hooknladderno1

Brinx, Interesting concept! As I have a whole "Station" of apparatus for this company, I plan to take group photos. Most of this station's vehicles have either gold lettering with the blue drop shadow or plain blue... David

Hi Guys, Thanks for your input! I have decided to stick with the gold. That was my original choice, but a little confirmation never hurts. There is a blue drop shadow underneath. It just appears black in the photo... I appreciate all of your suggestions! David

I have a set of the wooden spoke wheels. Nicely done, and a great option for offering a different look to the AC Bulldog kits! David

Hi Gang, Lettering and graphics play an important role in the appearance of our models. On the build pictured below, I am torn between using the blue or the gold "PARAMEDIC RESCUE" lettering. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help! David

I also wondered the same thing, as my fire dept. had a GMC Carry All of this vintage. I have the resin conversion and styrene Chevy kit, but was looking for the "GMC" conversions as above. There is a diecast out there that looks like it would work, but I'm told that there are some "major" scale differences... Here is a thread about it. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=88147 HTH. David

Hi Guys, I thought that I had shared this build with you previously, but can't find it. So, here goes...As a former firefighter/paramedic, I build mostly emergency vehicle models. Years ago, my medic partner and I were discussing our "ideal" response unit. Like most of us, we were inspired by the 70's TV show "Emergency". This is what we came up with: I was really happy with how it turned out! But, like any model, is it ever "really done"? As most of the apparatus in my fictional fire department is white over bright yellow, I decided it was time for a "refurb". Fire service lingo for a "makeover". New paint, graphics, updated emergency lighting, etc... While it was hard to think of disassembling this build, I worked with excitement at the possibilities! Yellow paint done. Now on to the white... With the white painted, it was time to remove the aluminum foil glued to the diamond plate all around. It was replaced with a coat of gloss gray paint and Alclad Highly Polished Aluminum. Next up was working on updating the graphics... As her stablemate(also under construction) sports some new striping, it was time to develop some for this unit. Here is the progression of the process along with a few mock ups of the proposed lettering. The final lettering will be printed on an ALPS. Also, this station likes their trucks with some "Bling"! KFS round slamlocks and a soon to be fabricated new rear bumper will also be added... Thanks for looking! David

Very nicely engineered! I have one of these kits that will eventually become a fire service dozer. It will obviously require a similar addition. You give me inspiration! David

Emmanuel, I have been meaning to ask you, how did you do the passenger side swing out double doors? I have a few ideas, but wondered how you did yours? Thanks. David

Jules, Many of the Modelhaus's parts are to replace parts that may have been lost or damaged. Some, like the wheel covers for the Impalas, Crown Vics, and Caprices are to add to models to replicate 1:1 vehicles whose parts were never included or didn't exist for a particular kit. I might suggest frequenting forums where the members build similar vehicles of interest to yours. There you can usually find discussion about what IS available, from whom, AND PHOTOS! PM me if you have questions about specific emergency vehicles. Here is a Google search link that I did to locate photos of the Modelhaus 1991 "plastic wheelcovers" to build a replica of my Squad's Command vehicle: https://www.google.com/search?q=modelhaus+1991+chevy+caprice+plastic+wheel+covers&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=M0TcU5j8M4ahyASZ14DYAQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1366&bih=643#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=DShFfyF65T2NEM%253A%3BoE8t-QGTvrMzlM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimages32.fotki.com%252Fv1107%252Fphotos%252F1%252F1025640%252F4416181%252F91mom-vi.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.modelcarsmag.com%252Fforums%252F%253Fshowtopic%253D32016%3B648%3B433 HTH. David

Hi Guys, I have tried to follow fellow modeler Charlie Rowley's suggestion several times of using small pieces of aluminum tubing as bezels for making pump panel gauges. Only problem was, I couldn't consistently cut the pieces to the same length. :? When cutting Evergreen strips, I use my "Chopper". With other tubing and shapes, I use my miter box with a "stop" clamped in place to keep the length of the cut consistent. But what to do with a K&S tubing cutter :?: :?: :?: Well, the light bulb finally went off :!: I cut a piece of Evergreen stock and used CA glue to secure it in place. I was pleasantly surprised that the Loctite Gel held the Evergreen to the odd plastic of the tubing cutter! I then filed the Evergreen to size so that I could close the cutter. Here is the finished product without doing ANY cleaning up! As this was my first attempt before bed last night, and worked today and will be tomorrow, I look forward to having the time to clean these up and roughing out a pump panel for my Mack RD Tanker! This same technique could be used for any type of tubing that needs to be cut to the same length in very short sections. Thanks for looking! David

Jules, You may want to go to Google Images and try "Modelhaus" and the part you are looking for. Many folks will post photos of their builds along with a description of the aftermarket parts used. David

Cliff, Welcome to the forum! First off, thank you for your service! Sounds like your wife is a keeper! Sounds like she loves you enough to reach out on your behalf. That said, enjoy the forum! Many good folks here. David

Steven, You could use the cap mentioned above, cut out windows and use some Evergreen strip stock to build up moldings. Jus5 depends on what it is you're looking for... David

Awesome build Dave! I have one of these kits in my stash. Will one day become a rural small town fire engine. David

Another update. I thought that the pump panel could use a crosslay. So, I began trimming... I also was not happy with the rear of the tanker body. While looking at reference photos from similar tankers of the period, I noticed that the angular rears often featured full compartments. So, I fabricated full rear compartments:

The WHEEL. It is for a project that I am gathering supplies for. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance. David

I too would love to see a WorkStar! So many possibilities on which to build from! From a simple regular cab, you can extend it for a extended cab, or combine 2 to make a crew cab. Not too hard to do. I am in the process of converting a diecast Durastar cab into an extended cab...From this: To this: David

Hi Danno, I have struggled with getting all of the modifications of the trucks side panels smooth. As there has been a great deal of cutting and piecing in as well as addition of moldings, it is a challenge. I will not give up! Hope to share some progress some! David

Finally found one of these 1999 Brookfield Collector's Guild Harley Davidson Ford F250's! Originally, it was to become a replica of my 2003 F250. That was before my first Fire Department replaced their '79 Dodge Power Wagon with a 2004 Ford. While I won't be starting this project for a bit, I will gather some additional reference materials and work on the the graphics. I am so excited! David

Has anyone used chipping fluids over the Sophisticated Finishes Rust components? Thinking of doing an old, abandoned fire truck found in the weeds... I like the look of the SFR products and think it would look sharp under some faded paint and graphics. I have viewed many rusting videos and recently purchased several rust toned colors of acrylic paint to practice with. I may also experiment with the "hair spray" method and see what I can come up with. I have several photos from my own collection as well as a folder complied from the Internet for reference. Bigger trucks seem to rust a little differently than cars and light trucks... I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance! David

Hi Clayton, For the straps themselves, you could use plastic medical tape. Your local pharmacy should have it. It is clear, but has a texture like webbing. You can paint it with any acrylic paint. The photo etch ratchets mentioned above are also nice! HTH. David

Jeff, Everyone has their favorites. I swear by Tamiya Fine White Surface Primer and Duplicolor Primers. All are readily available. If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, using the 40% off coupon can get the Tamiya pretty inexpensively. I know a lot of guys like Plastikote primer. Many Carquest Auto Parts stores still carry it. Good luck! David

I believe that the resin CV was offered by Art Anderson back in the day. Great conversion. Makes me want to give it a try in a Delaware State Police livery. David

Hi Guys, Saw this photo recently, thought it would make a great model. I have the newer style Revell of Germany kit. Wondering if this style cab is available in plastic, diecast or resin? I also have two of the Newer (2000) style diecast for other projects. Thanks! David (Photo credit to Paul Avery)

Tom, Masterful project yet again! Your extremely clean building style and high level of detail are an inspiration to all! David