New to the big rigs

[LongRoofNut]

So after about 15-20 years of wanting to do a diorama of a late '70s Exxon station I am finally starting......slooooooowly. But I want to add a period correct tanker and tractor. Found a few local, bought a few and some even gave me some.

Here is the thing. I got pretty much the cabs and trailers I want (will also do a highway diorama in the same era) but I want to make sure the trucks I build are pretty much correct. Since I am going into new territory, is there any tips, tricks, ideas, or even web sites that have collections of pictures to these giant workers?

Watching these threads on here is what pushed me to finally take the plunge.

[Superpeterbilt]

Well it looks like youve got some good kits there. The best resource is going to be http://www.hankstruckpictures.com. You can search by the type of truck, or the company you want to replicate. Theres not much that you cant find there.Everyone of those models has its own quirks, so use this site to your advantage for the tricks and fixing the non fitting quirks. This site is very helpful and has a lot of talented builders. If you dont see a particular thing addressed, just ask. Im sure someone has the answer. Good luck!

[Mr mopar]

All i can say is research your material, and take your time to make look correct and one other thing good luck! Most of all have fun doing it.

[tbill]

welcome to the 'dark side', lol. nice group of kits you have there, you should have a lot of fun building those. as mentioned, hanks has a ton of reference pic's. fair warning, that tanker kit is a tough build, but if you are patient, it can turn out pretty good.

best of luck, and look forward to seeing your work/progress.

[LongRoofNut]

Thanks guys!

I had been reading on some of the trucks guys have been building on here and reading the wonky issues they seem to have. I opened up the box on one, saw the frame has be be built and went OMG! If that frame isn't square, it's going to shove everything off. I would like to figure out a jig to keep it square while it's being built.

The tanker seems to have a legacy that's not a great one. But I really think if all these are done right, they will look right at home with all the little "four wheelers" around them.

[tbill]

don't sweat the frames, so far all of mine have come out 'square' for the most part. all my wheels touch the ground, lol. bit of advice though, build as much of the frame/running gear before you paint, I find that way if it does come out a bit 'off', you can 'tweak it' some without wrecking stuff. that and it cuts down on ruined paint from possible too much glue while putting bits on. that's how I do it anyway. hope this helps some.

[Superpeterbilt]

Squaring up the sides of the crossmembers with a good sharp file is your best bet for a strait square frame. The crossmembers are never strait. Making a jig wouldnt hurt though.

[Old Buckaroo]

A "self healing" hobby mat makes life real easy with the frames. You can find them with 1" square grids ,masking tape works wonders for holding the frame in place till the cement dries.

This is a frame I shortened but you can get the idea