gotnitro?

I puttered w the T800, starting on a possible engine for the build. I had ordered a C15 along with other goodies from st supply I'll leak photos of along the way..and its the 1st yellow engine I've ever built. The engine wasn't sent w instructions...and include a bunch of small parts. Luckily there's been a couple built on the forums, a quick search turned up photos. Here's what I have assembled so far...its not much, but I spent quite a while looking at photos working out how everything should go I'm leaving the valve covers off to paint separately, but hopefully I'm on the right track. I did notice a possible issue w the filter mount on the left side being very close to the frame...but recall plenty of knuckle busters working on Uncle Sam's trucks.

Incredible looking fire apparatus

Nice save ! The HVAC tape really worked well, a trick I'll have to remember

Great use of random parts to add details! Such an enjoyable build to watch develop

@Gary Chastain it was a method suggested by plaskit, and worked really well. I learned real fast to trim the ends going into the pivots short, or they'll be challenging to remove lol I tossed some different tires on the front, reminds me of the amt wide floats. The lift axle tire is a standard amt tire, and being smaller diameter really looks better for the look I'm after. I made up some axle bushings suggested by Gary Chastain to hold the moebius wheels on..perfectly smooth. Next up, install the front suspension and proper cab mounts

Decided to tackle the hood hinges tonite.I never tried the tried n true paperclip method before, but understand why its so popular now. I previously glued the grill into the hood opening, braced w scrap angle for more glue surface. I couldn't pass up a mock up. I'm using rubber from st supply, and mobius wheels. The lift axle tire looks a little large imo, but it may grow on me. The chrome will get toned down, its a little intense for a haul rig Jeff

Good looking WS !!

Thanks for following along! I attended a model show today, didn't get much work done. I nabbed a set of wheels from the mobius truck set a vendor was selling, hoping they'll fit the tires I bought from st supply

Quite a few people have them at work, and have heard nothing but positive comments about the Maverick, seems like the blue oval has hit a homerun

Small update for the wknd, I assembled the kit frame and installed the T800 conversion frame brackets. I planned to replace the kit 8 bag rear susp w an air ride, but the parts looked very large next to the frame. I started clearing space inside the resin hood to fit around the kit cowl. Theres more work to go, but its taking shape. I just set everything on the kit frame to check fit. The entire project mock up... Thanks for following Jeff

Good use for mobius wheels!

Oh man your breaking out the serious toys now lol, all the gauges and calipers its starting to remind me of my bench at work Which wheel set are you using on your trailer

Awesome review ! I've been looking at the GSM products online, but never seen one up close. The finish looks very good comparatively, and should be easy to paint Which engine are you planning for this build

Excellent fabrication!

Sounds like a good plan! Shows how prices have risen, sadly affecting our hobbies

Thanks Gary! I looked over your builds for inspiration Thanks for following along! @Rockford haha I've tried getting help for the addiction, but get drawn back in by shiny new kits

I was staying pretty focused on my current build...then a huge box of plastic, rubber and resin arrived. I fought the squirrels off long enough, then caved in.. I'm building an Anteater T800, using all the updates I could source from plaskit, st supply and others. I'm planning a regular trailer, but adding a lift axle. Here's the pile so far, there will be more surprises along the way. Hopefully I'll stay focused on this build ! Any comments or suggestions welcome Jeff

Looking good so far , keep the updates coming

Nice start !

Outstanding job! Little tweaks make a huge impact

Nice start! Picking colors is fun..I usually leave that to my paint guy..he never steers me wrong lol

Great job ! Loved following along thru the wip

Unbelievable work, there won't be a scale foot you haven't tweaked to perfection

Wow , you drew up a complete belly dump trailer too excellent work Sounds like your tweaks on the cab will help out your printing too

Amazing work so far