First-time contributor Jeff Pline from Nampa, Idaho sent us these photos of a model of a prototype truck he drove in the early '90s as a backhoe operator. Jeff says he has been been modeling since childhood, although this is his first attempt at 1/87 vehicles. This truck was his main transport vehicle. Jeff started with a Promotex short frame International tractor. He lengthened the frame with Evergreen styrene, repositioned the fuel tank and battery box, added an Alloy Forms cast fuel tank, and scratchbuilt fuel pump. Also added were Plano Model Products photo-etched mirrors, front grille, and mudflaps. The bed is totally scratchbuilt of styrene plus metal etchings from his scrap box. The model was airbrushed with acrylics and enamels then weathered with pastel chalk dust and India ink for oil stains.

Posted September 4, 2010