Optimus 379x replica

[Boomstick]

1. This is the preliminary post for my newest, most ambitious model in my 30 years of building as I have an abundance of free time after spinal surgery.  I am building a replica Optimus Prime Peterbilt 379x and trailer from the movie series.  I'll be starting with the Italeri 379 long hauler and Mobeius 53ft trailer. It will be painted using custom flame masking that I am having made. Will be LED lit and have several turned aluminum parts I will be making at my shop. I may take a few liberties with a change here or there.  I would like to put super singles on the rear, maybe custom stacks too.   I'll be starting with the engine tomorrow.  Here is the toy version. 

[highway]

I'll be watching this one for sure, this has been one of the ideas floating around my mind since the first movie came out. I'm hoping you have a good recovery from your surgery, too. I know how bad back problems can be, I never have had surgery, but I did have a compression fracture to my L1 after a fall down some stairs in Dec 2012. I had a lot of free time too, but unfortunately didn't get to put it to use building, turns in life before the fall meant my collection was in storage and building supplies were at a friend's, and I couldn't get to either! 

I'm jealous too, the only Prime I ever got a chance to pick up was the one from the first movie. 

I did have a little fun with it and a Dale Jr. diecast poking fun at the second movie. 

[Petetrucker07]

Great project. This will be a very cool build. I can't wait to see how you go about the paint work.

 

On a side note...the movie truck wasn't a 379X, it is a 379 EXH. The truck in the movie has door mounted mirrors. The 379X has cab mounted mirrors, silver Pete and 379X emblems and polished hood fenders.

[gatorincebu]

 

 Looks like a cool project ! Are you going to use the high sleeper roof or a low one ?

 

 

  Be Well

   Gator

[Boomstick]

I'm jealous too, the only Prime I ever got a chance to pick up was the one from the first movie. 

This one that's in the picture is the Asia Exclusive with jet pack.  I also picked up the trailer that turns into the weapons holder from the 3rd movie.  I also have a 3rd party Jet Power add on that is a recreation of the combined Optimus from the second movie.  

Are you going to use the high sleeper roof or a low one ?

I'm going with a lower sleeper.  When I was researching this a few months ago, I had seen someone made a low top for this kit.  Now I just have to remember where I saw it! lol

[Boomstick]

The paint with this one is where I had the most worry.  It had taken me several weeks to figure out what I was going to do with the flames. Lazy Modeler has a set for the Lonestar kit that was pretty close, but I've replicated the flames directly from movie shots, in MS Paint.  I have a vinyl cutter and will use that to mask.  The only thing I'm not decided on yet is if I'll put the pin striping on the flames.  I'm not sure I have a steady enough hand for that.  

With the engine I'm going to make it dressed up rather than a stock worn look.  

[Petetrucker07]

P&P resin has a resin flat top for this. It shows that it's in stock. Here's a link. Its listed in the Misc. section.

http://www.ppvintagekits.com/CARS/Resin-Price_list.html

Edited March 13, 2016 by Petetrucker07

[Boomstick]

P&P resin has a resin flat top for this. It shows that it's in stock. Here's a link. Its listed in the Misc. section.

http://www.ppvintagekits.com/CARS/Resin-Price_list.html

Thank you very much for that. I would have driven me crazy trying to find it again. 

 

[Petetrucker07]

No problem. Glad I could help.

Thank you very much for that. I would have driven me crazy trying to find it again. 

 

[Bennyg]

I'm liking the sound of this project.

Ben