iamsuperdan

On New Years Eve, it was -37 plus windchill. So it felt like -48. Today, driving into work, it's -1. You have to love flip flopping weather. I just wish we had some snow. Having said that, the Christmas season is done, so bring on summer!

Unrelated, but here's an interesting Mack I found in the same batch of pics. And of course, I had to climb it. More pics to follow of my dad's Matador.

Was going through old photo albums at my parents' place over the holidays, and stumbled across these. Back in summer of 1983 or so, Bandag tires sent the Tyrone Malone trucks out on tour. And they hit an Edmonton Bandag dealer. As a kit who was wild about trucks, I made my parents take me. I may be wrong on the year, but it's probably pretty close. I know there are more pics somewhere, believe it or not they're probably slides. So once I find those, I'll get them scanned and posted. In the meantime, here are some pics of the Super Boss, Mama Truck (I think), some kind of Corvette Highway Patrol, and an interesting red/white truck. This one has dual single sleeper units instead of one big one. Papa Truck is in the background of one of the pics. Also note behind the Corvette at the souvenir stand. AMT Hobby Kits for sale. My sis is in one of the pics, and I'm the goof in the blue ballcap.

This is one of my "stalled" kits. Looking forward to seeing a finished one!

That is a darn good idea. Methinks I need to head to Ikea.

I'm in the same boat. Freezing temps means no spraying in the unheated garage. So it's time to start more kits.I like the scratch canopy, need to try one of those for myself.

Cool! I love these oddball kits.

Slowly but surely. Front suspension is pretty much done. Next up, the dreaded, yet strangely desired torsion bar rear suspension. Once the frame, suspension, and other components are done, I'll be spraying it black. That might be a challenge though, as it's currently -15, and my garage is insulated but not heated, so it's too cold to spray. Will have to coordinate with my dad, who has a heated garage and a spray booth.

I need to see bigger pics of that engine! The whole build just looks amazing!

This looks really good so far!

I see what you did there! Cool idea!

I for one am looking forward to his new Netflix show when it comes out! I like his brand of humour.

Wait...we're supposed to actually finish our builds? Since when?!

Could you imagine driving a rig like that in lower mainland traffic? Driving anywhere in the greater Vancouver area is an exercise in futility! I last did it in a Tahoe, couldn't imagine doing it in anything bigger! I get a headache just thinking about it! Hmmm...someone should make a kit of one of those. Could you imagine how big a 1/24 scale hevay crane like that would be? Make the crane somewhat functioning too. i'd buy one.

I'm in the middle of building that old kit. Had no idea the torsion bars setup was desirable! The kit itself is kind of a PITA to build. Horrible instructions, and no parts numbering. Sor for someone like me that isn;t a truck expert, there's a lot of guesswork and trialand error. So far so good.

That's awesome. I see overland expedition vehicle written all over that. I like your thought of switching to steelies. Keep them white though! As for me, the Power Wagon doesn't need any suspension mods. For what I do, the stock setup works just fine. It's already 2" inches taller than the standard 3/4 ton, with factory Duratracs. With the lockers and swaybar discos, this thing can do way more than I'd ever push it! I'm still looking for the perfect project toy. Not sure what direction I'll be going. When the right one comes along, I'll know it.

The JL Jeep Wrangler goes into production early in 2018 as a 2018 model. The JL truck goes into production in fall as a 2019, should be here in about a year. It will look more like the AEV Brute than the NuKizer concept. https://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/brute-double-cab

I added a little colour to my Power Wagon, now the graphics have a bit of that retro 70s look to them. Oh, and this is what winter in Canada can look like! Minus 5 celcius, no snow inover a month, nothing forecast for at least another week or so.

Just wait. This is the Trail Boss trim level. The SIlverado will also have LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels, all of which will have chrome bumpers, grilles, and/or door handles!

That's awesome! On a side note, have your ever built a scale version of your green beast? I dig it.

There are actually some very capable off road vehicles being built now. The Jeep Wrangler is still around, the F150 Raptor and Ram Rebel can both handle offroad very well, Nissan and Toyota have several models with better suspension and locking rear diffs, the Chev Colorado ZR2 can easily tackle offroad. I drive a 2018 Ram Power Wagon with front and rear lockers, swaybar disconnects, low range 4wd, and factory suspension lift. Like you say though, very few people will ever use these features. I do, but I'm in the minority for sure. It's kind of the same as these car guys though. No one can use 700hp or a 200mph top speed. But it's nice to have.

You are so right! My job is vehicles, and I deal with this every day. When comparing trucks, they're pretty much all the same. No I know that all the manufacturers say they have the best fuel economy, and best towing, and best resale, and best reliability, and blah blah. But the reality in the real world is that payload, towing, fuel economy, equipment, dimensions, cost, warranty, reliability...they're all pretty much the same. It really comes down to which one you like driving and looking at.

The problem with trucks now (and most vehicles for that matter) is that they are overstyled. Too many crease and curves and edges. Crazy shapes on grilles and lights. Needlessly complex. I think Lexus is the worst offender for that. As for the wheel well gaps, this particular truck is the Trail Boss trim level, meaning it's the "offroad" edition, therefore has a factory lift. The standard GM half tons are significantly lower. In fact, the half tons from all manufacturers are quite low, with very little wheel well gap visible. The HD trucks are a different story all together.

I've attached the official release that my GM fleet guy sent me yesterday. I have a couple of production spots reserved now. GM_Enterprise_EMails_Silverado T1 Campaign Dealer2-E.PDF

Hmm... The more I see the "real" pics as opposed to the staged and airbrushed publicitiy shots, the more I like it.