seems MCA is the only choice available at this time and like I said before, the overall effect is really nice.

Robert - Yes, the stud itself fits a bit loose in the hole, but I used a tiny bit of CA on the stud to secure it. The super glue seems to work well, and it is simple and clean. But it is tedious, even with tweezers. I may use a stronger metal epoxy in the future. Though they haven't popped off yet, I don't want them popping off and having to replace them (though this would be a realistic operation like the full size nut covers that go missing all the time!). Originally, I planned to use Scale Hardware's real threaded acorn nuts on the supplied bolts, but they still don't have the nickel plated ones available in 1.2mm. The RB Motion ones look great anyway and are aluminum.

Some of the best, if not the best scratchbuilding I've seen in a diorama.