Andy T's Italeri 1/24 "Australian Truck"

[Andy T]

Thanks to Peter (and Ian) for organising this GB. A shaky start but now we're off

Here is my offering, rigged out as an Australian long haul road train, based (I think) on a Western Star 4900.



This is my first attempt at a truck and only my second go at a "shiny" civvy vehicle. One was a success, one a big fail, so at least this stands a 50/50 chance of coming out okay lol.

I'm still in two minds about the colour scheme. First is the iconic blue & yellow livery of Roads Trains of Australia (RTA). The other is more complex, basically as if an owner/operator had customised his truck with a fancy paint scheme and airbrush work. The second option definitely gives a higher chance of failure but I guess if it goes wrong I can always strip it and go with the simpler design.

I'm also still toying with the idea of trailers, but space, cost & time factors might conspire against me.

Anyhoo, rather than waffle any longer, here are the required sprue shots. A few of the chrome parts (not used in this version) are missing as I've been trying different ways of stripping it off.

Lots of chrome:



Mostly chassis & engine



Interior, which I'm hoping to embellish



The lovely green main body parts



Wheels, tyres & decals. Most of the decals won't be used and I'm disappointed with the tyres. I'd expect an outback rig like this to sport something more chunky, but looking at the cost of replacing them they might have to suffice if I can't cut a better pattern into them.



Chassis is the first point of call in the instructions and I can't wait to get stuck into all of that black plastic

 

[peterairfix]

Nice to have you on board with all these big rigs I am tempted to do mine

 

[Geoffers]

Looks interesting, I shall watch from the wings

Good luck with your build Andy

Geoff.

 

[Ian M]

Nice. Are you going to strip the chrome?

 

[Steve Brodie]

will be watching

 

[Mickc1440]

Definitely in Andy

 

[Andy T]

Great to have you all along for the ride.

I'm planning on stripping some of the chrome Ian, but given how robust it is I might not manage it all. Certainly those bits that would show ugly seam lines when assembled.

 

[Andy T]

The fun has begun. I've completed section 1 of the instructions, which aren't exactly what I'm used to having done so many Tamiya kits lately

Lots of clean up is needed on the parts too but the basic chassis is together and I've started on section 2 which covers the front axle & turnable steering. Another thing I've noticed looking forward through the destructions is virtually no colour call outs so I'll be winging a lot of it.

 

[Lee Drennen]

I am tempted to do mine

Why don’t you just do the truck if you have time do the trailer.

 

[Jim R]

Looks a monster Andy. I am sure this will raise your civvy build success rate to 66/33

 

[Andy T]

Fingers crossed Jim lol

After a trip to my lads favourite hobby shop (The Outpost) to pick a couple of kits up for him, stage 2 is complete. The instructions are really vague as to exactly where the front axle locates. There are some pins on it but they don't seem to fit anywhere.



I ended up placing it where the dampers fitted best. Hopefully it all lines up later in the build.

The posable steering is maybe a bit of a gimmick but it might give a better stance if I get this onto a base.

 

[scottie3158]

Andy,
I'm in.

 

[outrunner]

Looking good so far Andy. A while ago I had a plan for an outback road train but the cost of 3 trailers and 2 dollies was a bit much and it would take up nearly 2 meters of space.

Andy.

 

[Lee Drennen]

Very nice start Andy

 

[Andy T]

Thanks guys, and welcome.

Andy - exactly. I think I worked it to around £70 each for the trailer/dolly combo I wanted and once finished I'd have nowhere to display it so would probably just get binned. Even I'm not that mental

 

[Ian M]

I found that drain cleaner is good at hard chrome..

 

[Andy T]

Thanks Ian, I saw you mention that elsewhere but haven't picked any up yet.

 

[Andy T]

I found some Mr Muscle oven cleaner under the sink. After submitting the relevant permission forms I was allowed to borrow it, and it has kinda worked.

9 hours and many repeat applications and it's starting to strip the chrome. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't bothered and just smothered any ugly seam lines in mud afterwards!

 

[Lee Drennen]

Andy might want to just cut those pins off where they mount and you may have to move the axle forward a bit I know on a bunch of AMT and ERTL kits I’ve done this to make it look right. Maybe this is a good time to put the hood on to center up your axle then take it off and proceed. You may have to do the same when mounting your cab bracelets too. The truck kits are not good at telling you there dirty little secrets.

 

[Lee Drennen]

strip the chrome

I’ve always use ammonia to strip it works very well takes little time it doesn’t damage the plastic