Chariots of Fire

A beautiful way of expressing the old adage: where there's a will there's a way. So it took some scouting out the right materials, it took some study and perseverance to shape the inserts, and it took patience to get a stunning result. That is the essence of scratch building and using the talent our Creator has given us. A fine piece of work and an example to young builders everywhere!

I've kept a time log for most of my scratch build projects. Included are brief descriptions of the work done and when necessary a sketch is included to show the most detailed things. Like Stephen I only build one thing at a time. For me doing the detail things is a reward in itself so it doesn't matter how much time it takes. I have built one type of truck 3 times and although the outside looks the same, some of the details on each one are a bit different because I didn't keep track of the process. No mind though, and I got them all done.😎

Auto Zone carries VHT Ford bright blue engine paint. Just bought some.

Both are great builds! I am also a fan of that era. Have a few of my own.

Pretty basic materials to make the straps. A strip of brown paper bag and some craft wire. I modified a small set of pliers so that I could bend the wire into a consistent small loop. I either cut both ends off or leave one that can be used to insert into a pre-drilled hole to secure it.

With the exception of a couple of minor adjustments, the build of the Class 325 pumper is finished. The last of the details have been installed but the rear view mirror is not very good. It needs to be slightly smaller and a lot smoother. I tried something this time that I have not done before and the results are not up to snuff. The engine photo is out of focus too. That needs to be shot over. In the meantime here is where the build is.

A little of both, Mike, depending on the need. Not too much different in the pace of the work. The time consuming part was the frame work and detailing of it. Cab or course was right out of the kit box except for opening the doors. I had a little trouble finding the right material for the hose bed but I now have a section of it ready for loading once the stain dries. Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated.

HI, Brian. I turned a piece of aluminum rod into the shape you see in the photo, made a mold and cast a piece in 2 part resin. Pieces of craft wire make up the handles. A little paint and highlighting make it look like the pails are stacked when really it is only one piece.

Getting into details now that the body has been painted and installed. Quite a few of the detail items are done but others need finishing up. Ladders and pike pole need to be built up and two lengths of hard suction need to be added to the right side of the body.

Can I recommend a different method of sealing those light lenses? Instead of CA which may fog or not give you any time to set them in place where you want them, use 2-part clear epoxy but first, coat the inside of the bezel with chrome silver and let it dry. The epoxy will give some working time and a very little bit goes a long way in securing the lenses. I use Bob Smith epoxy. Does not turn yellow with age.

HAH! That curve can be a sharp one to get around!!😆 Thanks for the info.

Hey, Brian. What has been your learning curve for using Sketchup? I'm familiar with 2-dimensional CAD, having used it in my engineering business but the third dimension and how to position things is an altogether different thing. Not ready to start printing in 3D but would like to learn the design aspect of it first.

Funny thing about keys. I have 2 keys to my GMC Canyon. Tried the spare today and it would not start the truck. Turns out the key itself has to be programmed! No simple info in the owner's manual. Had to go to the GMC dealer to find that out. Started truck with older key, turned it off, inserted the spare and it got programmed immediately and the truck started. Talk about overkill!!

That's got to be one of the most detailed models I have ever seen. And superbly done to boot! Don't forget the key for the ignition!🤣

Update on the build. Got some painting done and work was started on the Barton front mounted pump and the body. Body stock is 0.030" Evergreen sheet and strip. Hose reels need to be built for under the front of the body on both sides. Plumbing for the pump still needed as well.