Frequently Asked Questions below or you can view me answering them on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CwX_3SnThJc
Will you make me a model? Are you taking orders?
At this time, I am currently not taking any orders or giving any prices but I appreciate the interest and support !
How much does a model cost?
I do not share prices as the collectors ask for that information to not be shared.
How much do the models weigh?
A small model probably weight about 3-5 lbs and the largest one weighs around 1000 lbs. None of them have been weighed.
What material do you use?
18 gauge sheet metal
Where do you get your plans/do you use blueprints?
90% of the time it’s from a few photographs. 95% of the time I’ve never seen the real machine. Some of the models are built from information from machine brochures but I do not use traditional blueprints. Much of the model is guesswork and nothing is exact.
How do you cut the metal?
Plasma cutter, hand sheer, and a nibbler
How do you weld it together?
A Lincoln 130 amp flux cord .030 wire. Everything is spot welded.
Do your models run or could you make them RC?
My models do not run but if I wanted them too, I could put live axles under them, functioning steering cylinders, remove the engine and add the electric motor and servos. In the rear section, it could have the batteries.
Do you do everything yourself?
Yes, I make everything by hand except things like the windows and tires.
Where do you get your tires?
I’ve collected them from hobby shops, toy shows, garage sales over the years. The size and the tread decide the scale to make it look proper proportion. The tires drive what I build.
How many models have you built?
Quite a few 🙂
Can I visit and see your collection?
I actually do not have a personal collection! All of my models are in other people’s collection.
How long does it take to build a model?
I don’t keep track so that it stays fun for me and remains a hobby and not a job. If you follow along with my YouTube videos and photo progress on Flickr however, you can get a rough estimate!
What scale do you work in?
I work in 1/12 or larger
Where do you live?
We’ve lived in Northern Michigan since 1985.
How do you paint your models and with what type of paint?
I’ve tried many methods over the years but mostly do spray paint. I use plain enamel paint. I use a gravity feed spray gun.
How long have you been building models?
I started building in 1997 so about 23 years!
How do you make your hydraulic cylinders?
I use thin walled metal tubing
What do you use for the windows in your cab?
I use Evergreen clear plastic, like this: https://amzn.to/34CQaM0
Why didn’t you respond to my message?
I do my best to respond to each of the messages I receive but I get a lot of spam and it’s hard to sift through all of it. If I didn’t respond to a message of yours, it’s probably lost in the junk mail. I also try not to respond to Messenger as I get a lot of inappropriate content there that’s hard to sort through.
Have an additional question? Please submit it to don@doncampbellmaker.com and I’ll try to add it to this list!