Dan, great review as always! Just wanted to comment that I recently built this kit and I had several fit issues with it. One in particular, when it came time to install the radiator to the chassis, it wouldn't go in without it pushing against the cooling fan. So I ended up taking the belt-pulley system off and trimming down the water pump some until I was able to get the radiator to go in. Also on mine, the upper radiator hose is too short and the main drive shaft was too short. I couldn't get it to connect to the transmission yoke. Ended up cutting a piece of the unused driveshaft that was in the kit that came from the DM 800. Other than those issues, it turned out to be a fun build!
I noticed some bad warping of my frame. Someone commented that it was supposed to be that way but I doubt it. When I build mine I'll watch for the fit issues you describe.
Nice review of a classic truck model! As of late October, 2018, the MPC Mack DM600 is still available at the local Hobby Lobby for around $40.00. Toss in the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon you get with the Sunday paper and you can pick one up for $24.00.
A very in depth review Dan. Well done. I do believe that the indentures on the top of the 5th wheel are sink marks. Hopefully the frame rails will straighten out for you. Overall it does look like a decent kit.
Dansmodelworx Hey buddy. You better look at that tall aircleaner again before you shorten it! The mirror frame is attached to the cleaner cap,and if you cut that tube,you ain't never gonna get that damn mirror mounted. That was the most fidgety piece of crud mirror I've ever dealt with! I liked the truck,it went together well enough. I stretched mine way out and scratch built a grain bed for it.Turned out passing fair. One of these days ,I will figure out how to upload things and post some photos.
Signal Man Yes you are correct. A local concrete company still uses these. I had a couple of photos of their trucks that I was going to include but felt the video was getting a little long. Thanks for watching.
I remember getting this kit when it first came out the white parts were molded in red at the time. Later I had the Rubber Duck version and being off set was totally wrong so I got the AMT R685SJ and was going to kit bash and make a half assed Rubber Duck because the real Rubber Duck was a RS 700L but like a fool I got rid of it all at the time now I probably never have a chance to build one again because the cost would be prohibitive.
Ollie's Store,s was selling every AMT/Ertl. Model Truck made for $20 I cleaned the store out by my home 2 time's my one bedroom is full of every kind they ever made.
I have this kit and man does it have waaaaayyy to much chrome. C'mon MPC!! A chrome steering wheel??? Love the kit though. Great job dan. Keep us posted buddy.
Steve Jump You know I was just putting my kit back in the box and I have to agree with you on that! They chromed the drive shafts! I think one of the characteristics of Mack trucks is they have very little chrome.
Hobby Lobby has these on clearance in store for under $12 US.I picked up 3.
I remember building this kit in the 70"s. I think I need to do another one. Thanks for the review and the memories!
myesenc There's nothing like having another crack at a kit from your youth! Go for it!
Dan, great review as always! Just wanted to comment that I recently built this kit and I had several fit issues with it. One in particular, when it came time to install the radiator to the chassis, it wouldn't go in without it pushing against the cooling fan. So I ended up taking the belt-pulley system off and trimming down the water pump some until I was able to get the radiator to go in. Also on mine, the upper radiator hose is too short and the main drive shaft was too short. I couldn't get it to connect to the transmission yoke. Ended up cutting a piece of the unused driveshaft that was in the kit that came from the DM 800. Other than those issues, it turned out to be a fun build!
I noticed some bad warping of my frame. Someone commented that it was supposed to be that way but I doubt it. When I build mine I'll watch for the fit issues you describe.
Nice review of a classic truck model! As of late October, 2018, the MPC Mack DM600 is still available at the local Hobby Lobby for around $40.00. Toss in the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon you get with the Sunday paper and you can pick one up for $24.00.
lm just about to start building this truck cheers from Down Under
Awesome video!
Just subscribed as well!
Working on AMT's White Freightliner....a Consolidated Freightways when finished!
A very in depth review Dan. Well done. I do believe that the indentures on the top of the 5th wheel are sink marks.
Hopefully the frame rails will straighten out for you. Overall it does look like a decent kit.
Rick Zinck Thanks I am already debating what I will ultimately do with it. It may be quite a while before it makes it to top of the list.
Dansmodelworx Hey buddy. You better look at that tall aircleaner again before you shorten it! The mirror frame is attached to the cleaner cap,and if you cut that tube,you ain't never gonna get that damn mirror mounted. That was the most fidgety piece of crud mirror I've ever dealt with!
I liked the truck,it went together well enough. I stretched mine way out and scratch built a grain bed for it.Turned out passing fair. One of these days ,I will figure out how to upload things and post some photos.
Dansmodelworx With all the Mack logos on this thing,it might be eligible to be a "gold dog" model! All Mack all American.
Thanks Dan,
Seems like a good kit.
Vaughn
Dan, these truck chassis were used extensively as concrete mixer truck bodies. Very durable vehicle.
Signal Man Yes you are correct. A local concrete company still uses these. I had a couple of photos of their trucks that I was going to include but felt the video was getting a little long. Thanks for watching.
Dansmodelworx wow. Where I live, these have all but been retired from the concrete industry. They were great classic workhorses.
I remember getting this kit when it first came out the white parts were molded in red at the time. Later I had the Rubber Duck version and being off set was totally wrong so I got the AMT R685SJ and was going to kit bash and make a half assed Rubber Duck because the real Rubber Duck was a RS 700L but like a fool I got rid of it all at the time now I probably never have a chance to build one again because the cost would be prohibitive.
Looks like a nice kit, Thanks man
Ollie's Store,s was selling every AMT/Ertl. Model Truck made for $20 I cleaned the store out by my home 2 time's my one bedroom is full of every kind they ever made.
I have this kit and man does it have waaaaayyy to much chrome. C'mon MPC!! A chrome steering wheel??? Love the kit though. Great job dan. Keep us posted buddy.
Steve Jump You know I was just putting my kit back in the box and I have to agree with you on that! They chromed the drive shafts! I think one of the characteristics of Mack trucks is they have very little chrome.
Should I order this?
Frame is not bent it's supposed to be like that
When you see a Mack truck with a gold bull dog. That means the truck was built with Mack engine transmission suspension and rear drives
anglia24 That's been my understanding of the gold vs chrome dog thing as well. I usually try to look!
I thought this was an AMT kit.
THX verymutch*
DM=dump/mixer