Kenworth Hustler garbage truck

[Rbray47]

I got a pretty good deal on the new Amt Ford Garwood kit. After looking over the parts, I decided to do something different. I haven't seen a kit or resin body of a Kenworth L700 Hustler, and it looked fairly easy to scratchbuild. 

It's mostly square. I found some rough cab size estimates from a brochure scan, converted them into 1/25 scale, and drew them the correct size onto copy paper. Then I cut the pieces out and traced them onto styrene sheet. The cab is layered in places because of the rounded corners, and there's some bracing that the 1:1 probably doesn't have, but I think it'll do.

After a lot of super glue and filing, along with a modified Amt Kenworth W series grill, it started to look like a truck. 

The chassis is from the Alaskan Hauler. I used a few parts from a K123 kit. The interior tub is a mixture of 2 White Freightliner tub extensions and sleeper parts. 

Not everything is accurate, but at least they work well together. 

Edited September 6 by Rbray47

[Biggu]

Holy ….. this is really cool.  Nice scratch skills !  This is one to watch. 

[Gary Chastain]

Impressive scratch building, watching

[BK9300]

I agree!  Great scratch building and kit bashing is going to make a unique build - looking good, Randy!

[vincen47]

Excellent start on a unique scratch building project.

[Andria H]

Looks like the real McCoy to me! 

BTW Randy, the red truck is local to me out of Drain/Reedsport area in Oregon. It is among several 1/1 Hustlers I see from time to time and you nailed it so far.

[Rbray47]

Thanks everyone.

Windshield gasket, cab steps, and fenders attached. It's almost ready for some primer.

Frame will have to get chopped quite a bit. Also, I bought a set of 3d print 2 hole Budds, and ordered a 5 hole set. Either of those would be accurate and appropriate, as this truck represents a 74-76 era truck. 

[Swamp Dog]

looking great..

[NerdmanB]

Yet another member on the forum giving a master class on scratch building. Very nice. Brian 

[Rbray47]

Busy morning. I was wet sanding the cab, hoping to get a little primer on today. But, I realized that even though I made the outside of the windshield gasket, there was nothing behind it to hold the glass in.

I cut some .010 sheet, glued it in from behind, then cut the center out. It's a little deep, but that's ok, because I don't know what I'll be using for glass yet. I can always add another layer later on. 

Also did some more fitting with the interior. The seats, pedals, and dash are from a K123. The seats and their frames had to be filed on the sides to fit. The dash had to be cut in a few places and pieced back together. 

[Gary Chastain]

Impressive work

[Scott Eriksen]

Great job on the cab !  

[Rockford]

So well done,  excellent scratchbuilding, inspirational. 

[Rbray47]

Finally got the cab ready for paint, I think. The frame is shortened and the packer body is started. I left enough room to mount a single exhaust stack and air cleaner. I modified some Freightliner springs and a parts box axle into a single drive rear. 

[Gary Chastain]

There is sssoooo much talent being shown in this forum, Randy, that’s impressive 

[Biggu]

I agree 100%with Gary.  And lightning fast too. Very cool build. 

[BK9300]

Very precise work, Randy, and the cab looks amazing in primer!

[Rbray47]

Thanks everyone. 

Yes, I tend to get a build done pretty fast. I took a leave from work to take care of my mom. She has advanced alzheimers, so I build all day while I keep an eye on her. This Kenworth will be build #20 or 21 so far this year. 

[Daverde]

Outstanding work!!

[meechum68]

Outstanding!! Just outstanding!

[Rbray47]

The wheels are mounted, along with exhaust. I used Vallejo washes and Tamiya weathering powders. 

I purchased these 3d print wheels on ebay. There were no "inner" rims. All 8 drive wheels had lug nut detail molded in. At first I was a little disappointed but then I realized that's actually a feature. I only used them on the "outer" wheels and used a couple unchromed 10 holes on the inside. The brake drums and the mounted tires hide what they are. Now I have more for other builds. 

Not sure these trucks were offered with a Cat 1160, but it's all I had that would fit. I did take off the Allison automatic and attach a 5 speed. Speaking of shifting, I may redo the shifter. Its a bent piece of .030 styrene rod. It wont stay in shape well and interferes with the cab closing. Hopefully metal wire will work out better. 

[Rbray47]

Garwood body is painted and mostly assembled. Weathering started.