During a foray into Toys 'R' Us, I found a Matchbox 1:43 (roughly O scale) Mack 1923 fire truck... The last one for half price. I wish they'd had a half-dozen. These are wonderful little models. They're held together with three small machine screws, making kitbashing a snap. This little feller is in the process of becoming a small railtruck. I cannot claim any individuality of this idea, as I've seen something similar for sale...at a cost of over $200 USD
However, my pocketbook managed to handle the ten bucks for this little guy.
The wheels were removed, and replaced with MDC HO scale truss rod trucks. I will replace the plastic wheels with metal ones. The water tank on the back was removed, and will become a small backwoods critter refuelling station. (Hey - 2 models in one!)
Stripping the paint was a big job, considering the diminutive size of this model. A thick layer of red metallic paint was covered by an equally thick layer of clearcoat, resulting in a beautifully lustrous finish, but an incredible amount of work to get (most of it) off.
Here is a shot of the mostly stripped cab and frame.
However, my pocketbook managed to handle the ten bucks for this little guy.The wheels were removed, and replaced with MDC HO scale truss rod trucks. I will replace the plastic wheels with metal ones. The water tank on the back was removed, and will become a small backwoods critter refuelling station. (Hey - 2 models in one!)
Stripping the paint was a big job, considering the diminutive size of this model. A thick layer of red metallic paint was covered by an equally thick layer of clearcoat, resulting in a beautifully lustrous finish, but an incredible amount of work to get (most of it) off.
Here is a shot of the mostly stripped cab and frame.
