Monster Truck model build off

[theace27]

Hey guys, a few years back Shawn (Screamforme) started a monster truck model build off on the Scale Auto magazine web forum. It started off really awesome with alot of guys buiding some really cool stuff. Shawn unfortunatly doesn't do much model building anymore and he was kinda the guy who promoted this build off. I have taken it upon myself to try and get it rolling again. I thought I would post this on here. It is a really alot of fun, you get to meet alot of nice people and see some really awesome Monster Truck plastic model projects. All you have to do is sign up on Scale Auto and join the build off. I would like to see some of you model builders join in. The rules are on the first page.

http://www.scaleautomag.com/sca/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=40439

[theace27]

Thought I would add some pics of some of the models that have been built and are being built during this build off.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9868/1003837ov2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1861/1006605kx0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5573/2913331750100342730s600ge3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1569/1000502vitq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/2433/1000514vicf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2487/1000519viwr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/6365/1000520viqp0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/9889/1000533vihg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/9792/1000537vixb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2119/1000666viff4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/9575/1001752vihx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6752/1002006do4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1139/1002138vilf5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6594/photo0031gf3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[theace27]

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4787/1002640pr7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9639/1002909hk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4939/218888055o863744513tu0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/320/218893846o368517011vu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/1082/dsc01682bt8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1609/dsc01685no9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8763/dsc01732gi9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1807/dsc017991ft2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2317/monster003mx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/79/p1010070copygr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1874/picture029un9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5734/snakebitefinished010qu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/3272/truck012zu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/6783/truck016cn3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/4450/truck026rp8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Outlaw]

Man I need to find more MT models, I have only the few I built when I was young (usa1, quadzilla, bigfoot 10, bigfoot 14 and snakebite) and the the few I havent started due to an airbrush I havent ordered still :( (raminator and bigfoot 10 which i am going to turn into bigfoot 11 cruiser)

[freakshow enterprise]

I really am hoping that some more people get some interest in this. Sounds awesome.



Stephen

[MCMsports]

REALLY NICE just out my photos on the main forum

[USA-1MT]

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4787/1002640pr7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9639/1002909hk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4939/218888055o863744513tu0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/320/218893846o368517011vu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/1082/dsc01682bt8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1609/dsc01685no9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8763/dsc01732gi9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1807/dsc017991ft2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2317/monster003mx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/79/p1010070copygr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1874/picture029un9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5734/snakebitefinished010qu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/3272/truck012zu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/6783/truck016cn3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/4450/truck026rp8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

man, those look sweet. I dig that usa-1 model too!! is that a 1/25 samson on a 1/24 frame? I have that body, thats why im asking.

[HeartbeatFan]

Mike, we could possibly update our progress on here too. Might show off our works in progress and possibly spark new interest, also, is that Tom's USA 1 start? Trevor

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, that is a great idea to post some progress on here. Yeppers that would be Tom's start of his USA-1. That thing is gonna look awesome when it is done.

[EmJay]

posting progress is great idea. maybe i'll get around to rebuilding that usa-1 ~mj~

[theace27]

Here is a link to my progress on Aces High. Still a slow go for me but it is coming along. I have been working on scratch building a 2.5 ton REO transfer case. Let me know what you think.

http://public.fotki.com/theace27/aces-high-monster-truck/page8.html

[Outlaw]

did you use a straw for the shock boots? also if you could post any info or how to on how to make a model more realistic that would be greatly appreciated

[theace27]

Hi Outlaw, I had a set oc shocks from an old AMT monster truck kit hanging around. The shocks are way too long from the kit so I took and cut the shock body off, took the boot section and and cut it in the middle and shortend it up to the right length. Then I made my own shock bodies and added the boots to them.

As far as making a model look more realistic you gotta sit down and look at how a real truck is built and try to replicate that. I find scratch building parts is the best way to make something look more real. Also the use of straight pins for bolts help a model look more real. Hope this helps ya.

[Outlaw]

well yes and no lol i am a bit small imagination

[HeartbeatFan]

Hey Mike, I posted on Scale Auto, but if you look here first... Here is a sneak preview of my Bigfoot 1 in the works. Trevor

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/39904/2825320550100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2825320550100342730LTrxjd)

[theace27]

Trevor, oh man that thing looks awesome!! The wheel openings look perfect!!! Can't wait to see more pics of it. Just an idea for you, I would take and sand the trim totally off the bottom of the body. You are doing the truck like the present day Bigfoot 1 right? Then I would buy thin strips of Evergreen plastic and build new trim. I think that would be alot easier and cleaner then having to cut the trim back in with an exacto knife. Just a thought. Looks awesome!!!

[HeartbeatFan]

yeah, I may have too, I will do some more sanding today and if it isn't to my liking I will try the new trim. By the way, I am anxious to see yours in paint. Trevor

[MTFan10]

hows heartbeat coming along? the last pics i saw looked great

[HeartbeatFan]

took a break from heartbeat because I am trying to contact Brett and see if he has any pictures of the frame in areas that I am unsure of. If I had pictures to reference them from, I could kick butt and finally get that one done. That is the trouble of doing the older trucks though, lots of pictures of the final product but not very good shots of the underneath. Trevor

[HeartbeatFan]

Did some surgery today, I had some extra bedsides from an old model that my buddy spilt some of my plastic weld on, still upset about that, and decided why fight with the trim. I bought a casting kit and once I get these where I need them to be, I am going to cast a couple of sets of these bedsides for possible projects in the future (Krimson Krusher, King Kong, etc.) that had the extended fender wells. Trevor

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/40626/2782169580100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2782169580100342730TsdwQw)

[HeartbeatFan]

more progress on Bigfoot and it's bed. Trevor

[HeartbeatFan]

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/37466/2585603780100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2585603780100342730YOfxsQ)

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/29486/2389849110100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2389849110100342730hjYqkl)



And the start of Grave Digger 1:

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/40853/2499357920100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2499357920100342730daYASs)

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, man those look awesome!!! The fenders on Bigfoot 1 look spot on!! Grave Digger 1 is gonna look wicked too. Question for you, do you have any ideas for doing the Firestone terras or are you going to run the Good Years?

[HeartbeatFan]

Hey Mike, I am going to try my luck at casting a set of Firestones. I am trying to buy a couple of 1/32 scale Bigfoot trucks right now from a member, and he says they measure around 2 1/4" very close to the size I measured out from the goodyears. They look very close to the Firestones, but Tom told me about cutting down tires in half and casting them in halves and that way you can have the same diameter wheel size on both sides for more realism. So that's how I planned on doing some firestones and then just make a stencil to airbrush on the Firestone label and Floatation size. If I get them just right, I will show you a pic. Here is a pic of what I have in mind. Notice the square-er look they have and tread depth.

Trevor

[Outlaw]

also I have noticed that your frames are "hand maed" what do you use to make them? obviously plastic but I am just curious as to what and where you get it from

[HeartbeatFan]

hey outlaw, I either use plasti-struct plastic, or I use ever green styrene. Of course styrene would be the best, I can usually get the plasti-struc plastic at my local bookstore for my college in the architect department. Other wise you could go to a hobby place that sells models or trains and see if they carry them. Trevor

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, that is a good plan on casting a set of Firestones. I would think the only other way to go about doing them would be to buy a Franklin Mint Bigfoot die-cast and use the tires off of it. It is too bad that Franklin Mint wouldn't do a die-cast of Bigfoot 1 like that. The only draw back with the FM tires is they are cut.

http://www.cellinifinegifts.com/fmimages4/Bigfoot.jpg

Outlaw if I can add to what Trevor said about using Evergreen Styrene and Plasti-struct. If you are planning on scratch building a frame do use plastic don't try and build one out of metal. Working with plastic is much easier and in the end it will look more accurate. Besides once it is painted no one will be able to tell the difference between plastic of metal.

[EmJay]

that bigfoot is lookin good. from the looks the fm bigfoot the back tires are cut different too.

[Smasha]

I have one of those FM bigfoots, Probably the best die cast monster truck money can buy, but it is expensive

I got mine for £70

[Rod Push BBC]

those tires were actually modeled after Eric Tack's Mac Tool Bigfoot at the time.

[Smasha]

Well that makes sense because you can buy seperate bodies for it

There is a mac tools bigfoot
the stars and stripes bigfoot
and a green snake bite body

[EmJay]

anyone who followed the scale auto monster truck cbp probly knows this truck origionaly bit the dust when i moved from new york to vermont. bad packing i guess. the body and some parts are the same but stole the chassis from a similar built truck named texas longhorn. i swaped engines, wheels/rims and repainted parts of the chassis. i also tried a different way of cutting the tires.~MJ~



http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd209/jamesy98/models/Monster%20Trucks/USA-1/Number%203%20Rebuilt/SANY0431.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd209/jamesy98/models/Monster%20Trucks/USA-1/Number%203%20Rebuilt/SANY0435.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd209/jamesy98/models/Monster%20Trucks/USA-1/Number%203%20Rebuilt/SANY0437.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd209/jamesy98/models/Monster%20Trucks/USA-1/Number%203%20Rebuilt/SANY0439.jpg

[honda50r]

Great Custom! I like the 4-into-1's you added and the hood scoop. Old AND New School. very Nice!

[monsterjamman24]

very cool

[Robbie Milburn]

I wish I could buy some of these:confused:


pm me =p

[screamxforxme]

mike! how are you gonna post all those pictures from the build off that i started and not include my stuff!!! lol just kidding man.

check it out

this is clydesdale 2, it was made completly from a usa 1 model. this picture is without a front bumper so it looks a little weird... but oh well. the body has been completly cut up and put back together minus all the inside parts. it features a full racing interior, custom headlight covers, custom roll cage and a completely hand painted body.


http://a116.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/l_cd3aea209cc898898d705492848c433b.jpg

http://a482.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/86/l_a01ae537dc4aea0660ca68d0c8c32411.jpg

[screamxforxme]

next up is allen pezo's predator, the blue chevy. this truck was built from a usa-1 model as well, and was almost a straight build from that kit. modifications include the butterfly style hood scoop, the silverado bumper rather than the usa-1 bumper, a gutted inside of the engine compartment, and custom shields on the side where the fenderwells once stood.

the blue, red and yellow on the truck was sprayed on, however the predator lettering was hand painted. Allen saw this model in bloomsburg in 2006, where he signed it on the roof.


http://a289.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/73/l_20e3e4a0cd1e6423fa6c251c7bdf6ee0.jpg

http://a55.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/115/l_4da33b3fc1337c5836f93d825a08fc5e.jpg

http://a299.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/99/l_b53f4354ed49e9e0baf56b10f3cdaee2.jpg

[screamxforxme]

the only custom tube frame that i have done so far, this is Monster Mutt. Monster Mutt started life out as a gravedigger model. the frame was modified so the body would fit on the chassis, which meant narrowing it down, as well as removing the mounts for the SUV body style. it also meant shortening the wheel base, which took shortened drive shafts, different shock mounts... the whole 9 yards.

an old style mercury model donated its body to the model, luckily it was already chopped which made my life much much easier. the body was gutted, so it was just a shell. the hood, trunk, and headlights were all molded into the body and seamed so it looked like one piece. the rear windows were covered up, and all the trim was removed. the fenderwells were cut and made larger as well. the truck was sprayed in a dark brown, and a lighter brown on the front, the rest was all hand painted. ears were made and glued on, as was the "beggin for bones" plate underneath, and the tounge on the front.


it was signed by both charlie paulken at englishtown, and mike wine in philly


http://a46.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/82/l_83d93ca657a8f4054fcd20356862c27d.jpg

tounge fell off in this picture but it is reattached
http://a74.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/l_ce6773f516988bd913abd535c7f6b289.jpg

http://a585.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/76/l_89ddbcd1aca9c38178c1b96b1e849b80.jpg

[screamxforxme]

welcome to the land of the doomed haha. these are projects that... just never got done, but someday i hope to finish them.

bigfoot 10, sprayed and body work done... just sitting here

http://a783.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/93/l_fd9d956bc36061a0340c6c400f8a6bb6.jpg

the remains of whiskey buisness, after the cat knocked it off its shelf...

http://a167.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/67/l_9544d8ff61c2c93614649d66e8ad8f66.jpg

http://a706.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/79/l_d0660de3187efc67d1d99691de2355a1.jpg

start of battle cat, its been cut up, gutted primed and painted, even signed by mike vaters. someday.... someday...

http://a475.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/104/l_cada69329f2c08f314d4cb132f2ad5c2.jpg

nightlife awaits a chassis.. and a proper hood fitting. this body was actually ripped off an older model of mine, a pro street stepside.

http://a25.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/l_e25f295ce9f2c5226702be0aee37a230.jpg

http://a95.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/108/l_f2d11caf0f4340cd8ead8570ad73aa7e.jpg

the start of something beautiful... equalizer. it took me months to hunt down an s10 truck body.. and then i cut it all up! haha

http://a668.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/79/l_fde558526442db69805f6aabca94896b.jpg

last but not least, executioner. made from a silverado model, this one was sprayed after being taped up extensively.

http://a85.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/113/l_623b2a8a69a030644f15d1d60669addc.jpg

[screamxforxme]

for those who follow the PTC, protruckchallenge.com, you know me as the owner of team pman, and of course, you know Pman 7.

well here is pman 5, a ford powered chevy SSR, on a highly modified usa-1 chassis. http://a983.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/l_356e0d30a3d350bdb430a8440bb0010e.jpg

[screamxforxme]

i would consider selling the unfinished projects to the right people.... or possibly even having someone finish the truck for me as a paid commision. i want to see those trucks get done in the worst way... i just simply dont have the time anymore

[EmJay]

shawn, those are some great starts. seeing that equalizer body gives me an idea....i think i know where i can get a s-10 body...hmmmm. ~MJ~

[HeartbeatFan]

Finally going to be done with classes this summer so I will have time to work on Bigfoot 1 starting tomorrow, and will have some update shots sometime in the next couple of days. Trevor

[adam tereska]

As you guys and gals build these beautiful monster truck models, and with all of the scratch building being done, would anyone have model parts that they want to part with? If it is 1/25 scale I'm interested. Let me know what you have that you want to sell and how much. Thanks and great models.
Adam

[theace27]

Hey Adam, what kind of parts are you looking for? Scale Auto might also be a good place to post that question. Tons of guys on there probably have tons of parts hangin' around.

[adam tereska]

Oh, just about anything; bodies, (with glass) frames, interiors w/rollcages, total gluebombs, (doesn't have to be monster trucks, just no corvettes) whatever.

[adam tereska]

I'd also look at decal sheets if they're from the Bigfoot's third leafer version or Bigfoot 10 version with the stripes. I already have several USA-1 sheets, A Bigfoot 1 sheet, several second version Bigfoot sheets and the Snap-tite Grave Digger. I'm also interested in the Snap Together Grave Digger kits because I make Christmas trucks out of them so if anyone has those they are not interested in keeping, let me know. Non-monster glue bomb cars, trucks, and vans in 1:24 or 1:25 scale (no Corvettes) let me know.
Thanks. Adam Tereska

[theace27]

With the other model talk on the main forum just thought I would bump this up. Anyone building anything right now?

[theace27]

Well thought I would post some pics of what I have been working on. I am still working on my Aces High model. Here is the 2.5 ton REO transfer case that I scratch built for it. Since this picture I added all the nuts around the outside of the case. The other pics are of the center section I scratch built for the 5 ton housings. I have one done now I have to build another one.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6306/1004321if4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8053/1004329ha4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/8777/1004332ta0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[HeartbeatFan]

Looks great Mike, I really like your top loaders on the the 5 tons. I have been working on my Frankenstein model and working on another truck's body while stuff is drying on Frankenstein. I think you'd be interested in this "other truck" that I am working on. Trevor

[theace27]

Trevor, don't hold out on me man!! That is the "other truck"???

[HeartbeatFan]

Here is an update so far on Frankenstein. Sometimes I just need to see some color on things. Mike, here is your sneak preview, the color of the bed is real close to the real truck, but in the pic looks a lot lighter than in person. I figured you would know this one with a pic. Oh, and I know you will want to know what color of blue it is, which I believe is the real color he used which is GM Nassau Blue Metallic lacquer, which they have in Model Master aresol. Not sure if I spelled that right, but I flipped the channel of the tv just now and "Roadhouse" was playing right around the time Bigfoot drives through the dealership, :D Trevor


http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/43930/2988448710100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2988448710100342730OESdDf)


http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/44466/2093181800100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2093181800100342730JKVsyL)

[theace27]

TREVOR!!!! ya dirty ba$t@rd!!! HAHAHAH. Just jokin' man. Little Bearfoot!!! Oh man I am foaming at the mouth!!! That is another one I have on the "to do" list. Which version are you gonna do? More like when Fred had it or when Barry had it? Man I am excited to see this build dude.

[HeartbeatFan]

DING DING DING, what does Mike win? j/k I think I am going to make it like when Shafer owned it, I think I might put that wind up on the back like when he was on Monster Mania. That was always my favorite monster truck tape I used to own. I think I am going to try to hand paint the mural on the side of the door as well. I think I can make it look more like airbrush than what a decal could do. I just liked that mural more than the one that they changed to later. I will be using some pics and videos of when Barry owned it, so it might end up a mix, don't know yet. I do recommend that paint color though, it is really close to the real color I believe. It's quite a bit darker like I said compared to the pic I took and is one heck of shade of blue for any of the Bearfoot fleet. I sprayed a white primer underneath it and I am very happy with what it did for the bed. I am excited to finish up the cab modifications. If there is one thing I hate about a lot of these trucks, is that I have to make so many tube grilles for them. Those give me some of the worst troubles making. Trevor

[Jack Diesel]

Did you scratch build that frame on Lil' Bearfoot? It's looken nice:D

[HeartbeatFan]

haha, no Jack, unfortunately not, it's the stock frame so far, I have just been working a little bit on modifying the motor compartment on the body so far. I have to put a subframe under the stock frame of this one. It is a very nice kit though. I think it's the best early s10 model out there. There are lots of part. I have been working on several bodies getting them ready for frames. I haven't been building any chassis. I haven't got the plastic to get everything done at one time, and also trying to plan ahead so when I do go to the l.h.s. I can pick up all the plastic I need at one time. Trevor

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, that is the Monogram S-10 kit right? From pics I have seen of that kit it looks like a real nice one to work with. My biggest thing is that so many kits the frames are junk in them cause they have so much stuff molded into them. The 72 Chevelle frame I used had to have the rear frame rails extended for the El Camino body then I had to cut everthing off of it, it had more junk molded into it. Like the exhaust, floors, rear end, gas tank etc etc. It is nice to start with a frame that is bare.

I agree with you on the Little Bearfoot mural. When Fred had it the truck looked its best. And you HAVE to put the wind up key in the bed of it, that is a MUST!!! When it comes time for me to build that model I am really looking forward to building the rear ends in it with the Corvette ones stacked up. Keep us posted!!!

[HeartbeatFan]

Mike, the model kit that I am using is the "Chevy S-10 Lowrider 3 n 1" from Revell. It has a purple lowriding looking s-10 with early 90's style graphics on it. It comes with all the stock parts that anyone needs to build one. I don't know if this is the same mold as the Monogram one or not, but I made sure to see that the one I am using is a 1/25th scale. It is a very nice kit and comes with a boatload of parts, and yes, the frame is a nice piece and not a one piece undercarriage like the USA-1 kit. I will keep you posted on this. Like I said I have been getting bodywork and casting done on my models while I wait to get some money to buy the plastic for all of the chassis. Trevor

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, ya I believe the Revell 3 n 1 kit is the same kit as the Monogram kit. However the Monogram kit is just a stocker, no other parts. But I think there was another Monogram S-10 kit that was a surfer truck or something like that. Eitherway that kit looks like a real nice starting point.

In case anyone is looking for something to start a monster model project there is a custom built straight rail frame with spings, axles and tires on Ebay. Looks like somewhat of a good starting point. Check it out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/HOME-MADE-MONSTER-TRUCK-FRAME_W0QQitemZ320312967473QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m320312967473&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

[CaptainInsano]

Right now, I've got Raminator in the works. today I plan on sanding the body after I eat lunch. which i'm doing as I type this. frame is coming around too. took me 3 days to detail all the little parts, meaning I completely hand painted the entire chassis.;) I'll get pics posted soon.

[freakshow enterprise]

Here is little bit of what I have done the last few months

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3936.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3937.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3940.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3941.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3934.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3935.jpg

You guys keep up the good work. Ya'll have taught me alot. I have alot more to learn though so keep em coming gentlemen


Stephen

[theace27]

When I got home from work on Friday I was feeling really bummed about hearing of the passing of Steve Wilkie. I always find that working on something gets my mind off what is bothering me. I sat down and started roughing out the weight box for my Aces High model. Here is the test run that I came up with.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8862/1004333er3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3001/1004334uj7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[HeartbeatFan]

Mike, I think that model you are making is terrible. Go ahead and send it over my way, I think I can fix it.:D Looking good as always, looking forward still to the day you spray that metallic blue on it. Let me know when you are ready for help on the flares and such. You will have to make all four flares seperate, but don't get discouraged, the usa -1 were easy as cake, but all I had to do was make one and modify them. You could also use an epoxy putty like aftrshox did on his Ford Super Duty, that doesn't sound that hard either. I bought some miliput putty this past week, I will play around with it and tell you whether or not I would just use that. It sounds as though that might be the route to go. Not really anything new on my part, trying to hard to stay caught up in my last month of college. After that though, it is on! :D Take care. Trevor

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, thanks man!! I too can't wait for the day that it is finished!! Over the weekend I was able to get the inside framework of the weight box well on its away. I have the tracking ready, after maybe another night I should have it finished off and I can move onto the rear top loader. Can't wait to see some progress from you cause your stuff always is an inspiration. Steve and Tom should post some of their stuff on there to get the blood flowing.

[HeartbeatFan]

I agree, I am itching to see some of Tom's stuff, it always makes me feel like I am terrible at modeling when I see his stuff, but always keeps me motivated to try new things.

[theace27]

Trevor, dude you are not terrible at modeling man!! You have some wicked projects well on their way. Like I saw I can't wait to see some more progress. I wish we could get some more people on here doing stuff cause I always find that motovation stays high when alot of people are into it.

Trevor, one other thing. Can you measure the wheel diameter of the 73's you have. Those are the ones from the Monogram kits right. Thanks dude. Mike

[HeartbeatFan]

No problem Mike, I gotcha covered. The goodyears came from the old monogram/Revell kits. If I had my camera today (girlfriend has it for halloween pics) I would take a shot of the firestones against the Goodyears. They are both real close to the same height, the goodyears are a fraction of 1/16" in the middle of the tire higher than the firestone, but should be since the firestones are flatter in person. I wasn't sure what tire at 73" inch you were talking about, so that's why I listed the firestones I have as well. But the wheel diameter cutout is about 1" 7/16. The actual wheels are 1"1/2. The wheels fit both types of 73"s that I have. Someday, I plan to cast all the tires I have by cutting them in the center and casting each side individually so that each tire I cast has the same wheel diameter on each side, thus adding to the realism. It also means that I will have a box of useless tires that might need a good home.:D Though, right now, my main goal in casting is to cast axles, exactly like Tom's so that I don't have to buy them and have them when I need them, as well as an accurate Bigfoot 1 bed with the Ranger XLT script, and also a accurate 73-87 long bed that will be the best detailed bed unlike the resin ones out there now. All of these are things I am currently working on, and seems that's where my time is spent. I will post pictures as these projects see completion. Really I just want to cast parts most of the time to help fund other projects. I feel if we had a nice old Chevy Bed, that's half of the old Monster Trucks out there. I spend more time collecting parts then anything right now.
Here is a list of trucks that I have to make stuff right now.
4-1976-1979 Ford trucks (Bigfoot 1) (King Kong) (Krimson Krusher 1)
Bigfoot 1 kit, Tuff Trux kit, 1976 Ford pickup, Destroyer kit
2-1984 GMC trucks (Samson 1) (Front end for Mad Dog)
1-1976 Chevy truck (Taurus 1)
2-1972 Chevy trucks (USA-1) (Carolina Crusher) resin short bed
1-1964 Chevy pickup (Copenhagen Crusher)
1-1984 Corvette (Monster Vette)
1-1950 Ford Pickup for parts for my 1950 (Resin) Ford panel (Grave Digger 1)
2-usa-1 kits (usa-1) (Taurus 3)
2-1988 silverado trucks (Heartbeat) (more of the front end for Taurus 3)
1-1992 Mustang Covertible (Wild Stang)
1-1953 Ford truck (Frankenstein)
2-s-10 models (Lil Bearfoot) (Equalizer)
I think that is it, I know I still want to pick up one of those snap AMT blazers sometime, seems those bring pretty good coin though.
Trevor

[theace27]

Trevor, man you have a awesome list of models to build. I totally agree with you on the long bed Chevy bodies. Tom and I were just talking about those the other day cause one day I want to build a model of Stomper Bully 1. I am still trying to figure out which monster I want to do after I finish Aces High. There are so many I want to build. I need to retire from work and do nothing but build these models. HAHAHA.

[HeartbeatFan]

Well, tell Tom, unless he is listening, that I am working on a master for one while we speak and doing it the best of my ability. It should be the best one out there. If I get done and cast a few, I might send it out his way, the master that is to see if he would like to cast them up professionally. I have both besides down except to smooth them out, then on to the bed floor and front wall which should be a piece of cake. The main thing was getting the inside bedsides more realistic and not just flat like 1984 bedsides are. I have followed all the measuring guidelines to 100% get the bed the right length, even comparing it to other long bedsides. So I guarantee this to be accurate.

[car66]

the last model i built was a long bed 76 chevy body on a modern frame. i just cut a mad mudder body apart to makr it look like a long bed. i wouldnt recommend it though, it just doesnt look right. dont get me wrong, it turned out how i wanted it to but it could be way better looking.

[theace27]

Trevor, I can't wait to see some pics man. I am suprised that there was never a long bed Chevy or GMC kit back in the day. Man alot of model companies missed the mark on alot of models.

[HeartbeatFan]

Joey, I use the GMC 1984 short bed 4x4 pickup by AMT/ERTL that was once the Fall Guy stunt truck kit. You can see how long and how well the bed compares with the cab in my mock up of Excaliber. This was before I cut off both the bedsides to do more realistic modifications. The good news is that I both mocked the bed with the GMC AMT kit, and the Revell 76' Street Pickup kit and both look good, there is no problem that I see to keep atleast myself from using the bed for both types of Cabs. That way you can build the earlier style 73-80 Chevy/GMC trucks, and the newer 81-87 style trucks.

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/16536/2026604600100342730S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2026604600100342730kABskE)

Mike, I will try and get some new shots of the bedsides tonight sometime to show the length of them compared to other long bedsides. Oh, and did you get my measurements for the wheels a couple of messages ago? Trevor

[car66]

i like what you did there trevor, looks real good. theres a couple of pics of the truck i built in my albums if you wanna check it out. how much would you want for a set or two of bed sides when you start casting them? just curious :)

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, ya I got the measurements. Since I don't have a set of those 73's at the moment is there anyway you can check and see if the back side of the 66's wheels will fit in the opening of the 73's? Do you know what I mean. From your measurements they are close but can you check that for me. The Excaliber body looks awesome man.

[car66]

Hey ace, i think i might have a set of 73's just sitting in a box. they are the tires that came with the crusher and quadzilla models, right?

[HeartbeatFan]

Joey, I will see how they turn out before I price any out, but I would say I would try to have a set for $10-12 maybe cheaper, don't know yet like I said. I want to feel comfortable about them before I pursue selling some.

Mike, I think I know what you meant. I took the backside wheel portion of a USA-1 wheel and fit it to the hole on the 73" Goodyear. It appears to not fit as well as the wheels from the Monogram kits. Maybe if you have virgin tires they would fit, but I would be afraid that they would slide through the holes. They are about 1/16" from fitting, by that I mean they are resting on that little lip of the tire that can end up being cut out too much. I really hate to see ya be unhappy with them. If I was you, I would use the wheels from the Monogram kits. Trevor

[HeartbeatFan]

Joey, if it's just the bedsides, then it will probably be $6-7. I hate to price them like I said, but if I get the bed into pieces I can cast, like the two bedsides and front panel, where all a guy has to do is cut out a bed floor out of ribbed evergreen plastic, I will probably charge $10-12. I know that might be a lot like the price of a new model kit, but I have seen a lot worse on prices of resin prices. It costs $26 for a 1972 chevy short bed from Bandit Resins, but it's a real nice piece. I will build one up once I get it done and draw out an instruction sheet and a diagram probably of how big of a bed floor to cut out and such when I get there.

[car66]

thanks trevor

[RnW 13]

Its not a monster, but I've had plans to make a 57 Corvette Gasser model into a mud racer. All the parts are already there for the suped up modified look, all i need it some beefy raunchy mud tires. I'm gonna try and work on it soon.

[RenegadeS454]

Here is little bit of what I have done the last few months

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3936.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3937.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3940.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3941.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3934.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb263/freakshow496/100_3935.jpg

You guys keep up the good work. Ya'll have taught me alot. I have alot more to learn though so keep em coming gentlemen


Stephen

Freakshow ... why do you always leave off half of the 4-link bars?

[theace27]

Hey Trevor, I saw the thread on Scale Auto about the Fall Guy conversion kit. That is crazy a $95 conversion kit!!! However it does look like a pretty quality piece. My only thing is does the wheel openings in the bed look like they are too far backward?? I think the box on your Excaliber is bang on compaired to this. The frame extension looks pretty nice however. But still alot of money!! One other thing, I wonder why he left that line the runs down the side of the box and turns across at the bottom of the gas tank door...

http://www.automobilminiaturen.de/images/product_images/popup_images/1364_0.JPG

http://www.automobilminiaturen.de/images/product_images/popup_images/1364_3.jpg

http://www.automobilminiaturen.de/images/product_images/popup_images/1364_2.jpg

[HeartbeatFan]

Hey Mike, yeah, the scale production bed is a quality piece, but it is not accurate at all. Look at the back section of the bed. They did not add any length to the back of the fenderwells. You have to add a 1/2" up front and I don't quite remember the back, but there is a piece that gets added to the back too. That is why it is throwing off the inside of the bed. Don't worry though, I am making these as flawless as I can, also, I am adding the correct details to the inside of the bed as we speak giving it the correct inside bedsides and not just the boring flat sides. I am really giving it some thought as to how to make them in a mold. I will probably make it a 3 to 4 piece mold. I think it should go together like the bed on the 1972 chevy pickup amt bed if I think about it. I am going to use the fenderwells off of the 1972 pickup bed I think, I am not sure yet. Trevor

[theace27]

Well just thought I would give a little update on my Aces High model. I have been busy finishing off the center sections for the 5 tons. I also finished up the weight box and frame work for it. I am going to skin the box and frame structure with stainless shim stock to make it look like the real deal. As well as cover the floors with it. I also am just about finished with the drive-shafts. I made the shafts out of aluminum tubing and brass tubing. Then I made up the yokes out of plastic which will be hit with Al-clad chrome to match the shafts after I polish the aluminum. Anyway here are some pics.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/2989/1004371nt3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/2047/1004375es0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8827/1004361jv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4695/1004362an3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[car66]

holy crap ace! how long have you been working on your aces high model and what other projects do you have going on? i need some ideas for my next project, i dont know what to do next...

[theace27]

Hey Car66, it has been 2 years in the making. Mind you I only build models during the winter it seems. But this one has taken a long time but at this point I am not going to rush it. I have pretty much scratch built 85% of this model. And anything that was totally scratch built has had alot of work on it to perfect it and make it like the real truck. This is the only model I am working on. I try to only build one at a time.

[car66]

i hope you take your time, it looks unbelievable. i look at the pictures of it at get ideas for things to do with some of the models i wanna build. how do you make the steering system work, i wanna try some thing like that on one of mine.