Biggu

I’m in Matt’s camp , as a kid those Airfix box pictures spawned a huge imagination and many hours of flying Spitfires, B17’s and the Red Baron. Then when car models came along there was some exciting box art to fuel the imagination, and I guess it still carrys on. But if I’m spending $50 + for a car model and over $100 for a truck and if they are going to put a picture of the subject inside the box, I feel it should be a well rendered representation . As an example of a rather suspect representation is the re-issued ( many times ) of the AMT Peterbilt 352 Coca- Cola edition. In these times when digital images are a regular thing, and AI and all that other stuff not to mention some actual folks who are really good artists we should always have a cool box top … jmho. Jeff

Just throwing this out there, and I’m sure it has been asked before, somewhere ….. but I am curious as to what you guys think? Does good box art encourage you to buy the kit, or does it give you inspiration for a build or diorama? And conversely, if the box art is kind of lousy or uninspiring, does it discourage a purchase ? I ask this as it seems to me , in this digital age we live in, the box art should be much more inspiring and exciting than it is. Back in the day box art was just that real art and inspired us young guys to part with our allowance or hard earned money. For me personally, I like good box art and on more than once it has persuaded me to buy the kit. I have noticed there is some really crummy box art these days. I really don’t like being too critical as I am no artist but shouldn’t it be the best we have ever seen in this day and age? I’d be curious as to what you guys think. Jeff

Saw this a couple weeks ago in Lethbridge Alberta, thought it was uniquely thought out.

two trailers that are sorely in need of a more modern upgrade is a Heavy Haul Low Bed tridem trailer, with a 'detachable' goose neck, and a modern tridem, 53 foot Livestock trailer, yes AMT have them , but they are so out of date, but are very good for older tractors, but are rarely seen on the highways today.... just a random thought.... Jeff

So cool!!

Thanks , Brian. Very kind words. I appreciate that. Inspires me to do another. cheers Jeff

I’m in the exact same boat. It’s fun adding and subtracting bits and pieces and trying to go in a slightly different direction and make the model just a little different by putting our own personal touch on it. You’re right, it is very therapeutic… Jeff

Another very minor update. I decided to enhance the rear sleeper supports and shocks by adding some bolts. 8 on each side and under a splash of paint should be a subtle detail. I love Meng bolts

School bus yellow? Jeff

Tiny update, doesn’t look like very much but translates into a fair bit of bench time. I didn’t care for the chrome air cleaners as there are many builds with them as kit stock chrome. So wanting to do something a little different, I stripped the chrome, cleaned up the seams which is very difficult with chrome. Then painted them in can color, added my go to automotive tape for the hold down straps and then added the CTM photo etch intake mesh. Personally I think the pe mesh really makes the air cleaner much more realistic. Not sure the pics will do it justice. In real life it is beautiful.

Thanks Victor. I’m glad you are following along. Always interested to hear from anyone following along. Shot some paint on her today so when it cures and hardens up a bit maybe a pic or two. Comments are always welcome. Thanks again Jeff

Thanks Gary. I appreciate your comments. I must confess that CTM pe is really nice and fits beautifully. The engine has printed details that are fabulous. It is a bit of a shame a lot is hidden away . Hopefully another update in a few days. Thanks for checking in Jeff

I just LOVE this one, you nailed it perfectly, heavy haul is so cool ! Jeff

Wow, now THAT is modelling. I bet if you made your tracks available to the masses they would sell like wild fire ! What a fabulous improvement , Charles. I am watching this build with excitement and awe. This is going to be epic. Can't wait for more ….. Jeff

Like the other guys have mentioned, sorry to see you go but retirement is delightful. Thank you for a great product to which I have enjoyed working with over the years and your absolute OUTSTANDING customer service, you went out of your way for me recently and that was above and beyond. I wish you all the best Jerry. Thanks again, and very pleased things will carry on Jeff

OH, NO,Brian, don't get me wrong, today , automatics are THE thing, LOTS of the trucks have them and yes even our plow trucks, it is just 'MY" preference to have a stick... your automatic is well placed, and is very much like the real deal of today no question there for sure, and it looks good the way you set it up, and besides, its your truck, and you can set it up any way you see fit, and this is fit !

This build comes under the "Epic" title....your 60 series looks great, did you turn those pulleys? They look really good.... interesting what you did and your take on the automatic.... personally for me, and I am only speaking for me , I much prefer a stick, 13 or 18 speed is best for the way I went, as you can split the gears , automatics, were just starting to come in when I left, drove one once, and felt I wasn't completely in control. Just me tho...I felt with a 13 or 18 I was more a part of the truck, like an extension of me..... way back in the day we had an old school Allison automatic, and the down shift torque when the truck was empty was fairly severe and consequently it was in the rhubarb almost more than on the road........... it was used somewhat sparingly after that, and sticks were the more preferred....it took some skill to be a good plow truck operator, with all the stuff that was required in the cab.... plow controls, wing controls, shifting, steering, not spilling the coffee.... LOL!! ?

I like where this is going Steve.... looking really good..... Jeff

It’s inspiring me to get mine out and finish it …. Looking forward to the next update Jeff

I do recall that , pal but with all the research and the instructions ……. I will avoid the bumps as they are very hard on spring packs and king pins…….. just like I did with the real trucks.

Came into this world broke, may as well leave broke …?

Thanks Jeff. The fittings really do look good and are well designed bit are just a touch fiddly with big fat fingers but I sure will be getting more. And you are right about the pe. And I am really glad us truck guys are getting it as well. What a great time to be a scale modeller !! Jeff

Niiicee. I really like this trailer. Wish it was out there in ‘mass’ I would love to get one. Beautiful build Warren. Jeff

And this is the basic inspiration for this build altho not the same colors but some of the same bits here and there. The light blue and red trucks were parked at a rest area near Revelstoke BC back in June and the fellow in the red truck was from Quebec and couldn’t speak very good English , but was over joyed when I asked if I could take a few pics of his Pete. He was very proud of it. He was heading to Vancouver Island. No one around the light blue one bit it was REALLY nice.