The trucks that built Boulder Dam

[Chariots of Fire]

Getting away from the fire apparatus for a bit. Jeff Harper and I are doing a "consulting joint project" to model two Mack AP's that were used in the constsruction of Boulder Dam in the early 1930's. The AP rock dumps were the beginning of off road heavy haulers. Later in the construction process the dump bodies were removed from some and were refitted with cement mixers. We are making the same chassis for both rigs starting with the Monogram Mack AC kit for frame, axles and rear wheels. From there in it's a lot of scratch building. Certain parts are being duplicated by molding and casting such as the front fenders, rear tires and headlights. The chain drives of the AC have been exchanged for delrin operating chain and sprockets. Front wheels are from the Ertl R Model Mack. Here is the progress so far. Jeff informs me that his rig is coming along with much the same work having been accomplished.

Edited October 4, 2012 by Chariots of Fire

[Casey]

Very cool build idea.

I was wondering what the huge gears were for, then I clicked on the next picture and saw they were not gears, but rather interlocking(?) rear tires. Looks like you made a lot of progress on the dump bed so far.

[Bennyg]

Sweet! I love Mack trucks. Can't wait to see more. Cheers

Ben

[mackinac359]

Always amazing builds!

Tim

[Turbo590]

Charlie...you'll do "her" justice

Can't wait to see it....Kurt

You'll have to have Jeff, post some progress pictures as well.

[Danno]

Fantastic!

[Agent G]

Living 30 minutes from the dam, I've come to appreciate just what it took to build the beast. Excellent job on an iconic truck.

G

[Madd Trucker]

Compared it to pics I have of that truck looks good and spot on

Edited July 24, 2012 by Madd Trucker

[Chariots of Fire]

While Jeff is using the chassis i'm working on to duplicate some details I've been working on the rock dump body. It's amazing how some flimsy plastic can become so strong when you follow the way they built the body from steel. IT IS SOLID! Will have some pics shortly.

[MachinistMark]

way cool.

[jacobus]

great building

going back in time

very nice

[cargostar]

Is that chain from Grandt Line?

[mnwildpunk]

Amazing build you have going on! I'll be watching

[Chariots of Fire]

Is that chain from Grandt Line?

It could be but the supplier we got it from just has it to sell. Where he acquired it from I am not sure. It could be the same as what Micro-mark has in its catalog.

[Chariots of Fire]

Here are some pics of the Mack AP chassis with the body in place. These trucks worked in a pretty hot environment so they did not use sides to the hood. Instead they used a heavy duty wire mesh just to keep debris away from the engine and to allow for additional cooling. Next thing is the protective shield for the upper front of the body that kept rocks from falling on the driver's head!

[lapazleo]

Cool!

[mackinac359]

No words to describe..

Tim

[Chariots of Fire]

Just another shot of the body with a bit more detail added. It's now pinned to the frame.

[Tony Bryan]

That is some fine scratch building you are doing

[Chariots of Fire]

Thanks for all of the kind comments, guys. I'll be posting as we make more progress on the builds.

[BigBad]

Nice ol' truck, great scratch building, this is a rare sight, even here!

[Aaronw]

Neat truck, this should be good to watch. What did you use for the front tires? They look like a good possibility for a long stalled Mack AC rescue I have.

My Dad's step father helped build Hoover / Boulder dam and later the Shasta dam.

[Chariots of Fire]

The front tires are from a previous scratch project, Aaron. I made up a master and then had Tom Coolidge of Denver, CO cast them for me. The wheels are straight from the Mack R kit.

[Joker]

EPIC ! ! !

[Gluhead]

I really dig this. Great subject and scratching.