T O P I C R E V I E W |
desertdrover |
Posted - 04/10/2019 : 2:54:21 PM In a Railroad Model Craftsman June 2011 issue I found a kitbash by Ron Christensen, where he took a Mini Metals tractor trailer and did a “Kitbashing a stock trailer” article. This inspired me to do a little research on these livestock trucks, and build one for myself. After some research on the internet I found that Fruehauf was the first to introduce a livestock van in the 1940’s and 50’s. Where the CMW Mini Metals vehicle also used the Fruehauf trailer, it was a no-brainer to use this vehicle, as Ron Christensen did, for my kitbash as well. Picture below shows the kitbash that Ron Christensen built for the magazine article.

Not only was Fruehauf the first to introduce a livestock van, but the early and beautiful rounded nose trailers had reduced jack knifing, and also gave the truck and trailer a greater turning radius. As technology improved the rounded nose trailer became obsolete as customers complained of dead cargo space in the nose, and the rounded nose trailers were eventually abandoned in favor of square nosed trailers of today. Other classic hallmarks of the Fruehauf Trailer are the I-beam axle, torsion bar suspension, self-lubricating brake lines. See below pictures of the Fruehauf trailers.


I’m starting my build with a Classic Metal Works Hennis IH R-190 Tractor/32’ Aerovan Trailer. One difference in my kitbash will be to leave the front panel on each side of the trailer. If you notice the magazine article truck (first picture) you will see that the slatted sides go from the rear, all the way up to the front. On the prototypes I see they have a panel at the front, on each side, as shown on the two Prototype pictures. The above second prototype picture shows the panel I will be leaving on my version of this kitbash. The following post will start with the trailer shell removal, and views of both my version of the build, and the magazine Arthur’s version. I will be posting both templates of the slatted sides, that way you can build yours in either version.
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15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/19/2019 : 4:53:54 PM OK Bernd, now I get what you are referring to. Of course the years of retirement has a lot to do with the plenty of time to tinker.  |
Bernd |
Posted - 12/19/2019 : 08:23:30 AM quote: Originally posted by desertdrover
How's that? On the 13th when you posted it was all painted just waiting for the decals. Yesterday the 17th I finished with decals and posted finished build. That's four days. 
The number of projects you turn out in such a short time. They are great looking pieces of work. I have a tough time getting one project to completion because I get drawn into something more interesting.
Bernd |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 7:54:59 PM quote: Originally posted by quartergauger48
That is one fine looking rig Louis'..
Thank you Ted!   |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 7:53:11 PM quote: Originally posted by Bernd
Hard to keep up with you Louis. Last time I looked you weren't any where near close to finishing.
It really looks nice. I kind of like the way the decal turned out on the trailer. Makes it look like the tractor has the latest and greatest decal applied to it while the trailer has or had a previous design on it.
Like following your short and fast builds. Keep 'em coming.
Bernd
How's that? On the 13th when you posted it was all painted just waiting for the decals. Yesterday the 17th I finished with decals and posted finished build. That's four days.  |
quartergauger48 |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 7:11:47 PM That is one fine looking rig Louis'.. |
Bernd |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 5:13:18 PM Hard to keep up with you Louis. Last time I looked you weren't any where near close to finishing.
It really looks nice. I kind of like the way the decal turned out on the trailer. Makes it look like the tractor has the latest and greatest decal applied to it while the trailer has or had a previous design on it.
Like following your short and fast builds. Keep 'em coming.
Bernd |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 4:41:47 PM quote: Originally posted by BurleyJim
Pretty cool Lou! Your builds are always a tutorial on 'something different' to consider.
Jim
Thanks Jim for your intuition about my type of modeling, and seeing them as tutorials, yes, I am always interested in the unique modeling from the ordinary, and inspired from others and what I see as a different model to build. I enjoy supplying the information to the members when constructing and completing a model build. Sometimes maybe "long winded" as I've been told, but to me, that's a complete tutorial for someone to follow without confused questions in ones mind. Many Thanks again Jim. |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 4:24:18 PM quote: Originally posted by slimrails
She's a beauty, Lou. 
Thank you Russ for the kind comment!  |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 4:22:11 PM quote: Originally posted by Ensign
Louis, it's nice to see you cross the finish line with this one. It will be a wonderful new addition to your layout!
Greg Shinnie
As always Greg, thank you for following along with my builds, and inquiring back in June about an update. I needed that kick start, because I was almost going to give up the project. The summer rest gave me that extra push!  |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 4:19:18 PM quote: Originally posted by Pennman
Wow Louis, that is a great looking truck and trailer. Congratulations are in order.
Rich
Thank you Rich for posting your comments.  |
BurleyJim |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 1:25:30 PM Pretty cool Lou! Your builds are always a tutorial on 'something different' to consider.
Jim |
slimrails |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 12:30:50 PM She's a beauty, Lou.  |
Ensign |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 10:33:32 AM Louis, it's nice to see you cross the finish line with this one. It will be a wonderful new addition to your layout!
Greg Shinnie |
Pennman |
Posted - 12/18/2019 : 10:00:29 AM Wow Louis, that is a great looking truck and trailer. Congratulations are in order.
Rich |
desertdrover |
Posted - 12/17/2019 : 4:05:11 PM quote: Originally posted by k9wrangler
Terrific looking truck Lou. Won’t stay clean long I’m afraid.
Thanks Karl for keeping up with things around here. No Bull!  |