Convoy R Model Truck aka "The Big Black Mack with a can on back"

[ARTEMIS1759]

I am not sure if this has been brought up before but I was looking at my Dad's last model he as of this truck (He had 3 or 4. 3 built in different styles and one still in the box)and something looked screwy. Outside of the fact that most parts were incorrect was the Cab also the wrong model? As I recall they used the offset cab instead of the R600, am I right? Was the wheel base even long enough? Seemed a little short. What the hell were they thinking when they put this kit together? I am by no means a pro modeler but this seemed like a poor kit out of the box. He has a couple truck including the correct R600 so I am thinking of using them all and building a correct "Rubber Duck Mack Truck".

[mackinac359]

You're looking at Ertl's lame attempt to make a Rubber Duck using a DM600. The DM (dump/mixer) had the offset cab, short hood, short wheelbase, heavy suspension, etc. Ertl stuck a sleeper on it and some Rubber Duck decals with a hood ornament and a grille guard and called it good.

Way off.

You need the R688 kit, a an RL700 resin hood, some resin wheels, sleeper etc..

Tim

[ARTEMIS1759]

Thanks. His collection of Macks are pretty beat up. He has a green one that may be the R688 Kit with the longer wheel base and stuff so I started the slow meticulous process of separating pieces. Any suggestions on how to do this without breaking parts? This collection is in such sad shape. Pisses me off. He just never had a place to put them up. But I scrounged through his parts box and found most of the accessories for it that were not chrome plated including the correct wheels. Can't wait to get back from Kosovo because these trucks are on the top of my list to rebuild including buying a 72 Buick GS to restore from my squad leader.

[Jim B]

sounds like a major undertaking. Is the engine correct?

[ns4ever]

the only good part of the kit is the bullbar - even the bumper is not deep enough. I made mine using an Italeri Mack superliner chassis and cab, and a resin RS700 bonnet from AITM, along with some KFS Budd Wheels.

Dan Bruno has both surviving Real life Duck trucks here:

http://www.stlouisdumptrucks.com/convoy_001.htm

Here's my version:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24420024@N04/sets/72157613188403663/

[old-hermit]

Any suggestions on how to do this without breaking parts?

Stick them in the freezer overnite. If that doesn't work try De-Solv glue remover.

[ARTEMIS1759]

Well, now also that I have found this site there is a lot of helpful hints and also suppliers I did not know about. May just use them if I need them. The glue is about 25-30 years old. I would like to try and salvage as much as I can with the trucks we have. Also is it possible to strip paint from styrene? By the way that is a nice replica. Should be good referrence pics. I knew about the site with the real truck. I was always fascinated with this and the Road Warrior Mack. I love Macks. I hope I can salvage most of the kits he has. Judging from the looks of yours I have the right pieces to use on mine.

Edited June 13, 2010 by ARTEMIS1759

[ARTEMIS1759]

What sleeper did you use. I still have the original from the kit but I know that is too short too.

[Jim B]

Check here: http://www.stlouisdumptrucks.com/ConvoyMackTruck/Sleeper.html Scroll all the way to the bottom, and there are "plans" for the 60" Able Body sleeper.

[ARTEMIS1759]

Thanks for that. I fell in love with the duck after I found out that's why my dad gave me the handle "Rubber Duck" back in the day. Had to see the movie the next day. I got it on DVD now. Apparently he loved the movie lol.

[Jim B]

Never seen it.

[ARTEMIS1759]

Well, I found the other kit I plan to use in this build. I have started it by using this as the base truck: