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Post by plastimatic on Dec 20, 2020 12:10:51 GMT -6
I've always wanted S.D. Kluger's North Pole Mail truck from the Rankin/Bass animated classic, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.
But, the toy version being so big, and expensive, I figured I'd find the parts to build my own show-rod-ish version.
The body is mostly the Fruitwagon, with some modifications.
Plus the included stock wheels, wrapped in treads from a Meng tank.
The dual drive train is from a Lil Gasser, and the skis from a Soviet Aerosan.
I used some T-shirt material to create the mail bag, and the letters to Santa are all laser printed, cut, and piled up (there's probably 50 in there).
The body paint is a subtle two tone of Cherry Red fenders and bed, with the cab and cowl being Banner Red. Kind of like the show version, but less extreme.
The snow scenics were appropriately supplied by Mother Nature (but that's a different Rankin/Bass production  ).
Thanks for lookin, and Merry Christmas!
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Post by Bert on Dec 20, 2020 15:43:02 GMT -6
I loved the mail truck too as a kid. I used to draw it and wish I had one, even though it doesnt snow here. You did a fantastic job recreating a great memory. It is spot on! Merry Christmas.
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Post by TooOld on Dec 20, 2020 15:44:02 GMT -6
Fantastic job my friend , great little Snowrod and just in time for Christmas !  I was going to ask how you made the snow . . . what a dumb question !  |
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Post by Paul B. Canney on Dec 20, 2020 16:42:25 GMT -6
Fantastic job my friend , great little Snowrod and just in time for Christmas ! I was going to ask how you made the snow . . . what a dumb question ! |
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Post by davevan1 on Dec 20, 2020 16:56:09 GMT -6
Spot on PERFECT!
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Post by chromecop on Dec 20, 2020 17:18:03 GMT -6
I love this one !
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Post by rocketeer on Dec 21, 2020 0:45:35 GMT -6
Charming!
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Post by patw on Dec 21, 2020 2:10:15 GMT -6
Superb and very topical at this time of year! May I ask as I have built a Meng Comic tank what size is this build please?
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Post by stevielewis on Dec 21, 2020 7:59:11 GMT -6
Love it! You did a very nice job re-creating the Mail Truck from the show.
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Post by 41chevy on Dec 21, 2020 11:17:00 GMT -6
Wicked COOL! and I see my letter is on the top in the bag! Do hope I get Elvira in an elf outfit this year. Paul
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Post by plastimatic on Dec 21, 2020 16:15:14 GMT -6
I was going to ask how you made the snow . . . what a dumb question !
Pat - the Fruitwagon is a 1:25 kit. The Lil Gasser drivetrain had to be adjusted to hold the Meng tracks tight on the stock '25 T wheels, without crimping the wheels/axles or busting the tread. |
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Post by showrods on Dec 21, 2020 19:10:39 GMT -6
The ingenuity and skills displayed by members of this board never ceases to amaze me...
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Post by hobbybobby on Dec 23, 2020 17:09:26 GMT -6
 Special Delivery Kluger (S.D. for short) is the narrator of the Rankin/Bass Christmas television special Claus is Comin' to Town. He is a friendly mailman who drives a snowmobile/mail truck, and tells the local children how Santa Claus came to be when his truck breaks down. He recites the entire story of Santa Claus's origins, including how he met his wife Jessica, how he got his magic powers from the Winter Warlock, how elves came to be, and showing the origin of the flying reindeer. When he finishes his story, his truck has been mended, and he resumes making his mail delivery to Santa and Jessica, singing the titular song... Jim, my friend, you've once again managed to conjure up something magical, great implementation, i love it!  PS: The character is a caricature of his performer, Fred Astaire. |
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Post by Count Dragula on Dec 24, 2020 11:55:59 GMT -6
Beautiful build!!!
Superb work!!!!
What a great Holiday Build!!!!
Todd 
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Post by plastimatic on Dec 27, 2020 14:41:39 GMT -6
Jim, my friend, you've once again managed to conjure up something magical, great implementation, i love it! Thanks, Bobby!
Glad to know I can spread a little joy with our craft.
And thanks for the informative write-up.
I occasionally forget that some viewers might need those extra details to allow them to relate to a build.
I hope everyone is having a plastic-fantastic holiday!!
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Post by badroadahead on Dec 28, 2020 8:09:14 GMT -6
Oh man this is awesome! You knocked this one out of the park! Fantastic job!!
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Post by Manic Modeler on Jan 1, 2021 18:55:51 GMT -6
Wow! Awesome custom build. The mail bag looks great in the back of the truck. Haven't built any models for over a year. Hoping to finish a Cuckoo Car in the next couple days.
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