I'm thinking about building a truck model - detail parts?

[PHPaul]

This is an idea in it's formative stages.  I've been surfing the Big Rig boards here and have the itch to build something.  I'm what you might call a middlin' decent builder.  Well past the glue-bomb stage, but nowhere near some of the amazing skills displayed here.

I'm thinking older - 60's ish, and big brawny and uncultured.  IH Paystar, Autocar, B-model Mack - that sort of thing.

Definitely a working truck - logging truck, heavy wrecker, oilfield truck - something like that.

Frame, suspension and cab would be mostly out-of-the-box with some added detail, especially on the engine and wheels/tires.  Working part, whatever it turns out to be, probably scratch built or kit-bashed.

What I need more data on is sources and ideas for detail parts, be they resin, photoetch or whatever.

Suggestions for a starting-point kit would be appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Oldmopars]

There is a lot of stuff out there. Moluminum, Auselow(SP?), Ebay, Scratch build, etc. AITM, is another. I am sure I am missing several sites, others will list more. 

I do buy some stuff, waiting on an order right now, but I also like to scratch build stuff too. Kit bashing is always an option too. Junk kits from garage sales, flee markets, ebay, etc are good parts sources. 

So, many options. If you are looking for something very specific, let us know and we can point you to the right site. Sadly there is no one stop shop for all your detail needs. Nor is there one country, many items come from the USA, but even more from Eastern Europe, Austrailia and other places. 

Don't forget the 3D printed options too. Shapeways has some stuff and there seems to be a small surge of people here designing and printing their own parts. 3D  printers are now reaching a price point of under $800 for everything needed to print great quality high def resing parts. Not everyone has the skills needed to design, but learning options like YouTube are out there if interested. 

[tbill]

Check out AITM, has a great selection of wheels/tires/suspension parts to get you the beefy/brawny work truck you have in mind. Mack DM600 or DM800 would be a good foundation for such a build as well.

[PHPaul]

Thank you.  I'll let everyone know what I start out with.

May, or may not do a WIP depending on how it goes.  Pretty intimidating competition here!  ?

[Madd Trucker]

if    you  are going with  detailing   these may help    you      Car Modeller | Dutch Model Truck Club | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

[PHPaul]

1 hour ago, Madd Trucker said:

if    you  are going with  detailing   these may help    you      Car Modeller | Dutch Model Truck Club | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

That looks like a great reference, thanks!

[PHPaul]

After looking around at what's available and prices (GASP!!!) I've decided to use the AMT Autocar Dump as a starting point.  I really wanted an International Paystar but Good Golly Miss Molly!  $200 and up?  Not happening.

Initial idea is to stretch the frame and make a logging truck out of it.  Around here, there are a lot of straight trucks that have been stretched and log bunks built onto them for hauling pulpwood and firewood.  Most have a Prentiss-style log grapple between the cab and the log bunks.

There's a log yard not too far from me.  Next nice day that comes along, I'll drop in and see if they'll let me take some pictures and maybe grab a couple of measurements.

Edited February 11, 2022 by PHPaul

[Bills72sj]

Take your time and enjoy the ride.

[Khils]

5 hours ago, PHPaul said:

There's a log yard not too far from me.  Next nice day that comes along, I'll drop in and see if they'll let me take some pictures and maybe grab a couple of measurements

  You can't find a better "reference muse" than that!   Actual 1:1 & right there close by.     I found this seller on ebay totally by accident looking for an item (which I bought) may cater more to your project for detail items. Hope it helps!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LOAD-CHAIN-ACCURATE-SCALE-CTM24005-1-25-1-24-SCALE/224345883764?pageci=08041642-9a2d-425f-b6f2-d111d4aeabbc&redirect=mobile

[PHPaul]

@Khils - Thanks for that.  I have a bunch of leftover scale chain I grabbed for another project but thanks for the reminder.  It'll make an excellent detail.

[yh70]

20 hours ago, Khils said:

  You can't find a better "reference muse" than that!   Actual 1:1 & right there close by.     I found this seller on ebay totally by accident looking for an item (which I bought) may cater more to your project for detail items. Hope it helps!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LOAD-CHAIN-ACCURATE-SCALE-CTM24005-1-25-1-24-SCALE/224345883764?pageci=08041642-9a2d-425f-b6f2-d111d4aeabbc&redirect=mobile

but his chain comes with no hooks..the next time u need chain go to Walmart and look in the craft section they have different size i been using on my heavy haul and oil field trucks for years..Shapeways sells the hooks..https://www.shapeways.com/product/7N9SEKFSG/eye-hook-020-opening-x20?optionId=61204208&li=user-wishlist

 

[yh70]

14 hours ago, PHPaul said:

@Khils - Thanks for that.  I have a bunch of leftover scale chain I grabbed for another project but thanks for the reminder.  It'll make an excellent detail.

if u ever run out of chain go to Walmart they have it in the craft section and its not the jewelry type. looks just like real chain..i been using it on my heavy haul and oil field trucks for years..Shapeways has hooks if u need them.. https://www.shapeways.com/product/7N9SEKFSG/eye-hook-020-opening-x20?optionId=61204208&li=user-wishlist

[PHPaul]

9 hours ago, yh70 said:

if u ever run out of chain go to Walmart they have it in the craft section and its not the jewelry type. looks just like real chain..i been using it on my heavy haul and oil field trucks for years..Shapeways has hooks if u need them.. https://www.shapeways.com/product/7N9SEKFSG/eye-hook-020-opening-x20?optionId=61204208&li=user-wishlist

Yup, that's where I got mine.