Rockford

Very resourceful!

Just brilliant work. I'm lost for words.

That's a nice looking machine!

Nice Aerodyne. Some nice options added too!

I can't believe I built this kit originally in July 2020, under full lockdown in the UK. So, no shops etc... and I was a new returnee to the hobby, blind in one eye, and stupid, so I built it pretty much box stock. I've wanted to update it for a long time and rectify some Snapper issues. I lost 10mm out of the chassis a while ago but still felt I could lose more after looking at some K100s on the web. I lost another 8mm this time. I moved the battery box forward, equal to the air cleaner so I could relocate the tanks. Added chrome tank straps from Ali duct tape. Fitted a sliding fifth wheel, bobbed the quarter fenders, added vynil tape mudflaps and deepened the wheel dishes on the tandems. Because the weather is still rubbish, I reverted to brush painting the chassis in Humbrol enamel and the results are pretty good. I've done worse spray jobs! To me it looks just right now. It's only a tiny amount longer than the single bunk K100 I recently finished but you get a full tiltin' Hilton to sleep in. I've used this tractor as a mule for so many trailers so this time I pressed my new Trailmobile dry van into service for him. I love trucks!

Great job! I wonder if any of these ever fell flat on their face bobtailing?

Trailer looks great! I've noticed that American trucks rarely have backplates on the brakes. It was an MOT failure for us in GB. They don't really do much other than keep stones of a certain size out and brake dust in. I suppose cooling is a bit better without. They were all specific to manufacturers too, Rubery Owen Rockwell were different to York were different to Fruehauf etc... I WAS NEARLY ALIVE AGAIN THEN!

Yes, they might have some sort of trestle arrangement that they put under the chassis though I can imagine some companies just using a load of blocks! I always worked in operations where trailers were frequently swapped. One day on tippers, next day bulk powder next day flatbed delivering concrete block ...

You're right, it hasn't! The reason I'd go for is the lack of room between the tractor chassis and the hopper doors, but payload and even ground clearance could also have been an issue. I know some have simple legs that can only support the trailer when empty and use pins to fix them in the up or down position. The fuel companies in UK deleted landing gear on trailers at times to maximise payload and the trailers were only broken from the tractor during servicing in the shop.

The green has landed. Had to take the chance because this is the one decent day amidst weeks of heavy rain etc... I tried using gold under the British Racing Green to alter the shade but it didn't make much difference. For a modern paint formulation it actually covers very well, I could have got away with one coat. Green looks darker in the photos than the real thing. Happy with the finish overall. Got to leave it to fully harden, if I can find the patience.

Jürgen, great work! You're building a working truck, and "chrome don't get you home!" The aluminium was originally there to save weight, only over time did its decorative qualities get exploited. Your truck looks like one well specced from the factory with a Salem paint scheme but worked hard, quarry work doesn't lend itself to 'shiny'. Having worked with several truck fleets, I know the emphasis is very much on keeping the wheels turning and bringing money in. Your KW is going to look great though, you can't hide good genes!

What a great looking truck, so typically American. I love the brochure excerpt too, I could look at stuff like that all day.

Excellent work, looks great

Your chassis looks excellent, looks really meaty. Love the idea of the tank straps, very novel! I feel your frustration on the cab prep, it's always a trade-off.

Looks great that. Keep up the good work.

Looks great Jürgen. I realise it's too late now but if you want to see what the Reyco steel-spring suspension looks like watch this video from James Pretty.

They did sir!

Don't see many builds of this kit, I suppose the sheer size of the finished job puts people off. Looks great though. Well done.

A well engineered project here. Really impressed.

Can't you hide the chassis joint with fuel tank brackets etc...? Either way it's coming together. Well done! Fascinating stuff, mixing so many skills.

Very clean work there sir! Great colour choice too.

All that's missing now is a license plate. Coloured the marker lights with Sharpies. Painted the rear light surrounds white and then tinted the lenses. Added home made Trailmobile logos. Very pleased with how things turned out when you think it's nearly been a write-off several times. So glad I could save it.

Besides nearly ruining my Trailmobile last week I also managed to get Sonny's trailer painted. Left it all to harden for a week and boxed it all together this afternoon. Looks good to me. I like the F2 lightweight suspension and the deeper wheel rims. I'd have loved to have painted Sundance but I need to get some grey primer, I don't want to take a risk with that rubbish I bought for the Trailmobile.

Saved! The pink has gone but there was so much paint on the thing the bottom rail looked terrible. There were gaps where the box mat the rail but then it had gathered where the locating tabs were. I employed Aluminium HVAC duct tape. It's a pig to work with but it covered the gaps and made it look presentable. Just the finishing touches now.

Nice work!