1944 Autocar U-7144T

[Chariots of Fire]

Among the variety of trucks used during World War II for hauling good and equipment to service areas was the Autocar cabover tractor.  It hauled a variety of trailers including fuel, open general cargo, vans, and wrecking units.  This new build will carry on the theme of the Red Ball Express and will be the final military build before returning to fire service vehicles.  Here is a look at the first few pieces for the build.  Not included are the front springs and rear springs which I am having done by a 3D printer.  The supply of strip brass of the size needed has basically run out and KS is not making it anymore.  So I'm glad there is a good alternative.  They should be ready in a week or two.

[GLMFAA1]

I don't think this will be the end, I foresee a flat bed trailer with a Sherman tank on it?

greg

[gotnitro?]

Looking forward to this 

[Chariots of Fire]

IN a bit of a holding pattern.  3D printed springs are in progress from the designer (not me).  So I've concentrated on a few other things.  Drawings of the cab have been done to 1/25 scale and I just finished the grill guard in brass angle, strip and rod stock.  When I get a chance I'll post pics of the work so far.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Always a treat to watch you build. This and the CCKW are two I'd like to do myself, but if I never do, at least I got to see somebody with talent and skill do 'em. 

[Chariots of Fire]

Still awaiting the springs but in the meantime I received the Tankograd publication I had ordered and it is a treasure trove of information for the project.  Reproductions of Autocar drawings are included that show top, side, front and rear views with many great dimensions.  With that information I started on the grill guard after it was re-scaled to 1/25 size and the cab sides and back quickly followed.  The floorboard location is critical to positioning everything else and the mounting points on the frame set it where it is supposed to be.  Here's where we are at so far.

Wheels and tires are resin castings based on 3D masters done by the spring guy.  Wheel hubs came from the AMT ALF kit.  (what doesn't!!)  Axles are a combination of the ALF rear axle for the front and a Mack axle and differential for the rear.  

The grill guard is 3/32 brass angle and strip stock along with small brass wire.  Cab sides are 0.010" sheet brass.  Cab rear and floorboard is 0.030" Evergreen.  The grill guard is pinned to the front of the rolled brass.  Access to the engine is either through the cab or from the rear of the cab.  The hood will not tilt.

[hct728(Bob)]

Love the precision of that chassis and grille! You make modeling an art form

[Chariots of Fire]

Got the top of the cowl done last night.  Side vents were made up and hinged to open.  The top is Renshape again, thinned out underneath.  It will be glued in place permanently as the hood does not open on this rig.  Access to the engine is either from inside the cab or behind it.  Some photos of the truck show the side vents opening the other way.  I didn't even think about it when they were soldered in place.  Not sure why they would open to the rear.  Other photos in the refrence book show them open as done here.

 

[cifenet]

This is looking fantastic!  Nicely curve cab front too!  Brass work looks awesome, it is almost worth displaying without painting!

 

[redneckrigger]

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie..............you continually come up with these builds that confirm that you are a magician! This is incredible, as usual. Keep the posts coming!

[Chariots of Fire]

Now if I can just get the springs!  Got to figure out the placement of the windshield and the rear cab mount brackets.  Got some studying to do!?

[GLMFAA1]

That looks like your at your finest. I bet the vents were put in on different shifts at the factory. Laverne was told left side hinge and Shirley was told right side hinge. Have an APB out at local hobby shops for spring material.

greg

[Chariots of Fire]

Thanks, Greg.  In the meantime the study of the cab and frame for the windshield has cleared up some issues so it's on to that part of the build.  And some details for the back of the cab.

[Flynlo]

In the marine world i have seen opposing vents to promote flow through ventilation.

 

under way, positive pressure on one side and negative pressure on the other. I doubt that this rig would go fast enough to make much of a difference ?

[Chariots of Fire]

43 minutes ago, Flynlo said:

In the marine world i have seen opposing vents to promote flow through ventilation.

 

under way, positive pressure on one side and negative pressure on the other. I doubt that this rig would go fast enough to make much of a difference ?

Top speed is noted in the tech manual as 41 mph!  Vents are shown both in the same direction, either open forward or open backward.

[Bainford]

Impressive work, Charles. Looking great.

[Chariots of Fire]

Here's an update of the work done so far.  The windshield frame is done and the glass is fitted.  Protective sheeting is still on it until final installation.  The Hercules RXC engine is coming along.  Still a lot to go on it.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Amazing work! Looks great!

[hct728(Bob)]

Coming along nicely! Neat how the engine is just simple shapes, but you have to know where to put them, LOL!

Pretty amazing you can make it look so realistic, that cylinder head is a masterpiece

[Chariots of Fire]

More pics of the engine.  The details are beginning to get a bit in the way of each other!  Paint will be next with some Duplicolor etching primer and then gray as a final color.  Picking out various details will be done in flat and satin black.  Ignition wiring will be done after the painting is finished.  Additional details will be added once the engine is installed in the frame.

[Chariots of Fire]

Got one more pic.  Did some work on the cab, building the doors and the covers for the engine.

[gotnitro?]

That engine is a work of art..too bad its mostly covered up

[Chariots of Fire]

5 hours ago, gotnitro? said:

That engine is a work of art..too bad its mostly covered up

That's why I made the cover but I'm thinking that I might find a way to remove the whole cab for viewing of the engine.  We'll see.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Looks amazing!

[Bainford]

That's scratch builders porn.