Old Buckaroo

Amazing, I am so enjoying your updates and craftsmanship.

Sadly today's news will be focused on celebrates or sports. Thank you for taking the time to Point out What is more Important. I remember when my Uncle got to come home - he spent a week with us. I was 7 and he gave me his cover and a bunch of C-rat packets. (the brown accessory) I still have a handful of "John Wayne's"

That is a Great looking combo. You really did a fine job on them (the other trucks displayed are fantastic also) Very Impressive display. Now you need Old Blue, Boss Truck, Mama Truck ..... ....... ... I got pretty good at saving old decals building aircraft models. Nothing as large scale as yours though , but a clear coat can save the day.

That is a nice '55. You sure your not violating something in your contract by posting pics of customers cars ? I would at least black out the license plate.

Your going to get me hooked on this era of cars. Oh and I was really Impressed with your Stagecoach that I followed a link too. That is my idea of transportation !

Not only is the paint spectacular I like the fact that "rivets died" in this episode. Rivets are so overrated anyhow.

I looked at the pics before I read what you wrote. My impression was wow, look at that. I can just see the enthusiasm on a kids face many years ago making this model and how proud he had to of been once it was completed. Most likely displayed right on the bedside table next to the lamp. Then when I read your writings, I was even more amazed you were thinking along the same lines. I think this model is spectacular and would leave it as is. As jb said a "time capsule". I wish I had just one model from my youth as it was built then to display with my adult life built ones. Even though you did not build this one I would have great satisfaction seeing it displayed in the collection knowing that it was someones pride and joy at one time.

I read somewhere that the sleeper was available separate as the kit did not include it.. Something you sent in with a price for the time and you would get it . I thought I had that bookmarked but can not find it. Awesome pic Casey - takes me way back seeing that Apollo add. Does that kit have the green tint windows ?

I really like it ! Something about that paint scheme and the double bunk really catches my attention. This is definitely a truck that deserves some TLC and not to be stuffed back in the depths of storage. Now I want to build one just like it.

Well I think I will get a minimum of 6 of these kits when they come out

I really like these old kits you have been assembling and following the progress. And I have always had a soft spot for anything made by Aurora. You also inspired me to cut up the front axle on the Pete I am working on for poseable wheels !

That really bites, I have dealt with outfits like that before also - "once". I still cant believe Slixx discontinued them.

That is a pretty good discussion subject . I remember as a kid with the trucks on the ranch having all black hoses tangled up, when one dry rotted or got messed up another piece of air hose was sometimes spliced in or the hose replaced all together. Air hoses came in shades of red also. Then I remember the new fangled coiled yellow air lines from sears being used for "less tangles" haha Seems to me though the blue and red standard was more common after the "Truck Driving schools" started popping up everywhere instead of knowing which gladhand went where. The gladhands have been made so they cant be coupled backwards unlike in the early years .

Not all spoke wheels are actually made by Dayton, there were others but the always seem to be dubbed that. As for the spacers - cant really give you an answer on that as they were made by Napa, Dayton and other manufactures due to the abuse they took from road moisture and heavy hammered mechanics having to remove these type of wheels. Nothing like a rusted on set of Dayton duals to put a smile on a "road service mechanic's" face .

That is just a spacer that goes between the spoked wheels commonly known as Dayton's.

Wow Dave , this is some really impressive work. The engine detail is awesome. I also like the pics of your other two Mixers.

Boy I really like this one. Neat old truck also you dont see very often. I get to see 50 or so log trucks rumble by a day. If you dont like this pic let me know and I will remove it.

Thanks guys for looking and commenting. Tom - heat is the concern in the back of my mind also . It looked like the sun was almost going to make an appearance today (rare for the PNW) I did get a few pics outside with some natural light. I am really excited how great these look and how easy it was. I am thinking some ground pastels will really bite onto this surface to simulate road grime .

Alan - the abrasive is Aluminum Oxide. I was super for cleaning tarnished and green crud off brass. Never tried it on plastic yet.. But I was wondering the same thing, I need to find a test subject that does not matter. It most likely will eradicate the detail or soften it. But I am curious. On the tires I sprayed them over a plastic coffee can-(?) to catch and save the abrasive.

I picked this kit up off the "bay" for $23.00. Kit was complete but engine had been previously poorly assembled (gluebomb) Before I get into the assembly I want to show you something . The worst part of a truck kit for me is the tires. I hate scuffing tires. My method up till now had been a small piece of green scotchbrite and a sanding stick. Tires shown left to right - Left tire ,Black and shiny out of the box, Middle tire scuffed with scotchbrite took me about 10 minutes, still has shiny spots in low areas, Right tire took less then 15 seconds to scuff. How did I do this so quick and thorough ? Simple with this. That mini sandblaster had been collecting dust in my hobby room for almost 10 yrs now. I had bought this years ago when I was custom painting "Brass Locomotives" for model RR guys back in Southern Nevada. Fact is I was considering taking it to Goodwill. The drawbacks - Dusty and safety equipment as eye protection and a dust mask is a smart idea. I am excited though as I have been dragging out this project for over a week dreading the tire and wheel assembly.

Well all the junk on craigslist will have another zero added on the price now. Things were just starting to come back down to reality . After the last BJ auction rusted out camaro bodies with no doors, subframe or anything else that was held in place by bolts , clips or welds skyrocketed with that catch phrase - You know what this would be worth fixed up

Sheesch - that is just mind boggling. Very nice , and I am impressed with your work ethic.

Top Notch Traders I have dealt with, Fox am73grand tbill ratnasty trick my mixer DPNM DrKerry kilrathy10 DodgeAddict All have been great guys to deal with.

I could vision that. Speaking of sleepers earlier - I saw a pic in a book of a W-925 with the Stainless Steel sleeper all polished up. Not sure if it was an Able or Mercury as the glare off of it was too much to make out details. I bet that was something !

This "assembling of plastic" gets better and better every time I look at it. If memory serves me right the lower radiator hose would be on the right hand side fan forward view. How custom do you plan on going with this ? I have a visor from a Freightliner coe that I bet you could fit to this !