Former truck driver brings rigs to life with detailed 1:24 models
Herb Roberts retired from trucking after 20 years of driving for Nielson’s Ice Cream, but his love for big trucks continues in a hobby that involves decidedly little trucks. The 82-year-old makes 1:24-scale custom models of the equipment from a workbench in Peterborough, Ont.
He started making models at the age of 10, when he had to spend more than two years in bed because of a serious illness.
“I used to make cardboard and scotch tape models of just about everything: planes, trains, trucks, you name it,” he says.
The first detailed truck model, though, didn’t emerge until his early 60s. He was inspired by the sight of a friend’s Freightliner and Sunoco B-train while mowing the lawn.
“I was really impressed with it, so I finally made one.”
More than 30 models have followed. He found himself sometimes working on three or four projects at a time, staying up until 2 a.m.
Several were for Ross Mackie, the founder of Ontario-headquartered Mackie Transportation.
“Ross Mackie saw me in the truck show two years ago. And I had, I think, three trucks down there. And Ross was walking by the trucks and he said, ‘Hey, would you like to make one for me?’ And I said, ‘Sure.’ So, I took some pictures and I made one,” recalls Roberts. “From there, Ross asked, ‘What about this one over here? And that one over there?’”
Made from scratch
These are no store-bought kits. Around 95% have been made from scratch.
“Made of anything I can put my hands on,” he says. “Wood, plastic, metal, aluminum and steel.”
This is why it takes up to two months to finish a single model. Roberts admits it’s a long time, but it’s because he wants to make everything as realistic as possible. The details catch the eye, he says. There are the 1:24 lights, plates, and stainless-steel fuel tanks and exhaust components that he sources from England. Some of the models also have functioning doors.
“I love detailing — the clearance lights, the door latches, hinges, everything,” he says. “I had a guy in one day, and I had one truck sitting on the table and the picture was just sitting behind it. The guy said, ‘You know, [the] truck looks exactly the same as in the picture.’”
His favourite part of the process involves the final touch-ups before everything is ready for a customer. And when the job is done, he says it could not be more rewarding.
He adds that making these model trucks keeps him young. Even though he is now 82, he says he does not feel his age.
“It’s funny because a lot of people that I know are getting up in age, and I don’t really have time for that, I don’t dwell on other things… I’ve got a lot of plans and things I want to get done. And by that, I mean trucks.”
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How do I get in touch with Herb?
How do you get in touch with Herb that builds models?
Thanks
Would love to somehow get in touch with Herb to make a few for the company I work for
That is amazing work and looks so realistic!I would love to have one!
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Hi Lynn If you would like to call me , my number is 705-745-0658 and ask for Herb.
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Hi Christina, If you wish to contact me , my number is 705-745-0658. Yours truly, Herb
Herb truck are a master piece, I would love to have on if his trucks
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Hi Camron, If you wish to contact me , my number is 705-745-0658. Yours truly Herb
Very nicely done models. His work is amazing. Im a trucker and artist myself, but I make stuff/sculptures from scrap wires.
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Hi Natalie, If you wish to contact me, my number is 705-745-0658. Yours truly, Herb
That was a good read . That man knows what he is doing.
Hi there
my name is Lynn Tomkinson , My father showed me this site and he knows exactly whos truck that is , My father worked for Sunoco for 30 plus years , I was wondering if you had contact information for the creator of these trucks.
Thank you,
Lynn Tomkinson