Biggu

Sure could be, Ron, but like some one once said......" Instructions are just some one else's opinion" ................ so to me it is either way, especially if it is like that in the real world, I've changed oil on both, so who really knows if there is a hard and fast rule..... I like Scott's term of 'artistic license', that leaves the door WIDE open for interpretation.... which is ALL good...it would be ultra boring if everything was the same.... if it were, wouldn't even be having this conversation... and that's a bonus !

You hit the nail on the head , Scott, artistic license is always something to fall back on for sure. A little wire here and there and the odd fitting helps too , I hope to make this look fairly ‘busy’ …. All suggestions I will happily take. ….

Yeah , you're probably right, but on the 3d engine the heavy mounting channels had the sump forward so I went with that as I didn’t want to mess it up. But even the instructions on the Pete 378 shows the sump forward …..🤔🤔🤔 so there was some evidence as that was the direction BUT I have seen them both ways so no harm no foul

Still on the bench …. Decided I didn’t like the cross member connections. So took a few minutes and filled them with some AK modelling putty. Not sure about this water based stuff. I’m old school and still love Squadron Green putty. A little sniff of toluene never hurt any modeller, never hurt any modeller, modeller🤭😋🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Good catch Lee. !! I would have missed that detail !

Success ….

Ok…… so when I built the last Pete, I changed out the kit engine for a fabulous 3d version I got from Spain. As the engine on that build was the same engine a Detroit 60 series BUT much more detailed than the kit 60 Series, it made for an interesting build. So not wanting to throw anything away, I kept the kit engine for an other engine exchange. I have built SO many Cummins engines over the years, and the Western Star comes with a Cummins, I thought it was a good swap for a change….. so this truck will have a Detroit 60 instead of the Cummins…… seems as though it will drop right in and look ok. A pic of a slight mock up just for initial inspection…. So I will try a little extra detailing as I think the Italeri engines are painfully lacking details and the molded on bits makes me shake my head. But never the less its what I have and I’m not keen on spending another $110 on another 3d Detroit. But some of this hobby does come down to economics and it is modelling not assembling. 😉 Thats my story and the general plan for now, just trying to change things up a little bit ….. there is one mod I’m going to do and that is cut the oil pan and turn it around so the sump is at the back and that would give more clearance for the f/a. As Ron mentioned when I was building my Pete. Didn't do it on that one, but will on this one. ……

I bet someone with a printer will pick that ball up. Can you imagine the details that could be possible ?

Another old school heavy duty stout Mack build. The guys who drove these trucks were as tough as the trucks themselves, no springs on the frame, seats bolted to the floor, no padding on the seats, no seat belts to help hold the driver in place on rough roads, no windshield, no heater, arm strong steering, straight cut gears, mechanical brakes,( if there was any brakes at all 😳), rattly chain drive and most likely toss in some unmuffled exhaust ……. Where do I apply? 🤭 BUT these trucks look so cool with the big wheels and tires. Love the build Lee ….

Lookin good so far, Dan. And I thought I was ambitious, what a very cool long term project. I will quietly sit in the front row watching with great interest and hope to pick up a tip or two. This will be a top drawer build and display ……. I’m looking forward to your updates …..

Just looking at the B61…..Mack got it right on with the mascot. The B series single axle trucks look like little bull dogs , such a cool old truck. Love what you’re doing with this. Keep going it is so cool

Mine was in the very early ‘70’s the Pete 359 California Hauler same box art as the new re-issue. Still have most of it. That not only started my truck modelling but also got me pointed to driving them for 40 years.

Happy New Year Brian, and lots of happy modelling for the next year !!

THAT looks like it should, I LOVE those wheels !! Another stout , beefy looking Mack.... and a B 61 to boot !

Ok, thanks Lee, I will take that under advisement for sure... opinions are always good, that what really helps decision wise... Happy New Year my friend..

So ….. do I re- bolt or not? They look a bit anemic…….🤔🤔

I was just yelling that! 🤬😉😉

Well after over 670 views I have ‘finally’ cut some plastic …. Nothing earth shattering but it is a start and it is straight and true …….

Knowing what I do about brake chambers and how they can explode under the right conditions, when ever I’m following a truck I ALWAYS look at the brake chambers and try to stay well back …… just in case.

A man who knows !👍👍👍

Any time my friend, I am so happy to be able to help out..

Scott, I’m sure you know but don’t forget to nip the caging bolts off those brake chambers. 😋

Love the B series Macks. I’m squeezing into the front row…….. move over one , Brian 😋

SWEET!!!!I’m in on this one !

Seems to me the brake chambers and slacks or lack there of is a weak point on these expensive kits. We are in desperate need of good scale brake chambers and slack adjusters with brackets. In this day when we are landing on Mars why do these companies skimp on hollow brake chambers and air bags ? But still charge top dollar for their kits. Hhhmmmm🤔 Well , despite all that , you are doing an exemplary job on this truck. A pleasure to watch.