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Forum 18
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Topic starter
16/09/2016 11:15 am
(Pics) Cadillac-Truck
Well, it's not a Cadillac truck, but a Cadillac car and "The Cadillac of Trucks", a Diamond-T tanker. The 1930 Diamond-T is actually from Ertl's, 1/34 bank series and I have removed the modern "Zangora Oil" stickers to make it a non-logo tanker. The other logos were added in photoshop. A diecast truck like this would be incredibly impressive (and heavy) in 1/18 scale or in H61's previous 1/16 series ! Diamond-T's were extremely tough, well-built and very handsome trucks that came out of their Chicago plant on 26th Street. They truly were "The Cadillac of Trucks".
The 1963 Cadillac is a 1/18 coupe from Jada that I modified from the original dub-style ride by raising the ride height and installing more stock Sixties-type wheels. Still a bit underwheeled, but gives more of a stock Cadillac appearance. In 1963, Cadillac was most certainly a "Standard of the World" and a producer of the most powerful, elegant and impressive cars around.
Mike
16/09/2016 11:36 am
The '63 Cadillac is very elegant and is the epitome of what a Cadillac should be.
Great pictures and very interesting background to the Diamond T.
Thank you, Mike.
Topic starter
17/09/2016 12:56 am
(Pic) Thanks, Paul. The Diamond-T plant was an important producer during World War II, turning out Army trucks, giant tank-recovery vehicles that were especially useful to the British Army in North Africa and thousands of half-tracks among many other vehicles.
The D-T plants dates from 1917 and was active until 1960 or so. It is long gone now, being demolished some time back after having stood vacant for many years.
It's ghost can still be seen from the air, however, as in these aerial photos. The first is from it's heyday in 1938, November 29 to be exact. And the next is present day with only a foundation vaguely visible in the large vacant area.
photo no longer available
Mike
17/09/2016 2:19 am
I wish Jada had gone just "a few more feet" when they tooled this Caddy. Mike, your looks better.
17/09/2016 2:22 pm
Beautiful photos Mike ...love the Caddy
Topic starter
17/09/2016 5:24 pm
Thanks. This is just basically a 10 minute mod, and I understand Jada's original target audience was dub-style enthusiasts.
Yet, I think now, as you point out, by just raising ride height, removing the trunk sound system and extra engine/interior chrome and using their more-stock "Scarface" convertible wheels, they could get a much more stock 1963 Cadillac coupe that could appeal, especially at it's really low price point, to an additional, more traditional American car collector.
Topic starter
17/09/2016 5:25 pm
Thanks, Paul.
19/09/2016 8:13 am
Cool pics as always Mike! Neat little truck and that land yacht is lovely!
Topic starter
19/09/2016 10:31 am
Thanks, Bob ! Yep, that Cad is a real jumbo-sized luxury yacht.