1941 Chevrolet house truck

[Big Messer]

Just got a 1941 Chevrolet 1/16 scale fire dept pump truck (probably an Ertl copy) with missing parts for $9.99 so I am going to turn into a house truck, pretty much like the one I posted before, but far more detailed. Plans are not final yet, will make a paper mockup first to see how things look. Probably to make smooth sides to imitate plywood and metal panels roof. Also want to make a detailed interior. Materials to be used would be thin plywood, styrene and/or aluminum sheet. Ideas that would make sense welcomed but will be subject to approval by management.

[Big Messer]

The thing will be a 18" monstrosity. Want to keep the cab red with the lettering. Rear verandah will be foldable up with handrails (brass?) that will be collapsible flat before raising it with a roll canopy on top. Check scribbled notes scattered all over. Will have an opening on the rear cab wall to go into the house.

Rear of cab opening idea discarded. Put a side door instead right behind cab.

Edited September 30 by Big Messer

[Big Messer]

Thanks

Edited September 22 by Big Messer

[Glassparman]

That is some awesome planning! I would have just started building and torn it apart 14 times until I get it right. I have a lot to learn from modelers like you

[Big Messer]

1 hour ago, Glassparman said:

That is some awesome planning! I would have just started building and torn it apart 14 times until I get it right. I have a lot to learn from modelers like you

Trying to design it like a full-size one. Currently making a light cardboard mockup to see how things look. Made it 1 ft lower, 12' currently.

Edited September 25 by Big Messer

[Big Messer]

Just finished a study model of it. Just cardboard to figure in 3D how things are going. Checking against the drawings will show several changes I did so far. Original total height was 13'. then cut it down to 12', then raised again to 12' 6". The only constant is change...

[espo]

Good looking camper proportions. Wouldn't the roof design effect wind resistance at hiway speeds and low bridge clearance? like the fold down rear deck design.  

[Big Messer]

3 hours ago, espo said:

Good looking camper proportions. Wouldn't the roof design effect wind resistance at hiway speeds and low bridge clearance? like the fold down rear deck design.  

It is a vehicle intended to go from here to ?? at a leisure pace. As it is a 1941 truck speeds higher than 50 mph are not going to happen. So it will stay within secondary roads. Bridge clearances are a concern, that's why I may lower the roof height back to 12', but studies are being conducted about going lower. Aerodynamics... leave that for planes.

Edited September 29 by Big Messer

[Big Messer]

An executive decision was made to keep the height at 12' (6' inside up to the top of the walls, higher at center)... so far. That would be lowering the roof to close the gap on side walls. An air bags suspension on the rear axle would help going under close quarters. Going to do some research on the matter.

[Big Messer]

Probably the final design phase. Roof lowered to 11' 6" by making it 6" lower at the center ridge, so interior from floor to center of ceiling about 8'. Front protrusion made shorter also. Next week a decision will be made about materials and hopefully start actual construction. 1/16 scratchbuilt ruler shown (ran out of bananas).