California Special

[Rockford]

Got sick of looking at the missing roof so used the offcuts of the Aerodyne cap to fill the void. Once it's hardened up I'll get filling and sanding, filling and sanding, filling and sanding. At least it looks whole now. 

Edited September 7 by Rockford
Grammar

[Rockford]

Been snatching the odd few minutes here and there to do the fill and sand ritual. I think I'm on the third run. Filled the various holes that I'm not going to be utilising for the exhaust frame and grab handles. Opened the step well under the doors, I'll back that with a little box section. If it's warm enough today I might get primer on it.

Still lots to do. 

Edited September 21 by Rockford

[Rockford]

Once you think it's finished it's time to coat the cab with primer, boy does that deflate you when you think you've done a good job, holes and high spots, scratches and seams, terrible. I reskimmed the surfaces then used a metal rule with 1000 grit wrapped around it and plenty of soapy water. Mini block-sanding really. Turned out ok when you consider it started life as a double width Aerodyne. 

I'm going to see about moving the front axle forward a little, looks a bit too much like a K100E

Edited October 7 by Rockford

[Jürgen M.]

Looks perfect! 

Good idea with the ruler!

I in the meantime discovered steel wool in different grains as quite effective, especially for getting rid of printing lines. 

You can sand edges without destroying the radius! You have to be careful though. It's not without risk.

I like where this is going. I'll stay tuned!

[BK9300]

Easy to see from ‘before’ pics that you’ve made a big improvement to your cab’s surface - that’s a lot of work and looking great!

[Gary Chastain]

Wow, that is looking good, nice modifications, they work well. 

[Rockford]

4 hours ago, Jürgen M. said:

Looks perfect! 

Good idea with the ruler!

I in the meantime discovered steel wool in different grains as quite effective, especially for getting rid of printing lines. 

You can sand edges without destroying the radius! You have to be careful though. It's not without risk.

I like where this is going. I'll stay tuned!

Steel wool does have its uses, I've got some OO grade on my bench. It's good for getting into uneven shapes without causing damage because you can ball it up. We're a resourceful lot! 

[Rockford]

4 hours ago, BK9300 said:

Easy to see from ‘before’ pics that you’ve made a big improvement to your cab’s surface - that’s a lot of work and looking great!

I hate bodywork, I haven't really got the patience for it. This will be enough bodywork for this year! 

[Rockford]

2 hours ago, Gary Chastain said:

Wow, that is looking good, nice modifications, they work well. 

Thanks mate, the finish won't be up to your standards but it will do. 

[Jürgen M.]

Doing what you do with these 1/32 models is amazing and shows that you're playing in an own league!

Just cause you're building a bit smaller models doesn't mean they're below any standards. 

If we can talk of standards at all then you're putting them sky high mate! Your skills are outstanding!

[The Brush]

Just looked through your build, Very impressive work, well done.

[Rockford]

Fitted my transmission, looks ok. Fitted the exhaust frame behind the cab. Made the cross member that forms the rear cab mounting. 

Dug out two spare GMC General fuel tanks and removed all the strap and filler neck detail. I wanted KW style tank brackets which go below the tank, not over it like a Pete or Freightliner. I tried several scratch build methods but nothing worked so I cut the ones off a GMC General chassis and used them. 

[Biggu]

Your craftsmanship is outstanding Steve ! You are nailing the details. Love your engineering and I have to keep  reminding myself it’s 1/32 ! Top drawer stuff, Mate

[BK9300]

Always a treat to see your updates - great detailing!

[Rockford]

Late start this afternoon so didn't get much done. 

Made a driveshaft from some spare ones I had lying around. Added a centre bearing while I was at it. 

Moved the front axle forward about 4mm, and machined some little collars that go on the stub axle outside the wheel dish. This is a "no front brakes" truck and often the wheel flange appears to be a little further inboard on the hub with the outer wheel bearing housing jutting out from the wheel. I wanted to mimic that look. Otherwise it's just fuel filler caps repositioning the air cleaner. 

[Gary Chastain]

Coming together nicely 

[Rockford]

Had some bench time this afternoon.

 Modified the Aerodyne interior to suit the new cab size. I sectioned the tub behind the seats (arrow) and then had a small amount to trim off the back of the upper bunk. I used the trimmed piece as a filler panel to ensure a tight fit. It practically touches the cab roof so I'll just put a valence in front at the top and hide it. Looks ok in situ, needs a repaint. 

Changed the air intake stack for a more mundane top hat style. Looks more in keeping. It actually comes from the AMT Aerodyne K100, I just added a flange to the cap and some straps. 

Tank straps! I added 90 degree angle pieces to the tank brackets and used 3mm strips of electrical tape to form the straps. They look ok I think. 

[BK9300]

I think the tank straps look great, and the overall truck looks for all the world to be a bigger scale than 1/32, for all the detail we can see!

[Biggu]

The detailing is fantastic , Steve 

[Gary Chastain]

Well done, this is gonna be good

[Jürgen M.]

Looks perfect Steve!

I can only agree with the others! 

[Kanada Kustoms]

Looking good!

[Pete68]

On 10/11/2025 at 1:30 PM, Rockford said:

Steve this is called center point steering where the front wheel is centered with the rear duals. I’m sorry but “no front brakes” has nothing to do with the positioning of the wheel or the Hub Oiler. The theory behind this to make the handling and steering better on curves and high crowned roads. I’ve drove several trucks and my Autocar I had with no front brakes and they were not Center point steering. This was a special order from the factory. Looks good and I like all the extra effort you give these 1/32 models. 

Edited 3 hours ago by Pete68