Tank Trailer for the Autocar U-7144

[Chariots of Fire]

Got the trailer started using a boat building method.  Made up some bulkheads (trailers had them to keep liquid from sloshing around) and then began adding strips of Evergreen to shape the sides.  Rather than try and curve sheet stock which has a tendency to buckle in the middle, the strips stay straight and only need to be sanded down and filled to make the surface smooth.  I filled in the bottom with some 2 part resin to strengthen it and make it easier to sand the outside.  Still plenty of work to do but it's a start.

[Chariots of Fire]

A bit more progress today getting the strip stock glued in and sanded.  Still some filling in certain spots but overall it looks ok.  Nice and strong with no warping or unsightly dips in the surface.  It's coming along and won't be long before it can be hitched up to the tractor.

[hct728(Bob)]

Wow, fast progress! Great technique, and I like the resin poured inside to strengthen it, clever!

[gotnitro?]

Well done on the bulkheads ! The trailer progress looks great 

[Chariots of Fire]

Its got skirts now!  Got them done this afternoon.  Still some cleaning up to do on the bottom tank surfaces.  Still to decide if the top where the two filler manholes go should be narrowed up.  It looks to wide and high right now.  Rear bumper to be added along with the typical pintle hook and rings for chains.  More detailing to take place on the tank itself and get the landing gear made up.

[hct728(Bob)]

That's moving along pretty fast! Must be raining a lot there, LOL!

Kinda surprising there isn't a full frame under there, the tank itself is stressed like a monocoque design, unusual if you've built any tanker kits before. Very unique, again you've blazed a trail for the rest of us

[Rockford]

Quite a challenge to get the elliptical shape of the tank right, especially the end panels with their double curvature. You did it though! Impressive stuff. 

[Chariots of Fire]

Hey, Steve!  Getting the curves right is easier than it might look.  I made templates on my graphics program and stuck them to some sheet plastic with contact cement (one surface only).  Then I trimmed them out.  Doing it that way made the bulkheads all the same.  The double curved one the end was made last and the only thing I did was extend it some horizontally.  I intentionally left the sides of the tank extra long and bent the bulkhead a bit and snapped it in place.  Then it was glued in permanently.  Trimming the sides to the shape of the end was easy after that.  Take a look at the second photo down from the top and you will see what I just described.

Edited August 22, 2023 by Chariots of Fire

[Rockford]

Oh yeah, cakewalk that! ? I do see what you mean. Still inventive though. Good idea on the paper templates. 

It's amazing how your brain processes things like this, that's why I find scratchbuilding so interesting. 

[Chariots of Fire]

Here's an update on building progress.  The main tank portion of the build is done and details are now the order of the day.  Bottom plumbing is generally done with some fixtures needed at the end of the discharge pipes.  Hinged brass doors were made for the rear compartment.  Two more small doors need to be made for access to the storage area for the discharge hoses.  The back is now enclosed and will have a small pump and a box of tools.  Need to get the landing gear finished up as well.  One thing at a time!!

[hct728(Bob)]

Wow, compound doors, two hinges pre side, awesome! Plumbing looks great and fits into the frame well, too. You must have some real great references, or one of these parked on the back forty, LOL!

[Chariots of Fire]

The tech manual has been very helpful and there are photos on line that show lots of outside detail that can be put into the build.

[Chariots of Fire]

Got door latches done so that the rear doors stay closed.  Also finished up the landing gear that allows the trailer to stand on its own.  Steady progress with plenty of details yet to go.

[Gary Chastain]

Outstanding craftsmanship, enjoy watching your builds

[Chariots of Fire]

Couple more pix.  Got the dome covers done and some louvers at the rear.  About it for tonite.  More a bit later.

[youngtiger1]

You sure seem to grab some unique subject matter. This another cool example of such behavior. Bravo! 

[Chariots of Fire]

Here's where we are as of tonite.  Most of the real work is now done with only a few details left.  Compare the photo above with what we now have below and you can see there's been some real progress.

In addition to the actual construction the decals are now done and some weathering has been completed.

Several details added to the back of the tank including lights, handrails, steps, bumper, pintle hook and a set of small doors at the corners.

Acrylic black and water was used to create a dirty look to the top.  Weathering powders of black and brown were used on the sides.

Tail lights are made from plastic tubing.  The face of each was first painted with Molotow chrome, then Tamiya clear red.  Then a decal was put over the top revealing just the lens area in red with the rest OD color.

After the door decals were set, a new single edge razor blade was used to cut the decal at the folds.  Setting solution was added to seal the cuts.  The small doors open up long tube areas where the suction hoses are stored.

[Gary Chastain]

Outstanding work, great weathering, looks the part. 

[Flynlo]

Another Masterpiece Charles!

 

I always learn so much from each of your builds. Thank yo for sharing your techniques!

Edited September 2, 2023 by Flynlo

[hct728(Bob)]

Wow, fantastic job! The more you look, the more you see. Neat job cutting those decals on the doors, and then weathering them to suit the overall scheme. Those weathering powders did the trick for the soft shading effect on the olive drab, not so drab anymore, LOL

[afx]

Always enjoy your project Charles.

[1930fordpickup]

Once again, I am floored by your subject matter and results.  Always a joy to watch a master at work. 

[Chariots of Fire]

Got some outside detailing done today.  Gas cans and C02 extinguisher mounted on the top of the hose tubes.  Now to fill up the inside of the compartment space at the rear and we are done.

[Trendsetta68]

Awesome craftsmanship !!! ??

[redneckrigger]

Charlie, you never cease to amaze.....................................WELL done sir!