This model started out as a "what if" concept when Rick Hoskinson found a drawing on the Axis history forum website of a proposed concept or an actual drawing of a vehicle that was seriously being considered for production (shown in the bottom photo below). Rick used a Wiking Mercedes Benz 10000 for the truck tractor, removing the bed and shortening the chassis. The rear fenders were cut down to three quarters and a fifth wheel from Roco was installed. The fuel tanks were relocated as illustrated. Cab details include A-Line wipers, scratchbuilt mirrors, clearance markers, exhaust system, license plate, and tail light housing. Other details include MV Products lenses for the headlights and tail lights and a Mercedes star hood ornament from a Brekina (Starline) bus. The Trilex wheels and tires are from Promotex. The single axle trailer is from a modern Mercedes moving van that was within a couple scale feet of the correct length. The van body was modified to create the rounded front and then wrapped with Evergreen styrene v-grooved siding. The rear doors, door latch, and bumper were scratchbuilt and the door hinges are from Details Associates. The trailer underframe was modified to match the illustration. Other details include a storage box from the spare parts box and license plate and tail light housing. The tail light is from MV Products and the paint is Model Masters Panzer Grey. All decals are from TL.

Posted July 23, 2017