The trucks that built Boulder Dam

[gtx6970]

Killer subject. I've seen the video of how the Hoover dam was built, talk about when men were men is a huge understatement

Them guys has knads of steel

[Foxer]

Looking very good!

[Chariots of Fire]

I've been to Hoover Dam as well and had the tour down iside. It's quite an experience. The two 30' diameter overflw drops on each side are really something. I's hate to ever fall in one! We got to walk inside the original diversion tunels that were dug out of the canyon walls to get the Colorado River water way from the actual dam area so that they could do the base excavation. In the meantime work continues on this build. The side screens for the hood were finally fit in place, the steering column and box are set and the drag link and steering arm are now connected. There is a small protective shield over the radiator cap also. Next is to detail the fishplate with some bolt heads. Then probably the engine will get some detailing.

[Chariots of Fire]

Just so that you know that there are actually two AP's being built, here is Jeff Harper's version that he will turn into the cement mixer. The second pic obviously is of the two of them together.

[BigBad]

I have respect for people who can make something out of very basic material. This is great work! By the way those chain drives are incredible!

[Chariots of Fire]

I have respect for people who can make something out of very basic material. This is great work! By the way those chain drives are incredible!

The delrin chain and sprockets are easy to come by. They are a bit large for most uses but fit right in here because the trucks were so beefy. The chain can be made any length just by adding or taking out links.

[truckabilly]

This is true modeling. Great respect to the guys who can make things like this and great respect to the trucks of old times and their drivers. This build is awesome.

[Chariots of Fire]

Here are a couple of shots of the AP Engine. It's made from two blocks of the Monogram AC with a bit of detailing including wire, aluminum tubing, solder wire, and parts from the parts box.

[Gluhead]

That mill looks great. Nice work.

[Bennyg]

It just keeps getting better.

Ben

[Danno]

Still Wow!

[mardtrp]

Excellent scratchbuilding going on here, just damned excellent.

But you got a bit of a problem by posting your masterpiece on here, how are all the others on this forum, EVER going to match what your doing, or for that matter, even come close ?

Psst, looks much better than 50 peterbuilts in a row, now don't it.

Edited August 6, 2012 by mardtrp

[Chariots of Fire]

Excellent scratchbuilding going on here, just damned excellent.

But you got a bit of a problem by posting your masterpiece on here, how are all the others on this forum, EVER going to match what your doing, or for that matter, even come close ?

Psst, looks much better than 50 peterbuilts in a row, now don't it.

Not lookin' to show anybody up. I just like old trucks. There is something about their openness that shows all of that beefy working iron that I like. When they don't make them in kit form what's a guy to do?? 8^))

[Chariots of Fire]

Here's a bit more progress. First pic shows an actual Boulder Dam being loaded with rock. Second pic shows the hoisting mechanism that was used on the first series of AP.s They underwent some changes during the time they were at Boulder and later on at two other dam projects. Third pic shows how beefy the undercarriage and body are.

[Chariots of Fire]

We got the information we were looking for from the Mack Museum today and it looks like we are going to have to repaint the wheels. Documentary evidence says they were dark green. Anyway, here is a breakdown of the parts so far for the AP dump truck. There are plenty of "widgets" to be added once the painting is done for what you see here. The entire frame, cab and hood are to be Mack dark green. Accents will be included but will be mostly subtle like drybrushing to bring out highlights and the use of powders. We'll also show some caked on red dirt in the tire treads.

[cargostar]

Wow.

[Chariots of Fire]

Just a couple of pics since the truck was painted. Better shots to come!

[Chuck Most]

That looks fantastic!

I'm wondering where you got those front tires. I know you mentioned that the rears are resin, and the front wheels are from a Mack R model, but if the source for the front tires was named, I missed it.

[Chariots of Fire]

That looks fantastic!

I'm wondering where you got those front tires. I know you mentioned that the rears are resin, and the front wheels are from a Mack R model, but if the source for the front tires was named, I missed it.

Front tires are resin castings also. When I did the 1928 Pierce Arrow I made a master of the diamond tread tires for the rears. They seemed appropriate for the fronts on the AP since their tires were a similar diamond pattern. Tom Coolidge of Denver, CO cast them for me.

[ARTEMIS1759]

Oh man. I gotta watch this one. I love antique rigs. 'Specially Mac's Boss,

[ARTEMIS1759]

You wouldn't kit the cab for me would ya and other parts?

[Chariots of Fire]

You wouldn't kit the cab for me would ya and other parts?

I could tell you how I did the cab and all and give you some basic drawings. That's about it. (What sort of parts?) Here is a pic of the whole thing in paint. Plenty of detailing yet to go.

Edited August 13, 2012 by Chariots of Fire

[truckabilly]

It´s fantastic already. I like the truck very much.

[David G.]

Awesome building skills!

There should be an MCM article done on this one.

David G.

Edited August 14, 2012 by David G.

[Davewilly]

very cool truck build!