Jürgen M.

Beautiful! ?

Hi, I think this is one of the kits I haven't shared yet! It's the Ertl F2674 kit. I built it around 1987 or so. Don't remember exactly! What I do remember though is that they were already quite expensive at that time, at least compared to amt and Revell! I didn't bother to do much painting. Just the engine and chassis. I did build up a box though Made of a reefer trailer that a friend had given me. It was very much broken down already so I couldn't use it as a 40" er! Here's how it turned out! It's very dusty but still Looks quite OK!

Thank you Gary! I'm quite happy with it eventhough I didn't hide the printing lines everywhere! ? I put the cab in position to get an idea how it will look. The roof is also just laid on top!

I guess now the chassis and powertrain are completed. What you see here consists of 172 parts of which 137 are designed and printed. Not printed parts are tires, u-bolts, tank straps, ... I know, the engine is not completely piped up but I'm gonna leave it that way. The shift stick will be designed as soon as the interior is printed. I want to make sure that it really fits into the opening in the cab floor.

Nice paint job! Very smooth! ?

Nice to learn from experts! I do know a little about long distance trucking and how a transport and logistics company works, I drove a 7.5 ton truck with a tandem trailer for a while but never the big rigs. The driving was always the fun part to me. Today it's different. More traffic, less time.

Interesting information. Thanks! So the trailer is supported by some sort of external device in order to break from the tractor. Otherwise they're always joined as a permanent rig? Never thought about that. I was always used to the fact that trailers were delivered and a new one hooked up!

Hi Rockford, thanks for your words. You're quite right. I'll keep that in mind! I'll try to consider that while I go on. It is almost a pitty using a truck Like that as a working horse with a big risk of damage to it. What I discovered, the trailer doesn't seem to have a landing gear. Is that hidden somewhere or don't these trailers have one?

Indeed. An exotic one too. No everyday truck! Very nice!

Mufflers and slash cuts! Have to be sanded and primered. I'll be using a chrome spray with a flat effect. When you look at the picture at the beginning of this thread it doesn't look like the classic chromed parts on this truck are polished and brightened up. Just the marker lights, horns and grab handles look like they're polished chrome. Even the grille looks more like a dirty silver than polished chrome!

Looking great, Rockford! I'm sure it'll turn out perfectly since your dedication to this rig is so huge! I can understand that too. It's always been one of my favorite TV series. Can't wait to see it finished!

Thanks Rockford! The "meaty" probably comes from the fat Italeri tires. But I'm happy with it. I'll be finishing the engine and exhaust system, then I'll begin the interior and cab. Stay tuned! ?

Thanks! Hope it keeps going like this! I tried out the fill primer on the first printed cab. It does hide the print lines a bit but I'd have to sand it and that's quite a pain trying not to destroy the rivets. We'll see what happens!

The second fuel tank with straps and step. The quarter fenders are from a White Western Star If I remember correctly! ? But they fit perfectly! I also added a cross bar to stabilize the frame of the exhaust system. Seems the chassis is done. Just some more piping to do around the engine. Mufflers and exhaust pipes are being printed at the time as well as the air intake.

Some more progress: The wheels and battery box Fuel tanks and the air pipe from the aircleaner to the turbo charger! The second tank follows shortly as well as the mud flaps in front.

Thanks! I painted and installed the engine. Since you can't see the color of the engine in the movie I decided to paint it dark gray. I think it looks pretty good. Now the wheels, fuel tanks and some piping and the chassis is almost ready. Still need to print the exhaust pipes and the intake for the aircleaner.

Nice video. Very interesting to see what hard work it is keeping a truck functional. Thanks again! I enjoyed watching!

Looks fantastic! I agree that a bright white trailer can look quite majestic but the aliminium turned out great and the details are all still visible inspite of several paint layers. A Job well done! ?

Thanks Rockford! It's never too late! ? I'll improve it on my next kit! The chassis is painted!

Nice work! Love the details! I can understand you making the the backing plates. Even If you can't really see them later you know there's something missing! I made them too for all my printed kits!

Now the chassis is ready for its paintjob.

This stuff is absolutely top level! ?

The backing plates are in place. Now the u-bolts have to be installed.

Thanks! Then I will Install them! ? I already printed the plates to hold the u-bolts not being sure if I'll be needing them.

Thanks! ? If I may ask, did these trucks have u-bolt fixed front axles too?