Superpeterbilt

Very cool Pavel. Is that 1/25 scale?

Good to know, I stand corrected. The place I found the photo had it listed as an Allison. Internet Accuracy strikes again.

10-15 is my sweet spot. I like to start a bunch of projects and be distracted by others and only finish about 2 a year. My problem is finishing. When I get it roughed out, so it looks like my vision, I feel slightly satisfied and move on to the next idea. Im not saying that Im happy with this system, but thats the way it is.

There was a huge surplus of these engines after the war. The drag racing guys started using them, and from what Ive heard they were buying them in the crate for $100 bucks. The problem with them is the crank spins counter clockwise. Thats why all of the automotive applications have it rear mounted. The only truck I know of that used it was an experimental Kenworth. They built it at the same time they were experimenting with gas turbine engines. I have a few builds going on using these engines http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=87986&page=3#entry1338067

The Diamond Reo would be best suited. The engine upgrade in the Pete is a step in the right direction, but the DR is still better equipt.

Ben, if you have another box made you should use a photo of the actual truck. There are many things wrong with this "replica". The wheel base is too long, wheels are wrong, and the frame is the wrong color just to name a few.

Thanks Sean. 10 yrs from now, I should have a fully operational 1:1 Pete 351 model. Complete with 1 piece vinyl tires, chrome plated 5th wheel, steerable front wheels, and fully detailed interior.

More work on the drum, and we have the beginnings of a hub.

Well, after stressing about how I was going to cut the tread I started looking for 1/8 car tires and things like that. I came across some 1/14 RC truck that were perfect. I grooved out the alum tire, cut the sidewalks off the 1/14 tire, and wrapped it in. It worked perfectly.

Nice

I dont think youll catch any flack for this. At most they might move it to the diecast section, but its still a truck so hopefully your ok. Ive customized/rebuilt many of the First Gear 1/25 B model Macks. I buy them for wrecker bodies, and rebuild the rest of the truck. Anywhoo, this project is lookin good.

Well, down here its the opposite. Most of my trucker friends have folded up and work for someone else. Most of the machinists I know have weathered the recession. Just to clarify, Id rather be drivin, but drivin 30 years ago.

I dont say this a lot but, you lucky dog!!

Thanks Buddy, as long my CNCs are running, and Im not welding, and Im not QC'ing, and Im not buffing, I can grab a few min on the manual lathe and make this stuff like a 19th century blacksmith.

Its the little things like that, that turn a $30.00 AMT kit into a $300.00 WOW!! kit.

Im not that far along yet, but I promise to keep it very reasonable. I dont really do this to make money, I just make this stuff for myself and share it with others. The 1/16 kits are already so expensive, I dont want to add a lot more cost on top of it. As always I will be open to trades for them and things like that. When I get all the parts made and actually start casting, Ill have a better idea what my cost will be.

Brake drum 90% finished

Ive been working on a bunch of other parts to accompany the rims. Tires, brake drums, brake shoes, 6 spoke front and rear wheels, and hubs. The plan is for the hubs to be tapped to recieve scale hardware bolts and acorn nuts. Im also about 80% done backdating a Pete cab to a Unilite little window. I will also be working on a 351 conversion, and walking beam rear suspension. Heres some of the work Ive done.

Nice job on all the working steering and linkage. It looks great.

Thanks for the info Gents, it is much appreciated.

I mocked up the trailer. I still need to finish the tailgate, 2nd coat of chrome on the wheels, paint the hyd ram, etc.

Man, did you knock over the coolest hobby shop ever?

Hey guys, I have a question that I hope you can help with. Im scrounging up pieces for a project involving the Ford race car hauler and need some info on a car. One of several cars that I want to put on it is a 69 Torino. After doing a quick search, I found many different makes of this kit. My question is, can I get some feedback on the kits so I can steer in the right direction. I would like to know the pros and cons of the AMT, Revell, Monogram 1/24, Palmer, and Polar lights nascar version. Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Great job on that floormat Sean.