Been wanting to start this for awhile. It features a pretty high parts count for an Ertl molding and so far is surprisingly well done for something this old. No hose detail in the kit, and the real thing probably had a half a mile of air and hydraulic lines in them so I got my reference pics and solder all ready to go. This may take some time

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Nice entry, Mark @markh
A lot of yellow.

Looking great, my friend @markh!

Thanks guys

I got the mill pretty much finished. I notice most people paint them yellow like the rest of the truck, therefore I decided to be obtuse and paint this one in the grey green that all the old 71 series two strokes came in. I don't want mine to look like everyone else's and this is a good place to start.

I only detailed up the side pictured since when the model is built the other side will be quite invisible and I dislike wasting my time on things that will not be seen. Air and hydraulics next

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

That engine looks amazing, Mark @markh

Nice progress, my friend @markh! Yellow is not the easiest color to spray on, but you have already achieved a very good result!

Cheers gents
JB I will finish it but with a caveat or two

I've been re-evaluating this model. My conclusions are that the dump box is a horror story of gaps, sinks, and pin marks that I don't feel like filling and sanding. There are detail parts that are missing and some are outright wrong, and overall fit is relativley poor. I am not nearly invested enough in this project to correct all this so the model will be completed box down, hiding the bulk of the uglies and the lack of hydraulic hoses that I no longer feel like adding.

I am a bit disappointed, but this was not entirely unexpected given the model's age and origins. It still has the potential to turn out OK so onward I go

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Hi Mark @markh, I can understand your disillusionment with this kit but it’s a pity we won’t see a finished result.