awesome! thanks for sharing…. never get tired of watching harvesting!!!!
Eric Haselhorston May 22, 2013 at 8:56 pm
I am with you Hoch Farms. It is a total addiction for me and drives my wife insane. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.
George Dunawayon June 5, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Hey Eric, I could have not explained it any better. All my builds are from pictures sent from owner/oper, wives wanting a surprise for there husband. The only problem I have now is, some potentionall customers do not understand when I tell them I am not taking orders at this time, but then I have guys telling me, put me on the list so they do not loose there spot in line.
e post. If I may add a couple things. Communication is everything for example I’ve had a minor issue where someone wanted product by a company that came in two different colors. The buyer did not specify so I painted it the old company colors, and the buyer wanted it in new colors. oops. Not a big issue and I fixed it but still it was a delay and some stress that didn’t need to happen.
Second if you like a custom builders work but he doesn’t make what you want sometimes they will work with you if you do some of the leg work. For example I was asked to make something I had not made before and had no access to the real thing. I simply asked the customer to take the pics and measurements and then I’d build him and sell the item at a discounted rate because this gives me a new model to build and him what he wants. It’s a win win.
Lastly as a builder I always try and stress that these are models and not toys. They are delicate and must be treated with care. I had someone buy a very expensive disc and despite me telling him that he let his child play with it. Well guess what happened, and guess who got chewed out because the scratch built toy was not as durable as the junk ertl crap?
Granton June 12, 2013 at 12:09 am
i would like to find a builder for a custom 1/64 drying setup do you know anyone that builds them. thanks so much
Eric Haselhorston June 12, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Grant, thanks for the question. I do not know of anyone off hand. I would recommend you try Toy Tractor Times and see who might be available there. Good luck!
I guess it is, weather harvest is in the USA, England or anywere in the world, it just has a draw to us farming guys, that smell of the wheat changing colour and the smell of the straw going through the combine, the long days, the community from working on a crew, or even if you are not on a combine but a baler like I will be in a few days, its just that challenge to get this years food in before mother nature does her thing.
Eric Haselhorston July 11, 2013 at 1:42 pm
You are correct Paul. Being connected to the land is an assault on the senses and does not seem to go away. Thanks for commenting.
Eric,
Hey…I’m honored that you felt my blog was good enough to quote. 🙂 Thanks for the mention! I, too, understand what you’re talking about. It was that same feeling you talk about that encouraged Jim to take the combine we had bought and venture on our own in 1990. He was driving truck for a local trucking company that took him out to Western Nebraska. When he saw the combines loaded on their trailers and on the move, he was bit by the bug again. I’m glad he was! Take care and…let’s be careful out there!
Eric Haselhorston July 11, 2013 at 1:38 pm
Thank you Tracy. When I read your blog last year that paragraph summed up my annual experience. Finally put it all down in my own way a couple months ago. Be safe.
John Nomaxon July 24, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Though I don’t do any brand of truck runs,some buyers do need to educate themselves on what it takes financially to be a (dealer) distributer.This article is a good start and a small fraction of the big picture.I’ve also seen irate posts in forums about increase pricings on various brands and pointing fingers at dealers.Bottom line is,buyers are not going to get items for the price they “think” its worth.Items are sold at market value (SRP) along with fees that are costly to the seller for reasons stated in your article.
My advice to buyers is look for a dealer that’s consistent in pricing and gives good service and a price you feel you can live with.They are out there.I deal with a few specific dealers myself for that reason.There accessible and reasonable.Purchase items (trucks) that you really want that would compliment your collection.It would most likely make your buying experience alot better when spending that $75 to $80.
So those that gripe about pricing?
“It aint goin away”
Search for a deal you’re comfortable with.
Service and accessibility with a dealer is no# priority for me.
Informative article Eric,hope it sheds some light on this ongoing issue.
Thanks for posting it.
Eric Haselhorston July 24, 2013 at 1:15 pm
Thanks for commenting John and I agree with you. Honestly I used to be in the griping camp until I started building and helped a company produce a run of high end models. That was eye opening and showed me much about this whole business. It is quite interesting.
Eric
John Hamon July 24, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Gentlemen
Well said and I completely agree. In addition, this holds true in other hobbies as well.
John
Eric Haselhorston July 24, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Thanks for commenting John. Yes you speak truth. It does not matter if it is farm models, classic cars, scrapbooking, hunting or fishing. There are entry level type pieces and high end. Enthusiasts are all over the map when it comes to supporting their interests.
Stan Meekson August 21, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Awesome job on this truck. I grew up with David and Gary Wayne Haynes and had the privilege to work for Gordon & Laura Jane for many years. I have great memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Keep up the good work Rockin H. Thank you Paul.
Eric Haselhorston September 6, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Thanks Stan. Harvest memories are priceless. Thanks for tuning into Rockin H.
Thank you for the opportunity to come out Kate. I am grateful and glad to produce these videos.
Lola Wilsonon October 9, 2013 at 12:15 pm
It is good to see something good about the internet and the opportunities young people have now. Flocknote is teaching me much about how to reach the youth.
I like seeing what you are doing with your harvesting business.
Eric Haselhorston October 9, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Thanks Lola, I truly believe that most of society does not know what opportunity is before us. Part of it is satisfaction with the status quo, not a bad thing. Part of it is conditioning from education and the mantra we grew up with. It is a remarkable time to be alive.
Great thoughts Eric. Yeah, seems the effort to make things more efficient is legit, but only if we don’t ‘arrive’ and then just sit on our laurels. Off to new horizons and challenges, or we fade away
Very well written points Eric.
I have found Free Agent Uprising and Kevin Miller to be instrumental in changing our paradigm in terms of how to look at business – life as a family – etc. It is amazing too the people (like you) we have been exposed to – creative, out-of-the-box thinkers who are ingenious and have a passion to pursue their calling.
Dan Kummeron January 23, 2014 at 3:13 am
Eric,
I would like your opinion?
I ordered 8″ flashing beacons as the supplier called them
They are designed ( and I use the word designed lightly ) to be painted and glued on the back of trailer for over sized load. The ones I received are pretty rough die cast and super small.. I was going to try to make them work for me, I tried scuffing them up on sand paper sponge as I call them and applied two coats of Revel Orange paint and the paint is not sticking.
I’m going to remove what paint did stick and return them.. My thought is I wonder if they could be 3D printed out of metal or colored plastic.. Since you’ve done this stuff before, I wanted to ask you.
I also see on a lot of web sites of 1:64 scale truck parts that are out of stock on air wings. I think the supplier is the same for everyone as they are all sold as chromed.. I’m thinking this could be printed as well.
Can you send me an email to dankummer@gmail.com so I can send you pic of beacon..
Thanks
Dan Kummer
Eric Haselhorston January 23, 2014 at 2:56 pm
I used those myself. They are not the easiest to use for sure due to size. What I have done is lay them face down and paint the backs black with whatever spray paint I have. Then drill a pilot hole for each light so they don’t fall off.
Once mounted, I take a tiny dab of silver paint on a tooth pic and paint the faces. I’ve not had any trouble with paint sticking so far but I do not use them often.
As far as 3D. I would image they could be printed as long as the minimum tolerance of .3mm for Ultra frosted detail is met. For sure you would want them attached to a sprue so the printer can find them.
As far as the wing, you are limited by your imagination, it can be printed in a variety of metals and plastics. Thanks for the comment.
Eric, as always a great and inspiring post. I visit Rockin H for the toys. I stay for the pearls of wisdom you give us. I enjoy entering the minds of others with the entrepreneurial spirit. Along the lines of what you are saying I would love to make building toy tractors my living. I don’t suppose it’s out of the realm of possibility however I feel what I do lies in a bit of an over saturated market place. I’d like to point out, I think you have found yourself a great niche and I have no doubt you will be successful at it. I have other projects though outside of the farm toy world that seem to hold more promise of a decent living. So to take your challenge.
“Wouldn’t it be great if infinitegarage.com could provide me with a comfortable living. ”
As always thanks for the wisdom.
Eric Haselhorston March 4, 2014 at 5:16 am
Jason,
Thank you for responding. I am honored and so glad you are working toward your dream. Your honesty blesses me and is motivating. I hope your dream is your reality in order. I checked out your site and it is very cool. Thanks again for sharing.
Eric
Tonyon April 4, 2014 at 11:40 pm
Thanks again for the oppertunity
Tonyon April 9, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Thanks for the opertunitys I can’t wait for the revisions.
John Nomaxon May 29, 2014 at 8:45 am
I understand your frustration with getting custom decals made Eric.The fact is there are very few independent “CUSTOM” waterslide decal makers to supply this market for model type graphics, ie, white based decals.Anything else will have bleed through.But I always applaud your efforts at findings solutions,which you always usually do find a way.
Most online decal websites only offer WYSIWYG.The reason for this is making custom white base waterslide graphics is very expensive and time consuming which makes for a longer turnaround as opposed to to ready made graphics,which no doubt can be very frustrating to the consumer.I cut back myself to the very minimum due to slow timeline turnaround and drastically underestimating the online market needs.
As for ALPS printers?There very versatile printers and good for the home based hobbyist if you wanted to put the time and effort in.There are others types available but with there prices up to the stratosphere there just not feasible for most.. if you do venture to purchase one make sure you have the necessary hardware to run it,XP or a virtual window.
But as Eric stated,”buyer beware”always ask for a “self test print out” on any open box ALPS,if one can’t be provided then keep looking.
Wish you all the best in your endeavors Eric,your persistence and researching will no doubt take you to the end result your looking for.
-John
Eric Haselhorston May 30, 2014 at 2:50 pm
John, thanks for the comment and your wisdom. I am grateful.
Jasonon June 11, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Another great post. To answer your question I struggle a little bit in each column. I’m pretty happy to say that taking risks are something I’m getting better at. I have realized in the last few years that for the most part that is what separates me from the business people I want to be like. They at some point went for it. Now on the cusp of buying my first brick and mortar type business there are huge scary decisions to be made and it seems like it is a daily thing to try and talk myself out of doing it. However at the end of the day I lay my head down on the pillow ready to embark on the greatest most challenging adventure of my life. Being a businessman. It’s exciting.
It’s also refreshing to read posts like this and know that other people whom I look up to struggle with many of the same things I struggle with.
Best of luck in all things Rockin H. Keep doing what you do!
Eric Haselhorston June 12, 2014 at 1:32 pm
Jason,
Thank for your thoughtful reply. How cool to be opening your own shop! So glad you found value in this post. Like I mentioned, I wrote this to myself but wanted to share to hopefully cheer others on. Good luck in your adventure, I wish you well.
Eric
eric aon June 13, 2014 at 3:42 am
Eric. I think I am 0 for 5. Each one I relate to and seem to fail at each one. Great points and thought provoking. Something I am going to work on.
IT SEVERELY ELIMINATES SOME PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHOM LIVE ON A TIGHT BUDGET! I PICKED UP THIS HOBBY BECAUSE I LOVE SEMI TRUCKS! I HAD POLIO AAND I WAS NEVER ABLE TO DRIVE THE BIG RIGS, ALTHOUGH MY FATHER HAD TRUCKS, AND I WAS PARALYIZED {I WALKED ON CRUTCHES AND LEG BRACES} I WENT ALONG AS A NAVIGATOR OF SORTS AND RODE SHOTGUN TO KEEP HIM AWAKE! AFTER MY DADS DEATH {WHILE TRUCKING} I DESPIISED TRUCKS! IT TOOK TIME TO GET BACK! THE ONE THING THAT DID HELP ME GET BACK TO LOVING RIGS WAS WHEN I STARTED PURCHASING THE SPEC CAST PETERBILT THEN SOME TRUCKIN LITTLE RESIN CAST! THEN I WENT FULL BLOWN WITH THE DCP’s! JUST YESTERDAY I HAD TO CANCEL A PARTS ORDER THAT I HAD BECAUSE THE SELLER OFF EBAY WANTED $3.50 TO SEND TWO POGO STICKS WITH AIR LINES! I WAS GOING TO USE THEM ON A CUSTOM TRUCK I AM BUILDING, HOWEVER I CANT SEE HIM GOUGING ME FOR $3.50 {MARKS TOY BOX} FOR SHIPPING WHEN LESS THAN A DOLLAR FOR POSTAGE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT! I HAD RATHER ORDER EIGHT POGO STICKS AND PAY $5 OR LESS FOR s&h ! THIS IS WHAT UPSETS ME! THE SELLERS WANT TO ROB YOU ON S&H! I DONT SEE WHY THE BUILDERS AND SELLERS CANT LET EVERY BODY ENJOY! SEEMS LIKE ONLY THE WEALTHY ARE ABLE TO AFFORD THE BUILDS OF THE HOBBY! THEN WHEN I WANTED TO SELL SOME OF MY SEMI RIGS OF THE DCP I COULDNT GET A THIRD OF A $80.00 OF WHAT I PAID FOR!
Eric Haselhorston December 2, 2014 at 4:46 am
Thanks for taking time to respond Gerald. I appreciate it.
You make great points. I know my prices move a lot of people out of my market but that is why I work hard to provide good tutorials, blog, posts and the Monday Q and A. I want each person that desires a world class model to have one. Whether it is made by me or someone else. Thanks for responding.
Jack farberon December 2, 2014 at 3:45 am
Eric you just gave me a whole new outlook on this! You rock!
Eric Haselhorston December 2, 2014 at 4:42 am
Thanks for the comment Jack. I appreciate you taking time to read and respond. Glad it helped you out.
Austin Grallon December 3, 2014 at 1:56 am
Thank you Eric, I stand with you and do some custom building myself. It takes time and it irritates me when people try to ask “is that the lowest you will go”. Yes, yes it is lol.
Eric Haselhorston December 3, 2014 at 4:07 am
I agree but I hope I did not sound mad. I’m not. I want everyone to have a world class model. For folks that choose not to buy from me I want them to find value in the tutorials I produce. Or, perhaps there is another builder that can better help them get what they want.
Great job on those trucks, Eric! As a fellow hobbyist/custom builder, I can attest to how much fun these little trucks are to mess with, and how cool it is to see the smiles on the faces of the people that you build for. Have a great Christmas bud, and I’m sure I’ll talk to you again soon! 🙂
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO ADD TO MY BANK ACCT. TO PURCHASE ON WHAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT TIME LIMITED SALE TOMORROW?
Eric Haselhorston January 30, 2015 at 6:29 am
Did you get your answer Gerald?
james seidlon April 10, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Hi Eric, how do you know how much to charge? Do you charge an hourly rate plus parts? If so how much would you charge per hour? Im just getting started in 1/64 scale trucks. I build 1/32 and 1/25 scl trucks now and just put them on ebay and hope for the best, i start my auctions at whatever i have tied up in the truck. Thanks Eric!
Eric Haselhorston April 12, 2015 at 11:10 pm
James, in the beginning I did not value my time and really had no clue what I was doing. If I made minimum wage I was doing well.
Figure out how much time it takes to do the work you are planning. Set a rate you are comfortable with. I charge $30 hour plus parts. That allows enough income to cover all my costs such as taxes, web hosting, domain registrations, my book keeper, and other free lancers I pay to do a variety of tasks I do not need to be doing.
The great thing to keep in mind, you can adjust your hourly rate or fee as you see fit.
Awesome tips Eric!! #4 I believe is the most important one. Do things like that for your customers and they will pay a premium price for your products. Not only that, it get’s people like me coming back to buy more. I would never have attempted to take apart a DCP truck before I watched your videos. Now I’m not afraid of it and have done a complete frame swap on a truck and built 2 grain trucks from a PEM and SpecCast truck.
Because of that I keep wanting to grow my custom harvest fleet which keeps me coming back to buy more combine trailers, grain boxes, and double combine trailers. Now I even want to build my own pup trailer.
It truly is guys like you who make this kind of work or should I say hobby fun. Because it isn’t ever said enough, I just want to say thanks Eric for all you’ve done and the knowledge you share with the rest of us.
Thanks,
Colin
Eric Haselhorston April 12, 2015 at 10:59 pm
Colin, I’m grateful for your comment. I love it when guys like you can take your building to the next level. So cool to hear how you are progressing and learning. Thanks again for the comment.
Bruce Douglason April 10, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Excellent, thanks for the encouragement – I know…I don’t charge near enough for my labour and I’m going to raise my prices, starting today ! If I can’t be offered a reasonable dollar – I’m better off working on my own collection… ..thanks again, Bruce.
Eric Haselhorston April 12, 2015 at 10:56 pm
Well done Bruce, test your prices and find a sweet spot you can live with. Sell to the audience that loves you.
Kalon April 11, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Hi wow cool old 67 GMC C960 well up here in Canada the Canadian model numbers were 900’s we have a old 67 at the farm same color green it is 2 1/2 ton 950 V8 327 Muncie SM 420 w/ 14x8x5 wooden grain box that is still so cool that you made those old style GMC cabs our other grain truck is a 77 GMC 6500 model with the 16x8x4.5 grain box 🙂 so cool
Eric Haselhorston April 12, 2015 at 10:52 pm
Thanks. My grandpa had 71 GMC I used to ride in as a kid and I always wanted a model of it. Thanks to 3D printing I got one. Now I need to make a bed and get this bad boy finished.
Thanks for the comment,
Eric
Ted Brueschon April 13, 2015 at 12:08 am
I like your comments answer on your web sight read them all an the video you post on YouTube a your blog good work you do Ted
Eric Haselhorston April 21, 2015 at 9:07 pm
Thanks Ted. I appreciate the comment and thank you for watching and reading. Guys like you keep hungry to offer more.
Eric
Ric Hellwigon April 14, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Hi Eric:
Well, this I have to try. If for nothing else than to put west coast mirrors back on the cabs. Thanks for the tip!
Eric Haselhorston April 21, 2015 at 9:08 pm
You are welcome Ric. Thanks for the comment. If there are other questions you want answers for let me know.
[…] tutorial on the T600. Watch that video in this blog. There were two lines that were not difficult to match up at the front corners of the sleeper but […]
Awesome work as always Eric. Always cool to see the things you do and can accomplish. And the best part is you share how it done. Thanks for all you do for the diecast truck modeling community!!
Eric Haselhorston May 21, 2015 at 1:51 pm
Thanks for the comment and reading the post Colin. I love sharing what I know.
Those turned out fabulous ERIC! I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN A BLANK! PLEASE SEND PURCHASE PRICE! THANKS GERALD WILLIAMS
Eric Haselhorston May 22, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Gerald, I don’t sell these. The client actually bought this round and had them shipped to me. I did find blank red and blank yellow cabs on ebay for 24.95 as of this writing. Good luck. Eric
Stevenon August 24, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Great Idea. I hope you post lots of photos along with the text.
Eric Haselhorston August 25, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Thanks Steven, yes the version I will have for sale will be picture rich of models and real machines. I am combing through pictures several havesters have given me permission to use. Thanks for the comment.
Eric
Richard De Baaron September 12, 2015 at 2:19 am
Do you know where I can find 1/64 P.I.E. decals? I would like to purchase them from Rockin H Farm Toy. Sometimes it may take me a while to get back to you with communication because I had a stroke and my daughter helps me with communication. Thanks.
Eric Haselhorston September 14, 2015 at 3:47 am
Yes Richard, I think I can help you. I know a fellow in Canada that has been prolific in producing company decals. Email me at rockinhfarmtoys@gmail.com
Thanks Eric
Colinon October 23, 2015 at 3:07 pm
Eric,
There is an option to buy wooden 1/64 travel trailers. Maybe you are already aware of it and they don’t look good. But I just wanted to pass it along.
I like how you said that two diecast cabs should be used together for a custom look that is useful. A friend of mine works in a field during harvest season for a month or two out of the year. I’m not sure what sort of trucks they use. I’ll have to show him this customized option. Thanks for sharing!
Eric Haselhorston January 18, 2016 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for the comment Drew. Glad this content is helpful. If you need anything else, let me know.
Love it! Don’t forget to blog a link on your old blog to reidrect traffic to your new site, (and remind followers to re-add you to their feeds!). Wow, I’m a nerd.
I didn’t think that having the right type of truck would have an impact on harvesting. It makes sense once I think about it more. Would you happen to know what most popular method now a days to haul grain?
Eric Haselhorston August 16, 2016 at 2:33 am
Hey there. In the states tractor trailers rule the road on the harvest run. One important reason is capacity, second – multiple uses, three – they can as economical as an end dump or tipper bed.
Thanks for the question, Eric
Dustin Herrinon April 3, 2016 at 4:04 am
Theres a website I buy mine at. It called toytrucking.com. they have many different trucks trailer ect.
I like that you talk about the importance of trailers on a harvest crew. I think it is very helpful when you have a trailer because you can load up a lot of product or tools in the trailer to make the work a lot easier. I would imagine it would be the same for harvest crews. They have to work outside all the time and it can really make things better and they also wouldn’t have to work very long.
I got this web page from my buddy who informed me concerning this web site and now this time I am browsing this website and reading very informative content at this time.
Loreen Munzellon March 23, 2022 at 6:25 am
If you want to know what is the best tool bag for electricians, you will want to get one that is durable, lightweight, and easily portable. A good bag will allow you to quickly access the tools that you need without having to fumble around.
awesome! thanks for sharing…. never get tired of watching harvesting!!!!
I am with you Hoch Farms. It is a total addiction for me and drives my wife insane. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.
Hey Eric, I could have not explained it any better. All my builds are from pictures sent from owner/oper, wives wanting a surprise for there husband. The only problem I have now is, some potentionall customers do not understand when I tell them I am not taking orders at this time, but then I have guys telling me, put me on the list so they do not loose there spot in line.
e post. If I may add a couple things. Communication is everything for example I’ve had a minor issue where someone wanted product by a company that came in two different colors. The buyer did not specify so I painted it the old company colors, and the buyer wanted it in new colors. oops. Not a big issue and I fixed it but still it was a delay and some stress that didn’t need to happen.
Second if you like a custom builders work but he doesn’t make what you want sometimes they will work with you if you do some of the leg work. For example I was asked to make something I had not made before and had no access to the real thing. I simply asked the customer to take the pics and measurements and then I’d build him and sell the item at a discounted rate because this gives me a new model to build and him what he wants. It’s a win win.
Lastly as a builder I always try and stress that these are models and not toys. They are delicate and must be treated with care. I had someone buy a very expensive disc and despite me telling him that he let his child play with it. Well guess what happened, and guess who got chewed out because the scratch built toy was not as durable as the junk ertl crap?
i would like to find a builder for a custom 1/64 drying setup do you know anyone that builds them. thanks so much
Grant, thanks for the question. I do not know of anyone off hand. I would recommend you try Toy Tractor Times and see who might be available there. Good luck!
I guess it is, weather harvest is in the USA, England or anywere in the world, it just has a draw to us farming guys, that smell of the wheat changing colour and the smell of the straw going through the combine, the long days, the community from working on a crew, or even if you are not on a combine but a baler like I will be in a few days, its just that challenge to get this years food in before mother nature does her thing.
You are correct Paul. Being connected to the land is an assault on the senses and does not seem to go away. Thanks for commenting.
Eric,
Hey…I’m honored that you felt my blog was good enough to quote. 🙂 Thanks for the mention! I, too, understand what you’re talking about. It was that same feeling you talk about that encouraged Jim to take the combine we had bought and venture on our own in 1990. He was driving truck for a local trucking company that took him out to Western Nebraska. When he saw the combines loaded on their trailers and on the move, he was bit by the bug again. I’m glad he was! Take care and…let’s be careful out there!
Thank you Tracy. When I read your blog last year that paragraph summed up my annual experience. Finally put it all down in my own way a couple months ago. Be safe.
Though I don’t do any brand of truck runs,some buyers do need to educate themselves on what it takes financially to be a (dealer) distributer.This article is a good start and a small fraction of the big picture.I’ve also seen irate posts in forums about increase pricings on various brands and pointing fingers at dealers.Bottom line is,buyers are not going to get items for the price they “think” its worth.Items are sold at market value (SRP) along with fees that are costly to the seller for reasons stated in your article.
My advice to buyers is look for a dealer that’s consistent in pricing and gives good service and a price you feel you can live with.They are out there.I deal with a few specific dealers myself for that reason.There accessible and reasonable.Purchase items (trucks) that you really want that would compliment your collection.It would most likely make your buying experience alot better when spending that $75 to $80.
So those that gripe about pricing?
“It aint goin away”
Search for a deal you’re comfortable with.
Service and accessibility with a dealer is no# priority for me.
Informative article Eric,hope it sheds some light on this ongoing issue.
Thanks for posting it.
Thanks for commenting John and I agree with you. Honestly I used to be in the griping camp until I started building and helped a company produce a run of high end models. That was eye opening and showed me much about this whole business. It is quite interesting.
Eric
Gentlemen
Well said and I completely agree. In addition, this holds true in other hobbies as well.
John
Thanks for commenting John. Yes you speak truth. It does not matter if it is farm models, classic cars, scrapbooking, hunting or fishing. There are entry level type pieces and high end. Enthusiasts are all over the map when it comes to supporting their interests.
Awesome job on this truck. I grew up with David and Gary Wayne Haynes and had the privilege to work for Gordon & Laura Jane for many years. I have great memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Keep up the good work Rockin H. Thank you Paul.
Thanks Stan. Harvest memories are priceless. Thanks for tuning into Rockin H.
Love it, Eric! Great job!
Thank you for the opportunity to come out Kate. I am grateful and glad to produce these videos.
It is good to see something good about the internet and the opportunities young people have now. Flocknote is teaching me much about how to reach the youth.
I like seeing what you are doing with your harvesting business.
Thanks Lola, I truly believe that most of society does not know what opportunity is before us. Part of it is satisfaction with the status quo, not a bad thing. Part of it is conditioning from education and the mantra we grew up with. It is a remarkable time to be alive.
Thanks for the reply, Eric
Great thoughts Eric. Yeah, seems the effort to make things more efficient is legit, but only if we don’t ‘arrive’ and then just sit on our laurels. Off to new horizons and challenges, or we fade away
Very well written points Eric.
I have found Free Agent Uprising and Kevin Miller to be instrumental in changing our paradigm in terms of how to look at business – life as a family – etc. It is amazing too the people (like you) we have been exposed to – creative, out-of-the-box thinkers who are ingenious and have a passion to pursue their calling.
Eric,
I would like your opinion?
I ordered 8″ flashing beacons as the supplier called them
They are designed ( and I use the word designed lightly ) to be painted and glued on the back of trailer for over sized load. The ones I received are pretty rough die cast and super small.. I was going to try to make them work for me, I tried scuffing them up on sand paper sponge as I call them and applied two coats of Revel Orange paint and the paint is not sticking.
I’m going to remove what paint did stick and return them.. My thought is I wonder if they could be 3D printed out of metal or colored plastic.. Since you’ve done this stuff before, I wanted to ask you.
I also see on a lot of web sites of 1:64 scale truck parts that are out of stock on air wings. I think the supplier is the same for everyone as they are all sold as chromed.. I’m thinking this could be printed as well.
Can you send me an email to dankummer@gmail.com so I can send you pic of beacon..
Thanks
Dan Kummer
I used those myself. They are not the easiest to use for sure due to size. What I have done is lay them face down and paint the backs black with whatever spray paint I have. Then drill a pilot hole for each light so they don’t fall off.
Once mounted, I take a tiny dab of silver paint on a tooth pic and paint the faces. I’ve not had any trouble with paint sticking so far but I do not use them often.
As far as 3D. I would image they could be printed as long as the minimum tolerance of .3mm for Ultra frosted detail is met. For sure you would want them attached to a sprue so the printer can find them.
As far as the wing, you are limited by your imagination, it can be printed in a variety of metals and plastics. Thanks for the comment.
Eric, as always a great and inspiring post. I visit Rockin H for the toys. I stay for the pearls of wisdom you give us. I enjoy entering the minds of others with the entrepreneurial spirit. Along the lines of what you are saying I would love to make building toy tractors my living. I don’t suppose it’s out of the realm of possibility however I feel what I do lies in a bit of an over saturated market place. I’d like to point out, I think you have found yourself a great niche and I have no doubt you will be successful at it. I have other projects though outside of the farm toy world that seem to hold more promise of a decent living. So to take your challenge.
“Wouldn’t it be great if infinitegarage.com could provide me with a comfortable living. ”
As always thanks for the wisdom.
Jason,
Thank you for responding. I am honored and so glad you are working toward your dream. Your honesty blesses me and is motivating. I hope your dream is your reality in order. I checked out your site and it is very cool. Thanks again for sharing.
Eric
Thanks again for the oppertunity
Thanks for the opertunitys I can’t wait for the revisions.
I understand your frustration with getting custom decals made Eric.The fact is there are very few independent “CUSTOM” waterslide decal makers to supply this market for model type graphics, ie, white based decals.Anything else will have bleed through.But I always applaud your efforts at findings solutions,which you always usually do find a way.
Most online decal websites only offer WYSIWYG.The reason for this is making custom white base waterslide graphics is very expensive and time consuming which makes for a longer turnaround as opposed to to ready made graphics,which no doubt can be very frustrating to the consumer.I cut back myself to the very minimum due to slow timeline turnaround and drastically underestimating the online market needs.
As for ALPS printers?There very versatile printers and good for the home based hobbyist if you wanted to put the time and effort in.There are others types available but with there prices up to the stratosphere there just not feasible for most.. if you do venture to purchase one make sure you have the necessary hardware to run it,XP or a virtual window.
But as Eric stated,”buyer beware”always ask for a “self test print out” on any open box ALPS,if one can’t be provided then keep looking.
Wish you all the best in your endeavors Eric,your persistence and researching will no doubt take you to the end result your looking for.
-John
John, thanks for the comment and your wisdom. I am grateful.
Another great post. To answer your question I struggle a little bit in each column. I’m pretty happy to say that taking risks are something I’m getting better at. I have realized in the last few years that for the most part that is what separates me from the business people I want to be like. They at some point went for it. Now on the cusp of buying my first brick and mortar type business there are huge scary decisions to be made and it seems like it is a daily thing to try and talk myself out of doing it. However at the end of the day I lay my head down on the pillow ready to embark on the greatest most challenging adventure of my life. Being a businessman. It’s exciting.
It’s also refreshing to read posts like this and know that other people whom I look up to struggle with many of the same things I struggle with.
Best of luck in all things Rockin H. Keep doing what you do!
Jason,
Thank for your thoughtful reply. How cool to be opening your own shop! So glad you found value in this post. Like I mentioned, I wrote this to myself but wanted to share to hopefully cheer others on. Good luck in your adventure, I wish you well.
Eric
Eric. I think I am 0 for 5. Each one I relate to and seem to fail at each one. Great points and thought provoking. Something I am going to work on.
Another job well done!!
IT SEVERELY ELIMINATES SOME PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHOM LIVE ON A TIGHT BUDGET! I PICKED UP THIS HOBBY BECAUSE I LOVE SEMI TRUCKS! I HAD POLIO AAND I WAS NEVER ABLE TO DRIVE THE BIG RIGS, ALTHOUGH MY FATHER HAD TRUCKS, AND I WAS PARALYIZED {I WALKED ON CRUTCHES AND LEG BRACES} I WENT ALONG AS A NAVIGATOR OF SORTS AND RODE SHOTGUN TO KEEP HIM AWAKE! AFTER MY DADS DEATH {WHILE TRUCKING} I DESPIISED TRUCKS! IT TOOK TIME TO GET BACK! THE ONE THING THAT DID HELP ME GET BACK TO LOVING RIGS WAS WHEN I STARTED PURCHASING THE SPEC CAST PETERBILT THEN SOME TRUCKIN LITTLE RESIN CAST! THEN I WENT FULL BLOWN WITH THE DCP’s! JUST YESTERDAY I HAD TO CANCEL A PARTS ORDER THAT I HAD BECAUSE THE SELLER OFF EBAY WANTED $3.50 TO SEND TWO POGO STICKS WITH AIR LINES! I WAS GOING TO USE THEM ON A CUSTOM TRUCK I AM BUILDING, HOWEVER I CANT SEE HIM GOUGING ME FOR $3.50 {MARKS TOY BOX} FOR SHIPPING WHEN LESS THAN A DOLLAR FOR POSTAGE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT! I HAD RATHER ORDER EIGHT POGO STICKS AND PAY $5 OR LESS FOR s&h ! THIS IS WHAT UPSETS ME! THE SELLERS WANT TO ROB YOU ON S&H! I DONT SEE WHY THE BUILDERS AND SELLERS CANT LET EVERY BODY ENJOY! SEEMS LIKE ONLY THE WEALTHY ARE ABLE TO AFFORD THE BUILDS OF THE HOBBY! THEN WHEN I WANTED TO SELL SOME OF MY SEMI RIGS OF THE DCP I COULDNT GET A THIRD OF A $80.00 OF WHAT I PAID FOR!
Thanks for taking time to respond Gerald. I appreciate it.
You make great points. I know my prices move a lot of people out of my market but that is why I work hard to provide good tutorials, blog, posts and the Monday Q and A. I want each person that desires a world class model to have one. Whether it is made by me or someone else. Thanks for responding.
Eric you just gave me a whole new outlook on this! You rock!
Thanks for the comment Jack. I appreciate you taking time to read and respond. Glad it helped you out.
Thank you Eric, I stand with you and do some custom building myself. It takes time and it irritates me when people try to ask “is that the lowest you will go”. Yes, yes it is lol.
I agree but I hope I did not sound mad. I’m not. I want everyone to have a world class model. For folks that choose not to buy from me I want them to find value in the tutorials I produce. Or, perhaps there is another builder that can better help them get what they want.
Thanks for the comment Austin.
Eric
Great job on those trucks, Eric! As a fellow hobbyist/custom builder, I can attest to how much fun these little trucks are to mess with, and how cool it is to see the smiles on the faces of the people that you build for. Have a great Christmas bud, and I’m sure I’ll talk to you again soon! 🙂
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO ADD TO MY BANK ACCT. TO PURCHASE ON WHAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT TIME LIMITED SALE TOMORROW?
Did you get your answer Gerald?
Hi Eric, how do you know how much to charge? Do you charge an hourly rate plus parts? If so how much would you charge per hour? Im just getting started in 1/64 scale trucks. I build 1/32 and 1/25 scl trucks now and just put them on ebay and hope for the best, i start my auctions at whatever i have tied up in the truck. Thanks Eric!
James, in the beginning I did not value my time and really had no clue what I was doing. If I made minimum wage I was doing well.
Figure out how much time it takes to do the work you are planning. Set a rate you are comfortable with. I charge $30 hour plus parts. That allows enough income to cover all my costs such as taxes, web hosting, domain registrations, my book keeper, and other free lancers I pay to do a variety of tasks I do not need to be doing.
The great thing to keep in mind, you can adjust your hourly rate or fee as you see fit.
Thanks for the question,
Eric
Awesome tips Eric!! #4 I believe is the most important one. Do things like that for your customers and they will pay a premium price for your products. Not only that, it get’s people like me coming back to buy more. I would never have attempted to take apart a DCP truck before I watched your videos. Now I’m not afraid of it and have done a complete frame swap on a truck and built 2 grain trucks from a PEM and SpecCast truck.
Because of that I keep wanting to grow my custom harvest fleet which keeps me coming back to buy more combine trailers, grain boxes, and double combine trailers. Now I even want to build my own pup trailer.
It truly is guys like you who make this kind of work or should I say hobby fun. Because it isn’t ever said enough, I just want to say thanks Eric for all you’ve done and the knowledge you share with the rest of us.
Thanks,
Colin
Colin, I’m grateful for your comment. I love it when guys like you can take your building to the next level. So cool to hear how you are progressing and learning. Thanks again for the comment.
Excellent, thanks for the encouragement – I know…I don’t charge near enough for my labour and I’m going to raise my prices, starting today ! If I can’t be offered a reasonable dollar – I’m better off working on my own collection… ..thanks again, Bruce.
Well done Bruce, test your prices and find a sweet spot you can live with. Sell to the audience that loves you.
Hi wow cool old 67 GMC C960 well up here in Canada the Canadian model numbers were 900’s we have a old 67 at the farm same color green it is 2 1/2 ton 950 V8 327 Muncie SM 420 w/ 14x8x5 wooden grain box that is still so cool that you made those old style GMC cabs our other grain truck is a 77 GMC 6500 model with the 16x8x4.5 grain box 🙂 so cool
Thanks. My grandpa had 71 GMC I used to ride in as a kid and I always wanted a model of it. Thanks to 3D printing I got one. Now I need to make a bed and get this bad boy finished.
Thanks for the comment,
Eric
I like your comments answer on your web sight read them all an the video you post on YouTube a your blog good work you do Ted
Thanks Ted. I appreciate the comment and thank you for watching and reading. Guys like you keep hungry to offer more.
Eric
Hi Eric:
Well, this I have to try. If for nothing else than to put west coast mirrors back on the cabs. Thanks for the tip!
You are welcome Ric. Thanks for the comment. If there are other questions you want answers for let me know.
Eric
[…] tutorial on the T600. Watch that video in this blog. There were two lines that were not difficult to match up at the front corners of the sleeper but […]
Awesome work as always Eric. Always cool to see the things you do and can accomplish. And the best part is you share how it done. Thanks for all you do for the diecast truck modeling community!!
Thanks for the comment and reading the post Colin. I love sharing what I know.
Those turned out fabulous ERIC! I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN A BLANK! PLEASE SEND PURCHASE PRICE! THANKS GERALD WILLIAMS
Gerald, I don’t sell these. The client actually bought this round and had them shipped to me. I did find blank red and blank yellow cabs on ebay for 24.95 as of this writing. Good luck. Eric
Great Idea. I hope you post lots of photos along with the text.
Thanks Steven, yes the version I will have for sale will be picture rich of models and real machines. I am combing through pictures several havesters have given me permission to use. Thanks for the comment.
Eric
Do you know where I can find 1/64 P.I.E. decals? I would like to purchase them from Rockin H Farm Toy. Sometimes it may take me a while to get back to you with communication because I had a stroke and my daughter helps me with communication. Thanks.
Yes Richard, I think I can help you. I know a fellow in Canada that has been prolific in producing company decals. Email me at rockinhfarmtoys@gmail.com
Thanks Eric
Eric,
There is an option to buy wooden 1/64 travel trailers. Maybe you are already aware of it and they don’t look good. But I just wanted to pass it along.
http://www.matsenminiaturefarms.com/e-commerce-solutions-catalog20.html
Loved following along and reading your blog about all the harvest crew equipment. Thanks for taking the time to do that.
Thanks for the link Colin. That will be very helpful.
Eric
I like how you said that two diecast cabs should be used together for a custom look that is useful. A friend of mine works in a field during harvest season for a month or two out of the year. I’m not sure what sort of trucks they use. I’ll have to show him this customized option. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the comment Drew. Glad this content is helpful. If you need anything else, let me know.
Eric
Great artceli, thank you again for writing.
You are welcome. Thanks for the feedback.
Love it! Don’t forget to blog a link on your old blog to reidrect traffic to your new site, (and remind followers to re-add you to their feeds!). Wow, I’m a nerd.
Thanks for the tip. Do you have an example?
I didn’t think that having the right type of truck would have an impact on harvesting. It makes sense once I think about it more. Would you happen to know what most popular method now a days to haul grain?
Hey there. In the states tractor trailers rule the road on the harvest run. One important reason is capacity, second – multiple uses, three – they can as economical as an end dump or tipper bed.
Thanks for the question, Eric
Theres a website I buy mine at. It called toytrucking.com. they have many different trucks trailer ect.
Thanks for the resource Dustin.
Eric
I like that you talk about the importance of trailers on a harvest crew. I think it is very helpful when you have a trailer because you can load up a lot of product or tools in the trailer to make the work a lot easier. I would imagine it would be the same for harvest crews. They have to work outside all the time and it can really make things better and they also wouldn’t have to work very long.
Thanks for the comment and for reading.
You got it. Thanks for the reply.
I got this web page from my buddy who informed me concerning this web site and now this time I am browsing this website and reading very informative content at this time.
If you want to know what is the best tool bag for electricians, you will want to get one that is durable, lightweight, and easily portable. A good bag will allow you to quickly access the tools that you need without having to fumble around.