Jürgen M.

I´ve got a question to all fans of Fire Engines out there: I know this is probably the wrong place but I know some of you guys build fire engines and I need some help. My daughter´s boyfriend is a fireman and I´d like to make him a nice Christmas present. I want to build this fire truck for him: It´s a 1973 1000-Series American La France. Is there anyone out there who has more information, pictures from all sides or blueprints and details about this vehicle? Thanks in advance if anyone knows more about this truck! (Hope I get this done before Christmas!)

Thanks very much Jeff! I'm honored of your high opinion, especially coming from a truck specialist like you! Thanks to all of you for your positive input and for tuning into my builds! It gives me confidence to keep designing more and to improve my build quality!

I can only agree! Awesome! I had built an oilfield rig too but it's nothing like this! Guess I lack the knowledge of details on these rigs! It's on page 8 in this WIP (5* General) if you're interested but absolutely far from what you're doing!

Forgot these:

I'll post the whole rig in "Under Glass" when the trailer is finished! This is the floor of the trailer! The landing gear was a test print from the Big Nasty build. Had to adjust it a bit but now it fits.

How's this? ? I guess the tractor is finished now!

Just didn't want you to think I don't like the build! I love what you're doing with it and this one's gonna be another jewel!

No misunderstanings I hope! I'm sure they were great Trucks, I just never liked the front design of the LTL9000. The Louisville I like though. Doesn't look as aggressive as the big brother! It's a matter of taste of course and no offense to anyone who likes this truck. What you're doing with it is still fascinating and I'll keep watching!

Wow, thanks Gary! I might Just find a future project in there!

To tell the truth, the LTL was never one of my favourites but you make even that look so good that I enjoy watching this! I'll stay with you and keep watching!

You bet I will, Jeff! There might be a use for it in my next project! ?

Nice idea! Maybe I'll try that out! Thanks!

If that ain't good reasons! ?

Yes, it is expensive but I haven't found anything similar yet. And yes, I admit I stole that idea with the gloss black Under the chrome! It does improve the effect of high gloss chrome! I can recommend it!

I think Revell chrome is pretty good! After I have it a second chance (or rather myself in handling it) I'm pretty Fond of it! This is coated with Revell chrome:

He should have his own museum and he could charge the highest fees!

That's true! Accuracy pays off! I don't think anyone will see it as stealing If you take over ideas! I've done it and I'd be happy to see someone borrowing mine! We're all learning from eachother. That's why we share our builds here! Keep going! Fun to watch!

That box looks just perfect! I'm amazed how precise and even everything looks! I'll keep watching!

That could be a reason! It worked out more or less but the brush was ready for the bin afterwards! Looks OK though!

Mirrors are chromed and mounted! I'd say not bad for self made ones!

I have a question: I wanted to put some clear orange paint on the tips of the marker lights and noticed that the paint turned extremely think and honey like within maybe two weeks or so! Never had that with any other Revell paints. Not even thinner helped! Has anyone had that same experience before? The lid was tightly closed so no air could get in but maybe the bit of air that was inside already caused the change? Looks sticky around the lid, yes, but it's absolutely sealed right! Hardly got it open!

Interior looks nice! ? I had that same Freightliner conventional back in the 80s and I had put it together without painting. Just put the decals on and it looked exactly like this one! Almost fell apart by itself though cause the snap elements broke off one after the other without even touching it. The plastic was old and the softeners seemed to have migrated already so I looked for a decent way to get rid of it! Had a tank trailer for it too! One day a friend of mine and I opened the tank trailer at the rear, stuffed it with big fire crackers and added a long fuse. We closed it with ducttape and sent it down a hill with a lit fuse. That thing rolled down that hill like a real truck with failing brakes and exploded in the middle of the intersection! There was nothing left but plastic debris. Both truck and trailer we're completely destroyed! I kept the cabover though. That was a really nice kit!

I won't! But thanks for remembering! ? Still have to finish up the small parts! Mirrors and wipers are chromed and will be added soon. Then of course the air lines and marker lights!

Thanks! I Hope the trailer comes out fine! At least it will fit the tractor in color scheme and corporate design! Eventhough it's probably not the original scheme of Arrow Beer! I just found the logos and interpreted my own scheme.

Thanks Steve! Next will be the trailer! Wanted to test a different printer nozzle though so it will take awhile till I begin printing the trailer! Hope it helps to improve the surface even if it slows down the printing process!