Biggu

Excellent problem solving engineering, Steve. This is shaping up to be almost a full on scratch build. I really like where this is going. Keep up the great work and keep the up dates coming as well. Really interesting Jeff

Thanks Steve , I must admit I was sweating a few bullets there for a bit. And when the fit wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for the old grey matter between my ears was in full motion , BUT I didn’t swear. ……. Much ??

The sweetest eye candy ever !!! If you want to make it look real, bend the rear bumper, break a few chain rungs or bend them badly at least, put a tandem load of sand on the rear fenders and leave a frozen load in the box !???…. Seriously this is a fabulous build, Brian, so much fun and pleasurable to watch this come together …. Jeff

Ok. I HAVE to show this !! I am just ‘tickled pink’ …… the hood to cab issue with this kit is quite well known as the fit isn’t exactly perfect. So with some trepidation , I installed the hood and it seemed a bit ‘askew’. Not straight against the cab and a bit of in overlap on the drivers side with a small gap on the passenger side. Not acceptable ….. hhhmmm. So I took the hood off, popped off a hinge, and shimmed it with a small piece of sheet. Reinstalled the hinge and crossed fingers??I let it set up a bit and reinstalled the hood….. and this is the result ! I am SO HAPPY. !!! Not sure it gets a whole lot better. At least from my bench ! To tighten it perfectly just a slight push on the drivers side this is how it fits with just closing it normally

Well….. cab installed, hoses hooked up intakes and rad supports. Also added the decals to the A/C compressor and alternator

Well , there is a detail that a lot of guys do that it seems I have missed. Either forgot or lazy. Maybe both. That is the ‘rubber’ under the fuel tank straps. So looking at some real trucks and some builds, I decided on this… some Tamiya tape ‘painted’ with a fat Sharpie and cut to spec. It looks pretty good in real and does convey the illusion of a rubber strap. I think ….

I cheat, Brian. CTM # 24072B Hose Clamps

Thanks fellas , I was hoping it didn’t look like a 4 year old painted it. ?, your kind words keep me going. It’s fun branching out trying new skills. There will be a bit more to come.

Great color choice !

Oh and the detail painting looks way better in real life. These pics seem to show lack luster painting skills, honest it does look better a foot away. Again apologies for the lousy phone pics.

Thanks , Steve and Mike … it is a fun build and I an really stepping out of the regular comfort zone. And have a little update as it were …. Mock up of cab to frame. Just making sure all the gubbins on the engine will tuck in. The good news is , with this engine kit, the radiator was thoughtfully printed just a slight touch lower, so as not to cause any notorious hood fit issues and I an happy to say, upon test fits, ( not fits ??) but a test fit, the hood will be just fine and looks to work quite well.

I’d be proud to be driving a beauty like that down the road! Love the front mud flaps and stout look of the whole thing ! Very well done. Jeff

Thanks Jurgen. The CTM pe is amazing. You should give it a try when you can. Makes all the difference. Wait till you see the steps and deck plate cheers. Jeff

Thanks Gary. Crappy phone pics tho.

Thanks Jurgen… I have been quietly watching your builds and what you are printing, I love what you’re doing, ever thought of possibly selling anything you print? Your latest Autocar design is screaming for a build that would be an older hard worker. Huge cool potential on that one. And be sure I will follow along. Jeff

Good point , Richard.

Here in B.C. An over width permit, heavily chained down on a 9 ‘ wide low bed, wide load sign, flags and rotor lights flashing. Probably not wide enough for a pilot car. And double check the height. If a bit high, possible to let a little air out of the tires rather than pull them off. Jeff

Brian is right. No comparison, apples and oranges ….your new ones are beautiful and will make this kit spectacular ! Jeff

Oh, !! Does that bring back the fond memories, Brian....

Thanks Brian. I am feeling, one can’t go wrong with the CTM pe. It sure is nice

Another small up date. Just installed the CTM pe grille. All I can say is wow. A perfect fit and changes the look to very realistic. It looks great in person.

Genius !!!

Well….. all of the above…. ? I relate to all of the above comments except I am not a computer guy , heavy equipment was my thing and , like Steve, I have been a car guy as long as I can remember. Like the rest of you guys, making something I probably could never have, using the tools and my brain to see if I can actually create what I have in mind, and mostly….. take me back to a simple time in my life when I had no worries, and partly because I’m addicted….. “my name is Jeff and I’m a modelaholic…” and I have fun doing research, and investigating other builds and trying new things. I think thats why. Oh, and its harmless, except to my wallet

And yeah , I certainly could have worded it much better, and should have. My bad and apologies for not being more clear, BUT I really enjoyed hearing your perspective on the question. Makes for a well rounded discussion. And I am happy we all don’t think alike, that’s what makes the world go round. Also I like to hear other’s ideas and thoughts as it opens my one track mind open up and learn something. This is a great sharing of thoughts , likes and dislikes. And you are right, Steve, in reality, it doesn’t matter. It is more about the subject matter and the vision of the build. I was once told , it’s about the journey not so much the end product. And , like most of you guys , I don’t build box stock either. Great conversation …. Jeff

Steve, I totally get your point, I can surely see why the box art isn’t a big deal to you , as your builds are out of this world. I have followed some of your work, and I can certainly see you have a vision and superb talents that no box art could come close to. And I guess that was the question,….. is if the box art motivates a purchase , a color choice, or inspiration for a detailed build… but in your case not so much as you have the gift of knowing exactly how to produce a stunning museum quality model. I love watching your builds . Jeff