DANGERUS

I recently bought an AMT Rescue Van model, but built it as a (more or less) stock van. Building it brought back lots of memories of back when vans were "the big thing". My parents had a couple over the years, both cargo vans purchased from my Dad's employer, and the later one Dad and I worked on together. I wasn't old enough to have a license yet, but sure enjoyed the time spent with him as we bought a bench seat from the wreckers and installed it at home- measuring, drilling holes in the floor and all. So, I decided to build another van. This time I started with the AMT Police Van, which is more or less the same kit apart from a few accessories. I'd never customized a model other than a few minor details, so I figured why not try a custom van 70s style. Or at least start out in that direction and see where we end up. I started by cutting the body into pieces (gasp!) and removing a section from the middle to make "shorty" van.

If anybody does offer different grills and bumpers for the AMT vans, I'd definitely be ordering several. I ordered an A-Team van just to have the 80s GMC grill and bumpers. Also a raised roof is on my list as well, for sure. I have been looking at the old AMT Open Road Chevy motor home kits, but that's getting a little too pricey for me just for parts. A lot can be done with these vans with just a few "update" parts.

For shag carpet, I'm planning to play around with some different flocking I bought off Amazon. It's actually meant for decorating nails, but it comes in many different colours. Should be fun.

On the Foxy Box, the spoiler on the roof is molded in, but the grill housing is a separate piece, correct?

I just cut the Police Van body down into a short wheelbase van. It'll be a mild custom with Cragar or similar mags, sidepipes, fender flares, opening hood and shag carpet interior. Planning to scratchbuild a windshield visor if I can't manage to find one that can be adapted. I already cut the sunroof hole open, and I may just have to install port hole windows...

I like it! Will those tires fit with the body in place, or did you say you were planning to make this one a 4x4? What kit are those wheels and tires from? With those tires and bumpers it should have a real mean look.

Looking forward to watching this build. I don't know why, but lately I've been obsessed with custom vans. Mostly GM's, but anything interesting is good. I just finished (mostly) the AMT Rescue Van kit, but I just built it as a mostly stock van. I just picked up the AMT Police van, and plan to build it as a mild custom. Next on the list, I want to try a Revell Chevy van. I couldn't get past the flat roof on the Amts so I added some Evergreen styrene strips to simulate the roof ribs these vans had.

It's been a while since I really looked at the HO stuff. I hadn't seen the River Point Station kit. Thank you for pointing it out; it looks pretty good. Might be worth buying to copy in a larger scale.

I hadn't thought of using G scale wheels. HO scale is so small that I assumed scaling it up it would lack too much detail. But I guess the detail could be added in Fusion360 or similar. Hmm... Now I really want to get better at 3d design!

I have had the idea in my head for some time to model a hi-rail railroad service truck. By hi-rail I mean that it has the small train wheels which can be deployed to run on train tracks. I have never seen one modeled before. Has there ever been a kit for something like this? Or maybe 3D printing files that could be adapted? Or even a toy hi-rail truck in 1:24 / 1:25 scale that could provide parts? The railroads have adapted some pretty cool and/or unusual vehicles over the years for rail maintenance use. Lots of possibilities...

I built several models throughout my teens, a couple in my 20's and now I'm getting back into it after 20+ years. Maybe 20++, lol. Just looking online recently at what folks have built has served to both intimidate and inspire me. So much talent out there! I am eager to learn new skills and hone the ones I haven't used in awhile, and I hope to get to a level where I can inspire others. In my perusing of various forums and online groups over the last few weeks, it was a pleasant surprise to see how supportive and encouraging people in this hobby can be. Looking forward to rediscovering the hobby. Darryl