Long Hauler 379 - 119

[truckabilly]

 

This is another project that I started. Even though it is the 378 by the box title and the parts included, I like the box art 379 better. And, since there´s a great tutorial on Tim Ahlborn´s web sites how to convert the 378 hood in the 119 BBC 379 hood, I followed the instructions and started the 379.

 

 

 

 

I also changed the firewall since some of the elements are mirror-inverted.

 

 

The front leaf springs of the kit are in a strange arrangement. I changed them to look more like the real deal. Two leafs on each side is enough for a highway tractor.

 

 

So, that´s the start. Thanks for watching and comments, criticism and ideas are welcome.

Edited July 20, 2017 by truckabilly

[Jim B]

Nice changes. I'm sure this will be another work of art.

[MoparWoman Jamie]

I will be following this one when I can! good start also!

[cappy625]

looking good! what did you use for ubolts on the springs?

[mackinac359]

Nice work !

Tim

[mackinac359]

The kit springs are, well, strange. Nothing a highway spec 378 would have. I suspect that Italeri sliced up the 377's springs (which aren't right either) to make the short-stack springs the 378 has.

Tim

[BigBad]

_{Better get rid of the tabs on those fuel tanks!}

[truckabilly]

_{Better get rid of the tabs on those fuel tanks!}

Thanks for the reminder. I hope I won´t forget because the fuel tanks will be some of the last items I will put on the model.

looking good! what did you use for ubolts on the springs?

The U-bolts on my spring is nothing but 1mm copper wire bended around the spring centre-piece.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

[truckabilly]

I extended the frame up to WB 270" to get a room for some equipment that I am going to use. With the extended frame I had to make one more cross member.

 

I want to keep the steering operable but it requires additiona thickness to the turning pins so that the joints were firm. So, I added a beer can stripes around the pins.

 

 

Edited July 20, 2017 by truckabilly

[lapazleo]

outstanding!

[Tony Bryan]

Jarda, another finely detailed rig in progress, look forward to more updates

[bandit1]

The kit springs are, well, strange. Nothing a highway spec 378 would have. I suspect that Italeri sliced up the 377's springs (which aren't right either) to make the short-stack springs the 378 has.

Tim

So Tim....since you said that about the 377 ....what are they suppose to look like?...that way ill correct that on my "Future dump" project!

and ill be watching this one ....cause i am in the planning stages for my 379 ex hd project!

[truckabilly]

A little bit of progress on the frame. The tie rod in the kit is useless because it is very easy to bend. In fact, it was bended already whe I cut it off the sprue. I cut off the ends and superglued them to a 1,5mm steel wire cut to length of the tie rod.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 20, 2017 by truckabilly

[truckabilly]

The tow hook on the previous picture is one of my added details. So is the quick release valve. I plumbed the frame using different wires and "simulated corrugted duct" by Tuner Model Manufactory.

 

 

 

 

 

The air springs will be painted separately. I will get them in place after the frame is painted too.

Edited July 20, 2017 by truckabilly

[BigBad]

Jarda, I'm amazed at your wiring and plumbing work. I thought of doing it to my own 379, I drilled holes in the brake air chambers, in the air tanks... And just let go, I don't know where to route all these wires! Thanks to your pictures, they are going to help a lot. I have seen some diagrams for air brakes on the net, but I don't get it. It's surely not that difficult. Anyway, I'm going to take a movie and tons of pictures of real trucks for next time I build. Thanks for your "in progress" pictures man! I like your front axle tie rod! Nice work.

[truckabilly]

Thanks a lot Robert. I have also seen some diagrams. But still it is hard to tell the routing of the lines and where all the valves, relays, crossings and fittings are located on a real truck. Plus, I think it varies from truck to truck. A great help for me is the truckpaper and pictures that you can find there. Sometimes it is only an overall look of the truck. But then you can find a whole set of pics showing interesting details of the frame, engine, interior and such. My plumbing usually does not follow any particular diagram. I just try not to make anything non-sensical. Most of my wires come out from semewhere... and end up nowhere. But it´s okay if it´s hidden somewhere inside the structure.

[cowboysevens]

That frame detail looks great , very nice work

[truckabilly]

Now with the frame in primer I could take a bit better pictures of the details that I added. Details like tow hook, front quick release valve, remote lube, height control valve, and air dryer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 20, 2017 by truckabilly

[truckabilly]

The whole frame...

 

 

An unexpected help came from my daughter while I was working on the fuel tanks. She wanted to try some grinding too.

 

 

 

She seemed to enjoy it. I hope she doesn´t plan to replace me behind the workbench.

Edited July 20, 2017 by truckabilly

[Jim B]

Great looking frame! And it's really good to see kids showing interest in model building. We have to train the next generation, because no one else will.

[mackinac359]

Superb frame wiring and plumbing !

Tim

[1972coronet]

Jaroslav -

Your work is outstanding ! This is the first time I have perused the Big Rigs Forum , and am impressed with what I have seen overall , but am even more impressed with your build in particular .

I will definitely be following your excellent work (and the works of our fellow builders around here) .

P.S. "Plastic People of the Universe" vis-a-vis The Velvet Revolution !

[truckabilly]

P.S. "Plastic People of the Universe" vis-a-vis The Velvet Revolution !

 

I would never expected something like this from your part of the world, John. Thank you very much for this reminder and also for your comment.

 

The work continues with painting the frame. I was considering a different frame colour than the usual black for a while. But I want a dark blue cab so I think the black frame is the best choice after all.

 

 

 

To make a liitle difference from a highway tractor I started working on a DTU. It is going to be a complete scratchbuild inspired by Holmes unit. Probably not 100% accurate as I have only a handfull of photos and a parts brochure. No dimensions, just my four-eyed judgement.

I built a base of the unit using Evergreen channels and warning signs made of plastic... basicly 1mm plastic sheets. Still a few details to be added before it goes to the paint booth.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 20, 2017 by truckabilly

[eizzle]

Looking very good! I'll be watching this one for sure! I had no idea what the DTU was until I saw your last picture, they usually call them lowboys around here I will try to get some pictures of the front brake setup on my trucknext week if you want them, not a peterbilt, but it's basically the same setup, although with 500,000+ miles, it might be hard to see anything through the dirt and grease!

Edited September 7, 2012 by eizzle

[eizzle]

So is it not the same thing as a lowboy? I guess I've never seen one or didn't pay attention if I did.