Old Buckaroo

Brian - Very nice Mobile Home toter. Did you make it to where the mirrors extend out also ? Great scratch building and the Pilot car/truck really adds to it.

I built my first GMC Astro at the age of 15. Boy was I proud of that truck, it out shined my BJ McKay, Movin On and White Western Star. Which means one thing - those trucks must of looked terrible as this kit has given me a real challenge. This is an old vintage "Miller High Life " truck. Nice old plastic with minimal flash. I have also built two other of the same frames for resin conversions. But - I cleaned off the exterior frame of all the handy mounting assist location tabs. I should of done the same with this one and it would of been smooth sailing. The challenges - round fuel tanks and three mounting brackets. The frame is right on being square and level with the assistance of my 1" grid work mat and two 1lb weights. The mounting tabs did not line up or fit their counterpart very well at all - notch A does not match notch B. I fixed that issue with various shims and blocks of styrene and chiseling the offending mounting tab away. Next Challenge - The cab sits way high. This truck would be a technicians "cabover dream" as you would never need to jack the cab to access the engine. Just crawl right through. I dropped the cab 4 mm which I know will cause the domino effect on something further down the assembly. I notched out the rear mounts to lower them on the frame instead of cutting the spring pad. And then the visor, I now know why I got six visors in a trade - they do not fit. Unless you want it facing down like these modern trucks dragging the pavement. I sectioned in a piece 3mm long to get that classic 1970's visor look. This post is not a gripe about inaccuracies but how I can make this the best out of the box Astro yet, and possibly assist the next person who dives into this kit. I plan on building another one real soon with the modern wider grill (before I forget all the gremlins) The pictures Modified visor Narrower cab to frame gap Thanks for looking in

Tom - that is the most tragic model related story ever. You are probably dead on with that, the model is listed at a place that sells lots of lawnmower parts. Maybe it was on display in the shop. The location is in one of the driest state I have ever been in. (Kansas) The bright side is there is not much chrome to have to strip.

I borrowed this picture from an ebay auction. What could possibly eat the chrome off a model like this? At first I would thought it had a bath in Simple Green or similar but the decals are still intact. That is the craziest thing I have seen on a model.

That bunk looks comfortable enough to take a long nap in!

The stacks look right on for this truck, nice job!

This is a very sharp looking truck and it fits your era perfectly. If I had not seen the before pics of this I would of not believed it to be 1/32. Never underestimate the handiness of drywall mud. Oh hey, welcome to the forum!

Just keep scrolling down under your post as there are multiple post on aftermarket items.

This is a great thread of information due to all the posted pictures and reference's thank you for all the contributions. Gator - Tamiya Nato black is an excellent color for tires and airbags. Mark - If I was to do it again I would find a R model and scratch build the hood and other items. Terry - I really liked the movie truck , but not so much the model as it is really hard to give so much black definition without it looking like a black blob. Chris - Thank you for the trailer specs. I am still making forward progress, the cab is painted black and drying which seems to take forever as it shows any flaw - smudge, fingerprint way more then any color. Thank you all for input and comments

Wow, those beads are a fabulous idea, one of those -"why didn't I think of that"! I make grab handles all the time and the base is the biggest challenge for me. I am excited to watch this truck progress, on of my favorite KW's also. Very nice work

Here is a topic with the "Master List of Engines"

Yes, that what I think also.

Oh yeah I want one, except I would use it for kit storage. That is some real talent and creativity shown there.

I would love to have one of those, I would drive it to town and back to shop.

Wow , that really eradicated them! Pat what will you be using to replace them with? I have found sourcing headlights to be quite the challenge. The chassis looks top notch.

While on vacation last Summer in North Carolina my Wife and I rented a 2015 Dodge Full size 4dr 4x4 Hemi powered truck. When we picked it up it only had 12 miles on it. Most people prefer to rent cars I guess.

I can see your pictures loud and clear However the only time I have had problems seeing pictures here on the forum, the problem was on my end. The solution was I needed a Java update.

I am not a modern Euro truck guy, but I am impressed with the crispness and detail of this kit. The embossed Scania logos are pretty cool. It looks like you are doing a fine job and at this rate it will be a stunner when done. (I might have to get one of these)

Howdy Michael, I really like the models you have posted. They all are top notch and welcome back to the hobby and this forum.

Super nice on this one. The color scheme is perfect and very nice job on painting the tires.

Wow, this is a great buildup. You do not see very many Mack Cruseliner's being shown.

I have to also say this is one of the best Alaskan Haulers. The AITM tires and wheels look perfect on it. I have been gathering bits and pieces of this kit myself to attempt to build one someday. Yours has definitely put that want into high gear.

NASA will be wanting this for a display! I am really envious of the model build gathering. Something like that would be great in my part of the world.

Gold would be my first choice, Silver for the second. Nice looking Pete and paint scheme!

Brian, I am very happy to have been able to help you on this. My most favorite part of this truck is the rear window. That is just so cool the way it is shaped - it has personality. Your progress is is looking real good!