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For quite some time I've been wanting to try to build a truck model. Kenbo's and Buggyman's build threads has been a great inspiration and I wanted to see what I could achive. Then I saw Diamondt's incredible build and I almost gave it all up. No way I would ever come near that standard. Oh well, I'll do my best and see were that takes me.
I've been thinking about this for a long time and how to approach a project like this. My initial thought was to build a model of the workhorse on the swedish roads, the Volvo FH16 long hauler:
![Transport Vehicle Mode of transport Trailer Truck]()
When I considered this I realized there was some major problems. This rig is 25.25 metres long (83 feet). I wanted to build a model of a rather big scale so I could have some details on it. But in a scale of 1:12 this sucker would be over 2 metres (7 feet) long and even 1:24 would be 3.5 feet. Fun to build, but what would I do with the finished model? I would have to build a garage too. :laughing:
I decided to skip that plan and try to build a model of this one instead:
![Land vehicle Vehicle Transport Truck Commercial vehicle]()
It's a Volvo FE 42R. 18 tons, 320 HP. Nothing spectacular at all but in a scale of 1:16 I think I'll be able to add some details to it. The length of the model will be around 600 mm (24").
I have no plans so I'll have to build it from pictures and some measurements from the the manufacturers brochure. I'll work on this on and off so the build will take some time. Don't expect any Kenbo-pace here.
Allright, enough talking, time to hit the workshop. I'll mainly use alder for this build with some parts in birch. For contrasting parts I would have loved some walnut but I have no access to that so I'll have to do with rowan for those parts.
I started with the frame and ripped two pieces of birch for that. The reason for that choise is that these parts has to be bent and birch bends very well. I pulled out my steamer and fired it up.
![Furniture Table Room Wood Bench]()
The old rule says steam 1 hour for every inch of wood thickness. The frame parts are 6 mm (1/4") so that gives 15 minutes.
I had to build a clamping jig so the steamed parts would have the desired curve. With steam bending there is always the problem of spring back so the shape of the jig is very much a guesswork.
![Wood Plywood Table Hardwood]()
When the 15 minutes are gone it's a real hurry to get the pieces clamped, these thin parts cool off quickly.
![Tool Workbench Clamp Table Wood]()
I've been thinking about this for a long time and how to approach a project like this. My initial thought was to build a model of the workhorse on the swedish roads, the Volvo FH16 long hauler:
When I considered this I realized there was some major problems. This rig is 25.25 metres long (83 feet). I wanted to build a model of a rather big scale so I could have some details on it. But in a scale of 1:12 this sucker would be over 2 metres (7 feet) long and even 1:24 would be 3.5 feet. Fun to build, but what would I do with the finished model? I would have to build a garage too. :laughing:
I decided to skip that plan and try to build a model of this one instead:
It's a Volvo FE 42R. 18 tons, 320 HP. Nothing spectacular at all but in a scale of 1:16 I think I'll be able to add some details to it. The length of the model will be around 600 mm (24").
I have no plans so I'll have to build it from pictures and some measurements from the the manufacturers brochure. I'll work on this on and off so the build will take some time. Don't expect any Kenbo-pace here.
Allright, enough talking, time to hit the workshop. I'll mainly use alder for this build with some parts in birch. For contrasting parts I would have loved some walnut but I have no access to that so I'll have to do with rowan for those parts.
I started with the frame and ripped two pieces of birch for that. The reason for that choise is that these parts has to be bent and birch bends very well. I pulled out my steamer and fired it up.
The old rule says steam 1 hour for every inch of wood thickness. The frame parts are 6 mm (1/4") so that gives 15 minutes.
I had to build a clamping jig so the steamed parts would have the desired curve. With steam bending there is always the problem of spring back so the shape of the jig is very much a guesswork.
When the 15 minutes are gone it's a real hurry to get the pieces clamped, these thin parts cool off quickly.
