Convoy, take 7

[BK9300]

Delicate work, Jürgen!  Cool to see the working steering.

[Biggu]

This just gets better and better, this is going to be the most functional one so far. I love where this is going. 

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks guys!

I actually used the same steering as in all my models. The only thing new is the steering gear and the connectors to the wheel.

I am quite proud to see it work though! Just like the fitting of the cab in the engine. There were so many places it could have collided. 

The clearance between the tub and the valve covers is less than 1mm. 

[Jürgen M.]

I worked out the exhaust system. Not as smooth as I had hoped but good enough for this build! 

The fuel tanks are primered. Hope to get the chrome in tomorrow! 

[Biggu]

With your vast knowledge of this particular movie ( and that is a compliment ) do you know if this truck still exists? It would be cool to show the current owner your  build, I bet they would think it was really cool.... might be fun to find out how many if any are still out there.....

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks Jeff!

As far as I know there are hardly any trucks of that movie left.

I therefore have no idea if this truck still exists! 

 

[Jürgen M.]

There is a guy here in Germany who has a replica of the R.D. Mack. He bought it from someone in the US and brought it over here. It's not totally authentic though. Sleeper is different, no original plates, ... but he once showed it to Kris Kristofferson before a concert. Kris was impressed about the Remake quality but didn't seem to be that happy to see the truck since he didn't have such good memories about making the movie. 

I don't know if all of the actors in the movie would have thought that way?

No way to find out anymore since they've almost all passed away. Only Franklyn Ajaye is still alive. And Ali MacGraw.

No matter what they would have thought, I love the movie and the trucks in it and I'll try to keep it alive as long as possible!

[Jürgen M.]

The tanks are painted and ready to mount:

I used a no name chrome spray that actually has a nice dull effect. Looks more like aluminium than any model paint I know!

Mounted they look pretty nice too!

The tanks are pieces of 25mm aluminium pipe and the ends are slatted plugs. Works great. I did the same on my Superliner! 

Now I need the filler necks. They'll be printed! 

[BK9300]

Looks really good, Jürgen - making good progress!  When do you hope to have your cab?

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks Brian!

Don't know yet when the cab will be finished!

For the others, Bren has generously declared that he will print the cab for me!

Thanks again Bren! 😊👍

[Jürgen M.]

A few small things more:

filler necks and a bit of touch up here and there! The chassis is therefore completed!

Now I'll begin to paint the interior so everything is ready when the cab arrives! 

I know, it's from the "a" but as I said, it won't be visible up on the shelf! 

[37 caddy]

Today is the sixth of june,bet there be some strange things going on in your display room tonite especially if we have a full moon. 😀

[Jürgen M.]

Are you referring to the original version of the Convoy song?

Otherwise I don't know what you mean! 🤔

[cifenet]

Looking very nice!  

[Jürgen M.]

Not having done anything the last few days I decided to print a dummy-cab from a faulty file.

It came up to the window line looking quite OK, then started to show more cavities than material so I stopped the print.

It's cause is to adapt the decals and to see if it fits together with the tub in assembly.

It fits perfectly! 

Still some work to do on the location of the cab sided hinges but the cab tilts and fits over the shifter.

I then designed the decals and printed a first shot which looks quite satisfying. I attached them with little pieces of double sided carpet tape. Still need some attention though.

I also added the side steps to the cab below the "Transtar" plates. (Of course I only attached one temporarily to see how it looks). Now the cab has the correct height and so will the bumper! It's also (more or less) adapted to the Transtar II design that way!

In consequence I also decided to make a new dash according to the Transtar II.

It's not perfect, it should have stretched a bit more to the center of the dog house but I'll leave it that way! 

The wall to the sleeper will be closed. Therefore I will not bother making a bed or any panel work.

And now, the best news:

Bren actually made it! After I was able to simplify the file of the cab a bit he managed to print a very nice looking cab.

Thanks again very very much, Bren! I more than appreciate the time, patience and effort you put into this! Saved me again! 😉

Hope it's OK that I posted a few of your cab pics?

Can't wait to get them in my hands and start integrating one into my build!

[Biggu]

Wow.  That looks cool. Your decals are really eye catching.  The new cab Bren printed is awesome, between your design skills and his printing skills , you guys make a great team. The persistence you two have to get it figured and make it right shows through in the final excellent results. Well done !!! I am looking forward to this one coming together.  

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks pal! 

I hope it'll look as good as I expect it to when it's finished! 🤞

Edited Friday at 04:25 AM by Jürgen M.

[Jürgen M.]

The new dash:

Looks a bit better than the old one. Still not perfect but good enough!

[BK9300]

Very cool to be able to print up a ‘test’ cab, to check out how things fit together.  The resin printed cab Bren did for you should look great on this build!

[RoninUtah]

This is turning out to be an amazing build! Keep going!

[Jürgen M.]

Yes, that's quite nice! I really appreciate Bren's efforts seeing how terrible my cab came out!

But it's good enough for adjusting decals and positioning parts like the lower grille. 

I'll have to mix the Paint for the cab. It looks like an off white. I'll just put some yellow in the plain white. Should work!

[Jürgen M.]

Killing time with minor mock-ups!

A little ashtray, grille, lights, ...

The fit ist not perfect on this dummy cab but good enough to get the idea!

Bren has put the cab on its way! Should arrive by end of the week! 

Edited Sunday at 08:49 AM by Jürgen M.