Mack and Dump Pup Detailing Project

It has only taken 15 years! This is a project I was inspired to do after attending the 1996 1/87th Scale Vehicle convention in Ontario CA. One of the vehicles on display in the parking lot was this set of dump pup trailers. There were several things that intrigued me with these pups. A model of these was being produced by Trucks-n-Stuff. There were several small details that could be added to bring attention to the model. And there was the shiny trim - ooooh.

I decided to use a Herpa Mack CH613 because at the time I started this, it was one of the more detailed trucks available.

A few notes of what I did to build this set-up. Some of the descriptions may be vague as it has been a while since I did some of them.

The round fenders are from Herpa. I found their Modern Semi Truck Chassis Set #50883 that contains three - single axle chassis. No cabs. No wheels or tires. Just chassis with some nice details AND FENDERS! These fenders are a separate unit that allowed me to graft them to the truck frame and the dolly. I covered them with Bare Metal Foil.

Yeah, there is a host of Plano details added to the cab. All of the cab details are available so I won't spend time talking about those here.

The chrome two hole Budd wheels where a Trucks-n-Stuff product. I wish I had picked up more when they were available.

The air tanks are just pieces of round parts sprue I cut to size and filed the ends round. There is probably something better available now.

The round end supports under the end plates are just pieces of .035 styrene rod cut to size and glued in place.

The red lenses are CV lenses. Should have picked up more clear lenses.

The gate door valves are just small pieces of styrene and brass wire put together.

The pintle hooks are by Custom Finish but Lonestar also has some nice looking ones now.

Some of the stainless parts developed and added are: Steps up the end slopes, front pup fifth wheel skid plate, dolly steps and walk grate, gate door valve protection shields, mud flat trim and the dump box side and end dress plates (for the lack of a better name).

The painted stripe in the dress plates is painted into a etched groove.

So, here is what I am thinking on this project. As you can see in the photos, the side and end dress plates are not a prefect fit. I am thinking about tweaking them and trying them again. The rest of the etched parts fit fine for my needs. I am planning on building a couple more of these setups. There are a few things I would like to try differently and a few I hope to do better. I am thinking there might be (or hope) a few others out there that might like to build a set of these and/or have suggestions on how or what might be done differently/better. So, while I work on tweaking the dress plates, I will ask for those interested in joining a community project of building a set of these the send me a e-mail to put your name on a no commitment list. Once the parts are ready, I will send out a notice that the community project is ready to start. The parts will be sold for as reason price as possible. Then, (providing I figure it all out) I will create a page where those participating can share their inputs and suggestions. Id the group comes up with a suggested part or part tweak, all within reason, the part will be a part of the project. Hopefully everyone can get along and make it fun. This should be one of those projects that can be taken to great lengths or just some basics added.

If you are interested in joining this community project, please send me a short e-mail at planodude@verizon.net and I will add you to the list. No commitments! If you don't care to join but are interest in the stainless parts, there is a good chance they will be available after everything is finalized. Just follow along the public portion of the project for news of them being available.

Expect updates and revisions to this page as questions/suggestions come in and/or my mind rethinks what I meant to say...

Posting date: Sept 2011 - Projected project start date Jan. 2012 Thanks for looking! Keith

Back to Vehicle details pageor community projectsorhome page