Michigan gravel trains

[Kpifer2]

Just curious if anyone has built a set of Michigan gravel trains. Hopefully when the mpc dump trailer is released this summer i can get started. I'm going to buy 3 Trailers to make an 8 axle set up. Tri axle lead, tandem dolly, and a tri axle pup. Wondering if anyone has done this or has any tips. Thanks

[Petetrucker07]

Sounds cool. I'm not familiar with the setup your going for. Lookin forward to seeing your build.

[Kpifer2]

That's pretty much what I'm going for. I may just have to use a diamond reo to pull it too.

[Petetrucker07]

The original blue printer kit directions gave instructions on how to build that con-gear. I wish I still had them. Those were very detailed instructions. If you had enough kits and parts, those instructions would build that very setup.

[Guest]

This is the original sheet from MPC,

http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thscale/truckkit_instructions/mpcgeneral_mills/1-0851_gravel_trailer/

And this is the Ertl sheet,

http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thscale/truckkit_instructions/ertl/8020_gravel_trailer/

[Superpeterbilt]

Ive done it once, but I made some other mods to the trailers and decided I didnt like it and sold it. The trailers build up the same, you just have to build the dolly. The tailgate of the front trailer is angled, but this isnt hard to do. Thats a mod I usually make on all of my dump trailers. I have the original instructions on how to do this. I can scan them for you if you want just let me know.

[Kpifer2]

Thanks everyone for your help. Nice to see both instruction sheets Anthony.

Terry, I've been watching your California hauler build and I remember the angled tailgate you did and it looked great. How did you go about doing that and what did you use to make the cut?

[Superpeterbilt]

Thanks everyone for your help. Nice to see both instruction sheets Anthony.

Terry, I've been watching your California hauler build and I remember the angled tailgate you did and it looked great. How did you go about doing that and what did you use to make the cut?

Thanks man. I have two saws that I use. One is a standard hobby saw with fine teeth that you can pick up at most hobby shops, the other is a small hobby hack saw that I found at Ace Hardware that has a little more aggressive cut. As far as how to do it, after the liner is glued into the tub, using the two upright pieces that hold the tailgate, angle them in until they touch the first rib from the back. Trace a line where you will need to cut, and cut. I always leave a little excess and file it down until it's good. I hope that helps. If you need pics just let me know.

[Guest]

Thanks everyone for your help. Nice to see both instruction sheets Anthony.

The MPC sheet is the original release of the kit and the Ertl sheet is pretty much a copy of what MPC drew up. However, the Ertl sheet has some decent pictures of the built up model which can be used for reference.