gotnitro?

Yeah always wish the detail level was higher on 1/25 kits..cost definitely comes into play. This kit is 149.00 add 30 an engine..then usually resin tires to replace the vinyl balloons....and photo etch for the overly think parts... cha ching lol!

Yeah I looked closer it's one piece. Unless they added the blower and accessories before boxing up...I dont see any signs of it .

Quick mock up of progress planning to open the bottom side panel showing off the engine, still working out how to support the etch grill after removing the panel.most pics of ODS trucks have these sides removed...whether for cooling or easier access. Jumping ahead...I started the M747 heavy trailer...a few hrs of work and we have this... Cool huh !!!! A few close up shots of the itty bitty details lurking they included the precision hammer on the gooseneck and plumbing lines. I tried to snap a close up of the tie down cleats inside the trailer hopefully they show.i lost a few to carpet monster ...his name is Fred..lucky Meng included spares ...lots of spares lol. I'm really bummed those knock out spots are so visable now... The deck will receive a heavily worn finish using the "hairspray " method leaving a multi layered finish. More to come !!

Looking good Kerry have safe trip

Update time !!! Its officially a rolling chassis!! The tire issue was resolved by taking time and fitting tire around the rim almost like real one on tire machine. They'll be removed for paint . This truck uses a twin "tulsa "drag winch to pull equipment onto the trailer, included was fine steel wire for the wire rope. Next up was the hydraulic tank and plumbing..I'm very impressed with the detail here..the hoses even have coiled look I favorite part..mock up !!! Small spots of ca glue holds it together.. Sharp eyed builders will spot the air cleaner riding on the fender and radiator....which means there must be a Detroit nearby...these pics show the excellent detail included. I literally pulled each part from package and snapped pic..still can't believe it's one piece molding...enjoy !! Any feedback welcome

The biggest difference is the out the door price...the Meng kit is more expensive. I've seen the HB for around 75, the Meng for around 120. The HB has a one piece cab, meng has multi piece...now don't jump to conclusions it's NOT the turd bucket fright liner kit type multi piece cab . I mocked mine up and the fit is perfect, nary a seam in sight. Both are curbside w a decent tranny showing. Meng offers the engine for extra, I'm reasonably sure it would fit the HB with tweaking. My biggest gripe so far with mine is the tires fit poorly on rims , the tires look properly inflated, but the rim has just enough " rim lip " to hold them from popping off. I did notice several parts including the all important hood and cab have a very fine surface texture ...ya can feel w fingernail...not smooth plastic. I know the CARC paint we painted our equipment was very rough..maybe they added that detail ..or buggered up making the mold. Either way it's military and it'll be dirtied up later on. Sorry for the long post

Thanks...but I'm Jeff ..lol

The hubs aren't the problem to making it steerable, the hubs have ball joints inside allowing full travel. The steering arm and link that attaches to hub is solid. Almost think drilling that out would likely work....more than I'm gonna attempt lol

Working thru the chassis today thought I'd add a few detail pics showing off the incredible detail this truck has.. The completed driven front axle..I was surprised to find this won't be posable when attached really bummed me out . The pusher axle arm resting on a MRAP tire the pneumatic shock is a rubbery vinyl. I'll pose these raised So far the frame measures 10 inches long, the entire combo should be around 26..yeah big boy !! Off to grab some awesome BBQ and enjoy the holiday everyone have a great day

Hey Gator ! Glad ya dropped by , haven't heard much from ya hope your doing well. Blackbeard -thanks for looking in, I'm jealous hearing you've driven one of these behemoths..how were they to actually drive ?

I agree 100 percent, wish I had the time to make up a few bodies using the kfs sheets as reference. .the mechanical look of the Holmes inspires me .

The build is coming along nicely ! It's always a pleasure to watch your work go from a photo to planning into a finished model , it's very inspiring to a modeler like myself trying to push skills and getting out of my comfort zone!

Charles -yeah the Merit kits are very well detailed I've read their exceptionally nice to build also I just noticed the HB kit was out, and substantial less than the Meng offering. I had 2 of the M1070 kits..a very intensive build but very well detailed .This one goes together well enough , just the amount of cleanup disappoints me coming from such a reputable company . I won't bore ya with step by step just snap some pics along the way of the major bit's . I gotta figure out how to mount the resin engine cause they didn't add any mounts for it. They actually mention to leave out certain parts if using the engine though..odd

Well..I'm off and building! !! I actually bought a pair of cheaters and wow do they help see the tiny parts. The first couple steps are normal assembly of the ladder style frame . I am kinda disappointed there's so many knock out pins marring the inside frame rails..such is life ! I quickly labeled all the sprue w tape tags ..there's 12 of them lol. After a few minutes here's the complete transfer case Line everything up..this should look familiar! ! Even in 1/35 scale the size looks huge Another familiar part is the walking beam suspension I've just started , watch where ya glue and everything moves !! Closeup of the rear crossmember w pintle ,and air line fitings added...yeah their tiny lol That's it for now

Yeah Brian this one's 1/35 scale , looking over the sprue makes me realive it's probably time for a pair of cheaters. The detail is stunning , my 40 yr old eyes can't see well enough up close to asemble those tiny bits Thanks Kerry it won't be long now, we had a heat wave and the model room was too warm to work ...2nd floor temps lol

Looking great from here ! Just be sure to wash that popcorn butter off your fingers before painting don't want to mess it up now lol

Wow sharp work

Thanks ! It'll be very helpful. I bought the operator manual also to help understand what parts actually do...I like learning about the builds vs just gluing a piece of plastic to another . Lol !! It's safe to grab a tasty beverage I'll be starting this week, had a couple outdoor activities to finish up

Good choice for the Bradley , I haven't settled on the load yet..definitely leaning towards a Desert Storm scheme since the M1070 wasn't fielded yet . Amazing this behemoth could handle the Abrams but just barely.

Thanks Ben , I usually would've waited for the hobbyboss offering but became impatient waiting for them to release . After building HB M1070 monster kit I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Fantastic work Brian ! The larger diameter parts on the hooker really stand out and the color combo is awesome

I've been called back to the bench by the siren song of plastic...and fellas...this box is chock full !!! I bought the Meng models M911 heavy equipment transport which includes the M747 heavy duty trailer...yeah all in one massive box! ! I decided early on this build would be nearly OOB except the addition of the Meng resin 8V- 92TA-90 engine..which is absolutely stunning with the insane detail molded into it. I'll be starting the build this week , so stay tuned here...feel free to comment or ask questions along the way ! Here's a few teaser pics And the unbelievable engine... Grab the popcorn and favorite drink...it's gonna be a fun time !

I bought one on ebay last yr they pop up occasionally. Mine must've sat for awhile cause the major parts were badly warped, and I ended up scratchbuilding new ones using them for patterns. Mine didn't come with the outer body , I fabbed that myself . I'll keep eye out for ya

Yesterday out for a lunch cruise w my 2 yr old daughter and spotted several vintage cars cruisin thru cortland NY area, only after stopping in Homer gas station did I realize they were participants of the 2018 great american race! !! Most of the cars names were unknown but the drivers and navigators were super friendly allowing kids to sit in their cars ! Wish my phone battery wasn't dead I missed several pics of 2 Hudson hornets , and numerous other amazing rides !! If your in the northeast area this week, their heading to Vermont monday ending in Halifax NS...

Thanks tom..how about buying a couple kenworth transit challenger mixers for your collection...