I started this truck with this purpose in mind. I wanted a 1930’s style truck-5th wheeler.
I shortened the frame in the rear and put spacers on the ends of the differential to extend the wheel out. I have changed the rear shocks to
airbag style.
The front end of the frame has complete steering arm pieces up to the steering wheel, and brake detail. I am using tires and wheels from a 1/64th DUBS®. The only bad part is the steering is not pose able. The headlight shells were mounted to the frame and will have MV Product lenses. I had to mount them down there because of the extended hood length. I could no longer put them on a cross over between the fenders The cab is basically stock configurations and so are the front fenders. I have added an exhaust stack mount to cab. I was going to open the doors, but decided not to. not on this one.
The hood was scratch-built to accommodate the engine. I used the stock grill, and grafted on very thin styrene sheet stock that about ¼ inch longer and 1/8th wider on the edges. I used a pencil to roll the edges of the hood to get the form right. When it was done, the edges were rounded a bit more than I wanted, so I had to use small strips of thin plastic. I glued them onto the rear corners. I also ran one across the cowl part of the hood. On the radiator shell side, I hollowed out the grill area on the radiator shell. I have scratch-built a new radiator and radiator shell grill screen. I ran strips down the bottom of the radiator shell where it meets the frame. This will slide into grooves on the frame allowing easy removal to see the engine.
The new fuel tank is a piece of stock aluminum sheet. I haven’t gotten to the final shape yet, but it is close. I t will be polished out when done.
The rear end is a conglomeration of parts. The rear fenders are from a 1/72nd gun trailer. The frame filler strip is a photo-etched part, and the
taillight housings are from HO scale train stuff. The final result will have service lines, and MV Products red lenses,br>
The engine is completely scratch built. I used the lower end that is supplied in the kit, and just made the rest from there. I made it into a
six cylinder to keep it under the hood. I used different shapes and sizes of styrene stock to build this. I had to round and file the area on the
transmission so it would clear the cowl. I used watch parts for the pulleys and thread for the belts. When this piece is finished, it will have
wires, fuel lines, belts, starter, and clutch release, all in place.
I have made an exhaust system that will run up the side of cab, single stack style. It will be aluminum tubing polished out for that shine!
Even though I have decided not to make the doors open, I have made a complete interior. It will be somewhat visible… I want to use red colored
plastic sheet for the windshield and windows.
For the paint, I wan to paint the fenders and frame gloss black, and the cab bright red. My wife said it would look like a “Fire Ant”, so I guess
that will end up painted on the fuel tank!
I am working on two different trailers for this truck. One will be a lower flat bed with the SOVIET STZ NATI TRACTOR on the back. The other will be
an enclosed car hauler with lighting, and a chopped top salt flat zis-5 truck. I hope you enjoy.
E-mail to Henk Timmerman / HenkofHolland