Lonestar - Hot Rod custom

[LOBBS]

I had originally picked up a ProStar for my birthday at the Heartland Nats in June with the intent to pair it with a Featherlite race hauler that'll be parked in the display case/race shop that I'm laying out. I wanted that tractor/trailer combo to have a hot rod vibe and the ProStar, ultimately, was just too "fleet" so it's over in the trade section (and the online marketplaces) with a CTM Conversion Kit to go along with it.

I decided to go with the LoneStar instead and it arrived today. Its CTM set isn't far behind. The LoneStar's styling is a love/hate thing, I'm aware, but, and I forget who said it on one of these threads, the LoneStar just has a more O/O feel to it that would lend itself well not only to a hot rod vibe but also to an independent race team. I've got some Super Singles on the wish list over in the trade section but regardless if I receive them that way or have to buy em outright the LoneStar will be wearing them. Their "meatier" look just fits the theme better. The chrome trees are about to go take a swim in the purple pond. I'm not a huge fan of chrome and this truck has a ton of it. I'm still up in the air whether I want the majority of the brightwork to be gloss black to match the paint scheme or a darker metal color like a titanium or gunmetal. And that front bumper.... The vent opening just irks me for some reason. It doesn't fit in visually. I'm tempted to just fill it but I don't know if it actually serves a purpose in the cooling on the 1:1. If it does then I need to figure out some better way to tie it in with the design of the truck because International's designers sure treated it like an afterthought. Possibly reworking the grille as well if it helps bring it all together. Some bigger driving lights down there may also be in order. I think I have a nice set of buckets and lenses from the Revell Tomb Raider Wrangler Rubicon that would look better.

I toyed with the idea of a toterhome/race hauler, Scott Bloomquist's LoneStar rig will still be a huge influence, but I believe I'll still end up going with a more traditional tractor and Featherlite style race hauler combo. The Moebius 53' Smooth Side will serve as a base kit for that endeavor.

Anyhow, if you're still with me, this is where I'd perform the ceremonial "Gluing of the Engine Halves" that's the kick start to all projects but research tells me this motor shouldn't even be in the LoneStar. The Maxxforce 15 was never an option in them and the Cummins ISX-15 should be under the hood 😅. I believe that Auslowe's Cummins Signature is the correct motor but as unfamiliar as I am with big rigs I'm not sure if I can pull off a convincing engine swap. I may just have to paint the Maxxforce red 🤣.

Edited July 19 by LOBBS

[stavanzer]

21 minutes ago, LOBBS said:

I may just have to paint the Maxxforce red 🤣.

That's what I'd do. Save the Money and Effort for the Outside Changes where you'll get more Bang for the Buck.

Congratulations on the Start!

[Gary Chastain]

I have this kit but was undecided what to do with it, like you. Like your ideas, will be watching. 

[Jim B]

Interesting hauler.  I always though the LoneStar would look good in Steampunk.

[Scott Eriksen]

21 hours ago, Gary Chastain said:

I have this kit but was undecided what to do with it, like you. Like your ideas, will be watching. 

Me too,,I'm looking for a day cab conversion kit for mine,,,someone made one ,,can't remember who

[Swamp Dog]

8 hours ago, Scott Eriksen said:

Me too,,I'm looking for a day cab conversion kit for mine,,,someone made one ,,can't remember who

Models by Dave makes a day cab. he was having problems with messenger so DM him or email. this was the update on my group from him last week.. if you dont see it just for it...    Models by Dave    ......    http://www.modelsbydave.com/    

 

Edited Monday at 08:39 PM by Swamp Dog

[Model Builders Mafia]

I have built 15 lonestars since the release. it's a fantastic kit, and super easy to modify. 

[LOBBS]

Got a notification that the CTM detail set had been delivered so I grabbed it from the mail on my way into work. Two of the frets are shared with the ProStar and two are specific to the LoneStar kit. Beautiful work on their part and I can see why this is so highly recommended for these trucks.

[Firebuilder]

The hot rod vibe sounds interesting, will follow this one

[TopherMcGinnis]

I'm digging it. I've got one in the stash to build soon.