Warren D

Thanks, I like the look of the rounded bottom for the dump body. Looks different than the squared off bodies in other kits. There are cut lines molded in and the instructions kinda tell you how to do it. I'd suggest you make the cut to the generous side and then sand the parts to fit. I use a belt/disk bench sander then finish with sandpaper glued to a sheet of thick glass. I used metal paper binder clamps to hold the inner and outer bodies together while the glue set.

Well done, as usual!

With the unused parts from the gravel trailer kit, you can make a 2 axle dolly. Pretty much ready for paint, but I may have to make the pintle loop as the kit doesn't seem to have one. I checked the other kit and can't find one in there either. As I started cleaning up the AITM DK conversion kit, I've found the interior to be identical to the A64B kit so I'll be using that interior.

The truck frame is far enough along to fit the dump body. I removed the kit plastic pivot pins as the dump body and frame will be different colors, easier to paint subassemblies! I'll insert a brass rod when done to do the same thing. Dump body is almost ready for paint and getting the cab fit to the frame is next. Then the frame accessories need to find a home, I think the battery box and tank from the Pete wrecker that became the Brockway wrecker will be just right for this build. I do need to get going on the trailer dump, but there is a lot of other stuff going on. I did skin the inside of the tailgate, pics at some point.

That came out great, I've been seeing some nice builds with these snap kits, I'll have to try one.

I started the A64B frame tonight, currently weighted down to take the slight warp out of it. I thought I'd share a tip or two for the first time conversion builder. The AITM cab/hood conversions are very nice but in general aren't just a drop on; you need to make some adjustments. So, when building the frame, for now I leave off the rear cab support and the front fender supports as they may need to be moved from their stock locations. I'll know what the placement is when I get the cab going. Steering gear will likewise be located once the cab is in progress. One other point, look ahead....far ahead. This build is going to have a dolly and trailer behind the dump truck, so I needed to incorporate the hitch assembly that comes in the dump trailer kit with the A-car chassis. This means I had to move the A-car rear crossmember forward to allow the gravel trailer hitch crossmember room to fit and be flush with the frame rail ends. I'll post pics of this later once the glue sets. I also haven't determined if I'll have to make any length changes to the frame, that will be coming soon.

I like where this is going, will be following!

One of the gravel trailers is now cut down to a dump body. I think I'll skin the inside of the tailgate, don't care for the recesses. I'm holding off on the supports underneath until I have a rolling chassis to be sure the spacing is right. The dolly is coming along and I'm working on my paint mix for the chassis, dolly and cab. Truck chassis is next, started the engine and am finding that the part numbers in the instructions aren't close to the corresponding numbers on the trees.

Thanks for the kind words everyone!

Probably, but I have a few engines in stock, so I'm not sure.

If you want something from AITM, contact them. Dave is great at helping us and will let you know how long it will be to get out of stock items to you.

AITM has one listed: https://aitruckmodels.com/product/cruiseliner-275-inch-frame/

Starting my next build. Using 2 MPC Gravel trailer kits, an A-car A64B and AITM A-Car DK conversion. The idea is to bob one dump kit to a dump body, put that and the DK on the A64B chassis and then add the full trailer behind. The Gravel trailer kit has parts and instructions to build a 2 axle dolly in addition to the truck mounted dump body. I'm planning some extras for the truck and some mods to the trailer. Cab and chassis color hasn't been finalized yet but will likely be one of the Aztek line Pearls, maybe a custom blend. Additional aftermarket parts might be from George Wallace, Moluninum and czech truck. Had another color idea this morning so things might change, they usually do until I start shooting color. Why the A64B over the Dump kit? I prefer the A64B chassis, the rear axles on the dump have a wider gap that looks a bit odd to me. The A64B rear axle spacing seems to suit this build better, you'll see why as it goes along.

Thanks, as the Aztek line has been discontinued, I've been stocking up. I really like their pearls!

Thanks! I really wish a resin version of the Holmes was available, I really like the look of the lattice booms. I know the ex-KFS might be coming some day........

Thanks, the hood latches were in my AITM kit parts.

Calling this one done:

Calling this one done, though I might add a pair of CB antennas. Chassis is from an old Pete Wrecker kit I built up 30 years ago. Brockway 361 parts from AITM. Holmes wrecker body from First Gear via Redneckriggeer. Per-lux fog lights, custom light bar for wrecker body. Time will tell if the weight of the metal wrecker body sags the frame. Paint is Testor's Aztek Metallic Blue Pearl over a white base.

Just fyi, my A-Car mixer is the A64B chassis, stock. The wheels/tires from AITM aren't on his website, you have to ask for them. Wish I could remember what he calls them.

AITM makes several sizes and tread patterns. They are resin but turn out nice. I used some on this Autocar mixer build: https://pbase.com/baywing/autocar Moluminum has real rubber tires, be sure to get the rims as well. Orders take a while to fill. Dave at AITM is great to deal with, drop him an e-mail telling him what you want to do and he will suggest something. He has a few styles and sizes that aren't on his website.

Probably a fleet bid.

Nice job, welcome back. I came back after over 30 years away, lots more to choose from now!

We're thinking the same thing. This begs for large, nasty tires!

This might be the final update before this one goes under glass. I'm stalled out for the moment as my Molotow chrome pen ran dry and it'll be a few days until the replacement arrives. I've got the mirrors left and a couple of small details and I'll call it done.

Looks good!