Bethlehem Steel
So, I built as much as possible, into sub-assemblies. The horrible chrome was removed in a bath of bleach.
I know that some of you guys do things differently, but I find this quicker
Everything gets 2 coats of Tamiya Semi-Gloss Black
Including the body shell.
This is my attempt to darken down the orange. After a previous experience, with the same orange, I decided to go down this route, as a trial.
This is my attempt to darken down the orange. After a previous experience, with the same orange, I decided to go down this route, as a trial.
2 light coats of orange. 24hrs to dry. Next coats coming tonight
4th coat, and the colour is starting to show. However, I've noticed a couple of blemishes. This was due to a dodgy contaminated bottle of Tamiya thinner. I've now mixed fresh paint, with Mr Leveller. Gonna have to let this dry for a couple of days, then wet sand. Still, I can work on other things, while I have the time.
On the original, it's checker plate, so I made a pair.
Got the top glued, waiting for it to dry now
Got the glass in, the windscreen needs clamping. See how it goes.
Interior ready to go!
Mock up time 🙂
So this is the original truck. Notice the rear mudflaps?
Yes, I tried!
This is one strand of copper wire, from alarm cable. Closest I could find, to scale
Madness
But they look great
The wire I used.
A quick scratchbuild. It's the battery box, that doubles as a step, on the passenger side.
Nearly forgot about the exhaust. The original looks nothing like this.
Gotta wait for the chrome to dry, and then paint the inside of the tip.
Don't ya just love it when a plan comes together?
Battery box installed
Mudflaps look close to the originals
Still need to add bling and the clear lenses
Fabrication of the new mirror brackets
Heat shield installed.
A few more details added
I've relied heavily on pictures from the net, on this build. As you can see, that cab is a very odd setup. I've stood next to this awesome truck in real life though, and you can just feel the power and magnificence of it!
Commenti
11 2 January 2023, 13:46 - Messaggio privato
BozzerI did mate. It's a WIP. Time permitting, but more pictures this weekend, for sure.
7 January 2023, 02:34
BozzerWelcome aboard Kyle. This is a quickie that I've wanted to do. The longest part will be getting the decals from the states.
7 January 2023, 08:13
Bradley SadlerI've always wanted to do a semi but if I was id have to try find one i could do as Optimus Prime. Looks good mate
7 January 2023, 11:32
Kyle DeHartWell that's a cool looking Mack so I'm looking forward to seeing it come together. I like the Bethlehem steel idea too. Seems like a good truck for that
Bradley, Optimus prime as a semi would be a fun build. You'd need a Pete 379 for the film or a Freightliner cabover for the original version. Would be cool to have both really. Of course the film peterbilt is highly customized. Gen 1 prime would be the one I'd build.
7 January 2023, 12:14
BozzerLol, you guys definitely know your trucks! If you look at the Mack Museum pictures, on their site, you'll see Megatron. I've stood next to that vehicle and believe me, it's very impressive! Certainly not road legal, but it would cause a stir, parked on the driveway 🙂
7 January 2023, 12:25
BozzerI'm gonna have to create a WIP album, for you truck guys to look at? You can see a few of them in the pictures above? I like to keep things moving, when I'm in the cave. Time through the week can be hard, especially if I've been driving long distances, so I average 14hrs cave time, in a session. Nobody can get hold of me in there, so I solely concentrate on my rigs.
7 January 2023, 12:30
Kyle DeHartYou're the one that knows the trucks, my friend. I've just had many a Peterbilt chrome bumper, stack, or drop visor under my hand polishing it. My very first job. It was awful. I've enjoyed semis ever since. 😂😂
7 January 2023, 12:32
JarrettI'll buy you the mud flaps and/or the accessories, if you want them... ?
10 January 2023, 20:25
BozzerThank you mate, I appreciate your offer.
However, I'm kinda stuck in the builds that I've promised myself, for this year, and I also have to get my other stuff finished? But, that doesn't mean that I'm not still looking at the cool stuff??! Lol, even I'm allowed to treat myself, once in a while 😉
10 January 2023, 20:31
BozzerGot a bit done on this today. After several attempts at bending the checker plate, I finally had a lightbulb moment. Humming away in the background, was my 3D printer. So, I attached the roughly cut parts to the heated bed, and let nature do it's course. Hey presto, it worked! Granted, they have started to return to their original shape, but they'll work.
Glass was a poor fit at the very front, but it's clamped and drying, ready for the interior to go in. Then, I can really move this build along.
14 May 2023, 19:15
BozzerThanks mate. I lost count of how many coats of orange, but I think it was 7? However, I managed what I was trying to achieve, so I'm happy. 🙂
15 May 2023, 07:53
Bill NewcomerI am surprised you have not scuffed the tire treads. The mold seams are showing.
28 May 2023, 05:25
BozzerLol, there's time yet mate. I had to put them on so I could get ground clearance? I might swap them out for some Moebius though. Amt tyres (tires) aren't really convincing, are they?
28 May 2023, 05:31
Bill NewcomerAMT tires are a bit narrow for my taste. However, when your stash is limited. Do the best with what you have, That is why I like the filler rod to "fill 'em up"
28 May 2023, 05:55
Album info
This is something that I've wanted to do for years. First build of 2023.
