Current Project - Old Number One

[mackinac359]

I started this project on August 31 modifying the AMT Peterbilt 359 kit. I used the fenders from the Revell USA snap kit, along with the air cleaner and dash from the kit.

The model(s) represent a 1980 Peterbilt 359. The real truck is on display in the welcome area of the Peterbilt factory in Denton, Texas. The truck was the first truck built at the plant in 1980. It was sold to a steel hauling company in Houston. 20 years later Peterbilt bought it back and restored it from the ground up. It was restored for the 20th anniversary of opening. The restoration is now 7 years old.

Old Number One

My Ol'Number One in progress

Finished dash with the shiny Bare Metal Foil coated with Testors Dullcote.

Extra battery/tool boxes were added from other AMT 359 kits

UPDATE 9/26/07

Finished!

Rear mudflaps are from WhiteFang at www.whitefangmodel.com

The photo below shows the subtle change to the grille shell I made, I sanded the AMT shell flat then scribed in the missing panel seam and covered it with Bare Metal Foil. The Peterbilt logo on the hood is by JBOT decals.

Note the location of the step on the rear of the front fender. I relocated the step further up on the fender skip, all the model companies located the step at the bottom of the fender.

Here I am standing next to the real truck.

Thanks for looking. This was a most enjoyable build, combining parts and some resin brings the AMT 359 to life.

Tim

Edited September 28, 2007 by mackinac359

[Old Albion]

Tim,

What an excellent little project. A model of the first truck of the Production Line is a great idea. Love the attention to detail, the dash is superb (I wish I could detail as good as that). I to don't like the interior tub in the AMT cabs and prefer to make my own floors. But apart from that I think the AMT kits are great. Are both models of the same truck (No 1) or were they No 1 and 2? It would be great if you could get a copy of the original build sheet and owners manual to display with them.

I look forward to seeing these two finished.

Good Luck!!

[Jim B]

Tim,

That white 359 is looking great. You never cease to amaze me with your skill. A true artist.

In your first photo, what is the white & red tractor?

[mackinac359]

Thanks guys. The trucks are #1 and #1. (two of the same).

The red/white truck in the 1st photo is a 1939 Peterbilt 334. This truck was purchased by Peterbilt and resorted quite some time ago. The truck is from Peterbilts first year in business.

Tim

[Albert Moore]

Hi Tim,

Looking pretty sweet so far. As Dave said, the detail on the dash is excellent. Look forward to seeing more.

Cheers,

Albert

[mackinac359]

I moved this up as I added finished photos.

Tim

[ABC Auto Industry]

Hey, I saw this truck (well, two actually) on your website! Great job! Only one question: Why two of them?

[Old Albion]

Superb!!

The best description I can think of. I would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the real thing and the 1/25" scale replica. I agree with you on the AMT kit a bit of imagination and some resin parts and the build opportunities are collosal.

The photo's of the replica are they the same truck or are some of No 2???

[Albert Moore]

Hi Tim,

Excellent work on both the model and the photography. You'd be hardpressed to tell it was a model with the background and the 'in scale' appearance of the build-up.

Cheers,

Albert

[crashalot2]

Nice truck. If I wanted to see the real truck would I need a appointment or can I just stop by the factory?

[mackinac359]

Lee

You'd need to be a customer.. or know someone or.. call and ask if you could see it and the '39.

Tim

Nice truck. If I wanted to see the real truck would I need a appointment or can I just stop by the factory?

[crashalot2]

Lee

You'd need to be a customer.. or know someone or.. call and ask if you could see it and the '39.

Tim

I think I will give them a call , I am only 12 miles north of Denton.

[Casey429]

Nice job Tim. I'd be hard presseed to tell the difference between the two replicas you built. Which brings me to a question, why two?

[B_A_R]

There goes Tim again, single-handedly driving up the price of aluminum!

Nice work on that as usual, good to see how you bring life to older kits with those subtle improvements.

Stuart

Edited October 2, 2007 by B_A_R

[Old Albion]

Tim,

I've been looking at the photo's of your No 1 (Both of Them). These two trucks are very realistic. The thing that really does it for me is the size of the wheels in relation to the front fenders, the front fenders themselves and the fact that the wheels sit under the fenders. In other words they whole front end of the truck sits right and it looks right. Ive been checking the size of wheels in the kits there is a big difference. The selection of the right type of wheel and size will have a big impact on the truck model. I notice that the AMT front axles have a tendency to cause the wheels to protrude out from the front fenders. This is one of them irritating things that by carefull selection of parts you have overcome. These two trucks really are outstanding!!