Commercial Trucking Group Build Discussion
New Hampshire, United States
Joined: December 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,500 posts
Auto Modeler: 645 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2020 - 04:07 AM UTC
If we go with Class 3 and higher I'm going to convert the Meng F-350 to a Dually and do it as a hotshot small cargo hauler/trailer delivery.
Something like this:

I love the smell of Tenax in the morning....It smells like a day off work.
I drive a Jeep, but i still bleed Ford Blue....
New York, United States
Joined: August 25, 2006
KitMaker: 2,539 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,405 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2020 - 04:17 AM UTC
That'll be cool. Doesn't Fireball Model Works make the dually conversion for this, or is in Scenes Unlimited?
Jim
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." ---- Winston Churchill
New Hampshire, United States
Joined: December 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,500 posts
Auto Modeler: 645 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2020 - 07:10 AM UTC
Quoted Text
That'll be cool. Doesn't Fireball Model Works make the dually conversion for this, or is in Scenes Unlimited?
Jim
Scenes Unlimited, but Danny is weeks behind and may not be doing a run on them until September/October, which would be just in time. Will be getting his dually wheels and tires as well.
Trailertrashkustoms makes the fenders as well, but his stuff is not nearly as clean.
I love the smell of Tenax in the morning....It smells like a day off work.
I drive a Jeep, but i still bleed Ford Blue....
North Carolina, United States
Joined: April 29, 2014
KitMaker: 1,112 posts
Auto Modeler: 25 posts
Posted: Monday, June 01, 2020 - 02:14 AM UTC
If exposed engines isn’t your thing, how about this?


#362
California, United States
Joined: December 01, 2013
KitMaker: 1,661 posts
Auto Modeler: 431 posts
Posted: Monday, June 01, 2020 - 05:30 AM UTC
Hi David, Jim,
I've wondered about those conversions, so it will be fun to see them in use, no matter the source. I've seen adds for the two described, but have not seen them personally. I understand the dilemma, one kit, hard to get, the other, maybe available, but lower quality - always frustrating.
As you note though David, we still have a while before this build starts, so, maybe time will be on your side in regard to getting the parts and quality you want.
I'm a big fan of the parts from Fireball - Joseph makes good products, and gets them out pretty quickly. I suppose this won't help with the F-350 question though.
Cheers
Nick
New Hampshire, United States
Joined: December 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,500 posts
Auto Modeler: 645 posts
Posted: Monday, June 01, 2020 - 06:46 AM UTC
Joseph makes excellent parts, I'm a big fan of his stuff too. Used them on the Rubicon and Bronco. Will use them again.
I haven't personally used Scenes Unlimited stuff yet, but Danny replied quickly to my emails about availability and is going to let me know when the next run is ready to happen. I've heard nothing but good things about his stuff and seen some online some very good reviews. He is active on several forums and always forthcoming with information. Speaks volumes to me.
I love the smell of Tenax in the morning....It smells like a day off work.
I drive a Jeep, but i still bleed Ford Blue....
New York, United States
Joined: August 25, 2006
KitMaker: 2,539 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,405 posts
Posted: Monday, June 01, 2020 - 06:51 AM UTC
Nick,
I do not have any personal experience with resin from Scenes Unlimited or Fireball Modelworks; however, I have seen them on other Forums & heard people rave about the quality. Another few that I have heard very good things about is
Morgan Automotive Details and
Rookie Resin. Again, no personal experience, but are people very impressed with the quality of the product. One thing to note, Bill from Rookie Resin has found that one of is "customers" has been recasting his stuff & selling it on eBay, so it's probably best to get his stuff directly from his site.
As far as working with resin parts, I have been impressed with the quality from
AITM, Plaskit out of Canada; GW Trucks from Fulton, NY; and Double Take Replicas (unfortunately now closed).
Jim
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." ---- Winston Churchill
AussieReg
Associate Editor
#007
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 12:59 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I volunteer as Tribute! Jim
And with no further objections, duly elected unopposed!
Thanks for volunteering Jim, much appreciated and your experience and knowledge will be invaluable for us.
Can you please submit a Group Build Proposal when you get a chance, I think we have reached agreement on the basic framework of rules and we have plenty of time to iron out any bugs in the system. I will process it once it reaches me.
Some excellent photos coming through guys, great inspiration and plenty to consider for upgrades and modifications.
Speaking of which, when you get some spare time, check out my local after market truck specialist
AUSLOWE , lots of delicious goodies here.
Cheers, D
ON the bench
Revell 1/24 '53 Corvette (building as '54)
Revell 1/24 BMW 507 Coupe and Cabrio
Italeri 1/48 Me262 B-1a/U1 Nightfighter
Monogram 1/24 '57 Chevy Nomad
Dragon 1/350 USS Frank Knox DD-742
New York, United States
Joined: August 25, 2006
KitMaker: 2,539 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,405 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 01:06 AM UTC
Not a problem. I'll get it submitted in the next few days.
I always forget about Auslowe, because shipping from Down Under to the US is a little nuts, although I have purchased some things from him before.
Another good aftermarket dealer is
Kit Form Services. Great products, but that shipping from the UK. Yikes!
Then there are
Czech Truck Model, and
Mo'luminum Truck Parts.
Jim
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." ---- Winston Churchill

#521
Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Auto Modeler: 106 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 04:31 AM UTC
I know this is military but with a change of paint scheme it could just as easily be civi.
It took two Trumpeter Oshkosh Mark 23 sixteen ton trucks to get the necessary axles and an Italeri HEMMT LHS for the load handling equipment to build this but I had to do it! (Just sharing a little inspiration here.)



And with the left over parts I built the experimental 4x4 version of the Oshkosh Mk23:

Just to show that all this is not a product of my imagination:


New Hampshire, United States
Joined: December 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,500 posts
Auto Modeler: 645 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 06:10 AM UTC
Very cool Mike. I love the little bobtail. I've wanted to bob either an M35 or Ural 4320.
I love the smell of Tenax in the morning....It smells like a day off work.
I drive a Jeep, but i still bleed Ford Blue....
New York, United States
Joined: December 07, 2004
KitMaker: 1,888 posts
Auto Modeler: 806 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 07:22 AM UTC
This group build sounds fun i may give this a try, i have the AMT Mack DM 600 about 50% done i would love to finish it, if it is no good i have several others i could try that are not started.
New Hampshire, United States
Joined: December 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,500 posts
Auto Modeler: 645 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 09:46 AM UTC
How is that DM 600? I was looking at one the other day.
I have the Autocar dump and the Ford LNT dump on order with the LHS, should be here this week.
But, me being me, I'd kit mingle the Mack into a dumper with the one from the Ford and add the plow to the Autocar. I'd do the Ford as a day cab.
I love the smell of Tenax in the morning....It smells like a day off work.
I drive a Jeep, but i still bleed Ford Blue....
AussieReg
Associate Editor
#007
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 11:10 AM UTC
Mike, what a cool pair of builds! Very neat modifications. It would be great to have you join us next year!
Quoted Text
This group build sounds fun i may give this a try, i have the AMT Mack DM 600 about 50% done i would love to finish it, if it is no good i have several others i could try that are not started.
Robert, this is exactly what I was hoping to do with the Big Rigs Group Build! I know there are plenty of "Workshop Queens" (XOS version of Garage Queens) sitting gathering dust. It is just as rewarding to see them completed and on display as it is to see a full build come to life.
Cheers, D
ON the bench
Revell 1/24 '53 Corvette (building as '54)
Revell 1/24 BMW 507 Coupe and Cabrio
Italeri 1/48 Me262 B-1a/U1 Nightfighter
Monogram 1/24 '57 Chevy Nomad
Dragon 1/350 USS Frank Knox DD-742
New York, United States
Joined: December 07, 2004
KitMaker: 1,888 posts
Auto Modeler: 806 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 11:45 AM UTC
David. Good question i am not to shore if it's a good or bad kit as it's my first big truck. From what little i know about these kits it appears to be average, the the normal stuff for an old kit seams flash no major fit problems so far.
New Hampshire, United States
Joined: December 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,500 posts
Auto Modeler: 645 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 02:30 PM UTC
Thanks Robert, I'm going to guess that all these 70's AMT big rigs are all about the same.
I'll post some pictures in the post man thread when the two I ordered show up at the LHS.
I love the smell of Tenax in the morning....It smells like a day off work.
I drive a Jeep, but i still bleed Ford Blue....

#335
Auckland, New Zealand
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Auto Modeler: 701 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 04:21 PM UTC
Congratulations Jim!
This should an interesting group build.
cheers
Michael
Campaign:
Strip, Track and Trail - Porsche 917/20 - On the bench
Phantoms at 60 - F-4J Marines
Below 1000 tons - M50 minesweeper - Sailed for duty
New York, United States
Joined: August 25, 2006
KitMaker: 2,539 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,405 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 03, 2020 - 02:12 AM UTC
Thanks. I think so, too. I'm looking forward to it. Problem is, I don't know what I want to build! Might do the Italeri Volvo VN780 or the AMT Chevrolet Bison. Decisions decisions!
Jim
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." ---- Winston Churchill
New York, United States
Joined: August 25, 2006
KitMaker: 2,539 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,405 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 02:18 AM UTC
The Group Build proposal has been submitted. Let the fun begin! Well, eventually.
Jim
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." ---- Winston Churchill
AussieReg
Associate Editor
#007
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 02:28 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The Group Build proposal has been submitted. Let the fun begin! Well, eventually.
Jim
Thanks Jim, I will get on to it ASAP. You know, we could always start this one on July 1 and offset it by 6 months against the Garage Queens Group Build. Just a thought!
Cheers, D
ON the bench
Revell 1/24 '53 Corvette (building as '54)
Revell 1/24 BMW 507 Coupe and Cabrio
Italeri 1/48 Me262 B-1a/U1 Nightfighter
Monogram 1/24 '57 Chevy Nomad
Dragon 1/350 USS Frank Knox DD-742
New York, United States
Joined: August 25, 2006
KitMaker: 2,539 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,405 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 02:40 AM UTC
That's an idea. What's the general consensus from the group? Would July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, work better for people?
Oh, here's another inspiration photo:
Not totally sure what's going on here, but I have a feeling that the trailer & box truck are going to be scrapped.
Jim
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." ---- Winston Churchill
AussieReg
Associate Editor
#007
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 01:01 PM UTC
Quoted Text
That's an idea. What's the general consensus from the group? Would July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, work better for people?
I'm ok to work with either time frame. I'm sure there are folks here who might want to dive in earlier than Jan 2021, and the 12 month Jul20-Jun21 run time would allow for those who are waiting on kits or undecided yet what to build.
Quoted Text
Not totally sure what's going on here, but I have a feeling that the trailer & box truck are going to be scrapped.
Yeah, I would hope that's not representative of their typical rolling stock!
Cheers, D
ON the bench
Revell 1/24 '53 Corvette (building as '54)
Revell 1/24 BMW 507 Coupe and Cabrio
Italeri 1/48 Me262 B-1a/U1 Nightfighter
Monogram 1/24 '57 Chevy Nomad
Dragon 1/350 USS Frank Knox DD-742
AussieReg
Associate Editor
#007
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 01:13 PM UTC
Some more Aussie Road Train goodness.
1934 AEC with a 130 HP 6-cylinder diesel, talk about working hard!

How about this for a load of old-timers?

Armorama crossover, who ordered 6 ASLAVS?

Cheers, D
ON the bench
Revell 1/24 '53 Corvette (building as '54)
Revell 1/24 BMW 507 Coupe and Cabrio
Italeri 1/48 Me262 B-1a/U1 Nightfighter
Monogram 1/24 '57 Chevy Nomad
Dragon 1/350 USS Frank Knox DD-742
New York, United States
Joined: December 07, 2004
KitMaker: 1,888 posts
Auto Modeler: 806 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 01:34 PM UTC
July this year sounds good to me i really want to restart my Mack Dm 600, either way i should be a go for this group build.

#335
Auckland, New Zealand
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Auto Modeler: 701 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 02:04 PM UTC
Quoted Text
That's an idea. What's the general consensus from the group? Would July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, work better for people?
My thought on campaign timing is I would prefer the calendar year approach, Jan to Dec 2021. I have already got plenty of stuff to do for this year.
cheers
Michael
Campaign:
Strip, Track and Trail - Porsche 917/20 - On the bench
Phantoms at 60 - F-4J Marines
Below 1000 tons - M50 minesweeper - Sailed for duty