Peterbilt 379 RV

[vincen47]

4 hours ago, BK9300 said:

This is awesome, Victor, and I got to learn about some new stuff out there, like the lift.  Terrific work!

Thanks! I’ve leaned a lot from your builds as well.

[vincen47]

3 hours ago, meechum68 said:

This could be a museum piece with the documentation and craftsmanship you have done!

 

Thanks, that means a lot.

[vincen47]

I made some finishing improvements to the lift this morning. Originally, I thought I’d keep the existing texture on the 3d print, as some of it resembled extruded aluminum. But, I ultimately decided to finish the columns with a smooth layer of styrene and the deck with rubber coin flooring to match the lower level.

I made sure to elevate the photo etched  “e track” as well.

Here’s it mocked up with a couple bodies from future builds. This shows how much clearance I’ll have, enough for most vehicles.

BTW, the bullnose Bronco is a 3d printed kit I got from Brian Dutz (a member here - Dutzie) on eBay. It is spectacular. The most spot-on accurate Bronco from that era. Highly recommended.

[Gary Chastain]

Glad to see ya back on the build, be watching. 

[vincen47]

One thing you may be wondering is why the stacker has an internal lift as opposed to a rear door lift. 

From what I’ve seen, smaller stackers tend to have a lift on the inside if they are designed for RV travel. They can easily carry two vehicles, or a single vehicle and a small boat on a trailer and/or other toys. Usually, there’s a small workshop in front, on the lower level.

The trailers that have a full workshop/garage on the lower level, like many race haulers, require a lift built into the rear door. The vehicle(s) are on the upper level.

Of course, the door lift design could also be used on smaller RV stackers too, if desired. But, I think the door lifts are more expensive, and therefore less common on the non-racing stackers.

[Randy D]

Okay, the whole custom RV was over the top and now you're adding a cool trailer ????   This is so good Victor.

Randy

[vincen47]

On 8/4/2025 at 9:35 PM, Randy D said:

Okay, the whole custom RV was over the top and now you're adding a cool trailer ????   This is so good Victor.

Randy

Thanks! I should have an update on the trailer build this weekend.

[vincen47]

I have the interior of the stacker mostly complete. I decided on grey walls, with stainless and black cabinets. I figured I had to do the interior work, with the exception of final details and trim, ahead of the exterior, for painting purposes. I couldn’t mask and paint the various finishes with the exterior walls in place.

I had to get the sidewalls basically finished up first. So, I got to work on the side entry door. I was able to make it operational by sandwiching small brass hinges into the framework. Adding finish styrene trim and the door skin, it fits snug and smooth.

I painted the aluminum/stainless surfaces with Revell Chrome and Spaz Stix Clearcoat. The rubber coin flooring got a coat of Tamiya rubber black. 

The front workshop area started with cabinets from BCS Trading, but I customized them, adding a workbench top, and skinned them in styrene and chrome paint to represent stainless steel. I also modified a washer and dryer I got a while back on shapeways. Some large RVs are equipped with a stackable washer combo inside them, but I always thought it could be put in the stacker instead, freeing up interior space. In a custom stacker, anything goes.

 The “attic” has rub rails and e-track tie downs, along with an operational drop gate to connect with the lift.

Next, I’ll begin work on the rear ramp door, the roof, and trim work. The interior will need a lot of detail parts, too. Then, exterior finishing.

[BK9300]

The stacker’s interior details, and detail painting, are very realistic - an expensive, custom trailer in the works!  Will your lift be posable through the back doors, or will the stacker roof be removable?  

[vincen47]

12 minutes ago, BK9300 said:

The stacker’s interior details, and detail painting, are very realistic - an expensive, custom trailer in the works!  Will your lift be posable through the back doors, or will the stacker roof be removable?  

Thanks! Yes, the roof will be removable and the rear door operational. The lift is removable too, so it could be posed in the down position. 

[Gary Chastain]

Wow Victor, that is some outstanding detail, well done. Where did you find e-track?

[vincen47]

24 minutes ago, Gary Chastain said:

Wow Victor, that is some outstanding detail, well done. Where did you find e-track?

Thanks. It’s 1/24 scale photo etched WWII aircraft carrier tie downs from Tom’s Modelworks, part number 2402. Not an exact match, but pretty close. I searched far and wide for e-track before coming upon the stuff from Tom’s.

[Gary Chastain]

16 hours ago, vincen47 said:

Thanks. It’s 1/24 scale photo etched WWII aircraft carrier tie downs from Tom’s Modelworks, part number 2402. Not an exact match, but pretty close. I searched far and wide for e-track before coming upon the stuff from Tom’s.

Thanks, it represents it well, I will get some ordered for my trailer builds.