Scratchbuilt Thompson Brothers mobile refueling unit 1935/1937

 (Completed model is here:
http://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2017/11/sctach-built-172nd-thompson-brothers.html

From the Flight magazine archives, May 6th 1937:

If I often model bizarre planes, why not fuel them with a bizarre tanker?

In any case, proper fueling procedures should be followed, to avoid, err, nasty accidents.

Traditional Pericles' Golden Age scratchbuilding methods were used, plus a few bits from the spares box.

It is a beautiful modeling day out there:

 A few things from the spares box, and the traditional styrene sheet approach:

To the right, an aftermarket item I just painted and spiced-up a bit. Always nice to have a couple objects close to the models in the photos:

 Axle support parts:

 Transmission covers:

 There was a light on the nose, so provisions are made:

 More bulkheads are added, plus dashboard, the nose is sheeted:

 Floor is added:

 Side ribs and panels:

 View of parts so far:

 Ribs in place:

 Holes are made so no closed chamber is created when you add more parts, because closed spaces slow down the plastic cement action and sometimes this deforms structures because of the unvented fumes:

 Sides are glued and taped:

 Sides in place:

 Front:

 Back:

 Back is covered and the door is on the left:

 Top sheeting begins:

 Accessories are fabricated: search light housing, lens and mounting. Fuel caps (six as per photos) and smaller lens for vehicle nose:

The nose cheeks are made from basswood:

Sanding ensues:

 A view of the "scratched kit":

 Dry run of seat and hose container:

 A curved, raised hood as per photo is fashioned:

Back hatch and strip in place:

 The rear axle support and the front wheel fork in place:

The main body is primed, some parts are painted:

Once more the Arctic Decals circular masks come to the rescue. Wheels hubs are masked to paint the tires:

 Second coat of primer, white this time as a color base:

Ready for body paint and then general assembly, all components accounted for:

Color is applied:

Meanwhile, in the garden...

Completion feels closer now. If only those mechanics will stop attending the Irregulars' meetings in Puget Sound and do some darn work for a change...

Almost there; fuel caps, axle and side covers added:

 Seat, hose, search light and front light added:

 The steering wheel is made from a clock gear:

 And installed:

 Now the model only needs its decals, to be provided by Arctic Decals from Finland:

 Here is what I would use for once the decals are applied:

 

To be continued........