redneckrigger

A few NNL Easts ago, I found a note from that other mag, asking to photograph one of my builds. I actually had to ask someone what that was about, as I had no idea. To my absolute surprise, my truck made the mag soon thereafter. I was absolutely amazed. Two years ago, I found a note again on the same truck, which had been lightly spruced up. So I went to the photographer again. He asked what I guess is a standard question........."has this build already appeared in the mag?" Yes, I told him, whereupon he explained that they would rather shoot someone else's build in that case. I totally understood that and thanked him for his consideration. The next contest issue came out, and low and behold, there was a build from someone else, who had the same build appear in the issue that mine had. And it was in again, from the same show that my build had been asked to get photographed again. And then I started wondering, and did some review of contest issues, and it is apparently very common that the same build does appear many times, in the same mag, at different shows, in following years as well. So, yes, it does appear that there is favoritism. Surprise, surprise! Who would have thought that a model contest was any different than life itself! I would also suggest that the OP contact the magazines, or the photographers themselves for a more accurate answer. I would also say, it was a privilege and honor to have one's build published......................but not having it done is certainly not a world ender. I never expected such, nor really even wanted to have it shot, as I really thought there were better builds and better quality work to be seen by other people. End result, cool, but again, to echo Steve, I really don't care.

Those are very old resin cast tires from Mark Savage, back in the 80's. The wheels are from Moluminum, and are superb.

That is a very nice looking piece for the front of the trailer. Are these available somewhere?

WANT!!!!!

Well, true to my established form, I HAD to change gears in the middle of the build, and go backwards for a bit. So, I cut away all of the small cross beams that came with the Double Take kit, and replaced them with more prototypical, at least to me, larger H beams. I then changed the tail side beams to match trailers I used to work with. Have to cap them off yet. Then I cut the wood deck to fit. Am going to use the excellent drop deck suspension from Jamie at Moluminum, and outriggers and d-rings from Shapeways. It's getting closer.............no idea yet what color to paint it yet, but probably yellow or red.

That engine is fantastic! Great detailing....................but come on, admit it...............didn't you feel just a LITTLE temptation to paint it Driptroit Green??? LOL! Great work Brian, and an inspiration to try that level of details myself!

Excellent detailing on a great quality build................and period perfect color choice! GREAT WORK!!!

Very interesting build...............keep the photos coming!!!

Very nice work, KJ!!!!!!!

Nice build! Saw one of those at Steamtown when it was in Bellows Falls, VT, and again when they dragged her south to PA. AWESOME!

Mobile Construction Battalion

I am absolutely a slow builder. I just finished one build that I worked on for about 2 years, and another one that was in progress for almost 35 years. The nice thing about building models, is that you do not have to answer to anyone but yourself. I like to share my builds with other people of a like mind, but the ONLY person I try to please is myself. If it takes too long, so be it. ENJOY!

Jamie had some of the photoetch kits at NNL East...........got some of them from him. GREAT tracks................gonna have to get some of those for sure!

This is an ongoing work in progress. It started as a Double Take Replicas lowboy kit. The kit included 3D printed carrier beams and suspension units, as well as low profile tires, and styrene side beams and crossmembers. I cannot build ANYTHING from the box, so it went to the workbench. I assembled the frame and part of the gooseneck per the intended design. As this was a detachable neck kit, but not prototypical because it was a snap on neck, I decided to make it fully prototypical with a hydraulic system for the working parts. Shown also is the intended horse to pull it around, another work in progress, a Mack B815, as well as another newer design lowboy yet to be completed either. I built a kingpin receiver on the deck, made a kingpin box operated by hydraulic cylinders inside the neck, added the trap door assembly, added a stinger to support the neck when detached from the trailer, and replaced the low profile tires with full size rubber, and added hinged ramps. The cylinders were all scratchbuilt from Evergreen stock. Still need to finish the deck supports, add the outriggers, d-rings, rear platform supports, detail the suspension, piping and wiring, and many other details that make such a build complete. One step at a time! Hope you enjoy the progress.

VERY nice building....................and also a great backdrop scene!

Very nice work!!!!!!

Saw that beauty at NNL East.............absolutely beautiful! Well done!!!

Absolutely stunning..................simply STUNNING!!!

Tradition, something HUGE in the fire service, always had trucks red, as we all know. The yellow/green colors may not be popularly accepted, but they are far more visible at night. I am not a fan of non-red trucks, but our department is all yellow/green, and it does kind of grow on you, after a while.

Absolutely wonderful build thread......................and NICE red!

Used to have a track like that near us.................closed it down, tore it out, burned it up and turned it into contractor's business with a giant pile of junk and an eyesore for the once nice neighborhood it is in. Progress............! Very cool video.......can't hardly even SEE them going by!

Very nice!

Very nice old dog!!! Great work!

Thank you for all the work you and your group does for this, Tom, and thanks for the photos. It was a great event, highly enjoyed!

Totally agreed.............I have a 91 GT 5.0, that aside from a Bassani exhaust, is bone stock, with 180K on the clock. It just runs and runs, with everything original except exhaust, tires, brakes and a water pump. It is just a driver, not a show queen, and I drive it hard, seldom having my foot NOT buried in the throttle. It absolutely sings, especially when coming onto the power curve, which in these little gems is about the entire rev range. My wife can hear me coming home from about a mile away...............! LOVE IT!!!