Ok, this is a rant of sorts. But it appears that some companies or friends with friends in companies check out this forum. I’m not expecting a change but will offer this suggestion anyway. This is similar to the ongoing request for information to be included in freight cars concerning era of paint schemes, original built date, etc.
As pointed out in other threads, high quality vehicles in all scales are becoming more readily available. As much as I love trains, I also have a fondness for semi trucks. I would love to see more prototype information included with semi models. Model number of the truck, years produced or year that the particular style (or modification/upgrade) was introduced. I would also like information on the era and region served by the trucking company for which the model is decorated. Would I see a Consolidated Freightways truck in Nebraska in 1968? (I know the answer already but using it as an example). Research on the internet only goes so far, just like railroads, trucking companies come and go. Unfortunately, there is less information on trucks than railroads.
I know there is a cost associated with adding information but I think it would be welcomed.
Now I yield the floor and step down from my [soapbox]
Rick
One of the best places for the info you require can be found here.ask them a question or review the different trucking companies you have a desire to use.
http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/trucks.htm
Your welcome!!
How much would all that information cost???
I reckon I would have to decide between Brass with sound and a semi trailer to sit as part of the scenery.
I have a very strong suspicion that most semi model bodies, if not the liveries, are generic anyway.
Thanks [:P] Dave the Train [(-D]
A big problem nowadays is the truck maker wants all sorts of licensing requirement met. So you mold a “Mack” truck but leave off the badges and just sell it as a truck. For a number of years I believe it was Mack would not allow models of their modern trucks.
Actually there’s not that much of a cost; what’s required is time to do some research – or access to a good knowledge base.
Hank’s truck pictures is a good source. Another good source is the 1/87 Vehicle Club. They can usually help you with a lot of information (far more than you ever wanted in some cases [;)]) about trucks and truck lines.
The Macks are easy. While the Mack website says the B series was introduced in 1949, actual first registrations didn’t start until 1954, so 1954 is usually accepted as the introduction date. The R replaced the B in 1996 and, in various forms, stayed in production until 2003. The prototype for the Athearn model remained in production through the 1980s when the cab was redesigned.
Athearn’s Ford C is good from 1957 to 1990 (some were produced so late, they were registered as 1991 models). The only exceptions are the model years from 1958 to 1960, when the C had quad headlights. Badging changed in that period, going from the Ford crest to the blue oval, but that’s a nit you can pick if you want. The Ford C pumper truck is a post-1986 truck because of the KME rescue pumper body. The rescue truck is a based on a 1967 Ford C with a Gerstenschlager body. As best I can tell, the Telesqurt’s prototype is a 1980 truck, though similar trucks were built from 1972 (when the Telesqurt was introduced) through the 1980s.
The CMW White WC22 was produced from 1950 to 1959. Their White 3000 COE is a 1953 model.
Trailers changed somewhat over the years but major changes came in the 1980s, when the laws governing trailer lengths and weights were changed. Once again, some time spent on Hank’s website would be time well spent.
I know at one time we discussed doing a reference for trucks on the 1/87 Vehicle Club website, but it involved a huge amount of time, wh
edo,
Thanks, Hanks is one of my favorite sites and it helps alot with the research and finding some pretty cool paint schemes. Also, there are yahoo groups and 1/87 Vehicle club that helps too. Don’t get me wrong, there is lots of info, and yes research is half the fun…sometimes. Just looking for some (eh gad) shortcuts!
Rick
Thanks to several people here I have found alot more information. Here is a very useful link of information and pictures of trucking companies.
Rick
http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/gruin.htm