So I'm not normally a "big truck" builder...

[JTalmage]

...But I picked up this kit yesterday. I've seen lots of people post about it, and also on the facebook group, and thought I'd give it a go. They seem to be pretty popular and hard to keep in stock. I just happened to get the last one at hobby lobby.

I'll also admit I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to large trucks. I have no idea if the bodies are 'glass or steel. Or what good weathering looks like on these things.

Who's built one of these already? I'd love to see pics of them. I heard also that people were having issues w/ warped parts and lots of flash.. Mine doesnt seem to be exhibiting these issues.

Anyway, I guess this is me saying "HI" over here on this side and dipping my toe into the truck world of modelling lol

[Superpeterbilt]

Hello! This is a good kit to start with. Its pretty strait forward. Ive never built this particular version, tho I just picked one up myself. Ive built several of the short haulers, and built a few into tractors. The motor always looked tiny to me under that big hood. Anywhoo, the hood is fiberglass and the cab is steel. I believe the motor is a 3208 Caterpillar, and this was the short hood model. Ive never had any issues with the kit except ancient warped panels for the short hauler box. I will probably add a few details to the ramp bed, like a winch and some shackles to strap the car down. I didnt notice if it had any slide out ramps, if not Ill add those too. Good luck with your first truck!

Edited June 10, 2014 by Superpeterbilt

[alangarber]

I never had this kit, but you'll get hooked.

[Mackvision]

A great kit to start with,as others have mentioned,built one MANY years ago,but have another on deck to build. The engine in question is a 3208 Caterrpillar,3406 is an in-line six cylinder..................................Mark

[Superpeterbilt]

The engine in question is a 3208 Caterrpillar,3406 is an in-line six cylinder..................................Mark

Thats what I meant to say,thanks for the correction.Been a long day........

Edited June 10, 2014 by Superpeterbilt

[Mackvision]

No problem! we always called the 3208 the "Baby Cat" saw a good many L-Series Fords so equipped,toss up between those and the 238 Detroit..........................................Mark

[tbill]

welcome to the dark side, lol. I have one of these kits as well, and plan to do a mustang to go with it as pictured on the box art. when that will happen, who knows, but have the kits to do it. so many trucks, so little time..........

[Jim B]

These Ford kits build up nicely. Like Terry, I've not built this particular kit, but I have built the LN8000 Short Hauler. Here's a link to an article about detailing the 3208 (or V200 as Ford called them): http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thscale/model_magazine_articles/car_modeller/cm09_sept_1991_cate/ Of course, if you're going to put all that time & effort into the engine, you'll need to hinge the hood!

Here's mine that I painted Ford Blue (period correct):

[Aaronw]

I haven't built that exact version of the kit, but the Louisville has been released in several versions, dump truck, delivery etc.

Only problem I had was the hood, it didn't want to stay in the closed position.

Also the engine in the kit is not a 3208, it is an earlier version known as the Cat 1150 / Ford V200. Very minor external differences, but the V200 on the valve covers is the big clue. The 3208 was known by Ford as the V636.

As Jim points out these were originally painted Ford blue, but in an older truck that has had an engine replaced they could be Cat yellow, blue, grey or black depending on whether it is a rebuild or a new motor from Cat.

Plaskit in Canada offers several alternate hoods for this truck if the short hood LN doesn't float your boat.

Edited June 11, 2014 by Aaronw

[scummy]

If you go to the highway and truck stops you will pickup the weathering ideas .