1976 Matlack Mack Cruiseliner

[Jim B]

So, what do you do when a paint scheme that you picked for a model has got you totally psyched out? Pick another paint scheme, right? No, of course not. You build another truck! And here it is: a 1976 Matlack Mack WS686S Cruiseliner!

The build is box-stock with a couple of adds. I started with the Stevens International reissue of the AMT Mack Cruiseliner, swapped in some Plaskit Mack 6-spoke wheels, replaced the 11:00x20 tires in the kit for some 10:00x20, added a fifth wheel release handle made from a straight pin, added the 1/4 fenders from the parts box, converted it to a single exhaust, added the roof marker lights from the AMT Ford LNT8000, added the Matlack decals that I got from another modeler, and added a 1976 Pennsylvania license plate to the front bumper. That's really about it. The frame is Dupli-Color Semi-Gloss Black, the cab is Tamiya Racing Green TS-43, wheels are Testors Gloss Yellow 1214, the tanks are Dupli-Color Aluminum, and the engine/transmission is Tamiya Gold Leaf X12.

Looks like my pogo stick is a little bent; have to remember to fix that.

Hey! Who let the Dogs out?

Edited September 12, 2011 by Jim B

[Jim B]

Here's my inspirational pic that the Forum wouldn't let me post in the original thread:

And a couple of pics of the passenger's side (wouldn't let me post them either):

[69A-CAR]

Really a fine build Jim!! I love the Fleet cab over trucks. An unplated AMT tanker would look fantastic behind her.

Mark

[Jim B]

Thanks, Mark.

I actually have a AMT tank trailer done up in Amoco colors.

I was thinking of taking it down to snap some pics with the Cruisliner, but everytime I touch the darn thing something breaks. Currently I don't even think the tank is cemented to the frame. It broke apart during the Fulton show last November!

[clayton]

cool old build,

[scale trucker]

way cool.nice builds..

[Jim B]

Thanks, guys.

[mackinac359]

That's a cool Cruiseliner - A brand-new version of the inspiration photo truck.

Tim

[Jim B]

Thanks, Tim.

[Jim B]

Thanks, Justin.

In the future, the plan is to build a 20ft chemical tank container & trailer. Time will tell!

[catd11rpusher]

Thats a very nice job on the truck, you did a nice job on the detail. I have a question, the fender flaps are from another kit? they look good. Can you give some shots of the inside? the rubber molding around the windows are very nice, I'm learning how to do that and its hard as hell for me.

[Jim B]

Thanks, Mike. Unfortunately I didn't take any pics of the interior before I put it into the cab. Probably should have done that. I'll see if I can get anything throught the windows.

Yes, the 1/4 fenders are from the AMT Kenworth K123 kit (I think).

The gaskets around the windshield, door vents, & sleeper vents is Polly Scale (ex-Floquil) Grimy Black. I used it on the mudflaps, too. Looks like black rubber to me.

[Sergey]

Nice Mack, Jim. But does Cruiseliner exist in 1974? I thoght it was released in 1977 and square grill seems to be appear later...

Edited September 11, 2011 by Sergey

[Jim B]

Спасибо, Sergey. It's not the "Love Machine", but I'm happy with it.

The information that I have on the Cruiseliner, that I got from someone who knows a lot more about Macks than I do, has the Cruiseliner debuting in 1968. Apparently there was a little overlap with the F-Series COE. I think the square grill (similar to the Superliner) was used on only the V8 Cruiseliners initially; then in 1977 or so it was used on all Cruiseliners.

Edited September 8, 2011 by Jim B

[bsoder]

Bulldoggin it !!!...nice lookin' Mack Jim B)

[GeeBee]

Very nice, I like that a lot !!

[Jim B]

Thanks, guys.

[Sergey]

Спасибо, Sergey. It's not the "Love Machine", but I'm happy with it.

The information that I have on the Cruiseliner, that I got from someone who knows a lot more about Macks than I do, has the Cruiseliner debuting in 1968. Apparently there was a little overlap with the F-Series COE. I think the square grill (similar to the Superliner) was used on only the V8 Cruiseliners initially; then in 1977 or so it was used on all Cruiseliners.

O-key then. I respect your work.

[mackinac359]

Cruiseliner debuted in the 70's not the 60's. You typed '68 instead of '78.

Tim

[Jim B]

Nope, I typed 1968 on purpose. I said that's the information that I have, I didn't say it was right.

Edit: Now I did a little more research and I discoverd that in 1975 the Macungie plant opened to build the Cruise-Liner series until 1983. So, I guess the Cruiseliner debuted in 1975. Also, much of the information that I got for this build came from a 1977 Cruiseliner brochure, which would have hit the shelves in late 1976. I'm going to ask a Mack Expert I know just to be sure, though.

Edited September 11, 2011 by Jim B

[Jim B]

Ok, here is some information that I received from a guy who know a heck of a lot more about Mack than I do: "The first Cruiseliner (W series) came off the line in 1975, the last came of in 1983. There was and few years overlap with the Mack F model. Which confuses people to extend the Cruiseliner back farther than it was made. The AMT kit is a 1976 or 1977."

You'll note I changed the title of this thread to conform to this new information.

Edited September 12, 2011 by Jim B

[Turbo590]

Jim,

Superb work....as always.

Hope to see it soon.....Kurt

[Jim B]

Thanks, Kurt.

[chuckyr]

Nice model.

[Jim B]

Thanks, Chuck.