vincen47

With most real trucks having separate types of tires for the steer axle and drives, and most kits not, I'm suprised it isn't a bigger issue of complaint amongst big rig modelers. I recently ordered a couple sets of drives from Ben Wicker @ Class A Resin. Anyone else usually put aftermarket tires on to fix this problem? Or, do most people not mind? Years ago, before I just got back into the hobby (in the past year), I didn't even notice the difference.

Not trying to knock Freightliner, but it just seems to be something that doesn't hold up on these particular models and brand of truck. Plus, the companies running these old fleet trucks today don't care to replace them. It doesn't benefit them economically. But, that's why I really appreciate the pride most O/O's (and fleets) take in their truck's appearance.

I just think these big Ford boats are awesome. My favorite is the 78 country squire wagon like the one above - my dream kit. There is one on the Revell "Share Your Dream" idea site. It has quite a few votes already.

Ever notice how often Freightliner FLD120's, Classic Xl's, etc, are missing grill bars? If I ever model a well used Freightshaker, I'm going to have to model this: It is such a common thing, I nearly chuckle every time I see it.

Excellent kit. The resin is top notch quality. I picked one up a little while back, it is on my "To build" list.

To save time... I made a list of items I voted for thus far, and I use the search to find them to vote again each time I visit. Key word "Kenworth" or "Greyhound", for example. I also check out the newest items on the main ideas page, they are automatically in order, newest first. Now it only takes a few minutes to vote.

Keep voting! lots of great stuff on there.

Very cool project, I hope to start mine soon.

Nice work! Is this one curbside too?

Great start, best of luck. What a unique model.

Glad this thread resurfaced, what a nice build.

They did a good job blending the original travel trailer body with the cab and storage bays below the frame level.

I didn't have to register to vote. I bet you only need to do that to submit ideas. I just used the provided links and on the main page clicked on "ideas" and viewed the entire list (yes, it took a very long time, but it was fun). I also used the search to narrow it down and save time the second time I visited.

I spent quite a bit of time on there and voted for many things, including the ones you listed above. There are some really neat ideas on that site. Some of my other voting highlights included: Kenworth W900L 78' Ford LTD Country Squire Wagon Late model Prevost Motorcoach MCI MC12 motorcoach I could only dream they'd make these and all of the others I voted for.

The model railroad hobby has been dealing with this licensing issue for years. It wasn't always like this, but if you buy a Union Pacific loco (or any of the many railroads UP has ever taken over thoughout its history) you often will pay a few bucks more to cover the costs of the agreement. UP charges for it, while other companies allow, with permission, to use their trademarks for free. UP had a big court fight about 10 years ago with a model railroad company. Needless to say, the country's largest railroad won the fight. I wish Cat would allow, even for a fee, for model companies to produce modern On-Highway diesel engines. Cat isn't even making them anymore. Maybe they do, but the costs are too high?

That is sweet!

what a hobby!

Yes, a great fleet truck. Classy O/O rigs are nice, but it is great to see a very realistic everyday truck.

Truely a work of art.

Very cool!

Beyond a doubt, totally speechless. wow.

The only accurate W900L battery boxes I know of were part of P&P resin's W900L conversion kits, originally done by Bill Drennen. The kit isn't currently on the P&P's website, so I'm not sure if you can get it, let alone just the battery boxes. Maybe someone else has more info?

Very nice work. Great to see plain jane everyday work vehicles.

If you only have time for one, make it Model Cave.

The Nov 2013 issue of Trains magazine (Kalmbach publishing) had a series of great articles on auto transportation via railroads, one of which was on the Verta-Pac Vega autoracks. A good read. Yeah, I'm a railfan and model railroader, too.