AMT/Italeri reefer trailer

[KJ790]

I have seen a lot of complaints about the new AMT release of the Italeri reefer trailer. It is out of scale for 1/24 scale, but I see a ton of potential for it in 1/25 scale. The rib spacing works perfectly for a 70's-80's Brown or Timpte reefer. You can even backdate it further to be an early 60's trailer, as I am currently doing. I bought this kit for the Thermo King reefer unit, which will be used on a different build. Since I had the rest of the kit, I figured I might as well build it. I am going for a well used early 60's reefer trailer.

 

I started by shortening the trailer to 36 feet in 1/25 scale. I added a side door, which helped to hide the panel seam in the 2-piece side. I also scribed panel lines every 4 feet to help conceal the panel seam on the opposite side of the trailer. I made a new front bulkhead using PVC pipe for the corners and a section of the kit roof that had been cut off when I shortened the trailer. The kit wheels will be replaced with resin 5-hole wheels. I also scratch built some old style landing gear.

 

On the front corner I added a patch with some rivets to simulate a repair job on some previous damage.

 

 

[Warren D]

I like where this is going, will be following!

[SpreadAxle]

That is a cool idea. I like the damage repair you added.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

You have my attention!!

[Force]

Interesting.

[clayton]

Amt ,Italeri trailer ????

Edited November 14, 2019 by clayton

[Rob Hall]

10 minutes ago, clayton said:

Amt ,Italeri trailer ????

on page 2.. 40 ft Container Trailer, coming in 2020.

Edited November 14, 2019 by Rob Hall

[Jim B]

Nice looking trailer so far.  What about the height?  I've always heard that this kit was too short.

[KJ790]

17 minutes ago, Jim B said:

Nice looking trailer so far.  What about the height?  I've always heard that this kit was too short.

The kit is too short for a modern reefer in 1/24 scale. It measures out to 12' tall in 1/24 scale, which most modern reefers are 13'6" these days. In 1/25 scale it measures 12'6", which was a popular height in the 60's-70's and is similar to the AMT Fruehauf and Ertl Great Dane kits.

[bigred63]

Looking good! Reminds me of the old style trailers we used in Germany for the company I worked for! Those side doors where great if you couldn't back up to the Ramp. I'll keep an eye out for this build. 

[tbill]

You have a knack for building fantastic trailers, looking forward to seeing this one completed. What’s going to be dragging this old girl down the highway?

[Hermann Kersten]

Very nice project, and i like the modifications and details.

 

Hermann.

[TECHMAN]

???

Great job turning that kit into something WORTH owning!!!!!    (Repair job is just way-too-cool !!!)

DJ

[KJ790]

Thanks guys! I have been busy with this one the last 2 days. I scratch built a reefer unit, and I wanted it to be missing a side panel, so I had to scratch build and engine and compressor for inside the unit as well. I have been playing with some weathering, I am hoping that it will look good out in some natural light.

 

 

 

[Force]

Very nice KJ.
You have really nailed the look.

[CRUSADER2]

Looks great, excellent work!!!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

You have an amazing way with trailers!..and trucks for that matter! You always capture that vintage look! Great work!

[KJ790]

Finished pictures are now in the "Under Glass" section.

[OldTrucker]

I think I might have pulled that one a couple times hauling produce!LOL

Great job!!!

[chuckyr]

Resourceful!

[stavanzer]

Outstanding!