Ok, other than the decals, (which I'll order this week), I got everything i want for my Akers model, but I have questions, a few of them in fact.
I'm planning on using this Autocar A64B tractor:
Now, since getting the kit yesterday, I've been trying to narrow down the time period it was built. I know that it debuted in the '50s, & was built through the '70s, likely with some changes. If anyone can provide more info so I can narrow it down further, especially as to the timeline , I'd be very grateful.
The trailer is this kinda generic one first issued in the late '60s:
I chose it because generic or not, it builds into a dead solid looking trailer for a '50s-'60s era trailer.
Now questions, I have questions. Did Akers trucks have a typical black chassis, or was it painted red, to match the cab, etc?
If I remember correctly, (keeping in mind I was born in 1961), Akers ran the red/black paint scheme into the mid 60s, transitioning into the all red scheme then. Am I correct, & if so, was the frame on those red or black? If I'm wrong, same question on the frames, but when did they stop using the red/black colors, & can the Autocar be built to represent that era, whether it needs backdated or not?
Autocar's a daycab. When did Akers stop using daycabs? If i need to add a sleeper, I've got a parts pack Mercury sleeper that'll work nicely. But, if I don't need to, that's a plus, as it's earmarked for a Pete 359 & oversized load build.
I'm also hoping the Autocar will work in black/red for this reason: That paint scheme would look sharp on it, due to it's exposed fenders & overall shape, compared to this Akers Mack:
With the decals, I have 2 different choices of logos:
Latter isn't the best pic, sorry, but it's the logo with "Serving the South, the East & New England", & is from the '60s/'70s from the Mack in that pic. I'm guessing the 1st pic is an earlier logo. When was the switch.
A lotta questions I know, but I want to get this as accurate as I can. Now Akers may never have ran that Autocar, but given the kits from that era I have to choose from, I'm taking a little artistic license here.
Thanks for any info y'all can offer!