Constructing a 1.50 scale fair ground packing truck.
Discussion
One of the models i remember from the 60's was a ERF 8 wheeler packing truck painted in cream and white,because of its colour it was obviously contracted in by Stevens funfair which makes photos of the old truck hard to find,it was imaculately kept by its owner and apart from the understated paint job it had chrome wheel trims and bumpers that complemented it,ime going to build this one from memory and seem to remember at the front of the trucks loading space it had a diesel generator with access either side of the bodywork.
Here ive started with a base ERF and am going to build the bodywork out of sheet plastic,the generator is roughly in the position i remember.
This photo gives an idea of how the shape was,i will make opening doors using wire and pen refills,behind the truck is some of the set ive already constructed and to the side is the start of the "Waltzer" centre trailer.
Here ive started with a base ERF and am going to build the bodywork out of sheet plastic,the generator is roughly in the position i remember.
This photo gives an idea of how the shape was,i will make opening doors using wire and pen refills,behind the truck is some of the set ive already constructed and to the side is the start of the "Waltzer" centre trailer.
In this photo ive constructed the other side with Hinged access doors to the Generator load,ive pulled the roof back to show the generator,and where ive cut theair grill vent into the other side of the truck.
On the nearest side ive made the opening hinged doors using straightened and cut down wire paper clips and plastic tube that comes with WD40 cans.
On the nearest side ive made the opening hinged doors using straightened and cut down wire paper clips and plastic tube that comes with WD40 cans.
In this photo ive marked out the under belly stowage compartments and am starting to cut them out and hinge them,ive also started shaping the wheel arches with a dremel,i was going to tidy up the wheel arches using cut down smartie lids but they dont make them any more 
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These trucks are cared for with nearly as much care as their caravans and the wheels had chrome centre caps,ime thinking of finding and shaping chrome buttons for this,any suggestions on other materials.
. These trucks are cared for with nearly as much care as their caravans and the wheels had chrome centre caps,ime thinking of finding and shaping chrome buttons for this,any suggestions on other materials.
Recently purchased this white metal kit off ebay of a 50's AEC truck,its quite a rare truck and in 1.50 scale.
It comes in kit form and requires soldering or glueing,
Ive just started painting it ready for assembly,in the background are some other fairground trucks through stages of building.
It comes in kit form and requires soldering or glueing,
Ive just started painting it ready for assembly,in the background are some other fairground trucks through stages of building.
M3John said:
Looks fantastic mate. Keep up the good work and please keep the photos comming
.vrooom said:
Look great. Keep up with good work! i remember those old fairground van. warm place to be near in winter time 
Thanks chaps,progress is a little slow at the moment but as the winter draws nearer then i shall move things along a little.
The transport that was used and is used now is probably the most severe type of customising in the auto world you could find,i know with Stevens Funfair(these trucks are modelled on) that the late Perrin Stevens used to build and modify the rides and trucks to a point where he would sell them to other funfairs,it must have fun building something that others derived so much fun from,but challenging knowing the strict Health and safety rules.
With the demise of so many british truck manufacturers ime enjoying trying to conserve a little peice of history,Atkinson,AEC,Maudsley where did they all go and even ERF and Foden are in their last throws
ZR1cliff said:
...Atkinson,AEC,Maudsley where did they all go and even ERF and Foden are in their last throws
I know, its only when you stop and take a look back that, these, plus MANY more ie Scammell and Thornycroft have all just simply dissapeared into nothing.
Shame, a real shame.
Keep up the good work Cliff and keep the sprit alive.
Nice work Cliff I used to build a lot of stuff when I had the time but somehow got into 5 inch live steam.
Like all us 'Little Boys' fairground stuff was so cool with the four axles and several trailers some of them artic, remember the bumper car one especially, my personal favourite.
Like all us 'Little Boys' fairground stuff was so cool with the four axles and several trailers some of them artic, remember the bumper car one especially, my personal favourite.
Paul,the Bumper car ride used to be broken down into segments now they have the base all on one trailer which folds out with the use of hydraulics,a lot easier and quicker...even fairground rides have modernised and moved on.
In this photo is an example and you will find that most of these rides are designed,built and modified at the winter sites along with the transport and they make as much use of space as possible.
Here is an example of a fold out dodgem system with a customised Foden,at the rear of the Foden with its custom body is a tail lift,on the lower deck is the Generator that helps power the dodgems,above and other side of genny go the bumper cars every thing else is on the fold up trailer,thats one heck of a custom job.
In this photo is an example and you will find that most of these rides are designed,built and modified at the winter sites along with the transport and they make as much use of space as possible.
Here is an example of a fold out dodgem system with a customised Foden,at the rear of the Foden with its custom body is a tail lift,on the lower deck is the Generator that helps power the dodgems,above and other side of genny go the bumper cars every thing else is on the fold up trailer,thats one heck of a custom job.
M3John said:
ZR1cliff said:
...Atkinson,AEC,Maudsley where did they all go and even ERF and Foden are in their last throws
I know, its only when you stop and take a look back that, these, plus MANY more ie Scammell and Thornycroft have all just simply dissapeared into nothing.
Shame, a real shame.
Keep up the good work Cliff and keep the sprit alive.
John ,How could i forget Thornycrofts? they used to be in Basingstoke and now the old site has been turned into a supermarket although if you know where to look the large cobbled area to the factory gates are still evident and must of seen some boot leather go in and out.
Yep them fairground boys are pretty clever, and even in this age stuff that was a 'Special Move'was classed as ordinary transport.
Do miss the old eigth leggers from Foden Aec etc.
Anyone remember chassis being delivered on trade plates with drivers in goggles and full weather gear?? Every day we go loads up the A1000 heading for coach builders.
Then you could really leave your back door open.
Do miss the old eigth leggers from Foden Aec etc.
Anyone remember chassis being delivered on trade plates with drivers in goggles and full weather gear?? Every day we go loads up the A1000 heading for coach builders.
Then you could really leave your back door open.
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