One thing that every track or raceway needs is a wrecker to handle the inevitable accidents that occur, quite frequently. You can always have a static model of a wrecker or a tow truck, but if you wanted to be able to get one out on the track, the only option was the good old Aurora Model Motoring International Wrecker. You could bid on an original and pay a hefty price for it or buy a reproduction from Road Race Replicas or HO - Models, or...you could build your own. My favorite is the 1960-61 GMC Wrecker made by Lindberg (sold as "Mini-Lindy" or "Mini Linberg") quite a few years ago. You can still find them on Ebay for a lot less than an Aurora reproduction. The Thunderjet chassis fits perfectly inside of the GMCs wrecker bed. You will have to install a new rear screw-post to mount the chassis to the body, however. To mount the front wheels I cut out the front portion of the original Lindberg chassis and superglue it to a piece of scrap plastic and screw that onto the Thunderjet chassis, switching the guide pin to the front of the chassis and screwing it in from the the rear hole. To mount the screws to the front plastic extension I use a 1/16 drill bit. I found one with a hex end that fits into a cordless screwdriver. Once you've drilled the holes, the screw will self tap, or you can use a very small nut and bolt (most hobby shops sell them). Then use the original models front axle holes for the Aurora axel and truck tires. This is obviously easier to write about than it is to accomplish, but with with some cutting and fitting it's not too difficult.

My next wrecker is the Chevy flatbed. This too is based on a Mini-Lindy model of a 1967-72 Chevy dump truck, again available from time to time on Ebay. I use the cab of the dump truck and combine it with the flatbed of a newer Matchbox model of an International wrecker (about $5.00 if you can find one, Walmart or Target have them from time to time). I use the same procedure for mounting the front end using the Mini Lindy chassis with a plastic extension screwed into the Thunderjet chassis. To mount the flatbed I made a new rear screw post and superglued it to the underside of the flatbed. I also added thin shims so that the flatbed chassis wouldn't be rubbing on the Thunderjet gearing. The Matchbox model comes with chrome fuel tanks, battery box and tool boxes which can be cut and mounted to the underside of the flatbed.

Finally, taking it to the extreme I used a metal Matchbox 1963-1966 Ford (Matchbox "Heavy Wrecker" No. 7, also available from time to time on Ebay) to build another wrecker. The original model was built as a 10 wheeler, but looks fine on a dual rear wheel Thunderjet chassis. I used the battery boxes from the Matchbox International flatbed to fill out the section between the cab and rear tires. The metal Matchbox rear axel mounting brackets need to be cut out which looks like daunting task, but with a standard hobby saw the metal cuts very easily. Again, a rear screw post was cut, fitted and superglued in place and the same principle was used to mount the front end. The Matchbox model has the grill and bumper mounted to the metal chassis which made the cutting and fitting a little tricky. Obviously since the Matchbox chassis is metal, the Thunderjet pick-up shoes can't touch it. Cutting and fitting to close tolerances was time consuming, but it can be done. Since the grill and bumper are metal, I ground the paint off and used a polishing wheel and a little buffing compound to make them shine like chrome. The cab and hood of the truck fit into a slot in the grill so there is no need for a front mounting screw. You may need to superglue the cab to the wrecker body. Yeah, I know, it's metal and it's a little heavy, but hey, it's a tow truck, you're not gonna race...are you?
These were really enjoyable to build and look great parked in the gas station or out cruising on the track. There are endless possibilities for building wreckers, tow trucks or flat beds with all the trucks available in HO scale. Maybe even build a flat bed using the Aurora International cab.