The bane of my existence! Pete 353

[Bren]

We've all got one - the model that refuses to get finished - just sitting there on the bench glowering reproachfully at us. Well...I do anyway - this one's mine. And, as confession is good for the soul, I'm coming clean and posting it here - maybe it'll shame me into finishing it. This is the Revell kit 07464 Western Life Peterbilt 353. I bought it 10 years ago for a "fun quick box-stock build" - and promptly hit a brick wall and bounced off. Those of you who know the kit remember it is NOT a realistic 353 - the pit style fenders are molded to a tilt style hood. So I separated them and fabricated a proper frame attachment, and a more realistic front bumper. I scratch built a rear cab wall to turn it into a day cab, using Micromark rivet decals to replace the missing detail. Once I fixed all that, the perfectionism bug bit - and I started detailing or correcting everything. I used photo etch for the grill, radiator and stack heat guards. Replaced the too-modern style headlights with more period correct. Stole the Dayton style wheels off the AMT Astro - I thought they were more realistic for a 353. Made my own decals on a colour laser printer. Then plumbed and wired until my eyes crossed. Then I hit that darn butterfly hood and got stuck. So here it sits. Some day......

[BK9300]

The hood may be giving you grief, but you sure nailed the rest of it!  Tremendous detailing!

[Biggu]

Bren, I agree with Brian , the details are top drawer … I will be in the front row watching this one come together in the final stretch…. It looks really good to me. I like what you have done and the vision on this one, a real work truck…. Your next update will one I’m looking forward to

 

Jeff

[Bren]

3 minutes ago, Biggu said:

Bren, I agree with Brian , the details are top drawer … I will be in the front row watching this one come together in the final stretch…. It looks really good to me. I like what you have done and the vision on this one, a real work truck…. Your next update will one I’m looking forward to

 

Jeff

Thanks so much Jeff. Now I gotta do it!! ?

[Rockford]

Looking at what you've done so far I'd say you will sort a perfectly good solution to the butterfly hood issue. Looking great. 

[PHPaul]

I REALLY like the rust treatment on the hot side of the turbo and the 5th wheel.

Would you mind providing details on how you went about that?

[Gary Chastain]

This is really an outstanding build, will be watching you finish this one up

[Bren]

2 hours ago, PHPaul said:

I REALLY like the rust treatment on the hot side of the turbo and the 5th wheel.

Would you mind providing details on how you went about that?

You bet. I find it's the texture that sells it - colour is secondary. I used Streaking Rust Effects by Ammo Mig (A.Mig-1204), and while it was still wet, ground some Tamiya weathering master - combination of Orange Rust from Item87085 - set C, and Rust from Item87080 set B. I try to make it rough texture without overdoing it. Then a dilute flat black wash to blend everything. I didn't do it here, but I've also sprinkled flour into wet rusty paint - looks pretty good too. 

[Bren]

2 hours ago, Gary Chastain said:

This is really an outstanding build, will be watching you finish this one up

Thanks Gary. All you have to do is wait about another 10 years and I'll be all over it!?

[Bren]

4 hours ago, PHPaul said:

I REALLY like the rust treatment on the hot side of the turbo and the 5th wheel.

Would you mind providing details on how you went about that?

Sorry - I got so wrapped up in answering the rust question that I missed the 5th wheel one. This is a technique from Hunter at Showtime Studios on YouTube. I do it exactly like he shows here. The trick is not to overdo it - I suspect Hunter would argue I already did, but I think it looks okay. It’s oil paint, with the secret being to use a twitch of red. 

 . 

[PHPaul]

Thanks, Brendan.  Filed away for future reference.

[Old Buckaroo]

This is a great project you have going.  I had to laugh at the thread title as I felt the same way about the 353 I built years back.

Love the detailing you've added - keep with it, your almost there.