chuckyr

I think Italeri is offering the most common version of a European drive train configuration on their European truck model kits. Maybe 6x2 is standard, with other drives versions optional. 6x4 is by far the most common configuration in North America, so it would make sense for Italeri to offer a 6x4. If Italeri wanted to offer the most common truck tractor current on US roads, it would be the Freightliner Cascadia. The Prostar, along with the Volvo VN series are also common. Peterbilt tractors in fleets are not as common as you would think. And to my unscientific observations, I see more new Kenworth T680 on the roads than new Peterbilt 579. Super single wheels are common on spread axle aluminum flat bed trailers these days, due to weight considerations. I don't know about the drivability and maintenance or the look of the actual vehicle. I like the look. I still think Italeri and Revell will announce something new as far as American trucks and trailer before the end of the year.

The super singles are the only option. Sorry, more kits for me!

It's gonna have the option of Super singles and a curved deck to simulate an unladen trailer.

If price is your concern, than big rig models may not be the hobby for you. I'm sure the Revell version of Prostar and Lonestar cost more in Europe than it does in the US. You said that the Prostar didn't sell well, but the Lonestar did. Obviously more chose the Lonestar over the Prostar. I thought a modern Freightliner would have been more popular, but either way more complain about the lack of new kits than actually go out and buy them.

Didn't you say it was going to be a monumental task to get another truck or trailer kit after the first Moebius truck subject issues? Anyway, the fact is, big rig kits will never sell as many as Corvette or Camaro model kits. The cost of producing them is many times, which means they cost a lot more to sell. And the pure fact that there aren't that many big rig modelers as there are those that will buy 1960 and 70 car subjects. I would say many big rig modelers only use them as a back drop to the car models. A race car hauler, a modified truck hot rod, a Smokey and the Bandit truck to match the Firebird, etc. And many just want a truck to match the truck they work with. Personally, I never bought the Lonestar kit. I thought it was ugly. I have several Prostars. I have been told by toy and hobbies industry experts that the USA is a small portion of the world hobby market. To add, all of the truck model builders I read that say they want new subjects, by the time the kits are offered on the shelves, the first thing they complain about is that they are too expensive. You are just not going to get any new tool detailed large scale kits for cheap. Also, I have been told that Europeans buy more of the Italeri American truck kits than Americans. The model building demographic is not like it was in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Adults buy these things today. Those above 30 years old! I agree that they key is to find subjects that will appeal to the broadest model enthusiast.

Tim Ahlborn's work.

A & N Truck Model parts offers an excellent Cummins X15 engine. A very current engine.https://an-modeltrucks.com/product-category/all-categories/engines/

At the NNL, Revell was asking for your wish list. I emailed Revell Germany with several requests and I got a rather detailed response from them about the requests I made were too "exotic" as they described them, but viable possible future subjects. I suggested road paver, cold planar machine and asphalt roller in 1.25th scale kits. Revell said they first need to do some new "trucks, excavators, payloaders, figures etc." I then made several truck tractor and trailer requests on the Revell Germany FB page and got several immediate likes from Revell. I think there might be some new American trucks in the future from Revell and Italeri. BTW, I would like to see a Cascadia 116" BBC

I'm hoping that Revell or Italeri will offer a current modern tractor to go with this trailer and other modern trailers. Maybe a Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth t680 or t800 or t880 or a Western Star 4800.

Wonderful!

I have plans to build one of the Cruiseliner daycabs. I also have that decal sheet.

Nice Food Lion tractor. That's how I remember them.

Excellent approach you are taking. You know the Freightliner FLD120 has the exact rear suspension that this truck would use.

Kit Form Services of Great Britain also has a photo etch Curtain Side buckle kit (PE87). https://www.kitformservices.com/photoetch.html

Trailer expected late 2019, early 2020. Maybe Revell and Italeri will announce some new truck and trailers in the near future.

Solartex film.

Wonderful.

Excellent rework! It's as if that was the original intent of the kit.

The idea behind an aluminum trailer verses steel construction is the tare weight. Aluminum, being lighter than steel, more of the gross weight is dedicated to the payload. An unladen aluminum trailer weighs less than a steel trailer. An aluminum trailer is robust enough to handle legal loads. Depending on the number of axles, I have seen 4 and 5 axle aluminum trailers with gross weights of 125,000 lbs. A tandem spread axle is 80,000 lbs.

I'm sure there are hundreds of custom truck bodies that 1960's Ford pick ups could be had with. That ice cream truck doesn't look too difficult to custom build.

Since this thread began, Moebius has offered two sets of Super Single tires for their International Prostar and Lonestar trucks and their Great Dane van trailers: Moebius is doing another run of all of their truck and trailer kits. Moebius has announced that they plan to offer a a new trailer kit at DAAM show according to this thread. I've heard it will available late 2019 or early 2020.