Aaronw

Thanks Tim, I guess now it is just a case of finding some good photos to work from. The hotrod photos work for the basic block, but not the stock equipment that went on it.

Well it would get crammed into a early Ford C so I guess really only the top end and oil pan have to look the part if it comes to that. Makes sense though if the Thunderbird is 1/24. I think of the '56 Ford truck as 1/24 but I guess it is a real Revell kit so 1/25 not an old rebranded Monogram kit. Thanks

Utility bodies are great scratchbuilding projects, relatively easy and much cheaper than resin. A lot of the 1-1 utility body companies even have detailed drawing available online. This was my first attempt, a generic enclosed utility box. The box on this one was modeled after an early Reading utility body.

Is the boiler actually well done? I had a similar idea, but based on the few photos of built Flameouts I've been able find online, the parts look less than inspiring. Small photos though, not seen any in person. Try looking for Amoskeag, Christie, Nott, or Webb Steam Pumpers, they were some of the larger builders of self propelled steam pumpers. Many of the old horse drawn steamers were simply converted to motorized apparatus by making the steam pump into a trailer pulled by a semi-tractor, the same was done with other horse drawn equipment as well.

Drat.... Any reason for specifying the Thunderbird over the '56 Ford truck or '60 Starliner? I've got both in the stash, but no Thunderbirds. I've also seen reference to the Lincoln being a big block due to it's unusually tall deck height, approximately 1.25" taller than a Ford Y block. That would just require adding some sheet plastic to the top of the block below the heads correct? Any idea which magazine and issue Tim's article was in?

These double T kits? http://www.modelroundup.com/product-p/amt-r2-670.htm http://www.modelroundup.com/product-p/amt-r2-626.htm Great news if that is the case, I've already got a couple, plus the Fruit wagon. I didn't know that the other engine in the kit was a Lincoln Y block.

I don't believe this engine is available in any kits or even resin. It was used in some heavy Ford trucks in the mid to late 1950s so it would be nice to have one. If there is one that would be great to know, otherwise is there something close that might be used as a base to work with? How much resemblance does the Ford Y block of the period have to the Lincoln? I know there is a Ford Y block in the old Revell '56 Ford truck, and I think the 1950s Thunderbirds, and maybe the '60 Ford Starliner if it is close.

Yep, I've got a ton of projects that I tried and just wasn't there yet so they languish on the shelf of shame. Those also taught me a lot and I have completed models that exist because of those earlier failed attempts.

There are a couple military kits of the Oshkosh HEMTT available in 1/35 that could be a good start for some of these vehicles.

I've got a walk around of an Oshkosh P-19. The Amertek 2500L posted above it is on my someday list. The 2500 wasn't a very good crash truck, but it was fun to drive and I think they are a good looking vehicle. http://modelfireapparatus.com/apparatus/Crash/Crash1/Crash_page1.htm

I've seen a few flatbeds with a crane like that used to deliver propane tanks. The tanks wouldn't be that hard to make, and would be something different.

I like 2 in 1 largely because my preferences are often not the most popular option. With the move towards single "custom" kits I've been left out where in the past many of these would have included a stock (or at least stock-ish) option, that isn't there when the kit is full on designed as a hotrod or whatever. It has also allowed me to amass a fairly large parts box of custom items. Initially I thought I'd probably swap a pile of bits for a kit. Then I realized that even though I don't build traditional customs, some of these parts are rather useful for madmax style end of civilization subjects which I do kind of like.

The GM EV1, not quite extinct, but very few left. GM recalled and destroyed most of the cars built. There is supposedly only one in drivable condition, and a handful of partial cars that GM donated to tech museums and such.

I've only got a couple I can show AMT Tahoe Revell Rubicon

Sorry, I could have sworn I saw the term pre-order used which to me means pre-paid, my mistake if that isn't what was being asked.

He has actually posted some of his work on a 1974 Dodge truck. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=101507 If that is the quality he can turn out great, but I know I've been burned a couple of times in the past so not too quick to turn over my money on a sight unseen product.

RMR are kind of middle of the road quality, but when you consider the price they are a really good value. I've bought several hundred dollars worth of resin from Ron over the years and have had no negative experiences.

You do realize neither of these aircraft utilized an option available to cars. The P51 mounted the radiator in a pod below the fuselage, and the Spitfire had wing mounted radiators. So unless you are suggesting a large pod above the car or adding wings... P40 and Typhoon would be more appropriate for a car comparison.

That is a shame, I think it would do well. I don't think as an unknown caster with no track record you are going to get much interest in pre-orders regardless of how popular the subject. You've posted some photos of your work which looks quite good, but there have been a lot of skilled, but shady resin casters out there and it tends to make people very cautious with their money.

I've seen posts suggesting more detailed donors for the '72 kit, but I guess those would be the Revell 64/65 kits, so not really on the table for Round 2.

Thanks, I had a feeling it would be more than a simple conversion.

I wonder if it would be possible for Round 2 to offer an enhanced '72 Chevy kit. I don't recall the kit now but early in the Round 2 take over of the AMT kits they "re-issued" an older promo style kit combined with the more detailed running gear of a later kit essentially creating a new kit from two different kits. I'd like to see a completely new tool kit of the 67-72 GM trucks as well, but wouldn't turn my nose up at an improved AMT kit. I have a couple of unbuilt GMCs and Chevys in the stash, but I'd probably add a couple more even if they just re-issued the kit as is. Simple, but still a decent kit to start with. I second the hope they will re-issue the 80/90s 1500s, particularly the SS454 which I kick myself for not picking up a few years ago when they were cheap and common.

That makes sense, they grow a lot of hay in the area. I didn't know a crane was commonly used, my limited (and unfortunate) experience with loading hay involves a lot of lifting, sneezing and itching.

and another local, but this old Chevy is probably past saving from the berry bushes. Not sure what it was, too big for a wrecker, maybe a well drilling rig?

A couple of locals often seen at old equipment shows in the area. 1947 Peterbilt logger 1948 Kenworth logger 1949 Diamond T flatbed 1960 Autocar tractor