Martin Oostrom
I have several iterations of the trailer , so definitely watching this

Goldman
Nice start. Will be an interesting tractor-trailer combination

Qwertzel
Looking pretty good! Taking a seat

Bozzer
Peterbilt 378 by any chance?

Chris Author
378 yes. A shame it didn't come with a Cummins. Can't seen to find a '53 flat deck or B-train either.

Bozzer
Try Kit Form Services? They've changed ownership and they're coming out with new Stuff, monthly? Also try Auslowe in Australia.
I thought it was the 378, because of the motor. Most italeri kits come with a Cummins. You can also get them aftermarket, from Auslowe, and a few other guys. If you get stuck, gimme a shout and I'll see what I can dig up? Always happy to help a fellow truck modeller 👍

Goldman
This is a list on Model Cars Magazine forum with available engines in kits and in resin:
modelcarsmag.com/for..engines-how-to-find/
A little outdated but a very good start

Moebius offered a 48 flat bed trailer that you can maybe extend to 53:
48' Flatbed Trailer (Moebius Models 1304, 1:25)
I think it was released over 10 years ago but you can still find it occasionally on Amazon

Bozzer
As a thought, you could also get the Great Dane Extendable Trailer, and put your own deck on it?

Chris Author
Thanks, I'll check them out.

Chris Author
Gonna try a semi-gloss for the engine/chassis this time and see how that looks. They come glossy from the factory but that doesn't last very long.

Bozzer
You can actually get decals, for the frame, motor and fuel filters.
Modeltruckin is currently going through some changes. Sadly, Jerry has retired, and I am thankful for his hard work, and wish him all the best for the future, but he sold his files to someone else, who is going to carry on his good work. Apparently, it's gonna take a little while, but it's happening?
So keep an eye out, in the future, and of course, I'll post a link, when I find out.
Meanwhile, I'm liking what I'm seeing, so carry on!
I'll start something up myself, pretty soon.
I love seeing all these semi's, coming together!
Let them truckers roll!

Chris Author
Interior colour is down. Still needs clear and wash.

Christian W
Good start so far!

Chris Author
Lots of work done today.

Gotta say... not enjoying this kit very much. Fitment issues, poor plastic quality... maybe just been spoiled with Tamiya and Eduard kits. Motivated to get this done and move on to something else.

Gonna put the tanker on hold after this.

Bozzer
You definitely have to work on these, unlike Tamiya. An easier kit, would be Revell. They have some nice Pete's and their KW W900 is a good kit too. However, once you get used to the cab fitment, they become less stressful. On my 378, I extended the sleeper. That was definitely a challenge. But, we do it because we're nuts, not because it's easy, lol. Looks like you're lining up for the winning post, so I'll sit back and watch this beauty transform 🙂

Martin Oostrom
Welcome to the wonderful world of Italeri. They make the most unusual kits in the most unusual way.

Bozzer
Lol, try putting lights in the grill, then close the hood? I put mine to the side, before it hit the wall! The tolerance on these, is almost airtight! I also got my gloves stuck to the front fender. Touching up Alclad II is a skill in itself! I still love building them though 😉

Christian W
I can sind a song about all the issues I had with my Frightliner *lol* Sorry. It's tough to get them done sometimes. When I was a kid, somehow they went together without any problems. If that had been, I think, I wouldn't go into that hobby.

Martin Oostrom
This one? Youtube Video

Bozzer
@Christian. AHH, I remember those childhood days well! I even remember my first attempt at painting camo, with green and orange! Problem is, as we strive for perfection, the bar gets higher? I always wanted to be a welder, now I'm a plastic welder. Never once, did I think I'd become an electrician? But maybe, that's where the problem solving, came in? Life has a strange way of doing things, just like us all being here, spending hours with plastic, paint, and headache pills 🙂

Christian W
Agree. I was a welder / mechanic and liked to work on my own car. To restore them and drive them. Sadly the times have changed and after my (hopefully last) movment to another location where my job is, I lost the possibility to work on my cars because I have no place for it. My three remaining vintage cars are housed in different locations, which are unfortunately too far away to "just" take a look at them. So modelling is for switching off or getting your mind off things.
To come back to this truck. And yes: when a kit sucks I accept the challenge to beat this piece of plastic. To show, who's the master of desaster 😄

Bozzer
Mate, that's looking amazing!

Martin Oostrom
It took me 5 years to finish my Italeri Western Star, so you're lightning quick 😉
She does look the part! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Chris Author
Calling it complete.... for the time being.

Was a struggle most of the way but super pleased with the final result.

I have some ideas with this beast down the road I think...

Goldman
It looks great Chris. Impressive model.