Pete 387 - A Sneak Peek !

The new hard drive is in, so I am up and running again.  To my surprise, Sketchup has a new 2013 version which I discovered after the new install.  It looks very similar to what I was using before, but I haven't used it yet to see what is different.  I am itching to get back to designing, but meanwhile, I have had a couple Shapeways packages arrive.  I have sleepers for my Pete 379 and a new frame which includes twin 150 gallon fuel tanks.  I also revised my front wheels to make the rim more prominent for ease of painting the rim/tire.  Thanks Glenn for that suggestion.  The highlight however was a pair of Peterbilt 387's.  I posted the 3d renderings of this beauty a while back, and now that I have the actual print result, I am very impressed.  My focus to date has been day cab tractors and trucks, yet I have been eager to start designing some over the road rigs.

Well here is a sneak peak of the pair so far.  One is in primer, and the other cab has its final blue coat.  I designed the simulated sleeper glass and headlights with a slight recess to provide a subtle line for filling in with a brush or marker.  After the solvent bath, clean up was very minimal.  This is where I am as of tonight.  I think the primered cab will get red paint, and I might shoot that before I go to bed.  Hopefully in the next couple of days I can paint my details, and have a completed model to share.  Let me know what you think.

Here is a comparison between the 387 Pete and a Kato Volvo.  The biggest difference that pops out at me is the Honda Civic tires and wheels that Kato put on their truck model.

Here's a converted reefer that my friend Bob made up for me.  I think it makes a nice pair.