White Frieghtliner wrecker

[The Modeling Hermit]

This is my latest build. The cab was shortened to a day cab. Air conditioning was added, and face detail done on it. The 10 hole wheels were altered to 5 hole. One fuel tank was omitted and the battery box was relocated. The color is reminiscent of a color I remember back in the late sixties and early seventies, and the truck represents a small to medium sized town local wrecker. Weathering was kept simple to imply a well maintained but often used rig.

[BigBad]

Looks good Doug! Quite different as a subject, as I haven't seen many cabover tow trucks. Well I have seen the Freightliner in Terminator... Never mind that! It's good, how did you fill the holes in the wheels, you seem to have succeded in something that is not too easy to do?

I would have done something similar to this on some Italeri wheels to make two hole buds, but wasn't too sure of how to proceed. I tought of using putty, but how do you sand the rear wheels to get a smooth surface afterwards?? Would you mind sharing this little bit of info?

Edited April 10, 2012 by Z06Bob

[Jim B]

Well, there's something you don't see everyday! I like it. Nice job.

[mackinac359]

Nice wrecker.

Tim

[Ben]

That is a cool little wrecker!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Modeling Hermit]

Robert, the wheel holes were filled with 2 part epoxy, but I've had just as good of luck with a good quality thick CA. My first conversion was done with Testors putty. The wheels came out super and looked great, until the putty started dropping out of the holes. I've done enough conversions, that I now have minimal sanding, but when I do, I use a white pencil shaped sanding sticks that my wife got for me at a hobby shop in the lower 48 someplace. She doesn't remember which one.

[Bowtienutz]

Nice job Doug. Typical 60's style short hauler wrecker. The "FRIEGHT"-liner is probably the worst fitting truck kit ever done by AMT you did good.

Vince

[The Modeling Hermit]

Hey, Vince, it's good to hear from you again. Actually the biggest problem I've had with the Freightliner, was joining the body with thechassis. I'd always followed the instructions, and after nearly pulling all my hair out, which in those years was halfway down my back, I usually just ended up gluing the thing solid. I finally got it through my head to connect the grill to the chassis in the chassis assembly, and then when it comes time to drop the body on, simply slide it onto the grill. Any filling I have to do on the body halves I do from the interior which saves a lot of sanding and replacing rivets on the exterior.

I spent hours doing the plumbing and wiring only to cover almost all of it up afterwords, but I know it's there.

Edited April 10, 2012 by Kodiak Island Modeler

[ChrisR]

Nice looking wrecker!

[rctruk]

That's nice. I like the way you did the bed to clear the battery box.Thanks for the info on how you did the wheels.

[Truck parts]

Great looking tow truck,and thanks for the information on the wheels.. Also like the color

[freightshaker]

Different! I like it. U don't see too many of these trucks like this.

[Wagoneer81]

Very nice! I like how you modified the wheels, I'll have to remember that.

[maxwell48098]

Very nice job.

A.J.