Brandon H Author
Time for another "big" project. Another cabover to go next to the International, I think.

Brandon H Author
Would've loved to get started on the engine right away, but to avoid some potentially tragic rework later on, I'm starting with the basic frame components first. This way I can continually check fitment as build up the powertrain.

Nigel Chapman
Wow Brandon it's all or nothing! How are you finding the photo etch? I guess it will take the weight

Brandon H Author
Smoothest experience I've ever had with photoetch, at least thus far. Granted, the bar is low haha

Seems like a sturdy frame so far, though there's a LOT of resin that'll go on it

Bozzer
Oh Brandon! You can't display a Euro, next to a stunning American, classic cabover! No, no, no, my friend! That's a crime against humanity itself!
You have to start a new shelf now, and build others too!
Jokes aside, that chassis looks bloody amazing!
I can see the fine work, already, and fair play to you, for holding back on the engine, it makes total sense to me. In my experience with Euros, you need to be careful with the cab mountings? They're very fragile, and I recommend that you fit them, right at the last minute, before you finally mount the cab. Don't be tempted to fit them beforehand. On my Scania, the cab is quite heavy, and that's just a stock cab, without any fancy additions? I was also disappointed to find out, that the cab only raised slightly, so you couldn't see the work that had gone into the engine, etc? Granted, it looks good on the shelf though. Those bloody decals took forever!

Martin Oostrom
It's not a Euro, it's an Aussie!
Great stuff Brandon 👍🏻

Bozzer
Now Martin, our friend Peter would declare a KW or even a Western Star, an Aussie, compared to our Cabovers. But in all honesty, I've never seen a cabover, more sexier, than a K100 Aerodyne? A woman magnet, of great proportions 🙂

Brandon H Author
It's definitely not a Euro... in a way, it's actually the LAST American cabover, built in Cleveland (North Carolina, not Ohio) through 2020. Complete trucks were built for export only after 2006, though you could still buy it as a cab or a glider in the US and Canada. They're very rare around here these days but I do see them from time to time.

Importantly, at its heart is a motor built right here in Redford... that's why it's going on the shelf next to the International!

Bozzer
During my visit to the Mack Museum, they had a picture of the Magnum. Obviously, I had to ask questions? What I found out, amazed me. Because Mack was taken over by Renault, they released a Mack Magnum. Nothing on it was made by Mack, but it was assembled in the Mack factory, and basically they stuck the Mack badge on the front. As most know, Mack is now owned by Volvo, so I plan on taking another trip out there, to see if they've added more modern Cabovers, to their list? I'm actually more curious about what's actually made by Mack, that's in whatever they've got? That's something that I hope to find out, and share with you guys.

Nigel Chapman
@Bozzer nowadays everyone owns everyone else!
Scania and Navistar (International) are part of the VW-MAN group
Mercedes own Freightliner , Western Star and Detroit diesel
Paccar group own Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF.
Volvo Trucks is fairly independent with their own US subsidiary
Iveco has always been Fiat owned
Renault own Mack

Back in the day Foden were Paccar ownedAnd ERF were badged as International and Western Star in New Zealand / Australia.

Lesson over

István Szücs
Woww!

Another unique build, I'm impressed!

Brandon H Author
Getting this build moving again... current sprint will see the engine conversion and buildup through to completion

Goldman
Amazing attention to details. Very interesting build. The chassis looks really nice.

This thread contains a 435 pages manual for working with PE that I have found very useful: forums.kitmaker.net/..and-techniques/23543

Brandon H Author
Wow, that's intense! Thanks!

Bozzer
That's a very helpful link, Goldman. I've also saved it. Really appreciate your time to share it with us 👍

Yngve N
I'm joining in. Looks fun and very difficult to build an engine that isn't straight out from a kit. And thanks to Goldman for the link. Just finished the AK Interactive book, but there's definitely more to learn

Nigel Chapman
I have brain ache just going through the engine build photos!

Brandon H Author
Making good progress on the engine components the last week or two. Hoping assembly can start soon!

Bozzer
Pay attention, fellow Scalemates!
This is probably the best details, you'll ever see on a truck?
My mind is blown, and I'm wearing wellington boots, to contain the fluid in my socks!
Next year, Brandon is going American, with full engine, interior, chassis, and he might even throw in a driver and trailer? 😉

Brandon H Author
Lol settle down Bozzer...

Next truck will be German actually, and the one after that will either be American or Japanese, depending on which project is closest to being ready at that time.

Nigel Chapman
@Bozzer you forgot the rivet counting