Western Star Classic heavy haul

[Biggu]

I probably shouldn’t do this , but I guess I will put it out there ….. as Ron is doing with his Payhauler build his anti burn out build is a HH Pete …… as much as I LOVE Petes, my anti burnout build will be an early to mid ‘80’s Western Star Classic, with the small standard cab rather than the Constellation cab. The Classic was a very nice truck to drive with everything handy for comfortable operation.

So as mine is going to be a heavy haul highway unit, it will be a departure away from stock kit parts, there will be some changes…. Starting with the engine choices ….. box stock Cummins, a Detroit 60 series, Cat 3406 or Cat C15 …front floats with 10 hole alcoa style rim, 2 hole Budd drive rims with deep grip rubber, possible heavy steel front bumper, front wheel fender flares, 3d scale brake chambers, a/m exhaust and tips, heavy 5th wheel, heavy 5th wheel slide and roller, possible extra tool box, an heavy headache rack. “Rubber” mud flaps…. And the biggest thought is a complete change of rear suspension…..… this truck will have a sleeper as it is a narrow one and looks cooler than those big 86 inch ones. The color is still ip in the air as I’m not sure what I have or what it should be……. There won’t be much to see for a little bit as there is some cleanup needed on the frame rails and then assemble. …. I have to decide on engine and suspension before I can really push ahead after the frame is done.  I still have the Payhauler on the go as well …. So this will probably be a bit hit and miss for a bit or until it gets to me and I go full on ……as always any thoughts or ideas are welcome. I have a vision but it is the fine details that are a bit fuzzy at the moment …..

[Gary Chastain]

Ok, I got front row in the center, popcorn, couple candy bars and a big drink. Now I’m watching😉😁😃

[BOZ]

Save me a seat in the front for this one! Looking forward to watching this one be built.

[BK9300]

Onward and upward!  No rest for ambitious modelers!

[Biggu]

You guys !!............

[Pete68]

30 minutes ago, Biggu said:

 

[Pete68]

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Edited January 9 by Pete68

[gotnitro?]

Sitting w the trouble makers on this build, have my snacks ready

[Biggu]

I can see I’m gonna have to be on my toes with all you Bandits sitting around the snack table ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Gary Chastain]

1 minute ago, Biggu said:

I can see I’m gonna have to be on my toes with all you Bandits sitting around the snack table ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

We all be a watchin 😉😂😃🤣😁

no pressure 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆you got this

[BOZ]

If you got a dark green on hand I think that might be a great color for it 

[gotnitro?]

Kinda like our puppy staring at our dinner plates lol so longingly begging for a snack

[Jürgen M.]

I'm in too, Jeff!

That Italeri Western Star is fun to build! 

I've got the Road Train version with right hand drive! Even building it out of the box was really nice! Great fit and nice details!

And green sounds good! Fits that truck really well!

I'm sure with the Changes you've planned it's gonna be another jewel!

(Didn't mean to hijack your thread with that pic, Jeff but I wanted to support the suggestion of green!) 

[Biggu]

2 hours ago, Jürgen M. said:

I'm in too, Jeff!

That Italeri Western Star is fun to build! 

I've got the Road Train version with right hand drive! Even building it out of the box was really nice! Great fit and nice details!

And green sounds good! Fits that truck really well!

I'm sure with the Changes you've planned it's gonna be another jewel!

(Didn't mean to hijack your thread with that pic, Jeff but I wanted to support the suggestion of green!) 

No worries pal , suggestions are always good. And green that you guys suggest never really came to my mind🤔

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks Pal! I'm sure your choice of color will be great, no matter if it's green or anything else! 

Edited December 27, 2024 by Jürgen M.

[ShakyCraftsman]

Okay, you hooked me, I'm in. 😄🍿🍫🥤 I'll be im the chair behind Gary.  Jeff dark green cab, hood and sleeper with light green frame and suspension would look pretty cool.

Ron G 

[Jürgen M.]

Or dark green and white/off white with a light green or iron metallic chassis!

I think you've got enough ideas! 😊

[Biggu]

🤔🤔green…… if it were metallic green ……. My Autocar was a green one, turned out pretty good ….. I was actually thinking possibly white ( I know …….. Blah…. ) dark metallic red, or a Boyd color, which I have a few ….  I think I need to have a look at what I have in my ‘paint supply’ to start with and then make a ‘short list’ . I am thinking I want something eye catching colorwise with some chrome akin to a smart decked out O/O truck but a “working “ truck, not really a full on show truck. I clearly need to get on the computer and scour around for some good inspiration. There are some GORGEOUS hard working trucks out there, I just need to find the right inspiration …… this build will be definitely not box stock. I love the ideas and input , you guys. That is what makes this site a great place to hang out.  

[stavanzer]

I'm watching too! I like the Western Star trucks. An Owner Operator I was friends with had one. His was a Diamond, Pearl White. Really a brilliant colour when washed and clean. However he complained that keeping a White OTR  truck clean was a full time job.

I look forward to seeing how you build this. I dispatched some Heavy Haul work about 15 years ago. It was fun, but there were lots of details.

 

[Biggu]

10 minutes ago, stavanzer said:

I'm watching too! I like the Western Star trucks. An Owner Operator I was friends with had one. His was a Diamond, Pearl White. Really a brilliant colour when washed and clean. However he complained that keeping a White OTR  truck clean was a full time job.

I look forward to seeing how you build this. I dispatched some Heavy Haul work about 15 years ago. It was fun, but there were lots of details.

 

Alan, ............ first off, coming from a military family Thank You for your Service......... my son is just a freshly retired Canadian Army Major, and his wife, my daughter in law is still currently serving RCAF Lt Col, at CFB North Bay Ontario.  I put LOTS of miles on Western Stars, I know they don't hold the same love as a Pete or a KW, but they are REALLY good trucks, I like them a lot. We have a few heavy haul outfits around here locally, but I may be calling on your expertise for some details.... always great to get as much information as possible, I love heavy haul.... it's like a blank canvas.... thanks for checking, I guess now I have to get going with this, project

[Biggu]

Another order placed with the good guys at 3D Concepts  I ordered some Hendrickson heavy duty suspension kits..... and some grab hooks, and flat strap hooks.... this to go on the Western Star....

[Biggu]

This is getting expensive , another order to ST Supply.....

[BK9300]

Going to be fun, though, right??!!

[Gary Chastain]

3 hours ago, Biggu said:

🤔🤔green…… if it were metallic green ……. My Autocar was a green one, turned out pretty good ….. I was actually thinking possibly white ( I know …….. Blah…. ) dark metallic red, or a Boyd color, which I have a few ….  I think I need to have a look at what I have in my ‘paint supply’ to start with and then make a ‘short list’ . I am thinking I want something eye catching colorwise with some chrome akin to a smart decked out O/O truck but a “working “ truck, not really a full on show truck. I clearly need to get on the computer and scour around for some good inspiration. There are some GORGEOUS hard working trucks out there, I just need to find the right inspiration …… this build will be definitely not box stock. I love the ideas and input , you guys. That is what makes this site a great place to hang out.  

TS-45 Pearl White, little bit of sparkle, is my vote

[blackbeard]

i would go with the TS-45 pearl white is my vote too