Class 325 Chevy/Maxim fire truck

[Chariots of Fire]

Using the two part resin from Micro Mark.  They make a 300 series and a 600 series.  This happens to be the 600 series that takes a bit longer to set up.  It is mixed 50:50 unlike the alumilite that is mixed in a 10:1 ratio (I think).  

[gotnitro?]

Thanks !  I've wanted to cast numerous parts for later but the resin i was using always sets too quick for big parts..it does work for smaller parts ya drop though lol

[Chariots of Fire]

With the doors scribed and removed the hinges were set in place.  Positioning was marked on the cab prior to scribing so that the brass hinges could be set correctly.  They were glued and pinned in place on the cab side and the door jam.  The hood was similarly hinged but it needs to be altered slightly after doing some study of photos of the real thing.  Only one place on the right door had to be built up with some 0.010 strip stock to close up the door openings.  Scribing with a sharp Xacto knife did a good job of keeping the opening closed up nicely.  The hinge pins are long for now as the doors and hood will have to be removed for painting and other detailing.  When they are ready for final assembly the pins can be cut off. 

Next up is to establish the headlight location and get them prepped for installation after painting is done.

[Mopar - D]

Nice progress. 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Excellent work!!

[Chariots of Fire]

Truck is now in primer.  Much of the cab work is now done.  The primer does bring out some flaws that have to be cleaned up.  Just a few pin holes in some of the resin casting but they are minimal.  Much of the work today was in making up some details.  Running boards were made and cast.  Hood latches were made from brass strip and small brass tubing.  Headlight buckets are done and ready for installation.  Cab interior will be next.

[Chariots of Fire]

Just some more work done.  The bumper and frame extensions are brass strip stock soldered together.  I drilled out the ends of the extensions and the main frame.  The holes in the main frame were tapped for 00-90 screws to secure the extensions.  Biggest problem was getting the bumper to sit at the right height and to be straight and square.  It took a little adjustment but it's there.

Hood hinges were made from strip brass, brass tubing and common pins.  Headlight buckets are resin castings from a turned aluminum master.  Molotow chrome paint was used for the interior.  Lenses still need to be installed.

Running Boards are made from 0040 sheet stock.  Ribs are 0.020 x 0.030 strip stock.  After gluing them in place they were sanded and rounded off.  A master was made and resin castings were used on the model.  0.040 x 0.060 strip stock was used for the edges.

[gotnitro?]

Very nice work ! 

[redneckrigger]

Wonderful work, Charlie!

[Chariots of Fire]

Working on the pump for the front end.  I turned the blank out of aluminum and then made a mold for casting.  

[Chariots of Fire]

And here it is in primer.  Got a few more widgets on it.  But I may do some adjusting.  The top of the pump sits just a little high so it may come off so I can file down the discharge volute that sends water to it. That should help.

 

[mikemodeler]

Awesome work as always Charles! Love to watch you create these masterpieces.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Craftsmanship at its best!

[Chariots of Fire]

Well here is the pump nearly complete.  I'm waiting on an order of HO scale freight car brake wheels that I can use in making a few valves to add.  Other than that the pump portion is about done.  Just a bit of touchup also with the OD paint.

[Chariots of Fire]

Got some paint on!  Decals are special to the unit that Jim Davis was in when he served in WW II.  Just a few more details like windshield wipers, blackout lights and spotlights and the cab and chassis are done.  Next up will be the fire body.

[Mopar - D]

Nice progress!

[Chariots of Fire]

More progress on the Class 325.  Cab and chassis are nearly complete.  Blackout lights still needed.  Got started on the body tonite.  Still have the bottom half to do.  Compartments in the rear and two hose reels under the upper body just behind the cab.  Engine bay is complete as well.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

I could look at this one for hours!

[gotnitro?]

Ditto !!

[Chariots of Fire]

Got more done in the last 24 hours.  Added two gages for the pump; one for the discharge and one for the intake.  Booster reels have been added to the body and detailing of the latches for the three compartment doors is done (though not in these photos).  Next up is to prime the body as it is now.  There is a hose bed to add and some brackets to make for the ladders and hard suction but that comes later.  The hose reels are removable for now so that will make painted behind them much easier.  It's beginning to come together now.

 

[Oldmopars]

Outstanding work. 

[Florida_Boy]

Extremely impressive.  I love the look of this truck!

[Chariots of Fire]

And the work continues.  Body is painted, hose reels mounted.  Worked on the ladder brackets, suction hose brackets and made up the 20' extension ladder and roof ladder.  We are getting closer to the end of the build.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Charles, your workmanship is simply amazing!!!

[Chariots of Fire]

3 minutes ago, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

Charles, your workmanship is simply amazing!!!

Brian, that body went together about as fast as its ever been done.  Just a bunch of square and strip pieces.  The two hose reel "brackets" took a little longer with a ruler and compass to get the right curve on the bottom.

All the little details become mini-projects.  That way you can concentrate on them without worrying about how much more there is to do!

One other thing.  You couldn't get a much easier paint scheme!  Fun part of the OD is that if you mess it up you get out the brush and touch it up.  Blends right in.  Flats are so forgiving.

I'll be working on some pump cans, water pails and other details for the rear step in a bit.  Last will be to fill the hose bed.