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@Foggy 2, you're killing me. Can't you do a sneak peek and tell us what size the hard lines are? LOL. Michael

Clayton, air lines in the frame rails is what I meant. I checked out gauge to millimeter and 0.32mm is 28 gauge. I guess the real question should be then, what size are the air lines on a real truck? Can anyone go and measure their 1:1 truck? Pete J., I agree. I recently had some one get their feathers all ruffled because I used tubing for a frame they thought was too thick. I used a larger type diameter tube because the real 1:1 tube in exact scale was way too puny and weak looking. Scale is not always good. But then too I don't like seeing spark plug wires that have a size that look more like a garden hose. Does anyone know the real size of air lines?

Tom, I'm interested in finding out something along these lines too. I read recently an article somewhere that air lines (maybe even in the link James just posted above) are good for 1:25 trucks in 0.35mm diameter wire. I don't know what this size is in inches, but it's the same size as I use for spark plug cables on a 1:25 car motor. This comes out to 8mm in 1:1. Good for me at least, I have a 100 yard roll of the stuff. I'd like to see 1:1 pics of the lines and exactly how they're placed in the frame rails. Haven't seen them before.

Terry, I like the wheel mods and I'm looking forward to the plumbing aspect.

Thanks Dennis, I especially like the phrase "more than likely someone did something even weirder in reality"....LOL. This makes me happy. I had to ask here a couple of weeks back what kind of mods are done so a rookie understands. I got some good insight and have been able to spot a bunch of mods and I have a couple of things in mind for the 359, I'm real up about this deal. Another thing that hits me too, the detailing on this Round 2 kit seems to be better than what I expected. I was waiting for a split body shell, none of the three kits are split and there is no flash. The parts look really nice, I was expecting worse and this is a pleasant surprise. I think I'll start it today. Thanks for dropping by and the support.

Thanks Terry, I understand what you mean. I feel like a kid again, all wide-eyed and grinning while looking what's under the Christmas Tree. I'm already thinking, this tank I'll make shiny aluminum, the air tanks brushed aluminum, I checked out my supply of wires for the lines.....man, I'm liking this already! I've gotten some really great tips and lots of pics here on the forum, so I think I'm slowly sorting out lots of questions that I had previously. I think the wheels look so good in these kits maybe I'll just leave them be as they are for now. Lots of possibilities, and I'm still grinning and smiling. I like this. Thanks for the support.

Clayton, the dark side, lol! I think you're right. No looking back now, I've already zeroed in on the Peterbilt. Thanks Jonathon! I think I'll need a real big bench, or at least keep my present one in more of an orderly condition. Thanks for the welcome too. Hey, I'm thinking my existing shelf will need some bracing underneath it! I'm excited, a totally new field for me. I don't know what I was thinking. Trucks are just big, ain't nothing puny or small on a big tractor. I'll just open the box and take another look. Michael

Finally, I got my 1st truck kit today, actually I ordered and received 3 kits today. I just came back from customs, didn't have to pay the full 19% retail, only 15% as I told them the box was toys, and it's a gift to me. Anyway, I just opened the AMT California Hauler, the Diamond Reo and the White COE. I'll probably do the 359 first since it'll take customizing better than the Diamond Reo, at least I think so. I don't want the DR to look like a Peterbilt later on. Man, these kits are scary! I think they're intimidating. The parts are huge. I've never seen a 1:25 truck before. The plan was to do my usual thing, casting lots of parts in metal, scratch building a few things (leaf springs and front axle so it'll turn, metal motor and so forth. I'm not sure now. A rough calculation shows this tractor when finished as being very heavy. The metal parts weigh 10 times what the plastic ones do. Judging from the mass and size of the motor and wheels, this will be a serious project. On the other hand, since I've done a couple of my cars with metal parts and see what metal does to enhance the models, I'm thinking maybe just do it. Go for it. We'll see. Instead of ordering metal at 1/4 lb. quantities, maybe the 2 lb. package will do for a start at least.

An excellent collection. Bernard, something really worth mentioning is the way, and the manner in which you delve into each and every project you approach. This is just an immense effort from your side, and something that I just have to plainly say, is outstanding. I have never, ever experienced anything like this before and I'm a grateful soul for your efforts. You know what i speak of now. You are one of the most refreshing personalities I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with on a personal level, read PM's, on any forum that I've ever visited or been a member. You sir, are a great benefit when it comes around to bare facts, and a wonderful resource for info should one choose to make a correct replica model. Many thanks. Michael

Thanks Sam, I enjoyed the ride along. Looks like you're in a nice looking countryside too. Autocars have a strong aura about them and there are some beauties out there.

Bill, great color on this one, is it a mix? I've always liked that kind of turquoise blue/green shade. Also, the brushed look kills me. Could you share some of your technique? You did a brushed look on the M/T Challenger, this one seems just a bit different. I like it. The scripting is ultra cool. Great decal work.

Sam, what a beauty! Tell us please about the restoration. You're a knowledgeable fellow, were you in on it? The old stars of the trucking world....do they still run for money? Still making money, or just for lookin'? Clayton, I read about the Cal. laws and have to often bite my tongue. For one, I can understand the laws. More will come for sure too ....the environment. I don't know if it can even be maintained, too political for me to comment. I often like to do the usual searches of global areas and am amazed at the number of golf courses in the middle of the SW US. Read lots of water. The friggin' desert! WTF? I played golf for 30 years in a green region, water was never a problem and the landscape is green anyway. California: Will this mean lesser power for the big trucks? Maybe the rigs will get smaller and shorter?

Thanks guys, this makes sense. In other words, this is the reason the old 2 stroke Detroits became history. Too much was too thirsty and loud as heck. Better lesser, more efficiency, and life moves forward. What's with the old tractors? The Diamonds and Autocars and other machines from the 60's for instance? Old KW's and Peterbilts. Are they still allowed to be on the road? What's the permit look like?

"Hold back guys"! Huh? What's that? Man, that there is a word. I don't even think that phrase ever existed in evolution of man-language. lol. Maybe a woman made it up? I kind of get the rift about the steering wheel holders. I understand better now what you mean. I watched a tube video of some young blonde thing wheeling a big truck. An automatic. Enter ship(?)-storm. My older brother probably was one too. He made his license at age 50 after bailing out of broker-life. Drove a couple of years for a bigger-type line out in Az. He fulfilled a dream and was able to get out of both worlds doing well. Still there but now relaxed. Question now: Are drivers able to manipulate turbo pressure from the cockpit? If you know you have a couple of hours of flat land, or big hills coming up for the next few hours, what do you do to change power reserves?

Clayton I think that's interesting. So, are the motors detuned so they can't reach a higher speed? This tells me then they're not reaching any where near their possible most efficient values. Maybe not even being able to reach the point where torque and horsepower curves meet, way below probable peak efficiency. This means they're straining and guzzling fuel like crazy. The big power units reaching 9mpg really surprises me! Dangit, I think to still hear my mom's disgust at the family's various Oldsmobiles way back 50's and 60's. She kept book, especially on trips and seethed when the deal was around only 10mpg. Amazing. My dad was not an efficient driver, he liked romping on the gas pedal. Us kids too. Man I think gas was like 20 cents a gallon. I could tank my 1st car in 67 at 24 cents a gallon. Any fleet drivers that can chime in? Do truckers keep book on fuel consumption, or do you have too?

Looks like a great conversion Dave, well done. I'm a rookie, which trailer kit is used here? I like it. I have to out myself a huge fan of The Great One. Always have been as long as I can remember. Some of my 1st TV memories included him in many of his endeavors. I read a couple of biographies and they all stated the real reason he was happy to join Burt Reynolds in this film was because ole Burt knew how to have a good time off set. Read lots of drinking and partying. So, Mr. G said no problem, I like him already! How sweet it is.

Guys, I've been enjoying reading about diesel talk here in the forum. There's a couple of Detroit Diesel topics going on, I don't want to go off topic on those. So, QUESTION: All you guys say the Detroits have to be run/driven like you stole them. Foot in it and no looking back. What about fuel mileage? Doesn't the flogging raise the consumption drastically? Do you care? What does the boss think about consumption? Happy New Year!

Guys, this is not only an American issue. European kids have become really dumb too. Often TV shows just asking kids on the street simple questions. The answers are just plain dumb. Like, they don't even know where WW2 took place. Thatcher, Hitler, Churchill, Kennedy, Martin Luther King. The kids have no future. So what does ours like like then?

Jeff, I'll bet too there's room for even raising the motor at the mounts somewhat to help compensate. Just thinking out loud.

Hello Jürgen, you really build excellent models. Very clean and they seem to be all photographed in a manner that lets them look very real. I have no idea what scale these models are specifically, very well done. I've seen your presence on some German forums where more of your builds are shown. My compliments. I especially like the satin sheen of your paint jobs. Some time I'd like to understand a bit more of your technique. PS: Your wire wheel lacing tutorial is outstanding, many thanks. Michael, Wiesbaden

OK, thanks. Still seems like a slick operation going on there. Makes me wonder about the asphalt composition. I know there are very many possibilities here, all depending on climate conditions and type of road, like parking lot, suburban, rural or a through-way type with heavy vehicle allowance. Maybe other factors too. Good info. PS: I haven't seen those cube shaped bails in ages. In Europe they do the big round, wound up rolls. I don't know their dimensions but they are large. I have my workplace on a prosperous farm, the modernized old family farmhouse building. I love the smell of hay. Sweet and clean.

I just saw this asphalt laying operation and am amazed at it's simplicity. Here in old Europe there's a convoy of real heavy equipment involved (recently saw this done in front of my house). Aaron, question; In the bigger asphalt carriers shown right after the video ends, how is the brew kept hot? I don't see any cookers.

Dave, that's a real interesting point. I'll bet it applies as well. I recently scratch built a small drag race car, only the body was bought. A resin piece. I did the frame rails and all the rest according to known dimensions for some areas, the rest from pics. Amazing thing was, the motor had to sit exactly where the body prescribed, or the rest of the build would just not jive. Even the fuel tank mounted in front of the motor had to be built exactly like shown on various real cars, or else it wouldn't work. Other things as well. I have the feeling our models and aftermarket parts are fairly exact.

Hey Cody, you'll be getting lots of tips coming up, they'll probably be all good too. Take them, then do a search here for the same kit you're working on now, or that you want to do. The Work In Progress forum for instance. This might help you along. I think you'll be surprised how quick you can get some newer type detailing down and have fun doing it. I started too again about 2 yrs. ago and things here let me move along quickly to get back into things again. Welcome to a nice place to be. Michael

I saw that too with the rubbed off painted lines, great touch. Looks convincing to me. I'm no expert, but the Caterpillar color looks good too. What brand is it?