Rockford

I see, an extendable would be interesting!

That will finish it off so well. I don't want to hijack your thread but I remember finding this picture on the interwebs and I just thought it is the perfect American truck for me. The stance and the proportions are just right. It says everything to me about why American trucks are different to the European stuff. The reason why I mentioned an aluminium Fruehauf was because I had been watching a few episodes with this trailer. Bare ali. Either way it's an impressive looking combination. Can't wait to see the finished rig. I'll get to do one of my own one day.

That's going to be a good looking trailer. Glad you didn't lose your tailgate to the tree-rat.

Excellent building.

Going to be a bit of a chunky monkey! Good work. Are you going to lose an axle from the trailer?

The notorious Freightliner joint! I don't envy you that job. I'm sure you'll sort it.

Printed my stripes onto decal paper today and gave them two coats of lacquer. The colours look rich. Drew a few licence plates, a bingo plate some ICC permit numbers. I like to get most out of the sheet I'm using. Let them cure for a day or so while I get on with assembly.

That looks the part mate. I hope we're going to see a load of pictures in the "Under Glass" section. Any chance of a trailer? Aluminium Fruehauf?

Gary and Benny, thanks for your kind comments. When I try to hit the thanks button, this is what I get.

Things really starting to come together now. Applied some BMF, old stuff but went really well, I think it was the matt aluminium. Fitted the windscreens and visor. Added the indicator lamps I made and mudflaps to the hood. Cut the locating tab off the back of the sleeper, looks much better. Good alignment is still spot on. I'm so pleased with how things are working out. It looks like a W900!

Fiddly day today. Fitted the engine and added the plumbing for the front brake chambers, water filter, power steering, fuel filter and heater. Painted and fitted the radiator. Gave the interior a quick splash of an oxblood red. The interior is dire but I'm not going to waste time on it because you won't see anything anyway. Fitted the wheels and rear hubs. Looks ok. Tried fitting the cab with the interior in and it sat pointing upwards at about 15 degrees, amazing what a few coats of paint will do!

Enjoy your time over here. I'm the other end of the country I'm afraid. Hope you find something interesting.

They are way beyond me, oh if only... I console myself by thinking that if I built something that good I'd be bound to drop it on the way into the show, therefore I've managed to avoid a whole world of disappointment in my life!

What a great looking build! Some impressive details too, really set it off.

Oh yeah, cakewalk that! ? I do see what you mean. Still inventive though. Good idea on the paper templates. It's amazing how your brain processes things like this, that's why I find scratchbuilding so interesting.

Tidy job. Great work on the tanks and brackets.

Quite a challenge to get the elliptical shape of the tank right, especially the end panels with their double curvature. You did it though! Impressive stuff.

Something very impressive about that interior.

I DO like a Cummins. Well done with it.

I made the three inclined lines match the three ridges on the Aerodyne cap. I can't deny being quite pleased with myself.

It looks like a proper W900. Just hope I don't mess it up!

Brush painted the aluminium on the boxes, also masked and brush painted the tank straps. Printed my stripes on paper to determine the sizing, 17% seems right. The colours will be richer on the decal paper. Couldn't resist blacking the windscreen rubber and doing a quick mock up.

Of course, I've still got to paint the battery/tool boxes. I just thought I'd let the red cure a bit before I started masking up.

Had a nice day so decided to paint the thing. Used Post Office Red left over from the flatbed I built and some Vauxhall Arctic White which must be 15 years old. Because I don't get many good paint days it had to be prime and paint same day. I just used a grey Scotchbrite on the primer which seems to have helped the topcoat. Now the long job of reassembly.

I'd go with the winch close to the cab, the structure would also provide protection for the cab and driver so they'd want it as close as possible.