Dean Hess recently built these vintage fuel tanker models using Classic Metal Works' recently introduced 1946 Chevrolet three axle tractors. Starting with the tractors, it was completely repainted in Shell Gasoline and Texaco colors. Dean shimmed the cab up a bit to allow the Athearn "Old-Skool (sic)/blue box" tires and wheel inserts to fit proportionally and then repainted, weathered and detailed them with chrome trim rings. He added a fuel tank on top of a crossover plate. He also added air brake service lines and a cab mounted horn. Dean made new headlights to replace the original ones by punching out a small disc from styrene and then adding a very small dab of clear epoxy that make for a perfectly shaped head lamp.

The tank trailers are of his own design utilizing pictures and dimensional drawings. It is designed/intended to "fit" the Chevy tractor in both size and style of the period. It is a 30' long by 8' high trailer cast in resin from Dean's own mold master. He used a Promotex trailer only for the elliptical shape of the tank and an Ulrich top for the manholes and drip edges; otherwise it is a complete rebuild and completely cast in resin. Note the dual arched wheel wells and extreme slope of the tank back. Dean used CMW's wheels and tires and landing gear with suspension from A-Line. The trailer compartment doors are Ed O'Keefe decals and the Shell and flammable decals are from Ken Goudy.

Posted August 10, 2012