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Converting diecast tractor trailers gets problematic (weight, length) and expensive (the diecast model, the 'Streets "donor" vehicles needed, upgraded motors, etc. can cost upwards of $200 for a large 18-wheeler ) and can be a lot of work - even if it is worth it for what you get.  

 

But the truck shown here, although small and only a ten-wheeler, is what people ask me for most: This relatively simple project costs about $75 total and results in a nice running, good looking, basic tractor trailer.  It is the first of three step-by-step projects in the final, Tractor-Trailer, chapter of my second 'Streets book.  I wasn't on the forum much yesterday because I spent the whole day from 5 AM to 6 PM, building this model - (don't worry - it would not take that long unless you stop to take a picture and write an explanation at every step.)

 

It turned out really nicely so I have attached a compacted .pdf of the file describing how to build it below, for anyone who wants it. 

 

For anyone who decides to try this project, it makes a nice truck that runs well on my layout.  But I stress that it is nearer the limits of what can be done with a standard 'Streets motor and chassis than one might think: to assure good running it is important keep the trailer you make as light as possible - I took a chance and made a lightweight plastic trailer body but card stock box would keep it even lighter.   Lengthening the trailer or making it much heavier will create problems. 

 

Semi-big-rig

 

EDIT: please note the file is not proofread well and has a few typos - the publisher's line editor will eventually fix them, but for now, I corrected a few here in this updated .pdf just now.

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  • Semi-big-rig
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Semi-big rig 1
Semi-big-rig 2
Files (1)
Last edited by Lee Willis
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Originally Posted by Spence:

That is just amazing Lee. I love the self-promotion.

Well, if you have to put a name on the trailer, I figured, why not my own? But  I was thinking of making a second, tanker trailer for it, painting it red, and doing it as Texaco, but I realized that takes the project out of the "simple it simple as possible" arena.  Still, I might do this down the road . . . 

Last edited by Lee Willis
Originally Posted by stevepeterson56:

Lee,

The best thing is what you did didn't need all the DOT stickers that we have to put on trucks now.

Steve

I actually thought about putting a bunch of stickers, plaquards, etc. on it, and then thought - nah - this is the '50s, when things were still under control. . . . besides, what I don't like I don't allow on my layout!

Originally Posted by EBT Jim:

 ... if you decide to scratch build an 1950's style tanker trailer, I'll sure be looking for it.

 

Well, here it is . . . scratch built. It was so obviously what the truck should be, that it gnawed at me 'til it spent most of yesterday on it.  The whole trailer weighs only 2.6 ounce - 1.3 of which is the metal axle and wheels alone.  I don't have quite the right font (the O in TEXACO is round, not oval like here) but this still looks good.  Note I painted the wheels since the earlier truck (above) - painting the wheels changes the look of a 'streets truck or car alot, and is something to keep in mind when doing a project -- it can have a lot to do with how good it looks.  In this case, it sort of completed the "look" - and nearly all Texaco tankers had this type of wheel -- chrome or silver painted thin rim with an all-red wheel.

Slide1

 

 

Wow it looks good! Texaco tanker trucks are just rolling eye candy for the layout!!!   The three filler hatches on top are depleted hearing aid batteries- I love using discarded stuff like that in models!

Slide2

 

 

Originally I was going to put a shiny chrome bumper on the rear, as I had on the Willis Lines  box trailer in the posting that started this thread, but photos show Texaco tankers did not have much of a bumper, and certainly  not chrome.  I tried it anyway but it ruined the clean look at the back . . . 

Slide3

 

I just felt like adding this little detail, based on several photos from the 1950s, which does nothing to make it run better , but was fun to build . . . 

Slide4

 

Here it is underneath - just 1/10 inch styrene frame and shaping templates and .04 plastic sheet, and an axle from a WBB panel van. 

Slide5

 

 I did this project as a demonstration for the book of how to make an inexpensive tractor trailer and I expected not to like it as much as some of my others, but it is a lovely little truck and runs so well.  And looks sooooo good!  I just love it.  

Attachments

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  • Slide1
  • Slide2
  • Slide3
  • Slide4
  • Slide5
Videos (1)
Texaco Tanker Truck
Last edited by Lee Willis
Dang ...... you nailed it, Lee! She is sweet. With that modified Ford pickup cab, you have recreated that beautiful, ornery looking 1950's heavy truck style. I want to do that!
 
Texaco is cool. The layout that we're building is centered on the CNJ branch line that served the Standard Oil/Esso (now Phillips66) refinery of my hometown of Linden, NJ. But, across Newark Bay in Bayonne, NJ there was a Texaco refinery. Maybe I'll fudge things.
 
 
 
Originally Posted by Lee Willis:
 

Well, here it is . . . scratch built. It was so obviously what the truck should be, that it gnawed at me 'til it spent most of yesterday on it. 

 

Slide2

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