KevinCarroll

Warren: Not sure what PE grille you may have, but I used the one from Papy Hobbies. See: https://papyhobby.com/collections/scale-1-24/products/d8-phototech. I just centered the radiator grille on the solid plastic kit grille piece so it looked correct and then outlined it with a fine marker. I didn't worry about making the PE grille fit flush with the surrounding kit plastic. I left a fine kit plastic border all around. I then drilled a bunch of holes safely within that border and roughly nipped them out with a sprue cutter close - but not too close - to the outlined border. Use a rough sanding stick to straighten out the remainder. I left enough kit plastic along the border to super glue the PE grille to....nobody (well, most nobody) will notice that the perimeter PE is blocked by the kit plastic. A little weathering goes a long way! Similarly, use the fan safety grille the same way. It's not as noticeable as the front radiator grille, but it's easy and very self-satisfying!

Beautiful beast.

Thank you. In a quick aside regarding this kit's instructions, like many an old fart, I tend to say 'things were way better back in the old days' - including kit instructions. Well, I got a quick come uppance using these instructions from the 1970s.......they're terrible. You were just as well off using the box art! ?

Thanks for the info. That's great site. kc

Thanks, gents, you're very generous. Those were my two most flattering photos....the others start to show all the warts!? Here's one more. Using the kit's original vinyl stickers, I did manage to make serviceable water slide "Caterpillar" decals for the front and rear, but the "D8H" logos on the side came out rather transparent; I went with them anyway.

This (very) old doggie armor and aircraft modeler can't keep up with you veteran trucker modelers. But I want you to know you are a great inspiration! So much so I pulled out this kit from my very large and varied stash - this particular D8H issue is circa 1976(?) - and with the addition of some Papy Models aftermarket, cobbled this together. Kevin

Agreed with all the accolades - super build. In fact, I almost feel foolish asking in light of that, but where did you get the 'corrugated pipe' for the load; it is the icing on the cake! kc

Vincent, thanks much; modeltruckin.com is a great site. But I should have been more explicit, I guess - I am looking for the actual 'Caterpillar' and 'D8H' logo decals that the older kit supplies in the way of vinyl stickers. I am guessing that the newer decals don't include those due to copyright considerations. And yes, I have already ordered the larger detail set from CMT and they are en route. I also have some nice accessories from Papay Models, another great site. Soooooo, if any other kind soul knows of water slide decals that include the Caterpillar logos at least, I'd love to know about them. Thanks again, Mr. V. kc

I'm building one of the early releases of AMT 1/25 Caterpillar D8H. Unfortunately, this release has vinyl stickers.....peel off, press on. I am hoping for a little better in the way of water slide decals. Antone know of decent replacement decals for the Caterpillar (at least) and D8 logos? Much thanks for any info. Kevin