Vladislav

I would say you should replace. If no one put any other happy way to solve the problem though.

Thank you for the tip, I will twice-check tomorrow. But it seems to me stamped FA W 537 and 538 in the markings I posed above

If I go fabricating metal plates to put round headlights in I would make a couple of test designs. With the lights offset to the outside of fenders (as R-model earlier had) and with dual lights. For instance just using pieces of cardboard. And it might be paint silver with a can to get more realistic look.

Evil bay is also a place where some junk parts suppliers advertize used Mack hoods.

Steve, do you mean the spring pad as just an area of the axle beam right below the spring? If the memory serves me right my 1945 WW2 Mack has figures stamped there. R-model looks as another story. At least I saw no other marks on those two axles I have. Maybe Aussie R's have their especiallity? My one (I have them two though) was made in Canada.

The cab color matches the trailer nice. Kids like toys. Many of them are easily satisfied with an I-phone. Looks like not all

Here's the donor axle

Here is what I have in my truck

Recently I bought some chassis stuff off an R-model that was scrapped. Or maybe it was RD-600, I don't know. All I know is the hood was classic R, not a late one. There was a complete front axle off it. I would like to use it for my R688ST. Going to take it apart, clean, blast, paint, reassemble and put on my truck some day. Although I found some differences relating to what I have. The springs with the hangers and the axle beam look similar. The hubs with drums is another story. My hubs are aluminium and the outer races of the bearings could be spinned in their beds. Not sure it's nice. The axle I purchased have iron hubs with different style drums. Too probably different knuckles and spindels with bearings. One more thing that took my attention is the different steering arms in the knuckles you put tie-rod ends in. The axle I bought have them fatter. I suppose I can use the axle all together and it will fit and work fine but some questions bother me. From seeing steel hubs and wider drums I assume the axle is heavier. Doesn't it meant the springs are heavier also? I don't want to get the ride harder. The truck is a hobby one. Aren't those different tie-rod ends arms applied due to the different track? And the same about the hubs? I'd like to avoid possible track geometry adventures. There are figures cast and stamped on the axle beams. Does any front axle chat exists or another way to identify who the beast is who? All thoughts on the matter are very appreciated. Thanks, Vlad

The MOST sharp way to determine a ratio is to remove covers and count the actual number of teeth. You sure can also count revs. But you should keep accuracy along the count. As more sets of revs you do as more sharp figure could be achieved. I.e. you better make 10 or 20 rews and then divide the count to get result correct.

Looks like a nice project basis. As as the folks stated above, the ready Macks you have tell that you have good chances on bringing RWS to its new life style.

Wow! Just wow! Looks like the time to start polishing over the wheels and tanks now

Neat set of pictures, Randy! I was just about getting in a trouble recognizing my favorite shot between the Mack firetruck, the Great Cooker, you together with FWD and your better half... umm, ehh, I meant that girl you had luck picking up that evening... and some another thing I forgot of while typing the above. Some important thing though... Oh, yeah, the Alpine green leaking engine! So sorry you made a picture of the oil pan only. Hope for the next time though. Already out of likes.

Tom, thank you for sharing. The girl in the blue T-shirt seems to me as a one I would like more if I never go over it, seeing her back side only. Maybe it's just a question of the hair style, I don't know. Nice shot with the plenty of trucks for sale in Tennessee. They trucks look good when put in a row of such a big number. Wonder what actual size that Praying mantis was? Seems it was large enough to cook some soup of. Not too fatt soup though. And I don't remember ever seeing anyone sunbathing in a truck stop

Cool! Just a bit bigger than a 4x4 to drive in a city.

Nice meet, guys! Now I suppose Ken will be seen riding on two wheels soon in hopes to meet the red RW by the way

Wow! Apples seem to me as my dream now!

Hell, I haven't notice the radio! Looks like in very good shape. Just the paint is faded a bit.

It doesnt't look bad at all but not my cup of tea. Alot of job though. BTW don't you have good photo's of the dark gray R-model that stands aside to the B ?

You are not alone

What a nice little baby!!

Ufff... Looks like something new. Hope it will get wide use in the nearest future if really brings multiple advantages. And as a follow the cost drop. We'll see.

That's pretty interesting, thanks. I have never heard about it, true. Although I'm not a professional welder. Just a mechanical engeneer. Should add either, I'm happy to be a part of this society. The source of knowledge and the opportunity to see many things from different (of my local one) point of view.

Looks like there's planty of other interesting Macks at that place if you check out the last pic.

What's the way of getting hydrogen into welded steel? I suppose the only source of hydrogen is water vapors air conteins. Is hydrogen being taking from air humidity by electric plasma of a welder? And presents in amounts enough to increase welded material's brittlement? Sounds a bit doubtful and I have never heard about that. Oxigen conteined in air is almost another story.