Mark Deliduka Posted January 7, 2009 Report Posted January 7, 2009 Hey all. Happy New Year. Here is my only civilian vehicle that I built in 2008. I call it my "Magnum Opus" Feel free to check out the Aircraft and Armor Forums to see all my other finished models for 2008. Here she is, my "Magnum Opus" 1/12th scale MPC 1911 Christie Fire Truck: Thanks for looking. I appreciate all comments and I hope to see you also in my other Threads.
cbush Posted January 7, 2009 Report Posted January 7, 2009 Very nice work Duke. I've got one in the stash that I keep putting off. How long did it take to complete? Chuck
Mark Deliduka Posted January 8, 2009 Author Report Posted January 8, 2009 Thanks guys! Glad you like it. Chuck, I'd say total building time was about three or four months, averaging 10-12 hours per week on it. I had set it aside for several months because it was getting a bit overwhelming. Then, on another Forums I frequent, someone started a "Just Finish It" Group Build wherein you took a partially assembled model that had been languishing on the bench for 6 months or more and "just finished it" by the end of that month. This way, I was able to get it done in January last year. The main issues are the cleanup of many parts, especially the chrome parts; and the decals. I had the original AMT boxing of this model and the AMT decals were quite difficult to put on. One recommendation I have: If there are indicators in a step that show that decals need to be put on, then put them on at the end of that assembly step! After the model is finished, quite a few decals will not be able to be put on because of all the other parts in the way if you wait. If you'd like, I still have many of my 'in-progress' photos and more photos of the finished model if you'd like to see them. I hope this helps. Thanks again for the compliments.
VonL Posted January 8, 2009 Report Posted January 8, 2009 Mo'debly post the WIP pix of this. What a cool project - and very nicely completed, sir!
cbush Posted January 9, 2009 Report Posted January 9, 2009 Absolutly post your in progress pics Duke. And thanks for the decal tip. Chuck
Mark Deliduka Posted January 9, 2009 Author Report Posted January 9, 2009 Sounds good. Here are the nine best pics showing my progress. This first one is the front radiator and chassis assembly. Here is the closeup of the engine: This is all the red parts after I painted them all gloss red. I figured it was the best way to do it. The engine and driver's seat all test fiott together on the forward chassis: Here it is with the main tank attached, waiting for all the extra details. Here is where I added the decals to the main frame. They would not be able to be put on later: Here it is: Driver's station installed and pumps and manifold are installed: Close up of the pumps and manifold: And finally here it was just before I put on the final detail parts, hose hangers and brass parts: After that, it was done. I hope these help. Enjoy.
ewahl Posted January 9, 2009 Report Posted January 9, 2009 I recall seeing pictures of the finished project on the old forum. It was extremely impressive then, as it is now! The progress photos really help us understand how much work goes into the details on an automotive subject. There's not much you can do with the plated tank that has visible seams where the half pieces join unless you strip the original plating, assemble the tank, fix the seam, and then give it the Alclad treatment. As an OTB build, you lose the flavor of the original rare kit if you rebuild it with aftermarket parts and finishes (OK, all paint is aftermarket). Fantastic model! Ed
Mark Deliduka Posted January 9, 2009 Author Report Posted January 9, 2009 Thank you Ed. I am glad I was able to show all that is involved, particularly in this case. One reason I left the seam on the top of the boiler tank is because the reference photos a friend sent of the actual truck shows that the seam on the top part of the boiler tank is very prominent. But you are right. I did strip much of the chrome off of the rest of the parts and re-shot it all with Chrome Silver paint. That was tough. I did enjoy building this OOB, and wouldn't think of adding any other a/m details to it. I do have to add: this was the first model that ever frightened me when I opened the box, due to the number of parts inside the box! The only other kit to do that was Tamiya's 1/350 scale USS Enterprise. Thanks again for the wonderful comments.
cbush Posted January 9, 2009 Report Posted January 9, 2009 Thanks for the pictures Duke. They will be a big help when I get around to building mine. Great work.
Mark Deliduka Posted January 10, 2009 Author Report Posted January 10, 2009 You're welcome Chuck. Glad I could help.
Keith Pruitt Posted January 10, 2009 Report Posted January 10, 2009 Nice work, as always...I'd say that one is somewhat larger than all those 1/72 models that you build... :D :D
Mark Deliduka Posted January 12, 2009 Author Report Posted January 12, 2009 Thanks Keith! Hey, there's still a 1 and a 2 in the scale! LOL!
Mark Deliduka Posted January 17, 2009 Author Report Posted January 17, 2009 Mark, I'm a fan of your work...but, this outdoes it all! By far, the most excellent model you've posted. I really like it...Magnum Opus, indeed! Thanks James! I agree. This was the first model that actually frightened me when I opened the box. I'm glad I overcame my fears because it is magnificent. We had a model display in the Buena Park Library awhile back and the local newspaper had taken pics of the models on display. One pic used on the front page announcing the display was my Christie fire truck. In the pic, it looked so realistic, one guy came down looking for the full-sized one! He was even more astounded when he saw the model. Thanks again for the great compliment!
Scooter Posted January 18, 2009 Report Posted January 18, 2009 A wonderful old (and old!) kit. Well done. AC
Recommended Posts