Rockford

This is going to be interesting. I have seen this kit but I've never heard of EMHAR. Looking forward to seeing it come together. This chassis had long been replaced by my day but that wooden dropside type body was still a standard. You'd hear them rattling and banging, especially when they were empty. They were so versatile. When drivers knew how to rope and sheet a load.

Great to see it coming together after all this time. Gives me hope that I might finish some of mine! Good realistic choice of colours on the box and the cab. Are you going to use the square air cleaner?

Had some bench time this afternoon. Modified the Aerodyne interior to suit the new cab size. I sectioned the tub behind the seats (arrow) and then had a small amount to trim off the back of the upper bunk. I used the trimmed piece as a filler panel to ensure a tight fit. It practically touches the cab roof so I'll just put a valence in front at the top and hide it. Looks ok in situ, needs a repaint. Changed the air intake stack for a more mundane top hat style. Looks more in keeping. It actually comes from the AMT Aerodyne K100, I just added a flange to the cap and some straps. Tank straps! I added 90 degree angle pieces to the tank brackets and used 3mm strips of electrical tape to form the straps. They look ok I think.

Late start this afternoon so didn't get much done. Made a driveshaft from some spare ones I had lying around. Added a centre bearing while I was at it. Moved the front axle forward about 4mm, and machined some little collars that go on the stub axle outside the wheel dish. This is a "no front brakes" truck and often the wheel flange appears to be a little further inboard on the hub with the outer wheel bearing housing jutting out from the wheel. I wanted to mimic that look. Otherwise it's just fuel filler caps repositioning the air cleaner.

Great subject to build, it's going to look impressive. The Holmes wrecker will look the part. Shame AMT didn't do a Holmes on their Peterbilt 359 chassis.

Nice looking machine Jürgen! I love the colour and the stance. You've had some great ideas on this build and it really shows in the overall appearance. Well done.

Fitted my transmission, looks ok. Fitted the exhaust frame behind the cab. Made the cross member that forms the rear cab mounting. Dug out two spare GMC General fuel tanks and removed all the strap and filler neck detail. I wanted KW style tank brackets which go below the tank, not over it like a Pete or Freightliner. I tried several scratch build methods but nothing worked so I cut the ones off a GMC General chassis and used them.

That would be easy to find in the truckstop! Looks great.

It looks a proper bruiser! Great stance. Decals aren't lazy, they're clever!

Coming together well! I like the sparse detail in the sleeper - just a bed, wardrobe, TV on a shelf and interior wall covering.... Very sparse!😆

Impressive stuff! Looks very tidy.

Thanks mate, the finish won't be up to your standards but it will do.

I hate bodywork, I haven't really got the patience for it. This will be enough bodywork for this year!

Steel wool does have its uses, I've got some OO grade on my bench. It's good for getting into uneven shapes without causing damage because you can ball it up. We're a resourceful lot!

Once you think it's finished it's time to coat the cab with primer, boy does that deflate you when you think you've done a good job, holes and high spots, scratches and seams, terrible. I reskimmed the surfaces then used a metal rule with 1000 grit wrapped around it and plenty of soapy water. Mini block-sanding really. Turned out ok when you consider it started life as a double width Aerodyne. I'm going to see about moving the front axle forward a little, looks a bit too much like a K100E

Happy anniversary! 🎉

Looks great, an extendable would be a challenge! I hope to build a 1/32 version one day.

Very nice workaday hero, the backbone of the industry. Looks great.

Nice job on the engine and transmission. I can almost hear it screaming through the gears.

Been snatching the odd few minutes here and there to do the fill and sand ritual. I think I'm on the third run. Filled the various holes that I'm not going to be utilising for the exhaust frame and grab handles. Opened the step well under the doors, I'll back that with a little box section. If it's warm enough today I might get primer on it. Still lots to do.

That's a great job, love the little touches like the tubs of stuff in the well. Very nice.

Excellent job so far. Sorry to hear about your treatment, hope it does the trick without too much hardship.

What a great little unsung hero. You've done a great job on this, very tidy. These were good looking trucks. Liked the integrated sleeper they did too, bit of a predecessor to today's equipment.

That's looking great mate. Well done. Looking forward to seeing it all come together.

Some great touches there! Why don't you try polishing your tanks? I'd use wire wool then Solvol Autosol metal polish for chrome bumpers etc... works great. Would look sharp and no painting.