By Fred Hendricks
Note: This feature is in the April TF 2020 issue
Note: This feature is in the April TF 2020 issue
 Click image to view this issue. | Gene Gregory's craftsmanship of scratch-built models could be better defined as artistry, due to the design quality and the detailed handwork. Through time, Gene has perfected his artistry. His more recent build is a radio-controlled Minneapolis-Moline UDLX tractor. This superbly crafted model could be considered Gene's magnum opus, or his grandest accomplishment! Gene's scratch building goes back nearly a quarter-century, when he crafted a Silver King pedal tractor. From his Loudonville, Ohio, residence, he went on to build numerous pedal tractor models, with limited numbers of each one. "Making pedal tractors from scratch was enjoyable, but, after a time, I wanted something more satisfying; unique models for my personal collection. That's when I decided to make them operational and just one-of-a-kind. Having them powered by gas engines could be messy, with potential maintenance issues. Eventually, I went the battery-powered route with radio-control," Gene indicated. In 2006, Gene built his first high-detailed, quarter-scale radio-controlled (R-C) tractor, a John Deere 8020 diesel. After that achievement, he constructed an industrial John Deere 5010 diesel. Gene next considered the challenge of building a Caterpillar. Subsequently, he crafted a CAT D5N bulldozer with a high track. Gene then moved onto the trucking industry by building a quarter-scale Peterbilt 379 day-cab truck. To make a complete rig, he added a fifth-wheel, lowboy trailer. Want to read the rest of the story? It's available in the April TF 2019 magazine! Call (701) 883-5206 or (701) 883-5206 to purchase or subscribe! Or download here: APRIL TF 2020 |
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