BK9300

Been a slow week, waiting for decals for the sander. However, once the decals are here and the sander finished, it needs to get on the truck. So, I also need to finish up some loose ends underneath the truck and get it up on it's wheels. Need to mount fuel tank, get fuel lines hooked up to tank, and make a transmission cooler to finish part of the plumbing to the front of the truck. Out of all that, I decided to attempt the transmission cooler first. Laying out the pieces of cooling system made to date, to better determine layout for cooler (black rubber is basic size and location of the version of cooler that was on the real truck) Started cutting cooling vanes from 0.2mm aluminum - a bit thick for scale, but hoping it will look ok Fashioned part of the cooler manifold and one of the mounting blocks to bolt it to rad frame (will have to trim the end of the manifold to size later) Long bench day ahead today! Made a little jig - cutouts at bottom left will hold vanes in place while I do my best to drill three, 0.7mm holes in each one (going to stack three or four and drill at same time to minimize screw ups in spacing the holes!). I have two widths of vanes, to hopefully provide a better relief when detailed. A few alternating widths of vanes in place, and one ready to go on - once I get several more on, I will compress them and put a bit of CA glue on from behind, and move on to adding another group Not sure how it will turn out in the end but giving it a go! Your thoughts and comments are always welcome. I'll see how the day goes - maybe more pics later. Thanks for looking in.

Jeff, that's quite the trick with tooth paste as an abrasive - it sure seems to work. Will definitely make touch ups less of an issue. I admire you and Ron for doing two tone paint jobs - a single colour can sometimes be a handful for me, never mind two!

Yes - suspenseful!

I've had bleed through when taping on a flat surface, so I can imagine how difficult to get a good seal when masking across rivets and along drip rails. Like Steve said, you're sounding very patient - hope your repairs go well.

Great use of some extra parts!

you can download them at this site https://www.scalemates.com/kits/amt-amt1158-06-hideout-truck--1278272 or I can PM you the pdf file if you like

Very clean build, Lee - will be good looking addition to any display area!

That must be very frustrating - any idea why the paint didn't stick to the primer?

Really like the idea of using a tape line.

Coming along beautifully, Gary

Funny, when you said 'Resto rod .. with modern turbo engine', I first thought about the Tyrone Malone 1,200 hp, dual turbo Detroit Diesel! I guess that would be way too much for a daily driver

It’s amazing what’s available out there these days - I couldn’t find an Airliner suspension in Feb/23 when I started looking for parts. I wonder if it’s available in 1/24. What type of engine have you settled on? Will be quite the build!

Astonishing handiwork - just a marvel to check in on from time to time and incredible detail to go over each time

I agree with you, Donald - magnifying desk lamp is indispensable for me too! The rivets look great.

The hood seams look great and the primer sure ties it all together, and it is good to see an update on your build!

Great progress, Paul!

Hi Gary - never used these rivets before. Can they be applied over primer or do they need to be applied over a clear coat like regular decals? In any event, lots of fiddly placement ahead of you and going to look great!

Going to be a fine looking truck, Lee - like the clean line at your colour change - hard to do!

Great stuff, Charles - I note the cotter pins in the bolts holding the sheaves in place!

The truck above might not be available as a 3D model yet, but someone could make one. Check out Bren's post of a similar truck he printed, 'Volvo VNL860 - new 3D print' in "Truck Aftermarket / Resin / 3D printed" forum, from a modeler on Cults

I agree with Gary!

Wow, thanks for your offer - I’ll send you a PM!

Awesome job on the interior, Jeff. Now you might need to open your driver’s door to better display your patient work!

Brilliant solution.

Building planes hasn’t been done since my youth, but I have enjoyed watching your build and how you overcome issues that show up!