Mercedes-Benz 1628s 6x4 hookloader

[JeroenS 3,849]

Hi all, I started this build almost 2 years ago! It was my first truck build but it got me "hooked" (sorry, bad joke )... When I started this build I had an image in my mind of what the end result should look like, but that was it. I had no experience with truck builds (in fact this was only my second build after rebooting the hobby), I knew next to nothing about trucks and had no experience with kitbashing, scratchbuilding and weathering. But, as I'm a fan of on the job training this didn't deter me at all   

 

The kit itself is Revell's lovely 1628s 4x2 tractor unit. 

 

 

I love these '80's trucks! In fact, I have since purchased another one of these. 

 

I wanted to do 3 things with this kit. Convert it into a compact 6x4, build a hookloader system for it, and a bin for it to carry. In order to accomplish the first I used the front end of the Benz's chassis, the backend of Revell's Volvo F12 and a pair of resin drive axels which turned out to be for a modern Volvo. As I said earlier, I had no idea when I started it but I have learned a whole lot about trucks in these last 2 years. Anyway, what matters to me is the end result and I guess one of the reasons I like doing trucks is that you can get away with a lot  

 

Some pics of the build phase: 

 

 

The drive axles, wheels and mudguards are resin items from KFS.

 

 

 

The interior: 

 

 

In the end the cooler didn't fit in this position so it ended up in the footwell. I think the interior is a little too "sandy" but this was my first time using pigments. Not very subtle  

 

The whole build can be found here: 

 

 

I scratchbuilt the container over the past couple of weeks. It was the last item missing on the build and before that the kit had been on hold since August last year. I was just waiting for the right bin to reveal itself to me in my dreams  

 

Enough of the intro, here are some pics I shot this afternoon with one of my 1/24 scale barn backdrops. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made the bin after a real-life example I saw one day while hiking recently. I liked the unusual shape. 

 

 

 

Full album here.

 

I'd like to thank everybody for reading, liking, commenting, and encouraging me on this build!

 

[Pete in Lincs 12,513]

 A great result and I am looking forward to your next build.

[Spiny 1,308]

It was a good build to watch come together, and an excellent end result as I'm coming to expect now.

[Richard E 1,357]

A fantastic build Jerone, very representative of the hard working, owner operated wagons found on sites all over the world.

 

Looking forward to your next project.

[HoolioPaulio 1,042]

Stunning build, nice work.  Loved following this one.  Your weathering is spot on fella  

[Alpha Delta 210 4,546]

Incredible result - it looks so real in the photographs.

[busnproplinerfan 1,489]

Looks the part. Interiors for a truck like would be very dirty unless the driver actually took care of the truck. I have three of these, only an idea for one of them so far.

[JeroenS 3,849]

7 hours ago, Spiny said:

It was a good build to watch come together, and an excellent end result as I'm coming to expect now.

... He said, gently putting the pressure on

 

Thanks Spiny, comment appreciated!

[JeroenS 3,849]

Just now, busnproplinerfan said:

Looks the part. Interiors for a truck like would be very dirty unless the driver actually took care of the truck. I have three of these, only an idea for one of them so far.

Oh cool you could build a fleet ... I have one more, I'm thinking small tanker.

[busnproplinerfan 1,489]

8 minutes ago, JeroenS said:

Oh cool you could build a fleet ... I have one more, I'm thinking small tanker.

Found good detail pictures of an airport fueller with a trailer for sale and I want to make one into a Pakistani rig. The third, who knows.I for sure need a set of tandem rear axle for the Pakistani truck.

[Bullbasket 9,131]

12 hours ago, JeroenS said:

I think the interior is a little too "sandy" but this was my first time using pigments. Not very subtle  

Oh I don't know! Many's the time I have taken over a cab from somebody else to find enough crap to fill a dustbin. Very nice Job Jeroen. It's extremely well weathered, but that flask is going to go flying as soon as he moves off.

 

John.

[JeroenS 3,849]

20 minutes ago, Bullbasket said:

but that flask is going to go flying as soon as he moves off.

Haha yes it will! I just hope driver remembers he left it there

 

Thanks for the comments John, much appreciated

[keefr22 11,820]

Another stunning model Jeroen, the paint and weathering look spot on and your scratchbuilding is excellent! And as has already been mentioned your excellent photos in front of the backdrop just look like they show a real truck!!

 

Brilliant stuff!

 

Keith

 

 

[cherry268 255]

Cracking build, very realistic

As for the interior, there is no such thing as unrealistic interior condition

I have seen just about everything

We used to supply cleaner and dash polish to our drivers if asked and had to ration some drivers as they used so much!!

Of course the other extreme is something like finding the passenger footwell full of rubbish right up to the seat

 

[Gorby 5,978]

That's an amazing result! Most of the photos could easily passed off as the real thing.

[gt6mkiii 843]

Looks fantastic Jeroen - it's a great result. I love the leftover debris in the bin as well - nice touch!

[JeroenS 3,849]

3 hours ago, gt6mkiii said:

Looks fantastic Jeroen - it's a great result. I love the leftover debris in the bin as well - nice touch!

Thanks Martin! Debris courtesy of @Richard E  

[Mr Mansfield 160]

What a stunning level of realism!

[Ryedale Wolf 200]

Very nice