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Hi Gang, I'm looking for a 1/25 resin Dodge hood to match the one pictured. I am building a pair of replicas of my first department's 1979 Dodge Powerwagon brush unit. I believe the original was offered by Dencon Resin. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you! David

Here's what I plan to build with mine!??

Are any of you using any of these machines for cutting out decals or styrene? I would appreciate it if the administrators could "Pin" the subject. If that is not feasible, I can post a link to a Facebook group. There are a variety of machines out there and each has it's merits and draw backs... I would like to start a discussion to share questions, answers and experiences on how to best use these machine to benefit our hobby. Three of the main manufacturers are Cricut, Silhouette and Brother. If you are not familiar with them, there are several videos on YouTube that introduce, compare, and explain their uses and features. Unfortunately, there are only a handful that discuss it's uses in modeling. Of the videos that exist, most are over a year old. Please feel free to share your experiences! Thank you! David

Are any of you using any of these machines for cutting out decals or styrene? I would appreciate it if the administrators could "Pin" the subject. If that is not feasible, I can post a link to a Facebook group. There are a variety of machines out there and each has it's merits and draw backs... I would like to start a discussion to share questions, answers and experiences on how to best use these machine to benefit our hobby. Three of the main manufacturers are Cricut, Silhouette and Brother. If you are not familiar with them, there are several videos on YouTube that introduce, compare, and explain their uses and features. Unfortunately, there are only a handful that discuss it's uses in modeling. Of the videos that exist, most are over a year old. Please feel free to share your experiences! Thank you! David

Hi Dave, Excellent start! Another option for the elliptical tank is a 1/32 scale New Ray tank. They make several elliptical tankers that work well in 1/25 scale. Because they are narrower than say the expensive OOP Revell Beall tanker, they can accommodate the addition of portable tank holders, compartments, ladders, hard suction, etc. Unfortunately, with the recent Photobucket issues, I can't post photos of how well they work. This is an early photo of a WIP that has come a long way. Look forward to following along! David

You can also fashion them from clear acrylic rod. Plastruct makes several diameters. cut a piece, chuck it in your drill and you have a "poor man's lathe".Shape as desired, get a piece of K&S aluminum tubing, polish to a high sheen and add color with Tamiya clear paint. David

I recently saw a photo of 2017 scheduled models in which the AMT American LaFrance Pumper was featured. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks! David

The Briggs &Stratton engine is a Don Mills Models piece cast in metal. I have since added additional components to replicate the 1:1 emgine. Over the weekend I can get some updated photos. David

Andy, Super build! John, I use the Rustoleum texture paint for pickup bed liners like Rhino Liner and Linex. Great stuff! I have also used it to replicate the texture material on the pump panels of fire trucks. David

Hi Mike, I was fortunate to pick up a monster truck several years ago for the long bed body and cab. I also had the good fortune of buying a glue bomb 70's pickup that had the correct 4x4 chassis. Thanks for your kind words! David

Hi Gang, I thought that I had started a thread on this build some time ago. But, after an extensive search, I can't find it. So, if this is "old news", I apologize. The truck I am modeling is a 1979 Dodge Power Wagon brush truck owned until very recently by the Independence Fire Co. No. 1 of Palmyra, NJ. Otherwise known as the Palmyra Fire Department, I was proud to serve there in the early 1980's. The truck had many unique features including dual booster reels, lots of equipment packed into a compact package! But probably the most interesting was the pedestal mounted deck gun that sat atop the pickup bed. Why would you put such a thing in a brush truck? Well, Palmyra is a small town across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Typical of such towns, The main street through town had rows of shops and businesses with residences above. Firefighters call these "taxpayers", as the businesses generate tax revenue for the town, while also providing living space for the owners or tenants. Behind these taxpayers, was a narrow alley. It was too narrow to fit a standard fire truck down. But, the pickup truck fit just fine! With some modifications done by a local metal fabricator, we were in business. The angle irons at the back of the truck could support the hose lines drug to the rear of the truck. the pedestal mounted deck gun would have a manifold that could accept up to three supply lines. As seen in the photos, the truck had a few different pairings of wheels, rear emergency lights, and nozzles for the deck gun. Interestingly enough, it's replacement, a 2007 Ford still retains a similar pedestal mounted deck gun! That truck is also "on the drawing board" I am a nut when it comes to details. This is the reason it has taken so long to do this project, because everything had to be just right! One of the big challenges was the grille and headlights. To my knowledge, no manufacturer or resin caster had ever offered this combination before. I am not gifted with "sculptural abilities", but recently, a fellow modeler (thanks John) encouraged me to work through it. While probably not up to the level of quality of somme of our builders here, I am pretty happy with the results. I still need to do some additional modifications to it, but I hope to be on my way to wrapping this one up soon! Thanks for looking! David

Very cool! Didn't know about this particular diecast. Makes me think of doing something like this: David

The ground work was then covered by a layer of Celluclay. Next came some acrylic craft paints to pre-color the ground work Next, came several applications of different grass, ground cover and ground foam. The ramp composition to the firehouse is not very clear. Thus, I made the base look like crushed stone over a dirt base. The original sanded tile grout and ballast was given a wash of dark gray. Then, medium and light gray was dry brushed onto the stones. I attempted to place a darker gray shadow towards the apron where the building meets the top of the ramp. So this is where we stand at the moment. Still lots to be done, but happy with the progress so far. As always, comments and criticism always welcome! David

Hi Gang, After a long while on the back burner, this project is back on the bench! Lots of progress since the last update. I will try to do this in some hat of a chronological order. When we last left off, the block work was filled with acrylic artist's gesso to give the appearance of very thin mortar lines as on the 1:1 building. Pink foam polystyrene insulation was added to make up the bulk of the ground work. Meanwhile, the apparatus bay door was scratchbuilt. As it was my first such effort, I was quite pleased. While the only two original photos that exist do not show it, it is logical that there was a cellar door to the rear of the building. So using some artistic license and a period correct design, a cellar door entrance was fashioned... The polystyrene was covered with a mix of toilet paper and white glue. You may also notice that a tree has grown behind the firehouse as in the original photo. Below is my first attempt at growing a tree. As you can see, my efforts were a little short. So, the tree was cut, a new base was formed, and you see the final result. The wire was covered with acrylic latex caulk that was textured with a tooth pick and bamboo skewer. While it looks more like something from Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas", I'm pretty proud of my first tree. It remains a workin progress...

Awesome project! I too will be following along. I have always wanted to build a "barn find" diorama featuring a 1920's - 30's fire truck. David

Hi Gang, I am not an expert on vintage Chevy/GMC trucks, so I am asking for your help. My first fire department's second rescue truck was a 1957 GMC "Calamity Jane" style Civil Defense Heavy Rescue unit. A huge step up from their original panel van. From the few photos available, the hood looks similar to the AMT 57 Chevy Cameo pickup. I realize that the larger GMC chassis would be wider and taller than the standard Cameo sheet metal. I also plan on adding the round front wheel wells with Evergreen strip stock. Below is a photo of both the AMT kit and the eventual goal. Any guidance or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance! David

Charlie, Works of art as always! I have often thought of buying one of the Uptown Automotive incarnations to build this 1951(?) Seagrave TDA. It originally served Mount Holly, NJ. It was later purchased by Masonville(Mount Laurel) NJ. It is maintained by a good friend of mine. As much as my heart would like to take on this project, my head reminds me of the many unfinished projects that I already have "on the shelf"... I know it would involve modifying the grille, front fenders, body AND fabricating the trailer... David

Hi Folks, Just wondering if there are any other owners/users of the MicroMark home photo etch system out there? Is there a forum or group of users to share tips, techniques, etc? I have searched here and on Facebook. I purchased my system about 6 years ago. I was pretty happy with my first couple etches! It was packed away for a move, and only recently unpacked. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! David

"G", She looks GREAT! Must feel good to make a vehicle from your past! Well done Brother! David

Thanks Mike and Jonathan! I did take a set of rear doors and cut them to go on the side. After numerous measurements, cuts, filling, etc, I realized that they were too short and didn't match up with the rest of the body. Going to use Mikes excellent example and techniques and give it a try! Thanks again guys! David

Thanks Jon!

Looking for resin conversions of these if they are available? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! David

Has anyone ever had any success replicating the hinged side doors of these rigs? I am trying to replicate several ambulances and paramedic units that I served on early in my Emergency Medical Services(EMS) career. I look forward to seeing anyone's projects, hearing their solutions, and feedback! Thanks! David

"G", Very nice replica! I have a few of these kits that I am trying to "massage" into the longer wheelbase Ford vans of the early 80's that I served on as an EMT and paramedic. As an EMT, on some early Braun ambulances, as a medic in both regular long wheelbase and rear body extension models. The rear body extensions should be quite a challenge... David

I have considered doing an Excursion conversion with either the Meng kit or pieces sourced from the resin aftermarket like Trailer Trash Kustoms. You know I can't just build anything box stock... David