57 bcr Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 Where did "Papa Themodyne", the B model motorhome that the late Jim Etters' (founder of American Industrial Models)built,end up, anybody know? It was featured in an OVERDRIVE article in Nov. '81.There was a picture of it years ago in the "Double Clutch" ,while taking a tour with a bunch of other trucks. Haven't heard or read about it since. The article in OVERDRIVE showed how Jim built that thing in his backyard! Like his models,it was really thoughtfully planned out and well crafted. 1 Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superdog Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 I don't know where it ended up,but I sure do miss restorations like that.He started with alot less than most any more call a parts truck,just a cab & frame. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-167767 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted February 25, 2013 Author Share Posted February 25, 2013 I don't know where it ended up,but I sure do miss restorations like that.He started with alot less than most any more call a parts truck,just a cab & frame.Yea,and on top of that,did most of it outside (in PA)! Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-167769 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 Pics? Never heard of it, but again I wasn't involved back then. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-167772 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 57 bcr Posted February 25, 2013 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 25, 2013 Pics? Never heard of it, but again I wasn't involved back then. Here's a couple. 6 Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-167779 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 57 bcr Posted December 15, 2013 Author Popular Post Share Posted December 15, 2013 Found another article in the BULLDOG...... 6 Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221499 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted December 15, 2013 Author Share Posted December 15, 2013 Do you know who owns it now,Jim? Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221505 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 I'm not 100% sure but think it belongs to the Poirier family in Maine. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221508 Share on other sites More sharing options...
burnstransport Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 That pic looks like it was taken at Barrington??? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221510 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post farmer52 Posted December 15, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 15, 2013 Thanks for posting! Interesting article. The article mentions A&B Mack; Chambersburg, PA. A&B Mack is no longer in business but that is where my MH and other MHs at Martin's were purchased. The old A&B building is near Martin's (you can see Martin's building behind the garage). 3 Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221523 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted December 15, 2013 Author Share Posted December 15, 2013 Thanks for the info,Jim. Figured it had to be around somewhere. Thanks for the picture of the A & B Garage,Ken.They were usually in the BULLDOG for winning some kind of sales or service awards.Back when the stood tall and proud! Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221527 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 Thanks for the info,Jim. Figured it had to be around somewhere. Thanks for the picture of the A & B Garage,Ken.They were usually in the BULLDOG for winning some kind of sales or service awards.Back when the stood tall and proud!Thanks! Not to get off subject, but it would be nice to see a Bulldog article (if one exists) on Martin's MHs.Does anyone know of a Bulldog article index? Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221530 Share on other sites More sharing options...
39 Baby Mack Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 Found another article in the BULLDOG......I remember talking with Jim on the phone back in the 80's.We were talking about "F" models and he's the one that told me,"On a quiet night in the summer, off in the distance, over the dull hum of the crickets, if you listened carefully enough you could hear an "F" model Mack rusting away"Laughed my ass off and I don't think I'll ever forget it!A really nice guy!Ron 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221532 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted December 15, 2013 Author Share Posted December 15, 2013 Out of likes,Ron! That's a good one,for sure! Ken don't know if there is an index or not.I have a bunch of 'em,I'll look for a Martin's article.There was a time when they were "loaded" with really good delivery pics & company stories. Gettin' ready to fire the scanner up for the MH stuff.Stand by! 2 Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221533 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 That pic looks like it was taken at Barrington???Yes, Barrington show last August. I had seen it at the show before and never got a picture of it. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221538 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted December 15, 2013 Author Share Posted December 15, 2013 Thanks for the follow-up,guys! Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221543 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTFormula Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 Thsts a pretty cool B Model RV. Hmmmm gives me an idea for the General... Quote ~ JT Burkard ~ AKA Sweaty Mackwww.jtresto.com www.wickedreputation.netwww.jonathanthomasmotorcars.com Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221719 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb502 Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 I've pondered what an RW rv would look like, I've seen almost every variety of newer truck chassis with a nice rv body but not many older trucks. Wonder if there's a market for R,RW, KW W900A, Pete 359 and Ford LTL rv's? Hmmmmmm, maybe even an old General! Quote "Any Society that would give up a little LIBERTY to gain a little SECURITY will Deserve Neither and LOSE BOTH" -Benjamin Franklin"If your gonna be STUPID, you gotta be TOUGH" "You cant always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221723 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 How about this? 1 Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221724 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 Well......it does have a large tank built in as a holding tank. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221731 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted December 16, 2013 Author Share Posted December 16, 2013 ......And an axe for cutting firewood!! Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221733 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gmerrill0516 Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 I remember seeing that at Barrington. I wish I had known the history then. I would have paid more attention to it. That is a nice project. Hope to see it in 2014. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221745 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2stacksuperdog Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 I've pondered what an RW rv would look like, I've seen almost every variety of newer truck chassis with a nice rv body but not many older trucks. Wonder if there's a market for R,RW, KW W900A, Pete 359 and Ford LTL rv's? Hmmmmmm, maybe even an old General!There was one for sale a while back. Quote Matt Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221792 Share on other sites More sharing options...
39 Baby Mack Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 How about this?Now that's something you don't see everyday!Ron Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221795 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted December 16, 2013 Author Share Posted December 16, 2013 Ron,Can't you see Cousin Eddie from the National Lampoon"Vacation" movies,come strolling up to the Griswalds place in that? Al 1 Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30171-papa-thermodyne-the-b-model-motorhome/#findComment-221801 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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