B.R.B.O. Freightliner FLC update 2/7

[k100]

This is what I'm building for B.R.B.O.

Pretty much box stock other than the sleeper going to do a taller sleeper .

Edited February 7, 2019 by k100

[DRIPTROIT 71]

These kits are pretty nice other than the multi piece cabs. Looking forward to your progress! Welcome to the Build Off!

[Sam I Am]

Is the multi piece cab common of Italeri? I have not built a multi piece since I was a kid with some of the old monogram cars...

[stitchdup]

Nice, I built one of these when I was a kid.

[Oldmopars]

On 2/3/2019 at 11:12 PM, Sam I Am said:

Is the multi piece cab common of Italeri? I have not built a multi piece since I was a kid with some of the old monogram cars...

I have build several of the Italeri kits, and every one of them is a multi piece cab. It is a pain because they want you to build the cab around the interior. This means you have to paint first them assemble. However I have found that with some creativity you can build most of them by putting the cab together and paint it, then shove the interior in place. However, you need to do a bunch of test runs to be sure you know exactly how the puzzle goes together.

After I figured this out, I love the Italeri kits. The fit and details are in a whole different league than anything from AMT/MPC. Just be aware that they are not always accurate. They are known for using old engines in newer kit, adding new looking parts to old engines to "simulate" newer engines, and wheels with the molded in axle hubs are generic, not accurate to the different trucks. However, most of these things can be fixed or are not noticed by most builder and so they build up into great looking trucks. I have 4 on the shelf now and looking for several more.

[k100]

You right Scott , I learn't the hard way building the cabs , like you I found it much easier to build the cab first then put the interior in .

Did get a little bit done , I couldn't save the frame rail luckily I had several laying around . also mocked up the taller sleeper .

I need a little help from you guys , is the upper part of the sleeper too tall ? I kinda  think it is what's your guys opinion ?

I also got the decals for it today .

[Muncie]

decal artwork looks great!

maybe a little too tall...

Freightliner offered three sleeper heights - standard = height of the cab,  raised roof = closer to the top of a van trailer, and mid-roof = could almost stand up inside but lower roof for operations with flatbed or tank trailers.  Your 1:1 photo is a mid roof.  Maybe lower the top until there is about 6 feet of standing headroom inside.  I wish I had the actual sleeper dimensions...

The sleeper roof in the kit is a custom top manufactured and installed by Sloan's.  Not installed by Freightliner, but you could get a new truck delivered to Sloan's for a sleeper roof, upholstery and custom paint before it went to the dealer.

[tbill]

By eyeball, I think I’d take about 1/2 of that sleeper addition height off. Decals look killer.

[tbill]

Oh, and do not go looking for green eyed girls with that rig.........lol

[SpreadAxle]

I have been dying to try this exact thing with the sleeper on the FLC. I do have some close up shots of one of these if you want to count rivets. This FLC sits(or at least it was a few years ago) at the TA in Stony Ridge, OH. It's hooked to an old moving van which was converted to a church.  I have more pix, but this should get you started.

[clayton]

Way to tall, that 1/2"maybe just rite.

What you could do is make one from poster bord (cardboard) to get rite night. 

[k100]

Thanks guys for the comments .

Steve thank you for the information .

Tom I did take 3/16 off the top section  , I think it still might a little high. (new pictures below)

Oh yeah those green eyed girls will get you in trouble . LOL

Ray those picture's help a lot , do you have any pictures showing the brackets on the back of the sleeper that the air foil attaches too? 

Hey Clayton thats a good tip Ill keep it in mind ,I got in a big hurry and  glue everything together already , but looking at it I think its still too tall .

Small update I did cut the upper section down ,it looks better but like I side above I think its still a little tall . what do you guys think?

Im going to try using decal rivets never used them before .

[Sam I Am]

You might mock up some tanks and boxes below the frame to see if that pulls the height down, esthetically speaking....before cutting more off the top. 

[tbill]

To my eye ( again, just me), I’d either lower  it a touch more, or, add an air foil on just the cab roof. Maybe mocking up the exhaust stacks will help as well, going to have to make those a touch taller to make the look as well I think. 

[k100]

Thanks guys for the comments .

Well 3rd time's a charm I think I'm happy with the sleeper now, I took about another 1/16 off the top .I mocked it up with a stack and it's setting on the wheels now.

[tbill]

That looks way more pleasing to my eye, you’ve got the extra height, but it doesn’t look overdone. I think you’ve nailed it

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Looks great to me!

[jacobus]

Lookin good and a think when the tanks are under it than come,s the hole combo nice together

jacobus

[gotnitro?]

You've nailed the sleeper now 

This is turning into a nice looking build 

[DumpyDan]

Looking real nice.

[k100]

Thanks guys for all the comments .

Nothing to report this month been out of town for work the last 2 weeks .

Hopefully i can get bench time this weekend .

[k100]

 I got some good bench time today , got the rear suspension finished , added some detail to the front axle .

I don't know what the heck happened here . pictures are below

Edited April 14, 2019 by k100

[k100]

Edited April 14, 2019 by k100

[Vince66]

1 hour ago, k100 said:

Would this suspension have been available on a 1970's era COE freightshaker. 

Nice looking build you have going.

[k100]

Thanks for the comments .

 Unfortunately Work has me doing a lot traveling , I just don’t have time to work on this so I’m withdrawing from the BRBO . 

Hopefully I can get this finished some time . 

Thanks

Mark