Jordan White

Today I picked up the re-released AMT IH 4300 Eagle semi truck kit, and upon opening I noticed the instruction sheet which has some nice large pictures of a built model of the kit. Inside, there's not only pictures of the assemblies, but also some small text blurbs that provide insight into the best way to assemble the parts, along with paint color suggestions. There's also sections that describe the best way to apply the kit decals (and where to trim), assembly and painting suggestions, and even a bit of info on the truck itself. (IH Scout kit also has the same deal) Even though when I build, I don't usually follow the instructions, I found that these particular instructions are a great example of how all instructions should be. The one thing that I couldn't stand about instructions (when I followed them) was the system where each color is given a letter, and the letters are just posted in each step. Rather than having to flip back and forth, I actually had to write them down separately. I suppose it works when you have a lot of parts, such as with the Italeri truck kits, but otherwise it just gets confusing (look at the AMT Chevy C1500 kit as an example). On AMT's older kits, they also threw in the assembly order numbers so you'd know what went together first (second, third, ...) for each step. May be helpful for certain assemblies, such as when you can't really tell if something may interfere with something else, but the way they used it in every step on the '84 GMC pickup, it just makes the thing look cluttered. Of course, I think I've seen a few kits (can't think of any off hand) where there's no guidance whatsoever, and you have no clue how to put the parts together so they fit, or how a piece is supposed to attach (radiator hoses are usually a big offender of this). *whew* So anyways, what are you goods and bads for assembly instructions?

You'd be better off finding one of the dually kits on e-bay to build that. The 7.3 gasser in the kit could probably be built into a version of the 7.3 diesel though.

Brian speaketh thee truth, the axles in the Fall Guy kit are indeed terrible.

Okay, didn't know if you were going for realism or not. If you want Dodge drivetrain, then your best bet would be one of the old Ramcharger kits.

The Iroks you might be able to find on ebay. As for the drivetrain, the axles and transfer case out of the re-released '77 GMC kit would work.

Multipiece is certainly better for molding detail. However, fitment of a multipiece bed is another story. Depending on design, some go together better than others.

I've noticed this as an issue as well. You would think that they could make a set of tires for each size of wheel they use (15", 16", etc.), and throw in enough tires to cover all the wheel options in the kit. Generally it only seems to be an issue if there are two sets of same size wheels, but they should still throw more in. My spare wheel-to-tire ratio is probably close to 5-to-1, which certainly can be a pain at times.

Got all the components (minus some resistors) together to create the necessary light circuits. Will have working: headlights fog lights (front only) turn signals F/R(no hazards though) running lights F/R brake lights reverse lights All will be working off of hopefully only 2 9-volt batteries.

Great place. Ordered some shocks through them, found out one was the wrong application, contacted them and they said to send it back with a label they provided and as soon as they saw that it was sent, they sent the correct one out.

Eh, at least it's not as bad as on the Powerblock on Speed. Out of a half hour show, there's probably only 15 minutes of actual worthwhile content.

Got the engine compartment painted, so as to get an idea of the color.

Watched the first couple episodes of the new season, and I will say they are way better than the older episodes, at least in terms of the format. I was never fond of the whole "tricking the mark" deal, since it seemed to take up way too much of the episode's time. I prefer now, where they show more of the ideas from the mark's family/friends, plus have more time to build. I also like the way that they're doing the reveals since they can see the car before finding out that they're on the show. I also enjoyed how in the truck episode, Chip listened to the suggestions and didn't put on his usual large-diameter wheels. I think however they should have tried to retrofit the Cadillac valve covers.

If you want to go big, I'd suggest picking up a set of the Cragar S/S style wheels from eBay that fit in the Shelby tires. Personally I think they'd look better and give it a bit of retro look while having a modern larger diameter.

Hop on 94 around the south side of St. Paul, get off on the Lexington Avenue exit and it's 3 blocks north of the freeway. Here's the address if you wanna look it up on Google Maps. SCALE MODEL SUPPLIES 458 Lexington Pkwy. St. Paul, MN 55104-460 Edit: posted this pic elsewhere, but here's just the model car isle!

Nice looking truck! Only thing that would probably improve it is if you raised the rear of the bed slightly, and if you narrowed the axles a bit.

I should have looked around when I was there. I basically made a bee line for the car isle and promptly left with my (awesome) purchase. (Plus I wasn't sure if I would get towed where I was parked, the little lot between the store and DQ).

So they were in Wyoming! I was looking for model stores a while back on Google maps and saw that it was in Wyoming, but when I went over there, I didn't see it at all. Then I found their website and saw that they were actually in Coon Rapids (10 miles for me). It's the closest one to me and my go-to store when I don't wanna shop online (plus Hobbytown moved and has gone downhill lately). I actually just went to SMS a couple weekends ago for the first time.

Definitely hit SMS, it's like a modelers paradise!

Got the engine partially completed. Just need to add the belts/pulleys, make a bracket for the alternator, and add the exhaust manifolds and fan.

Thanks guys. I'm still amazed how with just a little painting, a kit can go from a toy to something that looks real!

Yeah leaving the seams is odd, however the headlight rings are due to him trying to convert the European style headlights to the sealed-beam US style lights. As for my build, I'm almost done with the engine and hope to have some pictures posted by tonight.

Unless a 4WD will be part of the "series of trucks", then the long bed should have been a 4WD and the short bed a 2WD. Otherwise, I'm very interested to see what the mock-ups look like!

The finish on the wheels certainly helped (how they came), but the paint I used was "Premium Decor" metallic gold.

I found a thread on a forum that this guy posted the pics in, and the guys there were asking him the same thing.

That sort of detail would be great for any large kit of your favorite subject! Of course, there's no 1/12 Jeep YJ kits available, so I'm scratchbuilding my own (got the frame mostly done, leaf springs and front axle partially done). I'll actually scan it into my computer later and if you want to PM me your e-mail address, I could send it to you that way.