** new to forum***

[kenworthman90]

Im looking in to building a Italeri Peterbilt 378, can I get some info on stretching the frame, bigger stacks, and any other custom parts that would be use ful. Also any special tools ill need. Thank you for reading and if I posted in the wrong part please let me know.

[slusher]

Welcome John, your in the right section..

Edited December 15, 2014 by slusher

[Chuck Most]

The best way to stretch the frame is to use sections cut from a second kit, but since I'm assuming you're new at this I'm going to also assume you don't have any other 378 kits or parts laying around. In that case finding some plastic c-channel similar in size to the frame rails would be the way to go. It's usually a good idea to reinforce the stretched area by gluing plastic sheet or brass in from behind. The old "measure twice, cut once" trick applies here, but as long as you take care to keep everything square and straight you'll be fine.

For making bigger stacks, (or even a simple improvement over the kit-supplied stacks) just check out the K&S metal section at the hobby shop. They should have a decent selection of aluminum rod and tubing you could use. It's easy to work with and looks great with a little polishing.

As far as tools go, you should be good with the basic arsenal any modeler should have- hobby knife handle and blades, adhesives, sandpaper and files, etc. One thing I'd recommend beyond that is an Atlas Super Saw (or something similar), which you should be able to get at any decent hobby shop that caters to model railroaders, or online. Small clamps and rubber bands are handy to have, to keep things held together as glue sets.

Here's a link regarding the kit itself- http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/?showtopic=65864

There you'll find a review of the kit, a few ways to improve it, and some tips on assembly.

[kenworthman90]

@Chuck most. Thank you for the info. I also forgot to ask about visor and bumper, im assuming just some good old aluminum sheets will for that?

[Chuck Most]

Aluminum or plastic- whichever you're more comfortable working with. Hard to beat real aluminum if you're going for a polished aluminum look, though.