KJ790

I had this old glue bomb tandem kicking around so I decided to use it on this build. Some resin rims and some miss-matched pairs of tires complete the rolling stock for the trailer.

I have started roughing out the front of the Utility reefer trailer.

I bought this glue bomb 40' great dane reefer trailer at a show a couple years ago. It has sat on a box ever since, waiting to find a purpose. I was so pleased with how the ribbed sides and HVAC tape looked on my scratchbuilt trailer, I decided to rebuild this one and give it the same treatment.I broke it mostly apart and cut the bottom rails off of the sides. I used smooth styrene sheet to make a faux side that the ribbed styrene will be glued to. Here is a ribbed side mocked up.I accidentally broke the kit roof into pieces while trying to get the trailer apart, so I will have to scratch build that. More to come soon.

I have 3 projects that are about 99% done, just need a few more final details. Then I have 2 projects that are about 50% done, 2 projects that are 25% done, and 5 projects that have just barely been started. So about 13 total...

Today I started on the trailer. In doing research into Monfort, I found that they ran 39-1/2' trailers to stay under the overall length limit for the eastern states. Most of their trailers were Timpte, but they did have a few Utilities as well. I did not feel like scratch building the trailer, so I chose to build one of their Utility reefers rather than a Timpte one. The reason being that the Utility trailers used rib spacing similar to Great Dane, so an old Ertl Great Dane kit would work nicely as a starting point. I will make a new nose, new rear doors, and new landing gear to make it look more Utility like. I just finished weathering the reefer unit. I used a resin Thermo King reefer with a custom grille to back date it slightly.

Still have a few minor details to finish, but couldn't resist some outdoor shots.

I decided to convert this one to dual exhaust last night. I was a little nervous breaking off pieces to change it, but I think it worked out.

I was wondering where the original thread had gone. Here was my entry.

I almost had a paint disaster while clearing over the decals, but I think I have salvaged it. Here is where it stands tonight.

Jamie at Moluminum has them.

Thanks guys! I worked on some fuel tanks last night.

Managed to get the chassis painted and weathered. The engine is now in its final resting place. I just mocked the cab up to make sure everything clears. I had to move the hood hinges a little, but it should all fit. It sure is tight though!

Cool, I can't wait to see it. I used the kit frame, but I shortened it and removed the kit suspension mounts.

Finished up the grille and added a little weathering to the hood.

Good eye. They had the lower door handles (paddle style) with diamond plate battery box covers and unpainted fuel tanks.

Got a little more paint on the cab today. Needs some touching up, but all in all it should work.

Worked on some exhaust today.

I put a little paint on the battery box as well.

Quick little mock-up. Finished up the cab and sleeper.

I am looking for some fuel tanks with mounting brackets from the AMT K123 kit. Thanks!

I have scratchbuilt a few trailers: I buy most of my styrene online. It helps to have a bunch of different shapes and sizes of styrene round stock, round stock, and angle. Since I do so much scratchbuilding I keep most sizes of the common shapes on hand. Then I just buy some .040, .060", and .080" thick sheets for larger components.

Some plastruct diamond plate was used to scratch-build a battery box. I used pieces of a paperclip for the small handles on the cover.

Gorgeous! What did you use to make the grille screen?

Worked on the wheels a bit tonight.

Thanks! I used to sell the Dayton wheels, but my molds are worn out now. Someday I will make new molds, just don't know when.