Fire Apparatus Model Forums

I've started a new build in the shops. Not much to show yet but I'll share the photos of it as I go along. This time I'm taking on quite a project in terms of the amount of detail that it will take. The Trumpeter ALF kit will donate some parts such as the frame, tires and wheels and some other nice pieces. Other than that it is a scratch building project. Here's a look at the real rig to give you an idea of what will be going on.

Great looking truck, looking forward to seeing the model!

Thanks for sharing

Wow that is adventurous. I can't wait to see the build along photos.

Not your ususal area is it. I seem to think of you as a classic builder.

A bit out of the wheelhouse for modern equipment, yes. But I don't have any really modern stuff on the shelves. Having had some experience building the Jacksonville Pierce pumper it is really not that different other than all that stuff for getting up in the air!!

Work has commenced on the build with the frame, tires and wheels. The wheelbase is 268 scale inches or about 10.5 inches in real size. The larger portion of the frame is from the Trumpeter ALF kit with the rear portion of the frame and axles coming from an Ertl International kit. The cab line drawing in the photo is to scale. The cab will be built using Evergreen sheet stock and PVC pipe sections for the round corners. Wheels and tires are resin castings. I chose to do this rather than use the soft tires and chromed wheels from the ALF kit. I'll save the kit tires and wheels for another build. Brass tubing has been used for strengthening the axles as well as to give the wheels a solid bearing surface. The kit axle ends are very flimsy and wobbly which is something I like to avoid.
More to come as the work progresses.

Been making slow progress. The frame is painted and wheels and tires mounted. Wheels are Molotow chrome and the tires are Tamiya TS-82 rubber black. The cab is made of Evergreen plastic sheet stock and PVC pipe sections for the front corners.

This is coming along great! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Thank you for sharing

Hope you got a comfortable chair to sit in, Steve! This is going to take a while!

Wow already a great start, and the product choice is phenomenal

Been working on the interior. The cab door openings have been roughed out and the interior tub has been given a makeover with some "Pierce" looks.