AMT "Pabst" Freightliner -- My first build process here, and first build in 23 years !

[Goodwrench3]

Well... after much consternation over which kit to start after my 23-year "break", I went to my "warehouse" and left the "holy grail" kits there and decided to build this rig. I figured I needed one under my belt before I tackled those really special kits that I am somewhat afraid to touch (yet). I told myself "start SOMETHING!".

20+ years ago I built several NASCAR 80's stock cars and got really comfortable doing them. But those big rigs sat on the shelf -- mostly because I didn't have the knowledge to do them correctly. I still don't. But I want them built and It's time to learn I figure !

I started this past weekend -- here are the kits. Engine is underway and so is the frame. I gathered a lot of info on the "gotchas" of this kit and that was really helpful so that I don't get too far along without realizing there are some pitfalls with this kit -- this is a GREAT site !

Unfortunately, I'm traveling all this week so no build time until this coming weekend again.

Looking forward to all comments, suggestions, help, tips, etc.

[tbill]

those are some nice 'classic' kits out of your stash

look forward to seeing progress on this, you found all the pit falls of this kit on the site, so I think you'll be in good shape as you go

[gatorincebu]

This should make a good looking rig! For sure those kits are classics.

be Well

Gator

[Ken Gilkeson]

started my comeback with the white freightliner kit also. test fit and take your time. I follow. ;-))

[kilrathy10]

That does look like a pretty cool project to go after......Can't wait till you get back and post some pics......

Edited March 24, 2015 by kilrathy10

[Goodwrench3]

Hey all:

Doing a bit more reading in the old threads, and there was a few mentions of an aftermarket front axle for the kit :

"The width of the front axle on many AMT kits is a problem. I tend to use the 1/25 metal axle from KFS because its about 3/16" narrower so wheels sit under cabs and hoods. This gives a much more realistic appearance."

Anyone know if this "KFS axle" is still around ??

Thanks

[guitarsam326]

if im not mistaken, en wicker carries some auslowe stuff and I think he has the steerable front axles.

[Goodwrench3]

if im not mistaken, en wicker carries some auslowe stuff and I think he has the steerable front axles.

Website ??

Thanks

[Petetrucker07]

http://bwicke9.wix.com/class-a-resin

[guitarsam326]

Sorry about that, Clayton got me though!

[Goodwrench3]

http://bwicke9.wix.com/class-a-resin

Wow -- some really nice stuff there !!

Too bad they are out of stock on the 1/25 front axle kits.

I certainly can cut the kit front axle and narrow it, but I'm not sure how guys are drlling and pinning it after cutting it. That's a darn small piece to drill into each end straight and get a pin in there and end up with a straight axle afterward.

[Old Buckaroo]

Drilling and pinning can be challenging. You can also use a section of paper clip, bailing / mechanics wire glued in the groove on the offside of the axle for strength. The axle I repaired on the IH Coe I just used strips of styrene.

[Petetrucker07]

That's how I did mine, strips of styrene. I never even considered drilling and pinning.

[Goodwrench3]

That's how I did mine, strips of styrene. I never even considered drilling and pinning.

Thanks -- that sounds like a safer route to go... at least for me ! ;-)

RE: " in the groove on the offside of the axle "

Are you gluing it to the front/back ? or along the top/bottom ?

I was also considering dremmeling a small channel along the top and bottom and then gluing in a thin piece of music wire in the slot -- then putty the channel to hide it.

[Old Buckaroo]

Along the back in the channel.

[fantacmet]

I too am building this kit.

I believe KFS is Kit Form Services, still aruond but in the UK, if you are stateside it's kind of a convoluted process to order something. Enough that I likely will not be ordering from them.

[Hessel Hemstra]

The steel Front axle is also available at the 'Modelmakersshop' from Heinz Schwartz in Austria.

http://www.modelmakershop.com/modelmakershop/

Hessel

[Tesla]

Welcome back to the hobby Jeff. Looking forward to your progress.

[disabled modeler]

That's how I did mine, strips of styrene. I never even considered drilling and pinning.

I drill and pin mine...its tricky but works.

[Mopar - D]

Jeff welcome back to the hobby any updated pictures of your progress?

[Goodwrench3]

Jeff welcome back to the hobby any updated pictures of your progress?

Well... some progress, but not as much as I wanted. I got back from Indianapolis on Friday night, then had a commitment yesterday -- and got a little further today.

Unfortunately, after my 23-year break, I forgot to restock a few supplies, and couldn't find some of my tools !! So - I'm waiting for the post office to deliver my resupply order ;-)

But -- I got some of the engine built, some other assemblies together, chrome stripping, etc. I also got more research in and I hope now I have all of the pitfalls and potholes mapped out for this kit (it's not a short list !). This kit seems to be like a chess game -- you need to think 4 or 5 moves ahead :-)

Anyway -- this week will be a trip to Wal-Mart for the frame/chassis paint, the Cummins engine paint, and some primer. I will also get the 2-hole wheels for the drive axles ordered from Double Take Replicas. But here's the bench as I left it tonight:

Thanks for everyone's help.

[Goodwrench3]

Hi all:

FYI -- I personally want to thank Tom (tbill) for his help.

If it were not for his patience (and others like him) I might have given up in frustration. He has provided an incredible amount of assistance and detailed information with my project (after my 23 yr break) and he is to be commended for that.

Thank you Tom !

[tbill]

Glad to be able to help out, that's why we are all here, share what we know and help each other to build the best we can. I have certainly gotten a lot of help here, so I am more than willing to pass on what little knowledge I have if it helps others.

[Goodwrench3]

Well, my plan was to show some pics today... that was my plan -- until i took the frame off the glass and looked down the rails.

One of the rails was bowed -- I knew that going in, but figured I could "convince" it as I went. I ended up with a frame that would do some pretty good "dog tracking" with the rear wheels

I've got another old Freightliner kit on the shelf -- it has the same issue. One rail is pretty good -- the other is bowed. My "plan B" is not to glue it up piece-by-piece this time, but instead try to do it in one go, using super glue so that I can hold it in place and "nail" it there without having to wait hours to dry. This way I can hold it "straight" as I glue frame parts on and have the super glue nail it as I hold it in place on the glass (on top of the building matt).

What do you guys think?

Short of building a complete frame jig for this thing, I'm not sure what else to do. I did try a heat gun on the bowed rail, and it seemed to help, but then it returned to its "remembered" bowed form.

What a pain. I did throw the original frame across the basement -- that provided some relief :-)

I even opened up one of the Round 2 kits I have -- same thing -- bowed frame rails, but not quite to the extent as the others I have.

This kit really is a challenge.

[Petetrucker07]

That's a toughy. If you heat up the frame rail and get it some what straight, you need to run it under cold water immediately. It shocks and basically stress relieves it so it will keep that shape. You could the super glue method 1 cross member at a time using the cross members, glued a little off of square to get the bow out.

The bowed frame rails are an AMT thing. I've 3 Ca Haulers and they all had bows, some better than others. The plated tanker I just finished those rails, both of them, we're crooked as a politician.