1/32 Ford LTL9000

[Rockford]

Just got this off eBay for £20. It was really grotty, mould growing on the dusty chassis. Realised that it should have a tilting hood because there's a fantastic little Detroit V8 and Fuller transmission underneath. At last, a 1/32 kit with an engine! I separated the hood using nail varnish remover to soften the super glue. Gave it a good bath too. Snapped the front axle twice in the process. Someone has already replaced the undersize AMT wheels and tyres. 

First thing is to lose the ducktail on the chassis. Then research the underhood arrangements. Correct the 5th wheel and make it a functional slider. Reinforce the front axle. The list is endless.

 

Edited April 24, 2024 by Rockford
Added pictures

[Jürgen M.]

Wow, you're not wasting any time, are you! ? Just finished that great looking KW and already beginning the next project!

Looks promising! Can't wait to see the progress!

[Bennyg]

Very nice! I’m very interested to see what you do with this.

Ben

[Rockford]

44 minutes ago, Bennyg said:

Very nice! I’m very interested to see what you do with this.

Ben

??So am I! 

[Rockford]

I can't get over this little Detroit, it's fantastic for the scale and the fact that it's a snapper! If only ERTL had been involved with these kits longer we might have had some great 1/32 stuff and I could have a life! 

[Jim B]

That's a nice looking engine in 1/32.  The Revell kits are nice, but they are really designed for kids & beginners, in my opinion.  These Ertl 1/32 kits are really another level, although, as you mentioned, the wheels & tires are a little small.  I'm really hoping that Round2 will reissue these 1/32 kits.  They're released everything else multiple times, so why not!

[Rockford]

18 minutes ago, Jim B said:

That's a nice looking engine in 1/32.  The Revell kits are nice, but they are really designed for kids & beginners, in my opinion.  These Ertl 1/32 kits are really another level, although, as you mentioned, the wheels & tires are a little small.  I'm really hoping that Round2 will reissue these 1/32 kits.  They're released everything else multiple times, so why not!

Oh if only, I'd love to see the CL9000 back on the shelves. What beautiful cabover they were! 

[Rockford]

I wanted to do some painting today but the weather was freezing cold and I didn't want to risk a whole trailer "blooming" so I resorted to making the first steps on the Ford.

Cut the fifth wheel mount off and built a new slide plate. I'll finish the fifth wheel tomorrow. 

I had to create two new axles from brass and aluminium rods. I cut the back out of the outer tyres which means the rim can sink into the right depth within the tyre. Then, using two 3mm strips of plastic I formed a new wheel rim. They look good. Also trimmed the ducktail off the chassis. Transforms the stance. 

[Rockford]

Got my fifth wheel gudgeons fitted and got it mounted on the slider bridge. Might do some detailing to the underside later. The truck is gradually getting it's dignity. 

[cifenet]

It is fun doing this type of work!  Almost feels like a scientist studying unknown species and applying knowledge to make something meaningful.   

 

[Rockford]

Certainly does stretch the mind thinking of what each one needs and thinking about how go about it. 

For instance, I didn't want to do my usual crossbar mounting for the mudflaps because the rear crossmember is just too good. I therefore fitted 2mm tube to the rear spring brackets to act as sockets then cut & bent a big paperclip to carry the flaps. For the moment the flaps are 0.5mm sheet hung with a loop of electricians tape. The quarter fenders are good as they are so they can stay. I'm very happy with the look, so much better. 

This is so I can bear to look at it while it waits in line to be done. 

Edited April 28, 2024 by Rockford
Text edited

[Rockford]

Painted my modified wheels a nice weathered aluminium. I think they look fine, make the rear tandems look beefier. 

[Gary Chastain]

Your skill in this scale is outstanding, I have never considered buying built rigs to rebuild but watching you has made me rethink that idea. 

[Rockford]

Thanks mate, it's usually cheaper than dealing with the eBay 'box traders'. Here's the same kit being sold 'sealed in the box', (of which I don't see the point, might as well be a collection of plastic shrapnel) £100! No thanks. The only thing I'm missing is the decals. 

Edited April 30, 2024 by Rockford
Text editing

[Rockford]

I was thinking of painting the Freightliner today, at least getting primer on it, but I didn't get free to play until mid afternoon and I was worried about the temperature dropping and the humidity. I'd rather start earlier in the day. 

So I trawled through my WIPs and found that next in line was the Ford LTL9000, so I gave that some attention. 

First, I stripped the engine and tidied the joints up so that it looks more whole. Added radiator hoses and used an old air cleaner assembly and chubby sprue to build an inlet system to the turbo. Had to make the rubber gasket on the top of the filter that mates to an air box on the hood. Looks ok. 

[Gary Chastain]

Glad to see it back on the bench

[BK9300]

I'll say it again - the amount of work you are able to accomplish with these smaller scale kits is tremendous - so many enhancements!

[Jürgen M.]

To tell the truth, the LTL was never one of my favourites but you make even that look so good that I enjoy watching this!

I'll stay with you and keep watching! 

[Rockford]

I think Ford excelled with the LTL9000 and the CL9000 (two storey Falcon).  They might not have been KWs or Pete's but they were well designed trucks. I especially like the original LTL9000 because the hood carries on the shape of the cab itself.  

Edited October 19, 2024 by Rockford

[Biggu]

14 minutes ago, Rockford said:

I think Ford excelled with the LTL9000 and the CL9000 (two storey Falcon).  They might not have been KWs or Pete's but they were well designed trucks. I especially like the original LTL9000 because the hood carries on the shape of the cab itself.  

These were GREAT trucks and fun to drive. Lots of room in the cab, GREAT visibility and super work horses. I loved driving these trucks. Tens of thousands of miles in these. Wish they still made them. Watching this build Steve. ……

Jeff

Edited October 19, 2024 by Biggu

[Jim B]

I agree. The LTL9000 was a great looking truck. Pretty sure the H-series was nicknamed the Two Story Falcon, not the CL9000.

[Rockford]

19 minutes ago, Jim B said:

I agree. The LTL9000 was a great looking truck. Pretty sure the H-series was nicknamed the Two Story Falcon, not the CL9000.

I thought it carried over to the CL because they were huge too. They were a beautiful piece of machinery either way. 

[Jim B]

Definitely were a great looking piece of machinery. 

[Jürgen M.]

No misunderstanings I hope! I'm sure they were great Trucks, I just never liked the front design of the LTL9000. The Louisville I like though. Doesn't look as aggressive as the big brother! It's a matter of taste of course and no offense to anyone who likes this truck. 

What you're doing with it is still fascinating and I'll keep watching!

[Rockford]

2 hours ago, Jürgen M. said:

No misunderstanings I hope! I'm sure they were great Trucks, I just never liked the front design of the LTL9000. The Louisville I like though. Doesn't look as aggressive as the big brother! It's a matter of taste of course and no offense to anyone who likes this truck. 

What you're doing with it is still fascinating and I'll keep watching!

Don't feel you have to explain yourself mate! We all like different things (thankfully). 

I do prefer the original Louisville, that's obviously what Ford designed originally. I'd love to build the one on the front of that brochure. I love the paint scheme and the blacked out hood top, like a Boss Mustang!

The version I'm working on is MK2 sort of thing, then the MK3 was the Aeromax I suppose. 

Made a fan shroud and a steering box this morning.