Jim B

I figured I'd post a quick update on the 1970 American-LaFrance Series 1000 pumper. Not much in the way of total progress, but I have hoses in the hosebed now! I'm planning on one more layer of hose with brass couplers. Wish me luck. I also have some small retails mounted on the tailboard: (2) 2-1/2" smooth bore nozzels, & (1) 2-1/2" fog nozzel. Over by the curbside pump panel I have an adapter on the running board, and a Siamese on the intake. You'll also note that the couplers for the hard suction hoses are now going the correct direction. Hopefully more updates next weekend!

Gold. Sort of a dark gold. Like this: 6-Cylinder Mack 300 Maxydine 8-Cylinder Mack Transmission should be gold, too.

Would this "Apex" patern be correct for a T600, or only the older W900s?

Looks nice. The H-series in on my "to build" list. It's a long list!

Well, it's been almost two months since I posted any progress pics of the pumper, and I'm happy to report that I have made some progress! Over the last two months, I managed to partially scratch build the hard suction hoses, paint & attach the booster line nozzels to the booster line, paint & detail the rear light bar, attach the hard suction hoses & cradles, & paint & attach the marker lights to the tail board & running boards. As you can see, it's actually starting to look like a fire truck. Next step? Axes, pike pole, ladders, hose bed & hose load w/couplers. Enjoy!

Here is a link to a 1991 Car Modeler article about detailing the International V800 engine: International V800 As far as the other stuff, you might want to look here: Sourkraut's Model Trucks - Cab Accessories Personally, I don't know of anyone that makes gauge decals in 1/25 for trucks; however, that being said The Model Car Garage does make gauge detail sets. Maybe you can find something here: The Model Car Garage - Gouge Detail Sets Good luck.

Any time, guys. That Melbourne Model Truck Accessories sure has some nce stuff.

As far as Caterpiller goes, you can get a 3406E, C15 or C16 from Melbourne Model Truck Accessories. Or you can get the Auslowe 3406 (listed as "Yellow 14L 6 Cyl) from Sourkraut's Model Trucks - Engines. Of course, both stores list other engines as well. Good luck.

Kurt, Looks like an ambitious project, but I'm sure you're up to the task. And I'm sure it will look amazing when it's done.

Maybe we're taking this out of context or something, but it's kind on insulting. Are you saying that everyone who likes trucks is a redneck? What is you definiton of a redneck, anyway?

You're right. That's different. Looking good, though. I've seen Ford Model TTs as hearses, but never a Mack AC. ISn't the Mack a little "over kill" for haulingn a coffin? Guess it depends on who's in it!

Ok, I'm confused (what else is new). What is the appeal of a Mercury sleeper? Didn't most truck manufacturers offer sleepers back then? Aren't they an aftermarket item? Was it a "cool factor"? Are they still in business?

Too much contraversy? Interesting. I thought it was sort of a neat idea. Granted, I'm not really into hot rods, rat rods, street rods, Volksrod, or any other type of "rods"; but hey, to each his own. Nice job on the tipper. I like it. I'll have to look into that model railroad roadbed for a DM600 dump I have planned.

Nice! I'm glad they're reissuing the 1926 Mack AC tanker. There are nice looking old trucks. They have character. Anything I should look out for in the build?

Ok, it's been a while since I posted any updates on this; but I have done some work in the ALF. Still have a long way to go, but it's getting there. So far this model has survived apathy, anger, frustration, and my four year old who wanted to see if the booster line would unravel. Next will be the rear light bar, hoses, ladders, and the "stuff" that is destined for the running boards, tailboard, & the side of the cab It's getting there!

That was Smokey & the Bandit II.

Well, the good news is the Revell kit should be in a hobby shop near you soon! I think you'll need the hood & sleeper from the AMT kit though. You should be able to get the hood from anyone who's built the Alaskan Hauler. It has the short hood in the kit, too. Or here: http://www.freewebs.com/mmtaer/truckparts.htm Chris, yes, Fred's Model World Online is still working. I picked up a AMY Kenworth W925 from him a couple of weeks ago. Has the torsion bar suspension, too. I'd email him or call him to see if he has the kit you want in stock. Truck kits move quickly.

AMT Kenworth W900 kits are hard to come by. You might have better luck converting the Revell of Germany Kenworth W900 that was just reissued (that's about a 1972-82), or the Revell-Monogram Kenworth W900 Aerodyne (1976-82). The AMT kit is a little early (1968-72). If you want out-of-production kits, at reasonable prices, try Fred Sterns of Fred's Model World Online ( http://www.fredsmodelworldonline.com/ ). He might have something. Maybe even the trailer. Check out here for building info: http://www.modeltruckin.com/ He has "Smokey & the Bandit" decals, and is boinding one himself. Good luck!

Dave Carey (cargostar) is working on a LoanStar conversion. I don't know how far he's gotten, but you can see it here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20147 Here's the link to his Website: http://modelsbydave.com/ Good luck.

Pactra Line Trim tape. Good to know. Do they still make it, how thin can you get it, and does it come in orange?

The Revel-Monogram site says these are Fall 2009 releases. I just hope they're reasonably priced.

I like this kit. The Texas bumper gives it a different look. Your's looks nice. Try KFS for stacks & "KENWORTH" badges. Well, that's my plan, anyway.

Looking nice. What are you using for the stripes: paint or decals?

Do you mean these: http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thsca...01_01__januari/ http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thsca...1_02__februari/ http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thsca...2001_03__march/ http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thsca...2001_04__april/ http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thsca..._2001_06__june/ I've seen these. You think this might be easier, ormore accurate, that converting the R-series? Isn't the Superliner a RW6XX or RW7XX?

I'm sitting here in my home office looking out the window at a very nice 1988 (I asked the driver) Mack Superliner dumper; and this got me to thinking: what would I need to do to have a Superliner in my collection? (Whoa, that Peterbilt 379 heavy-haul just drove by again). Now, I know that Italleri has a Superliner kit, but to make it accurate it needs quite a bit of work, and it's 1/24. AITM makes a Superliner cab kit (1/25?), but what frame to use? Would the Mack R-Series kit be the best? Is the engine in that kit correct for a Superliner? How about the suspension? This probably won't happen for a while, but it's an interesting mental exercise.