Novinky

Bruce Huxtable
If my best were as good as your worst, I would be very happy 🙂👍 A-Model do provide lots of fun challenges 😉

Robert Podkoński
Either you are too kind to me, Bruce, or too harsh to yourself 😉 Your models are much better than mine. Thanks, nevertheless 🙂

Bruce Huxtable
Au contraire, Robert. I have yet to try my hand at a bare metal finish, or indeed add fine antennae or rigging. I've only tried a few PE extras, and still only add paint by brush. The finishes you achieve are superb and thus inspirational, and there is never a hint of dodgy filler anywhere 👍👍👍

Robert Podkoński
Merci beaucoup, Bruce. I just try to do my best...

Robert Blokker
A bit of wash filter or pinwash here and there would already lift them up but actually they are not bad at all

Robert Podkoński
Thanks again, Robert... actually almost all of these flew away to my friends' sons already 😉

Villiers de Vos
Robert, Bruce captured it perfectly.

Alex Rodionov
WoW. Fine collection of rare jets. 👍

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Villiers and Alex, you are too kind to me 🙂

Mark
Another collection of fantastic beasts, all beautifully finished. 👍 May I ask of photo 19, what is the aircraft type?

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Mark, you're too kind to me. This is a kit of a prototype VTOL plane with thrust augmented wing concept:
Rockwell International XFV-1..nd Craftswork AA-2026, 1:72)

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Very nice collection, Robert.

Robert Podkoński
Thanks, WhiteGlint 🙂

Neil
Hi Robert. Very nice, love the XFV 😎

Robert Podkoński
Thanks, Neil 🙂

Lochsa River
quite the eclectic collection! don't you ever make anything "normal"...you don't have to answer that....

Robert Podkoński
LOL 😄 Speaking about "normal", Lochsa River:
Easy Ones | Album by podkon (1:72)

Alex K
I very much like the Ford Flivver, the Payen and the Bugatti...! 👍 ... and, of course, I do wish my not-so-well built models were as good as your "not-so-well" built models!

Robert Podkoński
Thank you very much, Alex, you're too kind to me 🙂 It seems like we like similar topics 😉 The three you mentioned are my favourite ones too.

Sebastian Meyner
Very nice builds of rarely seen subjects mate 👍

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Sebastian!

Marcin Dudek
I saw some of them (including Ford) and they are grate. Plus It is always a nice suprise to discover a machine I have never heard about before.

Robert Podkoński
Thanks, Marcin! 😉

Mark
Robert, thank you for info on: Rockwell International XFV-1..nd Craftswork AA-2026, 1:72)

Villiers de Vos
A very unique collection. Very interesting and expertly finished.

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Villiers, much appreciated! 🙂 @Mark: My pleasure! 😉

Bruce Huxtable
I'm enjoying and am impressed by these latest additions to you album, Robert. Looking superb 🙂

Robert Podkoński
Thanks, Bruce! Welcome! 🙂

Alex K
Oh! A cute Yak! 👍

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Alex 🙂

Charlie Spitfire
why do yaks make bad sports players

because they yak and yak and yak

Robert Podkoński
😄

Łukasz Gliński
Some are nicer, some not, but Ford & Arado are the best 👍

Robert Podkoński
Thanks for your appreciation, Łukasz 😉

Guy Rump
A very nice collection you have there Robert. 👍

Robert Podkoński
Thanks again, Guy 😉

gorby
That's a remarkable collection Robert!

Robert Podkoński
Thanks for taking a look, Gorby! 😉

David Liney
Really interesting models. Lovely collection!

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, David. I am glad you like them.

Patryk S.
Outstanding collection Robert! The subjects are real stunners!

Robert Podkoński
Thanks, Patryk 😉

Alex K
Welcoming the newest additions 👍 👍

Robert Podkoński
🙂

Łukasz Gliński
So many nice builds not to belong to such album 😛 (Ford, Arado, DC-9, Dewoitine, Chaika, Delta, Optica and Saro... where the heck did you find the latter one?! 😮 )
And Eclipse doesn't seem to be such a past build either 😛

Alec K
An excellent collection of unique aircraft and nicely built for sure 👍

Neuling
I agree with Alec. Thanks for showing!

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Mates, much appreciated.
@Lukasz - there are many different reasons to archivize the photos. I am sure you're smart enough to figure it out by yourself (hint - the printed modellers' magazine in the descriptions of some models presented 😉 )

Villiers de Vos
A beautiful and unique collection Robert. Thank you for sharing.

Robert Podkoński
Thank you for your kind words, Villiers 🙂

Andy Ball
What an eclectic bunch of builds! All wonderfully done too, don't know why you haven't shared them sooner!!

Robert Podkoński
You're too kind, Andy, thank you. (Frankly - I had to find these photos on my 15 years old computer and transfer them "manually" with a memory stick 🙂 )

Jv
Very interesting collection Robert

Robert Podkoński
Thanks Jv!

John
Very nice collection Robert. Love the unique types, thank you, very inspiring !

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, John. I am glad to hear that 🙂

Spanjaard
Excellent collection, pictures look good, and models look fantastic. Only thing wrong is the introduction "not so well assembled" 😉

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Spanjaard, you're too kind 🙂

Thomas Ehrensperger
great, all the weird stuff you have built 😍

Robert Podkoński
Thanks for reaching these out, Thomas.

Bruce Huxtable
So many stunners, so many favourites!

Robert Podkoński
I am glad you like them, Bruce 😉

Michael Kohl
No Me-109? How dare you?! 😜

Robert Podkoński
No Spitfire neither Mustang, too... (in fact, I am going to assemble my very first Bf-109 in near future... in the Luftwaffe der R.O.A markings 😉 )

Łukasz Gliński
Similarly to me, but different camo 😋

Henry Ch.
I love your "Ford" plane.

Robert Podkoński
Thank you, Henry 🙂 It took me some time to find the kit, but it was worth the trouble...

Alex K
Aaaa! So, you've already built one of Aerobases's PE Lilienthal's! 👍

Robert Podkoński
It was a long time ago, Alex...

Bruce Huxtable
Oh, a moth died and landed on your window cill! 😉

Robert Podkoński
😄 😄 😄

Zbynek Honzik
That's a very original collection! I like it very much.
The ones I like the most are the Ford Flivver, AG-4 Crusader, Bristol Racer and of course the Edgley Optica. Awesome pieces! 👏👏👏

Robert Podkoński
Thank you again, Zbynek 🙂 You're too kind 🙂

Philmeidosem -1/72
Superbe boulot! quelle finesse! 🙂 Cela m'évoque Léonard de Vinci et également "L'Éole" de Clément Ader! En tout cas, encore bravo.

bughunter
Cool little glider! 1:160 seems to be very little as it is not big in bigger scales.

Robert Podkoński
Thank you very much, Philippe and Bughunter. @Philippe - I purchased it when I visited Le Bourget museum for a very first time - they sold AeroBase kits at that time... I heard somewhere that AeroBase kits are now to be purchased in some shop in the underground gallery adjacent to the entrance to the Louvre Museum...
@Bughunter - I plan to build the famous Lilienthal biplane glider soon from the same manufacturer 😉 Its span is about 4 cm actually...so not very small 😉

bughunter
Long ago I found some Aerobase kits in museums shops in Germany, but I bought only bigger ones. The 1894 glider in 1:48 is still in my stash 😉

Robert Podkoński
Lucky you! 🙂 Recently they produced a few fantastic kits...what is even more frustrating, since they are almost impossible to be purchased in Europe...

bughunter
You can still buy them, international shipping for 12€ sounds fair: aerobase.jp/en/
Oh, some new kits!

Robert Podkoński
I know I could buy them from Japan, but our customs office charges a tax as well as a handling fee...

bughunter
Same shit here 🙁

Philmeidosem -1/72
Good morning Robert! When I come back to Paris on vacation or on a weekend (I lived there for 22 years and my in-laws live there) I can go to the Louvre and I will tell you if there are indeed models from Aerobase…

Robert Podkoński
Thank you for the offer, Philmedosem 🙂 It would be great. I have a few friends in Paris and I suppose I could ask them to buy something for me. In fact, I've been to Paris like two years ago, but did not know about this shop 😭 ... Delfonics it is, according to the info on the AeroBase webpage.

Alec K
Can't miss this one! Very nice start 👍

Ludvík Kružík
Good to see you, Alec. As you can guess, this is gonna be a big show. There's gonna be a lot of cutting, a lot of editing, and of course, I'll be scratching out new parts. At this point, I'm still planning the build process. But work on the model will soon be in full swing.

Pierre Pierre
very intersting transformation. Following

Ludvík Kružík
Welcome, Pierre, I'm very pleased to see your interest. I hope you find my rebuilding interesting.

The manufacturer of the Avia BH.9 model states 1/48 scale on the box. Actually the model is made in a slightly smaller scale 1/50. I don't mind that in this case. The Avia BH.10 is very similar to the Avia BH.9, but because it is a single-seat aircraft, it is smaller overall than the Avia BH.9. . So even if I build a single seat Avia BH.10 in 1/48 scale, I will be scaling down the fuselage and wing parts from the kit. I have been comparing the fuselage and wing parts to a 1/48 scale drawing of the Avia BH.10 and wondering how to scale the parts down to fit the desired shape and size.

Robert Podkoński
Taking a seat, of course!

J35J
Great start! Following👍🏻

Villiers de Vos
A great project.

bughunter
Nice project! The BH-10 will fit nicely between your finished BH-9 and BH-11 👍

Ludvík Kružík
Frank, you make a good point. The Avia BH.10 will add to my collection of Avia BH series monoplanes from the 1920s. They are very interesting and modern aircraft for their time, if only because biplanes dominated the skies at that time.

Ludvík Kružík
I finished modifying the fuselage and wings to 1/48 scale.

Ludvík Kružík
I started making new parts for the model.

bughunter
Successful reshaping of kit parts 👍
Not very much left of the kit, but it looks like that way needs less work compared to a full scratch build.

Ludvík Kružík
That's right. Due to the great similarity of the fuselage and wings of both Avia's, it is easier to modify these parts than to produce completely new ones. Still, there will be a lot of work involved in building the model.
At the moment I have the basic parts roughly ready. I still have to work on them. I will have to do some puttying and sanding. And then fill in all the details.

Alec K
Nice progress. Watch, KP will release their 1/72 kit in 48 just as you finish… 😉 😄

Ludvík Kružík
I'm not really worried about that. Even if it happens, I'm fine with it. Avia BH.10 in 1/72 scale is not very accurate. And if KP goes the route of enlarging parts of the 1/72nd scale model while making a 1/48th scale model (which I think is very likely), it will transfer all the errors of the original model to the new one. Plus, I really like these "crazy" rebuilds. It's a lot of fun for me. 😉

Alec K
I fully agree, scratch builds and conversions are a lot of fun. I'll have to compare the KP kit to drawings before starting mine 👍

Ludvík Kružík
Alec, before building a model you have to choose which machine you want to build. I'm building a first production run machine, but KP's 1/72 scale kit is a second production run machine. Otherwise there were machines with special modifications. And be careful which drawing you want to use. Some drawings are not very accurate (for example the drawing from Modeler 7/1986).
I have described the basic differences between the first and second production series machines in the attached photo.

Alec K
Great, thank you! Do you have a drawing recommendation?

Ludvík Kružík
Alec, you can find a lot of useful information about Avia BH.10 on Czech Modelforum in Pavel Kloucek's overviews.
Information about machines from the first production run can be found here: modelforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=310&t=143236
And information about the machines of the second production series is here: modelforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=310&t=143254
A lot of interesting information about the Avia aircraft designed by Benes and Hajn is in this book: nasevojsko.eu/nasevo..onstrukce-Benes-Hajn

I sent you a PM about the drawings.

Alec K
Super, thank you very much.

Ludvík Kružík
I am continuing to build the model by making a new cockpit.

Ludvík Kružík
Unfortunately I only have one period photo of the cockpit, which shows the instrument panel and the right side of the cockpit.
I'm working from the drawing to create the controls and instruments on the left side of the cockpit and floor, with the help of photos of the Avie BH.11 cockpit.
Since the Avie BH.9, 10 and 11 have the same engine and very similar construction, I think most of the cockpit controls were designed very similarly, if not identically.

gorby
Very impressive work so far.

Alec K
Cockpit looks great, those instruments are superb 👍

bughunter
... and the wood looks good too!

Ludvík Kružík
Welcome my friends! Thank you for your interest and popdoru. I really appreciate it.

Ludvík Kružík
I finished the cockpit. After gluing the starboard side to the cockpit, I'll mount the cockpit to the fuselage.

Alec K
Your prop effort beats mine. I tried with sandwitched colored paper infused with resin but needed a painted color overlay. I need to try with correct colored card stock next time.

Ludvík Kružík
Making a propeller out of coloured cardboard was an experiment for me. I wondered if it would work.

Ludvík Kružík
I finished making the cockpit. Now I'm going to glue the bottom of the fuselage and then putty and sand the fuselage.

Ludvík Kružík
It was time to puttying and sanding. We'll see how many times I have to repeat this cycle.

Villiers de Vos
A lot of attention to detail. It will pay off in the end.

bughunter
I will buy shares of putty manufacturers. 😉

Ludvík Kružík
Villiers, welcome! Good to see you again.

This aeroplane is very simple and there are very few small details on it. But the few that are on it, I'll be sure to pay attention to. 😉

Bughunter,
maybe your plan to buy shares in the putty maker will pay off. At least in my case the putty maker made a profit 😄.

I know the fuselage doesn't look good with a heavy coat of putty. But the hull needed that layer of putty on the bow. I had to fill in all the joints and minor unevenness. There won't be much putty left on the hull after sanding, but since the putty shrinks as it dries, it's hard to tell ahead of time where more putty is needed and where maybe not. In this case, more is better.

Ludvík Kružík
The fuselage, wings and tail surfaces are ready for minor detailing. In the end I just needed one rough puttying, sanding, spraying surfacer, one fine puttying of minor defects, sanding again and final surfacer.

Jakub Fiala
Super! 👍

Alec K
Very nice progress 👍

bughunter
The polished surfaces looks great! 👍

TH SCALE MODELS (Thomas Haberl)
Amazing how this turnded out till now Ludvik! Biggest respect for this special project and efforts you make on it. Looking forward to the next steps 🤩

Ludvík Kružík
Mates, thank you all!
It's great to have you on board. Your support means a lot to me.

Ludvík Kružík
After a short vacation I returned to building the Avia. I haven't had much time to build it yet.

I taped the tail surfaces with masking tape so I could spray thin strips of surfacer on the ribs.
To indicate the slight sagging of the canvas on the wing surfaces that were only covered with canvas, I started scraping these surfaces very gently with a round-bladed scalpel. Once I had completed this operation on both wings, it was my turn to cover them with masking tape so that I could spray strips of surfacer on the wing ribs.

I'll add photos of the work in progress next time.

Ludvík Kružík
I started adding details to the fuselage, wings and tail surfaces.

Ludvík Kružík
I'm slowly resuming my work. I've sprayed the rib bands on the wings and added some minor detailing to the left side of the fuselage.

Ludvík Kružík
The top and side surfaces of the Avia are sprayed with the first of three camouflage colours.

Moreno Baruffini
WOOOOOOOWWW! Super!

Alec K
This will be another beauty 👍

Ludvík Kružík
Moreno Baruffini, thank you, I appreciate it.

Alec, when this Avia is finished, it will complete my collection of Avia BH-3, Avia BH-9 and Avia BH-11 monoplanes from Benes and Hajn constructors.

Villiers de Vos
Still nailed to my chair.

Ludvík Kružík
Villiers thank you for your interest.

Due to the summer season and its associated activities and the occasional babysitting of my 15 month old grandson, I have less time to build the model. Progress will be slower.

Ludvík Kružík
The upper surfaces of the Avia are already covered with tri-colour camouflage. There was no time to spraying silver paint on the lower surfaces today. At least I know what I will do next time 😄.

Villiers de Vos
Coming together nicely.

Alec K
The colors look great 👍

bughunter
The colours bring it to life!
And no worry about slower progress - family and life is very important.

Moreno Baruffini
I totally agree with Bughunter!

Ludvík Kružík
@ Villiers and Alec
Thank you for your support, it is very much appreciated.

@ bughunter and Moreno
You are right, family is important and has a higher priority than building models. Don't worry, I'm clear on this point. 😉

Ludvík Kružík
Today I had time and also the daytime temperatures dropped to a bearable limit so I took advantage of it and moved the construction a little bit again.

Ludvík Kružík
I continue building the model by making parts for the landing gear, propeller and wings. I also printed the decals with the serial numbers.

Villiers de Vos
Fantastic skills.

Robert Podkoński
Presumably, you're approaching the finish line, Ludviku 🙂

Ludvík Kružík
Mates, thank you!

Robert, it's true. Once I finish the individual assemblies, the model building and completion of the model will move forward quickly. 🙂

bughunter
Nice details on the undercarriage - the kit seem to be short run.

Guy Rump
Looking great! 👍

Curatorm
This model seems to be workable ^_^

Ludvík Kružík
@ Bughunter,
you're not far from the truth. During the building of my Avia BH - 9 and Avia BH - 11 kits, I received quite a lot of inquiries from Czech modellers asking if I was thinking about releasing the kit in a short run.
Unfortunately I don't have the equipment or experience to produce these kits. That is why I am sticking with my rebuilds and builds from scratch. But they say "never say never". So who knows, maybe someday... 😉

@ Guy Rump, Curatorm
Thanks for the kind words, it's a great inspiration for me to continue working on this project 🙂.

Skyhiker
Your hard work is paying off. Looking forward to seeing it all come together.

Ludvík Kružík
Skyhiker, thank you for your contribution.
And I can at least partially satisfy your curiosity. I've attached the wings with struts and horizontal tail surfaces to the fuselage.

Alec K
… and it has wings! Looking awesome 👍

Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress.

Ludvík Kružík
Summer weather and holidays are not very good for modelling, but I have noticed some progress. I am gradually making small parts. Most of them are in the semi-finished stage.

Christian W
I laid my hands on this cool truck for six hours now and I'm not that big fan so far. The instructions are not that precisely with showing the wholes, which have to be added. So I had to graph the cabins to see, whether the locations are right for the side moldings and tanks.
Then I tried to fit the hood. That sucks a lot. After scribing and sanding a lot of material it still fits not good. Yesterday I quit it so far.
Maybe another try today.

But hey: when it is done right, it will look great.

Nigel Chapman
I've heard a few truck kits can be like that. Perhaps the chassis is a generic part over several kits? Good on you for your perseverance

Villiers de Vos
Nice progress.

Dominik Weitzer
here it is 🙂 . keep it up. italeri are sometimes bad if i remember my Scania i built loooong time ago.

Christian W
Thanks mates! The frame looks like a basic thing. I'm sure, they use it in several kits. On the inside are a lot more holes to open if needed. At the rear end, you have to fit in a kind of tail, which has to be shortened first. This two parts are definitally designed for more kits. Or the white parts on the frint end: they are added to take the hinges of the hood.
We will see. I will bring this truck to an end. Stock build, but it will be done. At latest in December this year 😉 I'll pull through. no matter how.

Bozzer
Well, I couldn't scroll by this build. I'm definitely onboard!
So, yes, it's a generic chassis. They're nearly all, basically the same, on the American trucks. Taken from the Freightliner FLC, and as you said, just with bits added on and removed. I have the newer version of this. What I found is, the hood lines up with the side skirts, but the rear bracket, looks kinda stretched forward? I haven't found a fix for this yet? I have been thinking about some gentle heat, and a little bending? I also got carried away with the handrails, and opened up too many holes. So, I'm now looking for an extra handrail. I have many Italeri truck kits, but these rails, I've not come across before? I'll get there though. Currently, she's awaiting decals, but other builds have taken precedent, and my new cave building, has halted all modelling. I have to admit though, Italeri instructions are very hit and miss! Before opening up anything, remove the parts and attempt a dry fit first. The beauty of this forum is, we all help eachother. Another tip for these chassis is, to definitely make sure that they're built square. Italeri don't really give you any leg room, for error. Everyone has their own way, but I use Lego bricks. Always guaranteed a perfect right angle, with Lego. Wedge one side and leave the chassis to set. Advisory note though: Don't glue the chassis to the Lego! On my next truck build, I'll add the Lego trick, to my Hints and Tips Album, so you can visualise what I mean 👍

Christian W
So what! The hint and tipp with Lego sounds a good one. In fact, it is tricky to get everything lined up "freestyle" like I did it. Up to this building steps, I laid the frame plane on my table and mounted one part after the other. I don't know how to describe this. I took my time for it because I know, that when I glue fast (quick and dirty 😄), the whole truck won't sit properly on the wheels and the body could be twisted.
so far everything looks straight. The frame lies flat. But I have the impression that the front end of the frame is slightly warped towards the passenger side. If I press it slightly towards the driver's side, the hood fits better. I will definitely correct that.

Christian W
The drama continues. Actually, I wanted to built in the axles (plural!). But I only got the front axle done. As soon as I glued the spring packs together, I had the impression that it wasn't symmetrical. Since there are no other mounting aids, I left it as it is. I assembled all the parts of the front axle and onto the springs. It was clearly visible that the axle is now at an angle. So I sanded down all the fixed points of the axle and corrected it. In retrospect, I might have corrected the spring packs on the frame. Hm. Maybe I'll cut that apart again.

Kyle DeHart
Stopping in to watch!

Dominik Weitzer
sounds you have a good run on that Bro :-D

Bozzer
This one, is definitely fighting you buddy. I can assure you though, I think that you just got unlucky this time. If you keep struggling, I suggest that you contact Italeri? Their customer service, is very good. You only pay for shipping, and even though they do things a little different, they're always happy to help? I once had a set of scratched chrome tanks, and they sent me the parts, shipped to the UK, for €7. These days, I'd just strip and use Molotow, but back then, it was a life saver 🙂

Jonathon Herring
Will be watching. Tempted by this kit. Don't have a freightliner in the stash yet. It's either this or the COE with its massive seam filling. I do love day cabs so.......

Christian W
Welcome on board, Lonathon 🙂 This truck was a gift of my mom and it is the kind of trucks, I like a lot. It looks so massive with the skirts and this big wind deflector on the roof.

@Boozer ... Good advice. On some building steps im really not sure, whether I put the parts wrong together or misunderstood the instructions or changed them after picking them up and turned the e.g. frame not from up to down. I always cut the parts for each step of the frame and lay them onto the instructions sheets like they are showed on it. Then glueing them together and put them on the main part. Regular stuff. Routine. I think 99 percent do that.
It is the first time that I have so much issues. I don't know why. So far the chassis is done and it can sit on its wheels.
I decided to have the chromed parts black at the chassis.

Bill Newcomer
I have 5 different Italeri kits in my stash. I have not yet tackled any of them. Following to see the hurdles involved.

Bozzer
@ Bill. Mainly, the instructions can be misleading, so dry fitting before drilling any holes, is a must. And the later kits, I found the chrome parts, more greasy than normal? A good soak in detergent sorted that out, and a general wash with a sponge. And some of the cab assemblies can be a bit tricky. Painting the cabs, involves thought. I usually paint the interior, then build them completely. Mask up the windows and then paint the exterior. But everyone has their own way? I'm happy to watch Christian, battle on with this, and assist where I can though 😉

Christian W
When I see the different parts of the cab, then I know, what's awaiting me: another lot of dry fitting. The conclusion of the roof is stupid because the uper frame of the front window leads 5mm into the flat part of the roof - up to the area, where the lamps will be mounted. That is one spot to work on.
Also the sleeper. The roof doesn't line up to the side walls exactly. I don't know, where I will fix that. Sand down the roof edges and losing the bolts and rivets or fit the side walls to the edges and fill up gaps.
For the cabine and sleeper I think there is now other way around to work with them like you'll do on planes. Finish the interior, glue everything together (and the windows have to be mounted from the inside!), mask it and then work on the gaps or edges and paint everything as one big piece of body.

For the chassis I easylie can follow the advise: dryfit before drilling - with all the parts, which will be needed afterwards.

Bozzer
You have to use your eyes, to correctly line up the sides, with the front of the cab. I definitely don't recommend sanding anything. However, the location tabs, are definitely off. For the cab, I always use Revell Contacts Cement. It just gives you more time, and a decent weld of the plastic. I can hear the superglue guys shouting, already, but it's never worked for me, on an Italeri kit, cab? I tend to leave the roof until last, then touch up anything, from the top and the sleeper entrance? Obviously, dry fit the roof, at all times. The western star cab, and a couple others, have a joint on the roof. I've filled this, as we always do, but I've been told that it's a seam, that's very life-like? Still seems strange to me though? For some reason, I couldn't find any reference information on this? If any truckers out there can confirm that, I'll be grateful for any pictures? I just don't think that a joint, in this location, is a wise move, for any vehicle roof?

Jonathon Herring
@ Bozzer. I have noted that Tamiya extra thin cement creates a brittle connection on my MPC Mack DM800 . I am constantly reconnecting parts that my ham-handedness tends to abuse to unfastened freedom. I am now trying Lacquer thinner, Tamiya airbrush cleaner (test the chemical makeup to see if the difference helps) then I will try MEK or other products. I have been reenforcing my joints with superglue. I'm worried that seams may appear over time. MEH
@ Christian W. it's nice when someone recognizes our joyous hobby. It's a real goose for me when anyone gets me kit (no matter how many are in my stash!). I'm 55 and it still tickles me. I always build in sub assemblies, tack it all together with blue tack or tape, to assure proper alignment (about a hundred times it feels like) disassemble, paint, reassemble, find the part that flew off or find the part i scratch built because of the flying styrene acrobatics, etc.
It's a ;labor of love, right? Sometimes, I can't believe I still have any hair.

Bill Newcomer
My go to is still Testors red tube. Strong bond but requires patience. I glue two parts, set it aside. glue two others set them aside. Sometimes I use Testors window maker to wick in after the fact to add strength. Occasionally I will mix Plastruct Bondene with Testors red to thin it down and give it more "bite" due to the added solvent.

Christian W
Today I got to my beloved Frightliner. I want to come to an end so I took my rattle and and fillered it. After inspecting all the parts I saw a lot of shadows in the plastics. But I decided to let it dry and take the risk to paint it. I'll go for metallic paint. So I've done it a couple hours later.
So far I'm satisfied with it. Now let it dry and looking forward for clear coat.

Martin Oostrom
Grab that truck by the neck and show who's boss!
I like the blueish silver. Or is it silverish blue?

Bozzer
In summer, I love to paint outside. The natural light, shows everything. That's why my new cave is having 4X 600x600mm LED panels, to light up the sky. I'm also thinking about under shelf lighting, where my bench is.
Your colour looks perfect, Christian 👍

Villiers de Vos
Great paint colour.

Kyle DeHart
Bluish silver I think Martin. Lol. Either way that's a great looking color on this truck.

Christian W
I do, Martin! I show him, where the frog has it's curls *lol*

For the color I used an anthrazite. I think the bluish shine if of the blue sky yesterday.

Thank you for the motivation! Yersterday a looked at it late in the night and saw some shadows of the plastics. We will see, how this comes out after a layer of clear coat. In the end the decals will cover the tracks. Hopefully 😉

Dominik Weitzer
my condolences - i'm working on a truck too and we are not the best friends. nearly it become to an airplane and learn how to fly...

good work, fast step forward!

Christian W
Sticking the painted parts together to get the first look. All right. I think, I'm good with that. Maybe I'll paint the wind deflector again.

Bill Newcomer
Dominik, Semi attempting to be an airplane... Now that is funny!

Christian W
I have to bring this Truck to an end. I painted the lower bodyparts Anthrazit semi gloss. As soon as it is dry, I'm going to complete it.

Bozzer
Well, hopefully things go well and I'll get to see it, before I get on the plane to America? If not, I'll catch up with you guys, stateside. Good luck, my friend, and happy building 🙂

Christian W
Uh! I'm among to get it done in November. I think I won't make it this month 😉
Deadline for it is at least the first week in January.

Have a good flight!

Christian W
Some little detailing (and for me a huge step): body and sleeper sitting on the chassis.

Martin Oostrom
This is some very nice work mr W. A big difference with the cab and sleeper on

Christian W
Thank you 🙂 There are some things, I'm not satisfied with. For example: Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the shadows of the plastic out of the paint. This bothers me more than I thought. I feel like this all came out over time. After the last clear coat I didn't notice it so much. Now I just have to get through it.

Either way: I'm starting to like the truck 😄
Wait until this big wind deflector on the top is mounted. That thing looks hugh.

Nigel Chapman
If you do not say anything then no one will know! The colour choice is spot on

Bozzer
I gotta admit, when I see a flaw in my paintwork, it eats away at me. I have to agree with Nigel though, if you don't point it out, nobody else will see it.
I have lots of stuff shelved, mainly because of paint blemishes, runs, reactions and even the dreaded hair!
She looks great mate, keep going.

Jonathon Herring
We hobbyists are our own worst critics. I know every inch of the build I'm doing at any given moment and could point out all the bad. I try to not let it stall me but, it does happen. Just as long as I can see a solution or a compromise, O can keep going😏

Christian W
You are so right. Often you have every piece in the fingers. Fit testing, painting, fittesting, correct some paint spots and so on so you know every part like the pockets of your pants. At the end, when the work is done, it looks like a completed picture. Every little piece fits together. That's it. But still you know your issues. But that is also good to improve your skills. Not everything is bad.
Fir my side and to be honestly: I can't remember when I built my last truck. I know, it was another golden Frightliner but I don't know, when it way. At least it was mord than 20 years ago. There I'm sure about.

Nevertheless. Through the last hours of buildjng, I like the truck. We are friends 🙂 If is on a good way.
Today I glues some smaller parts. I try not to hurry nig to mess up with something. Another lesson learned😄

Christian W
btw: the color choice is still a challenge. Mostly then, when you go on a research through the web. And then you notice a lot of things, which aren't right molded ect. But then I compromise with it. In this case I didn't find any FLD with this highpipes. Somehow. Also the cabin to the sleeper and the wind deflector were without any gaps. Everything smoothly filled. Great. Yes, o thought about to modify mine but I didn't as you can see. Maybe in another 20ish years🙂

Bill Newcomer
I too, was approaching the its got to be perfect stage, on my builds. I finally let go of that. I began to just simply be happy with the best I could do at that particular stage. Maybe someday we will accomplish the "Perfect" build but, for me, it shall be awhile.

Christian W
Totally agree. The latest kits I'm building only for me. Silently in my mans cave 😉 This week I did two rstaurations nearby the two Trans Am and this truck. Sometimes you need a little success during boring porcesses.
Those two restaurations will be posted soon.

Kyle DeHart
I agree completely. I stray far, far from perfection. I certainly try to do my best with the hope that one day I may build one that I am truly happy with, but until then I still have my fun. This is looking really nice Christian.

Jonathon Herring
I love the color choice. When it comes to color matching, being a military modeler, I prefer to select the color I want. The amount of hullabaloo over OD green or Russian 4BO could last a lifetime. Was a Mack Superliner painted Valiant Green? 🤷‍♂️ Maybe? I like the color so, in my universe, yessir. Plum purple? Yup. Some colors I just won't do (personal preference). I would rather chase the "perfect" paint job. Like you said,though, perfect is elusive. I try to learn something new with every build, which the best older rereleases provide in droves. One of the reasons I rotate my shampoos and ground my produce when they are bad.
As long as I'm building, even-my disasters, are a learning experience. Just my 2 cents ( of which my account is now overdrawn )😭

Bozzer
Maybe we should all start an album called "Cock ups and bloopers"? Lol, I'd love to see some of your screw ups and corrections! I know that I have had a few, in my recent years of modelling. I'm dreading moving my shelf of doom builds, because there's parts everywhere! Lmao, it's gotta be crazy, or I wouldn't be doing it 😉

István Szücs
This interior color looks fantastic with this metallic gray exterior! Great work so far!

Jonathon Herring
I'm in Bozzer. Got plenty to share. Shelf Queens, damages, mishaps, and glue bombs galore. Everything from absolute skill fails to horrible kits.They need a home too. I have no shame ( I was married once, once! She spent enough time telling me what I have, am, and will have screwed up)🤨

Martin Oostrom
Bozzer, something like this? Evolution of skills. | Album by Mahoo76

Nigel Chapman
Brilliant Bozzer, I'm up for this. Have you started already then?

Bozzer
Lol guys! If I have to start this off, I will do, soon as I get home. I may just have to visit the Mack Museum again first though? I need more reference pictures, for some of my builds.

Jonathon Herring
Looks like we put Bozzer under fire. Well, if anyone can get this going, it's you Bozzer. You are prolific on this site, and also extremely helpful, personable, and humorous. Take it as a compliment, this way it won't hurt as much as you pull it all together. Your a Star🤩

Bozzer
Lmao Jonathon. I don't mind sharing my shelf queens with you guys. My main issues are usually paint, although I think that I've lost/misplaced some parts, of my A-Team van? I also have some interesting fun builds, that have stalled, simply because I started a "help" build. Those are usually started, to assist another builder, with an issue they're having with their build. And I definitely love doing research into other people's issues. If I can help, I'll do my best to do so. However, when it comes to dislikes, in my builds, it's gotta be decals! When I built my Scania, the decals were very "Testing!"

Bozzer
Oh, for any of you guys, who live near an Ollie's, have a check amongst the shelves for some bargains? I've started a new album for my hauls and bargains. $20 for the GMC Coke Truck, has gotta be a no brainer. They also had a few cars/trucks too

Christian W
You are crazy and creative in one 🙂

First: thank you for the kind word to this build. Yesterday I did some more on it and "exciting as I was to get all the chrome parts on it and not thinking about what I'm doing", are the most parts on it. There are 9 parts left to completion. But - there is the big but: I missed the decals to put on. That is very stupid. So ... Hm. I was happy, that the last parts went on without any issue or shouting on it - I had a pretty good run 🙂 Ok. Then the truck won't get the decals for now. Surely I'm thinking about, how I can bring them on at the end. Maybe with some more cuts? I don't know.

Then to you, Bozzer: "Cock ups and bloopers". This will be the perfect home for all my "in progress" without galleries here on scalemates or those gluebombs, which went into my shelf or kits (cars/trucks) which wanted to try whether they can fly.

Kyle DeHart
I could hop in with an album of an entire slew of hideous builds. From my childhood, some have survived and I don't have a shelf of doom because I force my way through everything. So that leads to some less than thrilling results. LOL. Especially early on when I was just getting back into this hobby. Also Bozzer, good shout on the Ollie's. I went about a week ago? They had no tractors but I picked up the Coke Fruehauf van and the 36' city hauler box trailer for 19.99 a piece. Selection is wildly varied between locations so check them all out in your area.

Christian the truck is looking great. Perhaps you can cut some templates out of paper and adjust them accordingly to if they will fit? Then just use the template to cut your decals to shape? Just an idea my friend.

Christian W
@Kyle ... I didn't thought about to draw a template / copy of the decals! That could work and sounds a lot more easy then use the decals itself and point out through hours where to cut etc. Good idea!

Dominik Weitzer
comes really well together . Better than mine *lol* .

Bozzer
Nearly ready for a trailer 🙂 Just be mindful that in the USA, the trailers are mainly twin axle and have 4 wheels per axle? The only time I've seen Tri axle with super singles, have been on dump trailers. I'm sure that if I'm wrong, one of the guys will correct me, but from my own personal experience, that's all I've seen.
Let them truckers roll, 10-4!

Martin Oostrom
Tadaa! Almost there.

Kyle DeHart
Bozzer, a month ago I would have wholeheartedly agreed with you. But about 3 weeks ago I saw a short conex with a tri axle setup tooling around the interstate. Have never seen one before or since so I don't know if a company just had a random one of if they are just new here or what. Maybe it was just a guy with a tri axle conex. Not sure but it was very odd.

Bozzer
Now that's very interesting. I've gotta keep my eyes open for that! There's a strange trailer, parked up by me, and I'm gonna have to get some pictures of it. I need to get myself a tape measure first though. I also picked up some cool pictures of a Mack B 61. It's in a bad way now, but it's still pretty.

Kyle DeHart
I thought it was very intriguing. What sort of a trailer is it that's near you?

Jonathon Herring
In my neck of the woods (New York) some tanker trailers have tri-axle, but not super singles. Those tires are generally on truck rears and/or box trailers. I have seen tri-axle low boys, which a modern lowboy kit would be most welcome, with both lift/tag axles or a flip up rear bogie. Also, for the fun of it, there are dump trailers around here with so many tag axles that another set wouldn't fit. I'm gonna start taking pics for a reference album. Been buying and searching for tag/ lift axles and have many so a dump trailer is in my future 👌

Bozzer
kitformservices.com/..-and-suspension-sets

Bozzer
Just for you, Jonathon 😉

Bill Newcomer
I see a lot of tri-axle Conex trailers and 4 axle flatbeds. The flatbeds usually have the forward axle single tire and lifted. Sort of like what I did on my flatbed build. I got the airbag tag axle from Auslowe.
Great Dane Extended Flatbed | Album by musclecarfan (1:25)

Christian W
Uhgh - there is some cool stuff pn that page @Boozer

Bozzer
Christian, there's some awesome stuff for Euro trucks, and I believe that they're catching up on the USA stuff. From time to time, I pick up their older stuff on eBay, etc. Sure, it can be expensive, but it all makes for interesting builds. And since I've been in the states, I've got some awesome ideas!

Bozzer
@Bill. I love that extended trailer! I have one of those in my stash. I have several friends in the states, who drive big rigs, and they share some of their cool loads with me. I get to see some awesome stuff! I have a Nooteboom lowloader in my stash, and also a bottom dump trailer. I can't wait to get them both built, and show them to you guys 🙂

Christian W
A small written update: on 1st of November last year oO I completed the truck. Since then I didn't touch it. That means, the decals aren't applied too. I don't know whether I grab it someday after the summer. Nevertheless I have to take some picture for the gallery.
Some last words to the front bumper: again, it doesn't fit properly. On one side it doesn't line up with the hood "for miles". So I put small palstic pieces between the frame and the bumper to line that up smoothly.
At the end it is on it's wheels and I'm glad to made it. It looks good enough for me. It's somewhere between ok and pretty good. Room for improvement is given 😄

Bill Newcomer
Christian, glad to hear you have (nearly) crossed the finish line. Now with the experience under your belt, what are the items that require correction. I have the flat top version reissued in 2002 and would like any relevant info you are willing to share.

Christian W
I'll try my best and keep my experience as a secret *lol*

What I'd like to double check on this build are the parts for the front axle. I'd like to figure out, why I had such big issues with it. Did I messud up something? Are the instructions wrong? That are some question, I'd like to go on the ground.
I did a lot of dry fitting. The most issue was the lineup of the hood. I thinned a lot of out to get it closed and fitted to the side panels too. At least I drilled out the hinges of the hood to get it closed well.
Also dry fit the side panels to the cabin and sleeper. The distance from them to the whole cabin was different on both sides.
At least the fitting of the front bumper to the hood. My bumper stood nearly 2 milimeters behind the grille on one side. I filled the gap with plastic sheets between the bumper and frame.
For the rear axles, these "shoes" are misleadingly marked in the assembly instructions (it was not clear to me where they belong - see picture 11) and also the cross braces on the differentials. Otherwise the frame didn't cause any problems or it wasn't bad at all.

I spent a lot of time to line those parts up properly. That was the biggest challenge. In the end, I have to say that I have visually aligned all the body parts. The front axle could be installed at the end so that the axle is nicely centered in the wheel arches.

When you start your Truck, I'll watch it definitaly. The chassis / frame should be the same. Please pay attention to the partnumbers of the same looking parts. I guess, I mixed some up. I have to I think because where else can the issues come from? One for the end: you have to drill out holes in the frame for the side panels and fuel tanks. I drilled one side twice. Don't know how that happened but it happened. The fuel tanks have to be on the same spot what makes sense because of the mounting point of the side panels 😉

Bozzer
I have the same issue Christian. I'll try and get some pictures at weekend.

Nigel Chapman
I have to say all these flaws puts me right off buying this kit. With prices anywhere between £50-80 and above you would expect parts to fit properly.
Are these old mouldings or are Italeri trying to do it on the cheap? Generally their kits are pretty decent.

Bozzer
Where the front supports, for the side skirts are, seems to be correct. The hood fits correctly, if not a little bit tight? I did notice on mine though, that the rear supports, that fit into the D shape holes (where the usual mud flaps go), seems to be stretched? Almost like under tension, and pulling towards the cab?
Anyway, that says to me, that someone screwed up measuring, when they made the moulds? The only way I can think of, to make it work, is either to shorten the frame rails, or fettle something else together, for the rear mounts? Hence, I shelved the build, until I can think of anything else.

Bill Newcomer
Thanks guys for the info. I am usually too trusting on fitment and jump right to paint sometimes with only flashing removed. It sound like if I paint too soon I will be hosed.

Bozzer
On these cabs, Bill, I usually build the cab, with the interior painted. Leave off the roof, to help with any touch ups. When you're happy, fit the roof and let it dry. Then I mask off the openings, and paint the exterior. Make sure that you can get the cab floor to fit, before you go for your external colour though?

Martin Oostrom
I generally don't like Italeri to state it mildly. Instructions could be better, colour call-outs would be nice and fit needs to be triple checked every time.
But, they're the best (least worse?) in making truck kits, as Revell hasn't done much new stuff in ages. If only Tamiya would do trucks…. That would be a dream!

But with patience and experience even Italeri kits can be build into something beautiful as Christian is showing us

Bozzer
Tamiya, making 1/24-1/25 trucks?
Excuse me gentlemen, while I drool at that thought?
How I wish they would hear our plea's and thoughts!
Tamiya Big Rig Range.
I can almost smell the plastic now 🙂
Definitely time for a beer, here in sunny England

Bob Hall
I'm definitely late to this party, literally a year late to be exact, ya know cops, their never around. But any way, good work thus far, I've heard the horror story's about Italeri kits but never built one, if they make a Mustang, maybe one day. But I think I speak for all of us here when I say that if anyone one has the ability to polish a turd into a masterpiece, it's Comrade Christian! Keep on truck'n as they use to say in the 70's ! 🛻🚚🚛

Christian W
Thank you Bob, thank you Martin! I'm very pleased about your compliments. Thank you! 🙂 "Bob the Cop" 😄

@Bozzer ... No way! That sounds like my struggles with the frame. I drilld every hole a likkle wider (also for the mud flaps) because I had the feeling, that they definitally getting tighter after painting. I decided to finish the whole frame and painted it in one piece.
For the way of painting, I went the same way: finished the interior, let the roof of for detailing etc like you described. Before painting I made sure, that all the holes coming of the engine compartment are closed. There are some around the dashboard. Keep a quick look to that.

@Nigel ... At the end itis a lovely piece of plastic or Truck 😄. I like it seeing sitting in the shelf. That shelf, where the guys hanging around as long they are no pictures taken for the gallery 🙂 I built a couple of trucks when I was around 20 / 25 years old. I can not remember to have any problems with the Italeri kits (Frightliner, Scania, even Fords LTL9000). I would because I was young and with less experience since I have today.

Nigel Chapman
@Christian, the last truck I built was the ERTL Mack DM600 in my teens, then I went all in on 1/87 trucks for the next 25 years.
The trucks do look good on the shelf.
@Bob you could combine both - A Texas trooper truck. Do hey have Command, communications or crowd control vehicles?

Martin Oostrom
@Bob, the gauntlet has been thrown!
For your inspiration: acceleratedmt.com/mobile-command-centers/

Jean-Philippe Desmeth
collector ça !

Franck Drebin
En effet. Il m'en faudra peut-être une deuxième si je veux la monter 😉

Maciej T.
Old Cinema 🙂 Youtube Video

Pietro De Angelis
Beautiful work!

Doubtingmango
Excellent finish!

Neuling
Very well done!

Maciej T.
Thank you 🙂 I'm glad you like it 😄

Patryk S.
Following! Good luck!

J35J
Taking a chair!👍🏻

Łukasz Gliński
Me 3, I have to see that! Still procrastinating mine 😄
Thomas, are you considering getting rid of the decal with my support perhaps? 😉

Thomas Kolb
Łukasz, I am not going to use the provided decal sheet, so if you want it, just PM me with your address and I can post it.

Thomas Kolb
(And for everybody else with knowledge about the different versions of the Yak-12, yes, I am aware of the differences between the A-version in the kit and the R-version used by the Hungarian People's Army. But since I am not able to scratch build the entire wing and empennage structure, let's just call it artistic license.)

Cuajete
Looking good so far, Thomas 👍
Feel free to take artistic license 😉

Robert Podkoński
Watching for sure!

Alec K
Taking a seat, looks great 👍

Thomas Kolb
Thank you very much, dear gentlemen for your attention and encouraging words!

Michael Kohl
Following too

Rui S
Welcome to scalemates🙂

Philippe GUINET
Thank you for the add. I have a version of AIRFIX B-25 Mitchell which no appears in the list that you made. How can I do to know the year of it. Thanks

Philippe GUINET
Thanks, Rui S

Philippe GUINET
Hello Rui, thanks, but I have no solution of my problem. It doesn't appear and I don't know how to find an answer. I have the same problem with an AIRFIX Me 110 D Messerschmitt which does not appear in the photos edited... with another box...... I search for the year

Martin Oostrom
This deserves more pictures!