DRIPTROIT 71

I felt the same way back in the 80s, especially the 359 1100 cab kit. The Ertl semi kits seemed far superior to the AMT back then to me. Then I built my first M.T.F.A. resin conversion. Suddenly the AMT kits didn’t seem so bad. Then later I joined Hank’s Truck Forum and this forum after that. I was inspired by several of the great model builders I saw. If you’re not familiar with the subject you’re building, rig building requires some research and engineering on the builders part. If you’re wanting a kit to just assemble, check out the Revell USA KW W900 or 359 Peterbilt. These were originally snap kits but build up fairly easy and present pretty well. The old Ertl IH kits were good, but be prepared to pay a big price for them. The Ertl 4300 IH is available under the AMT name now. Due to wear in the molds it isn’t quite as clean as it once was and there is a little issue with the front axle needing to be moved forward. The Revell of Germany kits were pretty decent in regards to fit but a little more expensive. Italeri kits are expensive but fit well, but some folks don’t like the multi piece cabs. Then there is Moebius. I have never owned one of these, but the are probably the newest tool of an American truck available. In semi truck building, other than the former snap kits, AMT kits are the cheaper priced kits. They can be made into some nice builds.

Excellent save!

The truth is that we all like different stuff. While I would be less likely to buy a modern aero whatever, I would be more likely to buy something more vintage or at least classic looking. On the other hand someone else may be more likely to buy a modern aero rig and cares nothing for old rigs. There is no wrong answer. Like has been said, it comes down to what will sell the most. Which ever the case, it seems to me that between the plastic releases of today and the resin options that we have today, as truck builders we have more options now than we have ever had. Whatever this release will be I wish them the best, and hope it sells well. I’ve personally been glad to see all of the re-releases over the past few years flaws and all. As far as a movie truck release goes, I personally wouldn’t expect anything 100% accurate. I could realistically see the California Hauler kit with a 351 hood and maybe a few extras released as the “Duel” truck, or the R-Model released with the old Ertl Rubber Duck extras. Just a thought. I will be looking forward to what ever the release will be, but realistically I will probably never get built what I already have.?

Where can I find these Phil Jensen articles?

I’m pretty sure that it is the real truck. Charles has developed a giant shrink ray.

Very nice and clean build!! I like the paint scheme!! What color yellow is that?

Awesome work!

Great looking Dodge!!

I like old school builds!! This is definitely old school!! Excellent work!! Your modifications to the cab really sets this one apart!!

Very cool project! I’m tuned in!!!

Great work! I like the multicolor Johnny Cash look!!

Great looking work truck!! Great work as always!

I like it! The weathering looks great! I really like the stove!

This build combines two of my favorite subjects, daycab cabovers and cabover Kenworths. I really look like the color scheme and the choice of spoke wheels! Nice work!!

Amazing work!

Looks great! On the 1:1 tractor that pulls a frameless dump the fifth wheel on the truck is pinned to keep the hitch plate flat and to keep it from rocking back and forth. Excellent scratch building going on here!

This is one Awesome project!! From the axle and suspension upgrades to the way you blended the front clip. I like your engine choice! I had a friend that had a Cadillac engine in it. Excellent work!!!

Looking forward to seeing it!

Now that is a heavy duty frame!

Awesome looking work going on here!

This cab came with the kit. I didn’t buy this directly from Gary. Thank bought it off of EBay. Every time that I have bought directly from Gary the service was excellent though.

Do like I did and get your wives a Kindle. ? Opens up tons of shelf space.

The 359 Peterbilt was and is still used in a variety of ways like most other trucks. They were used as straight truck chassis such as dump trucks, log trucks, wreckers etc. and yes as over the road tractors.

Awesome work! Looks great!!

Looks Awesome!! The weathering really makes this one! Great work!