A LEGO model of a custom Peterbilt 379 with a blue and orange color scheme and loads of chrome in scale 1:17,5. It features PF, lights, driving, steering, Ackerman geometry on steering axle, remotely controlled fifth wheel and solid axle suspension on all axles.
About this creation
I do like to switch alot between “ordinary” trucks with about no chrome and customized details at all like my Mack Granite, off-road trucks like this Kenworth 953 6 x 6 and custom(ized) trucks like this Kenworth T800 log truck.
I think this Peterbilt 379 is about as far as I go when it comes to customized trucks, but one can never tell.
The color scheme of blue and orange is very nice to me. I can't remember how it originated but who cares. Trucks with there frame spray painted the same color as the body work is not really what I prefer. Check my other models to see that I never did this before. Since most custom trucks do have a frame in the same color as (a part of) the body work I did go for it anyway. It really worked out well and I am glad I did.
One of the comments written about my Mack Granite was “Finally a truck without excessive chrome, I like that.”. Well this sure can not be written about this Pete. Even though it is fully loaded with chrome, but I still don't think of it excessive... :-)
Like I wrote, I do like to switch a lot so the next model will probably be an oilfield rig again or what ever off-road truck. To be honest I do not really stick to one type of truck. Custom trucks do attract me as well as heavy duty trucks with a winch and an awful lot of chains.
One detail of all my trucks with a sleeper so far that really bothered me was the accessibility of the battery box. I installed small doors in the sleepers side to access the on/off switch, which not really worked well. To replace the batteries the entire roof had to be removed. It was OK back then but far from ideal and I knew I would improve this feature some day.
With this new truck I managed to improve the battery box and on/off switch accessibility. Basically the sleeper roof exists of two parts. First there is this larger part that sticks to the sleeper at all times also bringing strength to it. In this part fits a smaller part, a hatch that can be removed easily. Both switching the model on/off and the replacement of the batteries are extremely easy now.
To give this model a more “custom” feel to it the suspension is lowered compared to my other trucks. As with all my trucks it has still full suspension an all axles. Due to the lowering of the suspension as with real life cars it also became more stiff which is welcome to make sure nothing else but the whees hits the surface.
Again with this truck I stick to the some what old school exhausts, the one with a smaller and a wider pipe. Maybe because of my age I don't know but I do like this type of exhaust so much better. It is not that aggressive and much more subtle, maybe because that is the way I am.
The air cleaner setup is changed a little. I always like the looks of a hose coming out of the trucks hood that is connected to the air cleaner. Since the Peterbilt 379 doesn't have visible hoses I removed mine too. The advantages for this build are A) is looks less “messy” and B) for the first time I was able to build a hood that can entirely be opened.
This new truck is again equipped with this new feature I introduced with this US Truck 9 (winch truck) model I build a couple of years ago. With trucks prior to this US Truck 9 trailers where coupled without any manual actions, but uncoupling wasn't. With this new remotely operated fifth wheel coupling and uncoupling the trailer could be done without any manual actions. All is done with the remote control, I really like that.
Quoting William Henderson
Super nice truck, unique color combination and all the power functions including the fifth wheel are exceptional, your stuff just keeps getting better and better.
Great that you like it. I think the color scheme is unique. About the PF, that is a process, with every new model there is more. Like I wrote I do improve all the time and that is something I'll keep up...again thanks!!!
Super nice truck, unique color combination and all the power functions including the fifth wheel are exceptional, your stuff just keeps getting better and better.
Quoting George Staples
Can't afford a big rig? Get one of these. A lot more fun, and less expensive to maintain. Such a great truck. I just noticed the lugs on the front very nice details there. It's not quite a show rig, but more of a fancy road rig. Keep up the awesome work!
You are right I also think more of it as a fancy road rig for long distance hauling. It would do great on shows I am sure of, but it realy is ment to make money... :-)
Can't afford a big rig? Get one of these. A lot more fun, and less expensive to maintain. Such a great truck. I just noticed the lugs on the front very nice details there. It's not quite a show rig, but more of a fancy road rig. Keep up the awesome work!
Very nice to see all these kind words. For me this proves that I was right about the design, colors, details and chrome, so many thanks to all!!!
Quoting Senator Chinchilla .
So much chrome and great functions. The drivetrain looks very smooth.
The drivetrain is very smooth. It is an example of one of those things that I improve all the time. With every new truck I build something is different.
Quoting Cody G
Excellent work! And there's no such thing as too much chrome. ;)
I guess so... :-)
Quoting Chris Melby
A western would be awesome! I've always loved those, and of course, press on with the Pete's! I agree with you on the Lonestar, BUT, it would be cool to be the guy who did it at you skill level ;) Keep em coming man! Z
I totally agree with you building a Lonestar would be so so very cool. These odd shapes are hard to capture in LEGO, but who knows maybe I will some day...
I like it
Chris Melby
August 17, 2012
BOWMocs has cornered the market on the Pete. You should try one of those new Internationals! The ones that look like a Locomotive, that would be the BOMB! This is a good look'n truck though, Z
I like it
Chris Melby
August 17, 2012
A western would be awesome! I've always loved those, and of course, press on with the Pete's! I agree with you on the Lonestar, BUT, it would be cool to be the guy who did it at you skill level ;) Keep em coming man! Z
Beautiful work! The design is exactly like in real life, the blue and orange go perfectly together, and the chrome elements are stunning. A truly amazing truck.
Quoting Chris Melby
BOWMocs has cornered the market on the Pete. You should try one of those new Internationals! The ones that look like a Locomotive, that would be the BOMB! This is a good look'n truck though, Z
I agree with you but that doesn't mean others should build Petes too... ;-)
I try to be diverse and since I build Kens and Macks now it had to be a Pete. The International you are talking about is the Lonestar. Very very nice truck but for impossible to build out of LEGO. At the moment I am planning on build a Western Star for a change...
Oh my god, this is amazing! I love the chrome, I wish I could do that on some of my rigs, although fire trucks arent packed with this much chrome, it really would make a huge difference. Awesome job!
Quoting Private Pyle
What do you use to chrome the parts?
A buddy of mine makes the chroming happening, he knows this address to go to. It is realy chrome plated, like they do with real life bikes and trucks for example...
Wow this shows so much more of the detail that the truck has. I really like the color scheme. I agree there is a bunch of chrome but it isn't excessive. This truck is amazing! A well earned 5-5
