K-Whopper Dump Truck " Old Blue"

[muleskinner]

This model, which I built a couple of years back, is based on the actual truck owned by Gross Logging in Catching Creek, Oregon, not to far from my residence. It is the pride of the fleet and at times doubles as a Logging truck with a general trailer set up. The head ache rack remains on her at all times to make the change over easier time wise. As you can see the over cab platform of the dump box was modified by Cutting Torch asnd removed to accomidate the Headache rack. She has a 5x4 twin sticker and is powered by a cummings turbocharged engine which makes her one of the most reliable and used trucks in the company. I have driven this truck many times and she really has a mind of her own at times. Hauling Loaded she is as smooth as silk on the roads but when empty, she is a kidney rearranger that won't quit!

To accomplish the building I used an AMT Alaskan Hauler and various other kits, plus scratch building out of plastic to get the desired results. As with most of my logging equipment I build them as I see them and photograph them. Since Old Blue is weather beaten and worn was the reason I chose the Alaskan Hauler to build her. The kit contains no chrome parts and this made it easier when it came to doing the weathering on her. I replicated her as she was after one of her far and in between washings to get her up to looking at least road worthy, though she vary seldom goes beyond Catching Creek unless hauling logs as a logging truck.

To get the desired effects on her I first completed her with Tamiya French blue and then did the weathering with a combination of acrylic paints used for pottery. I chose this paint as it has a real dull and muddy look to it when dried and when used in conjuction with Black calligraphy ink and water can give some really dramatic finishes.

[Jim B]

That looks really nice. I like the weathering.

Edited March 1, 2010 by Jim B

[mackinac359]

Nicely done.

Tim

[falcongeorge]

Neat truck. You know you can strip chrome with Easy-Off, among other things, right? Usually, one of the first things I do when I start a truck build, is cut the door handles and headlight buckets, and MAYBE the roof marker lights off the chrome tree, and hose everything else down with easy-off.

[muleskinner]

Yes I know that but for me as I don't build very many vehicles with chrome on them, I short cut and grab a can of Dull coat and spray them down. I like the worn dull look on them. Most of my vehicle builds would look out of place with chrome as they spend most of their lives in the woods instead of on the road. As in the case of this truck I just used an aluminum colored paint brushed it on and dull coated over it. But thanks for the info.

[Brizio]

Great looking truck!!!

[Jeff T.]

How many tons ya'all take there muleskinner?

When I was working in the aggregate pits here in Phoenix I'd see these all the time....And think...Poor guy!

Old ratty truck with no A/C....Rust and duct tape....

Nice job muleskinner!

Jeff

[SpreadAxle]

Nicely done. Great job on the weathering.

[Paul B]

Very Cool William. I remember seeing trucks like that in and around Roseburg.