Flatbed trailers

[whale392]

OK guys, while this isn't a build thread yet (but if I aquire the info I seek it will lead to one!), I figured I would ask here as this is where the miledogs hang out. I have aquired two of the AMT re-issue Fruehauf 40' flatbed trailers and was going to kitbash/scratchbuild them into a modern 53' trailer. Questions are: 1)Does anybody even build a real 53'er or is the max a 48'er, 2)would it be feasable for a 53' to sport 9' spreads (and are they measured at the axle centerlines or at the tire edges for the spread distance), 3)does anybody have any pics of such proposed beast?

I will be stretching it regardless, and bringing the rear bumper and siderails up to modern type equipment, and any help you can give this flaky four-wheeler would be greatly appreciated. My dad drove in the 70s to 1981, so he is some help on the tractor I am building, but he is lost on modern trailers.

[chuckyr]

Personally, if you are going to the trouble of attempting to kit bash two kits to make a new trailer, I think it would be easier and your results would be more accurate from a modern subject point of view to build it from scratch. A flat bed is among the easiest trailer to build. There have been several excellent scratch built trailers on this forum and you will learn a whole lot about trailers, acquire new modeling skills and have the satisfaction of knowing you can tackle any model issue. Dont be afraid to ask.

Edited March 3, 2010 by chuckyr

[Old Albion]

I agree with Chuck. Scratch build one. Kurt (turbo590) built one very recently and was an excellent example of scratch building.

dave

[Semi Trailer Mechanic]

Bradley

Here's a trailer I built a while back. It's a 48' not a 53' but maybe it'll give ya a general idea where to start.

[whale392]

Thanks for the replies guys.....I got the second trailer yesterday morning and am going to start on it sometime next weekend. While scratchbuilding would be my best option for maximum realism, combining two already kitted pieces will give me a general idea of what needs to be done as far as cutting, fitting, and finishing are concerned. All of these will lead me to a scratchbuilt with more confidence in my abilities to pull it off later.

Semi Trailer Mechanic: yours looks great, and I hope you don't mind me referencing back to it when I start to build mine.

Thanks again guys.......when I start the plastic flying I will keep you all posted.

[fkuaso]

OK guys, while this isn't a build thread yet (but if I aquire the info I seek it will lead to one!), I figured I would ask here as this is where the miledogs hang out. I have aquired two of the AMT re-issue Fruehauf 40' flatbed trailers and was going to kitbash/scratchbuild them into a modern 53' trailer. Questions are: 1)Does anybody even build a real 53'er or is the max a 48'er, 2)would it be feasable for a 53' to sport 9' spreads (and are they measured at the axle centerlines or at the tire edges for the spread distance), 3)does anybody have any pics of such proposed beast?

I will be stretching it regardless, and bringing the rear bumper and siderails up to modern type equipment, and any help you can give this flaky four-wheeler would be greatly appreciated. My dad drove in the 70s to 1981, so he is some help on the tractor I am building, but he is lost on modern trailers.

alot of companies make a 53' flatbed. I myself have only seem one 53' flatbed with a spread axle. and it was a 10'2" spread. and the axle is measured from center hub to center hub. it might seem over whelming to scratch build. but after you start getting into it and do your research on what you want to make. its just a walk in the park. its also alot cheaper to build your own.

[whale392]

Thanks for the additional info. I have noticed (riding shotgun for over an hour at a time gives one some leeway on what to look at) that a lot of 48'ers are out there, and almost every one had spreads. Some had a drop deck and 20" wheels, some were straight decks, some had headache racks and others didn't. Seems there is actually a good variety of flats out there......it just took some road tripping from Columbus to Dayton a few times to notice this. Geeze, looks like I need to get out more! Now that better weather is coming, I might just do some more roadtrippin' with camera in hand. Thanks again everyone.

Edited March 6, 2010 by whale392

[highway]

I, too, have seen very few 53' flats, but the ones I have seen with spread axles usually do not have the rear axle any closer than 5 or 6 feet from the rear bumper. That is because some states have a specific axle length law. The laws vary state to state, but the shortest is 40 feet from kingpin to the center of the rear axle (California if I remember correctly) and that applies for all trailers, not just flats. Most trailers I seen, though, are 48' and the axle on a spread can be all the way at the rear.

[whale392]

Thanks Highway........that explaination would also help with why I see so many 53' boxes with the tandems slid ahead. I have been taking notes and pics when I can and while the build I do will not follow exact prototype, it will blend some of the prototype features I like together in one trailer. Looks like this thread will turn into a build thread starting this week. Thanks to everyone who contributed to it so far, and stay tuned for hacked plastic and crushed expectations!

[whale392]

The further I get into this project, the more I believe the 'scratchbuilding your own' train of thought to be applicable. I am glad to have started on the project with some readily available kits, but I do believe the next flat I build will be from scratch! Thanks for all the info you guys have provided, and as soon an Photobucket, my camera, and the computer I am currently using (going back to the girlfriend real soon) all co-operate, I will post up some pics of the 'progress'......if you can call it that!