Factory Photo Freightliner...

[purepmd]

It has been a minute since I've had something to post. Always starting projects, never finishing old ones. This was supposed to be just a quick build, box stock, no extras. Well, that is not happening, ever. It all started with an online image search that turned up this picture.

I really like the color combination, and had some Testors Mythical Maroon to use for the base, but wasn't sold on the graphics. After some consideration, and dislike of masking, I decided on a decal approximation was in order, with an extra panel above the grille. Some Interdecal orange sheet and Auslowe red pinstripes set things in motion. The headlights were lowered, and the angled part of the cab was correted. The over-sized rivets removed and replaced with Micromark decal HO scale ones. They are a bit too small but still look way better than AMT's carriage bolts on the cab. 

Some CTM photoetch pieces, a one piece aluminum bumper, aluminum wrapped tanks and boxes, topped off by a set of M&S aluminum wheels meant there was no turning back.

Metal exhaust, tinted, flush mounted glass, and a rear mounted air cleaner and inlet round out the exterior highlights. I've seen quite a few pictures online of this vintage of trucks with painted steps and ladders and wanted to try that. 

A scratch built aftercooler, and a resin turbo add a much-needed horsepower boost. Stabilaire rear suspension replaces the Reyco springs out back. While no where near perfect, it provided invaluable knowledge about working with photoetch parts. I'm already adapting them to another started 'shaker cabover. 

Thanks for taking the time to check it out and please feel free to voice all opinions! 

P.S. forgot this pic. You can see the fans you get with the Harold Weber created photoetch frets STS sells on their website. They are excellent. 

 

Edited 16 hours ago by purepmd
Additional details and grammar correction.

[Jim B]

Beautiful Freightliner. Very well done. 

[Swamp Dog]

Awesome..

[Biggu]

Wow !! That is absolutely awesome …. The paint is beautiful and the pe work is really good.  What a good looking Freightliner, everything ties in beautifully.  I really like this and will have to refer to it when I do mine, super nice !!!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Beautiful! Excellent work all around! One of the best looking Freightliners that I’ve seen!