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Commercial Trucking Group Build Discussion
AussieReg
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AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Monday, May 18, 2020 - 01:42 PM UTC
Hi folks.

Following the beautiful W900 build by Jim in the GQ20 Group Build, it feels like time for the brains trust to get some discussions rolling around a "Big Rigs Group Build".

My initial thoughts are to run an annual year long (Jan-Dec) Group Build alongside the Garage Queens, allowing both new builds and previously started builds. Effectively we would have "GQ21 - Cars" and "Big Rigs 21" running side-by-side.

We can pull shelved builds back down on to the bench, we can encourage posting activity from folks who don't really want to run their own dedicated thread, and we can put a spotlight on an area that hasn't really been a focus here on AutoModeler.

Basic framework of rules up for discussion:
Any scale
Civilian use only (repurposed military vehicles allowed)
Minimum payload capacity (TBA) - no small pick-ups or SUVs
Rigid or articulated
Earthmoving, agricultural and construction machinery

Please jump in with any feedback, thoughts or suggestions, I would love to see this build momentum ready for a great 2021 Group Build.

Cheers, D
Dixon66
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New Hampshire, United States
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Posted: Monday, May 18, 2020 - 11:55 PM UTC
I don't currently have anything in the stash in the normal scales that would fit, I do have a Meng F-350 Diesel in 1/24.

I have been looking at getting the recently rereleased Round 2 Ford LNT-8000 Dump Truck w/ Plow. It is the basis for the Ford Louisville that was done for the Ford GB by Mike (TacFireGuru).

Either that or convert a 1/35 Deuce and a half to civilian use.

I like the idea as I have never built one, something new to try.

Now that I think of it I have some 1/87 scale stuff that could be used as well.
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 - 12:10 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Either that or convert a 1/35 Deuce and a half to civilian use.

I like the idea as I have never built one, something new to try.

Now that I think of it I have some 1/87 scale stuff that could be used as well.



That's another positive aspect for this idea, encourage us to step outside our comfort zone.

I've got a couple of 1/35 military truck kits that will get all crusted up in an Aussie outback farm scene some day.







Cheers, D
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 02:47 AM UTC
Over 100 views and only one reply, not exactly what I was hoping for!

Aussie Road Train pic just to see if I can get a reply or two.



Cheers, D
jimb
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New York, United States
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 05:27 AM UTC
D., Nice looking Road Train. So, is that your entry?

I might be interested in this Group Build as I have a lot of heavy trucks in the stash. I've been itching for an excuse to start my Italeri Volvo VN780, so this will be as good an excuse as any.

As for payload capacity, I would say nothing smaller than Class 6 (19,501-26,000 lbs), but maybe Class 5 (16,001-19,500 lbs).

I'm not sure how these Classes transfer to the EU or Australia, but here is a pretty good list of US Truck classes (all weights are GVWR):
Class 1: Light Truck, 0-6000lbs, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado
Class 2a: Light Truck, 6001-8500lbs, Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Class 2b: Light/Medium Truck, 8501-10000lbs, Ford F250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Class 3: Medium Truck 10001-14000lbs, Ford F350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Class 4: Medium Truck, 14001-16000lbs, Ford F450, Chevrolet Silverado 4500
Class 5: Medium Truck, 16001-19500lbs, Ford F550, Peterbilt 325, Chevrolet Silverado 5500
Class 6: Medium Truck, 19501-26000lbs, Ford F650, Chevrolet Kodiak 6500, International Durastar, Peterbilt 330
Class 7: Heavy Truck, 26001-33000lbs, Ford F750, Peterbilt 337, Kenworth T470, GMC C7500
Class 8: Heavy Truck, 33001lbs & up, Kenworth W900, Peterbilt 359, International ProStar

Depending on where we do the cutoff, the GMC CCKW Duce & a Half (GVRW 16400lbs) and the CMP 15 CWT might not count. The M39, M809 & M939 series 5-ton trucks will.

Just some thoughts.

Jim

Stickframe
#362
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California, United States
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 09:15 AM UTC
Hello guys,

This seems like a good subject - I've built a lot of smaller trucks in 1/24 and a few heavies in 1/35, in fact, I still have the Hobby Boss M1070 in 1/35, but it's pretty clearly a military truck. I have seen a few ads for them for sale as surplus tho - who knows. I also have this kit:



I purchased this from my LHS when they moved - they had it marked way down. I haven't built it because its so big - right up there with the M1070. Maybe I'll do some looking to see if the chassis is ever used as a flat bed or something else? A scratch build could be fun - these, yes, clearly military:



and underway:



and for fun, another:



and in process:



So, ideally, I could start with the Italeri tractor, maybe extend the rails, find a live front axle (scratch? resin?) and go from there...hmmmm???

OK, guys now you've got me thinking!

Cheers, stay well, and happy model building -

Nick
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 11:31 AM UTC
Thanks for checking in guys!

Jim, thanks for putting up that information, really clear categories that we could use to set up the Group Build. I was thinking Class 5 or 6 is about where we need to start.

Nick, some super cool work going on there mate, certainly not the usual fare, but I would expect nothing less from you!


Quoted Text

I still have the Hobby Boss M1070 in 1/35, but it's pretty clearly a military truck. I have seen a few ads for them for sale as surplus tho - who knows.





Go for it!

This would be my build.



It was the last kit my father built before he passed away a couple of years back, and I have his build sitting on the shelf as well. I plan to clean it up and replace the missing bits and pieces and have the two on display together.


Cheers, D

ahandykindaguy
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Alberta, Canada
Joined: August 20, 2008
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 12:01 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hello guys,

This seems like a good subject - I've built a lot of smaller trucks in 1/24 and a few heavies in 1/35, in fact, I still have the Hobby Boss M1070 in 1/35, but it's pretty clearly a military truck. I have seen a few ads for them for sale as surplus tho - who knows. I also have this kit:



I purchased this from my LHS when they moved - they had it marked way down. I haven't built it because its so big - right up there with the M1070. Maybe I'll do some looking to see if the chassis is ever used as a flat bed or something else? A scratch build could be fun - these, yes, clearly military:



and underway:



and for fun, another:



and in process:



So, ideally, I could start with the Italeri tractor, maybe extend the rails, find a live front axle (scratch? resin?) and go from there...hmmmm???

OK, guys now you've got me thinking!

Cheers, stay well, and happy model building -

Nick



Hey Stick! Maybe a conversion of the Red Bull into a custom built home on wheels... on steroids. Or Red Bull

AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 12:10 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Maybe a conversion of the Red Bull into a custom built home on wheels... on steroids. Or Red Bull



That sounds super cool, camping in style! Just need to set up for a little fishing tinnie somewhere on board and that's my dream!

Cheers, D
Cosimodo
#335
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Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 12:41 PM UTC
I built an AMT Peterbilt COE for the Keep on Trucking II campaign of a couple or years ago.

The thing I learned from that campaign that you spend more time swearing about AMT than you do building
A year sounds a goodly time to build another truck though I would go with a smaller truck rather than a big rig if that makes the starting point. Repurposed military sounds good as per Damian's photos.

cheers
Michael
Dixon66
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New Hampshire, United States
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 11:15 PM UTC
I ended up ordering the AMT Ford LNT-8000 Dump Truck w/ plow and Autocar 64B Dump Truck as well through my recently reopened LHS.

My plan would be to kit mingle the plow onto the Autocar as that was/is a very common sight in winter here to this day.

May start the Ford as a side build before the start of the GB (if it is approved) as a local landscape company that I've used for a loam delivery.

AMT=

Military vehicles converted as overland exploration (fancy name for camping LOL) are very common with that crowd. I've seen M1078 and M1083s converted, Unimogs, MAN trucks, etc. with home built or repurposed shelters as the living quarters. If you're interested check on Expedition Portal for some amazing (and not so amazing) builds.

AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
_VISITCOMMUNITY
Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 11:30 PM UTC

Quoted Text

May start the Ford as a side build before the start of the GB (if it is approved) as a local landscape company that I've used for a loam delivery.



It’s already approved, I’ve got a direct line to admin! 😎
Dixon66
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New Hampshire, United States
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Posted: Monday, May 25, 2020 - 02:19 AM UTC
jimb
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New York, United States
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Posted: Monday, May 25, 2020 - 09:06 AM UTC

Quoted Text

It’s already approved, I’ve got a direct line to admin! 😎



As soon as it shows up on the Campaigns Page, I'll sign up.

Jim
Dixon66
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Posted: Monday, May 25, 2020 - 11:07 AM UTC
Ditto.
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Monday, May 25, 2020 - 01:02 PM UTC
Excellent guys! Now we need to find a Group Build Leader for our inaugural annual Truck-fest, and firm up the rules.

I'm thinking we need to lower the entry level weight class so that we can include some of the lighter ex-military and civilian delivery trucks. They won't fit in any of the Car Group Build categories and might not generate enough interest for their own Group Build, but are too big to be included in the theme suggested in the discussion thread:

17. Work and delivery - Those light commercial vehicles, pick-ups (Utes), panel vans, mini-buses

I'm thinking Class 3 or Class 4 from the list kindly posted by Jim:

Class 3: Medium Truck 10001-14000lbs, Ford F350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Class 4: Medium Truck, 14001-16000lbs, Ford F450, Chevrolet Silverado 4500

Other than that, it's pretty open:

Any scale
Civilian use only (repurposed military vehicles allowed)
Minimum payload capacity (TBA) - no small pick-ups or SUVs
Rigid or articulated
Earthmoving, agricultural and construction machinery

Let's talk!

Cheers, D
jimb
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Posted: Monday, May 25, 2020 - 01:49 PM UTC
Making it Class 3 and above would open up a lot more options for this Group Build, and the Work & Delivery Group Build can be for Classes 1 - 2b. I have an AMT Chevrolet G30 rescue van that will fit into this Group Build nicely, and I want to get the AMT 1977 Ford Econoline 150 Coca-Cola van.

When I did the "Keep on Truckin'!" Group Build, I wanted a 5-ton minimum; but that kept a lot of people from signing up, so opening this Group Build up to medium & heavy duty trucks will probably encourage more people to join. Let's face it, there really aren't a lot of people on this Forum that are into Class 8 trucks.

Jim
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Monday, May 25, 2020 - 02:21 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Making it Class 3 and above would open up a lot more options for this Group Build, and the Work & Delivery Group Build can be for Classes 1 - 2b. I have an AMT Chevrolet G30 rescue van that will fit into this Group Build nicely, and I want to get the AMT 1977 Ford Econoline 150 Coca-Cola van.


Sounds good, I have (surprise surprise!) '55 and '57 Chevy Cameo kits lined up for the Work and Delivery GB, still looking for the '55 and '57 Stepsides to pair with them as well.


Quoted Text

When I did the "Keep on Truckin'!" Group Build, I wanted a 5-ton minimum; but that kept a lot of people from signing up, so opening this Group Build up to medium & heavy duty trucks will probably encourage more people to join. Let's face it, there really aren't a lot of people on this Forum that are into Class 8 trucks.


Good advice, I'm hoping that opening up the range and making it 12 months duration might drag a few more kits on to the bench!

Thanks for your feedback Jim, very much appreciated!

Cheers, D
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 - 04:47 PM UTC
Joe - "Is she hooked up to the tow points mate?"
Fred - "Yep, all good!"
Joe - "Are you sure? She's stuck pretty good here!"
Fred - "Yep, double checked!"
Joe - "OK, fire it up and drag us out mate!"
Fred - "Ok, here we go! Ummmm, oops!"






Diorama opportunity, any takers? Anybody?

jimb
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Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 12:01 AM UTC
Well, that's a problem!

That's way past my skill level.

Jim
Dixon66
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Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 12:41 AM UTC
Ah, I see the problem, the fan blade is broken.....
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2020 - 12:33 AM UTC
More Aussie Road Trains for inspiration.


Let's see some photos of rigs or kits to build the momentum.

Does anybody want to put their hand up to be Group Leader?

Cheers, D
jimb
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Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2020 - 02:09 AM UTC
I volunteer as Tribute!

Here are some inspirational photos of Class 8 trucks that can easily be made with currently available AMT kit and maybe some aftermarket decals & details:

1997 Ford LNT9000:


CRST GMC General:


ATL GMC Astro daycab:


Chemical Leaman Mack R-Series:


The Ubiquitous Roadway Ford C900:


Roadway White Road Boss (even has the long hood, just like the AMT kit):


Thurston Motor Lines GMC Astro/95:


Spector Freight Systems Peterbilt 352:


Jim
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2020 - 02:43 AM UTC
Referring to the photo of the truck that was torn apart while attempting to be towed:

The majority of big wrecker drivers will immediately know that in such cases you need to run your cables completely underneath the vehicle and attach them to the rear of the frame and then NOT even to the rear axle. This keeps the entire stranded vehicle structure in compression rather than in extension.

This is especially true when dealing with stranded but fully loaded concrete trucks. These vehicles are just too heavy to be safely towed by attaching to either the front axle of bumper.
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2020 - 02:49 AM UTC
Thank you Damian for including post war repurposed military vehicles in the list of possibilities for this campaign.
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