Biggu

So as I slowly start cutting ‘yellow’ plastic , I notice there is a fair bit of molded details. And again , this is a very old kit, and for the day it was cutting edge, and I think in this case and the other re-issue Ertl kits we sometimes forget they are old designs. So with that said, I looked closely at some of the details and there is an alternator molded in but has some detail and has an adjusting bracket. So a little tiny detail that can be added are those wonderful Meng bolts. A very small thing, but under a splash of paint and a dab of weathering changes the whole thing … so I added a couple nuts and bolts as on the real deal, I have also added big bolts for the engine mounts on the frame. Very small but can change the looks

Makes me wonder where all the information and tools have been stored over the years. Hope it was ‘t destroyed …

He needs to show us a few … I would love to see some of his work

Bill knows what he’s talking about , and in more ways than one.

Thanks Steve. I missed that description on the box 🤭🤣, so armed with that information , I plan to prime it and paint it yellow 🙄……. I know. 🫣🫣….

Nice clean build ….. all the different shades of blue tie very nicely together and makes it an eye catching scheme, a very good looking tractor , Lee

There should be a ‘nervous, sweating ‘ icon !! Great save Gary and a great catch Brian !!

Yes, that's the one ! I remember as a kid , just drooling over that possibility..... oh for sure, I'm sure there is no chance we will ever see it, BUT if there are moulds for it, and enough of us ask , cry and cajole, who knows? LOL! I will check out the video.. thanks... the catalog pic brought back some memories for sure...

I was sure you knew of course, I just found in my particular case , that usually when I use the saw blade I seem to lose control a little bit and make a lousy cut. Quite clearly I need more practise and to pay closer attention. I know your cut will work perfectly , I’m looking forward to seeing it. I hope to learn how to do it properly as my way sucks sometimes ..

It was the excavator advertised in their catalog back in the ‘70’s that never materialized I always wanted and still do , that would be epic …

For tight cuts I use the back side of my #11 blade and just keep scoring the ‘cut’ line. I find , for me, that I have better control and the blade doesn’t wander. But I suspect you well know that procedure. I hope your cut goes well bud

Wow ! Fantastic ! Thats really well done. Take a bow , well deserved.

No kidding , we are definitely living in the golden age of modelling.

Thats a cool looking truck but I don’t think I could pull my fat backside into the driver’s seat….. it looks to me , to be rather difficult to climb in and out of, looks to be an awkward move or am I missing something? Also is the door wider than normal? That would help. Some good engineering went into this conversion. Lots going on here. Cool pic

What are you using to cut with Lee?

A Journey of 500 pieces starts with the first two…… I’m not sure about the box full of yellow plastic , but I get it. For an old mould ( mold?) it has held up pretty good, there is a little flash , and the heads had some shrinkage from the cooling process but nothing of anything big. These Ertl kits really were top drawer kits. I know there will be no serious fit issues unless I botch something up …… so we are off to the races …. I’m beginning to think it is the yellow plastic I’m going to need a break from not really the build ……thanks for checking in guys , comments and criticisms welcome …

I hope you’re right buddy, glad you are here. Hope to hear lots from you …..

Thanks Jeff , no need to sit in the back, please comment as you see fit and make sure I stay on the straight and narrow, great to have you along ..

Too cool. I love when old builds make it back to the bench …. Good looking truck and beautiful color combo, I like this a lot.

Thanks Lee. What will probably happen is I will start the rock truck and end up working steady on the Western Star ….. I’m hoping I can get them done but I’m sure the rock truck will be a very long term build, mostly due to the fact that there is a LOT of plumbing and that may get tedious over time. I am glad you will be sitting front and center, to help keep me on track …. This may be a fun project …… I hope. 🤭

Well , I picking my chair NOW in the front row so I get a good view ….. this is going to be exciting. I’m looking forward to it …..

That sounds really COOL. Got a start date?

Thanks, Warren, that's precisely why the 'possible' two builds.... if I stall out on the big one, I can change gears for a while to the other... sometimes a change of pace is all that is needed..... I have and am still gathering bits and pieces ( odds and sods for my buddies over seas LOL ) for the heavy haul Star.... so that can be a cleanser too.... 😉

Thanks Ron , whats on your bench now?

You’re probably right, I’m hoping the Star to be a ‘palate cleanser’ as they say ……..