Weathered RC Semi body

[LAV25]

Hi all, first post here. I found this site while looking for some tips on weathering a plastic body for one of my radio control trucks. I know this isn't strictly a plastic model build, but I'll keep my post to the points relevant to this site. If this runs afoul of the rules, please let me know, it's not my intention to cause any problems.

I haven't done any plastic model building since I was probably about ten, so even this has been a learning experience for me.

I started with a Tamiya Bullhead body, which is an approximately 1:14 scale approximately Peterbilt semi cab, NIP:

The Bullhead isn't exactly anything, I've read that it's close to a Peterbilt 359, but I'm no expert on these things. Anyway, I wanted to make it look less modern, so I used sewing thread to cut off the headlights and the front of the fenders:

I also filled in the sunroof by first grinding off the lip with a dremel, then backing the hole with some .1mm styrene sheet. After that, I cut a piece of 1mm styrene to fit the hole, and glued that to the backing. A LOT of putty (still learning):

and a lot of sanding later and I had a pretty smooth roof.

From there I painted it with Mr. Color (local brand in Japan) cobalt blue, masked the fenders and steps, and put on some Parma precut Devil Tail masks:

[RodneyBad]

Welcome aboard.

Looks like a model you can also play with so I Think that counts.

Looking perty good and Big too.

What is the chassis?

Any pics of that available?

[LAV25]

After that, hit it with white (I forgot to take a picture of the pre-weathered body) and started weathering. First, I used a wash of Tamiya Red-Brown, thinned way down, to give it an overall grimy look:

Then I used Tamiya Weathering Master kits B and C to add some surface rust:

I heated the fender with a lighter and pressed a piece of aluminum angle against it for those dents that happen over the years:

My driver never washes his hands:

A few window and bumper stickers:

I hope you like, this is still a work in progress, and not anywhere on the level of the builds I've seen on here. Again, I hope that posting an RC body isn't a violation, if it is, I apologize and will be happy to remove my posts. I'm planning on going more in line with the other builds here soon, I've got a Revell '65 Chevy Stepside on my workbench that I'm itching to start on.

-val

[LAV25]

Welcome aboard.

Looks like a model you can also play with so I Think that counts.

Looking perty good and Big too.

What is the chassis?

Any pics of that available?

Thanks Zukiholic! The chassis is scratchbuilt from aluminum angle:

I don't want to clutter up this site with RC specific stuff, but I do have a build thread on an RC site. Is posting links to other hobbyist sites allowed here?

-val

[RodneyBad]

Thanks Zukiholic! The chassis is scratchbuilt from aluminum angle:

I don't want to clutter up this site with RC specific stuff, but I do have a build thread on an RC site. Is posting links to other hobbyist sites allowed here?

-val

Truck weathering is looking great.

Gotta hate those people that never wash their hands and spread the grease around.

Sounds like a shop my Company take our trucks for maintenance

Chassis looks good

Nice Beefie looking Axles.

Links are okay too.

Plus it will help the build blend right in too.

Edited December 12, 2010 by Zukiholic

[Foxer]

Welcome in here and that's some nice work on the truck, especially that weathering. I'm no RCer but that chassis is impressive! Besides, anything wit a body gets noticed here!

[LAV25]

As long as links are OK, for anyone who wants the full, nitty gritty gearhead details:

Friendly Towing Service

It's still a work in progress mechanically too, I hope to be able to call it done before Christmas, but....

I'll be keeping this thread paint and body related, no mechanical ravings.

-val

[RodneyBad]

I just checked out your Build thread and it looks good.

Very interesting rear suspension set up.

Don't forget about a slip yoke in the drive lines tho.

I like the bicycle link shackles. Great Idea and free too