CCKW

[Chariots of Fire]

12 hours ago, hct728(Bob) said:

Soldered brass, aluminum turnings, resin casting, renshape, styrene... - not many materials or techniques missing here! A true multi-media build.

Nice work, and an interesting detail on the rear cab corners, something special going there?

Those are brackets meant to mount the frame for the 50 cal machine gun should the truck have one.  Not all did but the mounting brackets were there anyway.  Same for the bracket just ahead of the windshield on the right side.

[Chariots of Fire]

What a pain it has been to get the tires and wheels right on this build!?  The original set, although ok, were way to wide, making the overall width of the model well over the 88" it should be.  The wheels were also to wide, making the spacing between rear tires even worse.  So I set out to cast new tires using the old mold.  I poured the mold half full, set it set and then popped out half a tire.  Did it a second time and then sanded bot halves down to remove some of the width.  When it was done a new mold was made to cast 10 new tires.  Whew!?  To get a thinner rim I took an old rim, plugged the 5 holes, sanded them smooth and then opened up 6 new ones.  That took a while and then a mold was made to cast 8 new rims for the rear.  I kept the front ones as they were since tire spacing was not an issue.  In the meantime the headlight bezels were finished and headlights were set.  The windshield glass is also set.  Gorilla glue was used sparingly on both the headlights and windshield to secure them.  The glue takes a while to set but it stays clear.  The engine bay was also completed but there are a couple of details that need to be added to finish it up.

So this where we are now.  On to the cab interior before tackling the body.

[hct728(Bob)]

Wow, you're not afraid of a little extra work to make it right! I admire your persistence, it's paying off nicely! still a long way to go, I'm sure, thanks for the update (and inspiration!)

[Ace-Garageguy]

Still a treat to see it come together.

[Chariots of Fire]

I just re-read what I wrote.  Wow!  Where's the automatic grammar correction when you need it!!!?

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Wow what a lot of work! It looks perfect though!

[Dutzie]

Beautiful work. I like the process you went through to correct the tire width issues. Excellent design engineering. 

[leafsprings]

On 4/5/2023 at 5:55 PM, Chariots of Fire said:

What a pain it has been to get the tires and wheels right on this build!? 

Fantastic work on this build! About the wheels. The problem is the wheels you are using are the large 11.75" Budd pattern, 6 lug  wheels used the smaller 8.75" Budd pattern. Scenes Unlimited carried these wheels at one time, not sure if they are still available today thru ST Supply.

Edited April 8, 2023 by leafsprings

[cifenet]

I saw the other model in the final work from the "Under Glass" section, it is absolutely fantastic especially how each component was scratch built and managed!

This one is also progressing well, I can wait to see how this will finalize!

Edited April 9, 2023 by cifenet

[Chariots of Fire]

I'll check on the wheels for sure.  The modified ones are now on the truck and secured in place.  Work has been on the cab interior with the dashboard, controls and seats being finished up.  Today I took a break from the truck build and made a Garand M1 for the cab.  Still has to be painted and it needs a scabbard to put it in but it's ready.  The brown paper strip beside it will be the sling strap after the painting is finished.  The steering wheel is dark red but needs toning down.  In late version deuces they used wood to save on regular steering wheel materials for other uses.  The rifle is 43.5 mm long (the real one is 43.6") and is made of plastic strip stock, wire and brass stock.

[Paul Payne]

Amazing as usual! The weaponry is a model in itself!

[Chariots of Fire]

Here's what it looks like painted up.

[Chariots of Fire]

Been doing some body work.  The floor is a resin casting of a wood floor.  During the latter stages of WW II the bodies were a combination of steel and wood, the all steel or all wood bodies having been done away with in the newest construction.  The canvas top ribs are strip brass with the last three being stiffened up with some plastic strip stock.  I ran out of 1/32 x 3/32 strip stock and wanted to get the ribs done.  Once painted and under canvas, no one will be the wiser.

The tailgate is finished with the exception of the brackets and chains to lock it in the closed position.  A door has to be made for the tool box in the center rear.  The fuel tank and battery box need to be made for the right side of the chassis just back of the cab.

[cifenet]

This is very enjoyable to follow.  Your build execution is high quality, great job so far.

[GLMFAA1]

Charlie is going to have his own 'Red Ball Express'

greg

[Chariots of Fire]

Worked some on the tarp to cover the body and cab.  Got some issues to work out with the body tarp like getting it to look like the sewn in cords are pulling the tarp tight front and rear.  Don't know quite yet how that will be accomplished.  There also needs to be a front and rear piece that is separate from the top.  The body is now in good shape with detailing next in order.  The gas tank is done and awaiting paint.  Things are beginning to come together.

[hct728(Bob)]

Wow, it just gets better and better! The tarp is Kleenex soaked in white glue, I assume, 'man-size' Kleenex at that, LOL

[Chariots of Fire]

2 hours ago, hct728(Bob) said:

Wow, it just gets better and better! The tarp is Kleenex soaked in white glue, I assume, 'man-size' Kleenex at that, LOL

Just regular size.  Cut the 3 ply down to 2 though.

[1930fordpickup]

Amazing as always Charles.  I remember your lessons from another of your builds on the split trucks.  I guess you are going to make a split one next, right?  Just kidding. 

[gotnitro?]

Fantastic details right down to the Garand! 

[Chariots of Fire]

6 hours ago, 1930fordpickup said:

Amazing as always Charles.  I remember your lessons from another of your builds on the split trucks.  I guess you are going to make a split one next, right?  Just kidding. 

You mean like in pieces??☺️ Nah.  This is the last of the military rigs for a while.  Going back to fire apparatus.  I have a '60's Chevy resin cast cab that I want to turn into a commercial style pumper/tanker.

Edited April 17, 2023 by Chariots of Fire

[Chariots of Fire]

Here's where we are to date.  The tarp is done and ready to tie down.  Still lots of detailing left to do on the body before it can be glued permanently to the frame.  Then there are the final decals to make it part of the Red Ball Express.  I'm thinking a mixed load going to supply Patton and the 3rd Army will be added to the bed.  Got a GI to dress up to look like the MP in the photo supplied by Greg above.  Maybe make a copy of the poster as well.

[hct728(Bob)]

Wow, nice the way it's draped between the ribs. Funny seeing it overturned, you'd never think it was solid the way it fits! love the grommets too, perfect in scale

[cifenet]

Fantastic work so far, I really like how you represent the rivet holes on tarp also.  Scaling model at best! 

I do wonder how "strong" or "fragile" those covers would be.  I am sure extra care is needed when handling the truck.

 

 

[Chariots of Fire]

2 hours ago, cifenet said:

Fantastic work so far, I really like how you represent the rivet holes on tarp also.  Scaling model at best! 

I do wonder how "strong" or "fragile" those covers would be.  I am sure extra care is needed when handling the truck.

 

 

The tarp is very fragile but does allow for some careful handling.  Once all is said and done it won't be played with any.?