Aeromax = Sterling Jerr-Dan Wrecker

[Blaster]

Hi,

I would like to share with you the build of my wrecker, based on a Tamiya Ford Aeromax and having the Sterling Jerr-Dan HDL 700/350 35 Ton Independent wrecker as a model.

First, after lots of search I found a wrecker based on a Ford Aeromax truck. In fact the wrecker is based on a Sterling truck, which is another company member of Freightliner Group and that builds trucks based on these Fords as well as own new models.

First step was cut the sleeper off:

Now some changes on side skirts:

Then I asked to a friend that has tools to cut/bend aluminum to make me a wrecker platform using a Wedico Tandem Axle wrecker platform as a base:

When the new wrecker platform arrived that is how it looked like:

I had to made cuts and changes to lower it over the "double deck" chassis and also instaled the Tamiya Motorized Suport Legs usually instaled on trailers:

 

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Then I had to install the Wedico winch and boom over the new chassi and inside the new wrecker platform that I already changed:

Time to cut the aluminum platform to have enought space and access to all electronics needed:

Now, almost there with some minir gaps and flaws to fix:

The electronics were Tamiya Sound Unit, Tamiya Light Kit for Tractors and Tamiya TLU01 and TLU02 new light systems. Not sure about the blue color...

 

[Blaster]

There is a limit of images per post so I had to place more than one. Please apologize for any inconvenience it might have caused.

Here are some other pictures and videos. Note that some LEDs still need to be placed on their right spot (need to build it):

Front



Rear



Motorized Legs



I am still undecided if I'll keep the blue or if I change to yellow as original one. Also need some roof lights, winch and boom battery place and other niceties to finish.

Hope you enjoy.

Cheers,

Henry

 

[Pippoe]

Well done!

Hi there!

nice job on the wrecker. I like what you did to the day cab, especially the front fenders with the tank and tool/battery box. Looks great. Also, the support legs are a nice detail. Will you paint the wrecker body? Will it get a lightbar?

Cheers

Pippoe

 

[Blaster]

Hi Pippoe,

Thanks! That's my 2nd project truck so I am getting it done more easy.

Yes, the lightbar will come latter, as well as some lights close to the boom facing forward.

I am planing to paint the wrecker body. But as I never painted aluminum body I am making some tests with a automotive primer on a piece of aluminum before I paint directly into the truck. Paint is still peeling off the aluminum teste surface.

Cheers,

Henry

 

[Blaster]

This video have a better view of front of truck.

 

[joergl]

The truck looks nice! But it's way too fast, I think. Are you planning to change the motor, the gear ratio or something like that to make its speed look more "Scale"? Would be a pity if this nice truck keeps running at the speed of a racecar ...

Rgds.,
joergl

 

[Blaster]

The truck looks nice!... Would be a pity if this nice truck keeps running at the speed of a racecar ...

Rgds.,
joergl

Joergl, Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I definitelly agree with you. I am planing a 5:1 gear reduction or a low RPM motor like THIS .

Will post pictures latter, when I finish the changes.

Cheers,

Henry