1987 Freightliner FLD 120 - wip

Christian W
I laid my hands on this cool truck for six hours now and I'm not that big fan so far. The instructions are not that precisely with showing the wholes, which have to be added. So I had to graph the cabins to see, whether the locations are right for the side moldings and tanks.
Then I tried to fit the hood. That sucks a lot. After scribing and sanding a lot of material it still fits not good. Yesterday I quit it so far.
Maybe another try today.

But hey: when it is done right, it will look great.

Nigel Chapman
I've heard a few truck kits can be like that. Perhaps the chassis is a generic part over several kits? Good on you for your perseverance

Villiers de Vos
Nice progress.

Dominik Weitzer
here it is 🙂 . keep it up. italeri are sometimes bad if i remember my Scania i built loooong time ago.

Christian W
Thanks mates! The frame looks like a basic thing. I'm sure, they use it in several kits. On the inside are a lot more holes to open if needed. At the rear end, you have to fit in a kind of tail, which has to be shortened first. This two parts are definitally designed for more kits. Or the white parts on the frint end: they are added to take the hinges of the hood.
We will see. I will bring this truck to an end. Stock build, but it will be done. At latest in December this year 😉 I'll pull through. no matter how.

Bozzer
Well, I couldn't scroll by this build. I'm definitely onboard!
So, yes, it's a generic chassis. They're nearly all, basically the same, on the American trucks. Taken from the Freightliner FLC, and as you said, just with bits added on and removed. I have the newer version of this. What I found is, the hood lines up with the side skirts, but the rear bracket, looks kinda stretched forward? I haven't found a fix for this yet? I have been thinking about some gentle heat, and a little bending? I also got carried away with the handrails, and opened up too many holes. So, I'm now looking for an extra handrail. I have many Italeri truck kits, but these rails, I've not come across before? I'll get there though. Currently, she's awaiting decals, but other builds have taken precedent, and my new cave building, has halted all modelling. I have to admit though, Italeri instructions are very hit and miss! Before opening up anything, remove the parts and attempt a dry fit first. The beauty of this forum is, we all help eachother. Another tip for these chassis is, to definitely make sure that they're built square. Italeri don't really give you any leg room, for error. Everyone has their own way, but I use Lego bricks. Always guaranteed a perfect right angle, with Lego. Wedge one side and leave the chassis to set. Advisory note though: Don't glue the chassis to the Lego! On my next truck build, I'll add the Lego trick, to my Hints and Tips Album, so you can visualise what I mean 👍

Christian W
So what! The hint and tipp with Lego sounds a good one. In fact, it is tricky to get everything lined up "freestyle" like I did it. Up to this building steps, I laid the frame plane on my table and mounted one part after the other. I don't know how to describe this. I took my time for it because I know, that when I glue fast (quick and dirty 😄), the whole truck won't sit properly on the wheels and the body could be twisted.
so far everything looks straight. The frame lies flat. But I have the impression that the front end of the frame is slightly warped towards the passenger side. If I press it slightly towards the driver's side, the hood fits better. I will definitely correct that.

Christian W
The drama continues. Actually, I wanted to built in the axles (plural!). But I only got the front axle done. As soon as I glued the spring packs together, I had the impression that it wasn't symmetrical. Since there are no other mounting aids, I left it as it is. I assembled all the parts of the front axle and onto the springs. It was clearly visible that the axle is now at an angle. So I sanded down all the fixed points of the axle and corrected it. In retrospect, I might have corrected the spring packs on the frame. Hm. Maybe I'll cut that apart again.

Kyle DeHart
Stopping in to watch!

Dominik Weitzer
sounds you have a good run on that Bro :-D

Bozzer
This one, is definitely fighting you buddy. I can assure you though, I think that you just got unlucky this time. If you keep struggling, I suggest that you contact Italeri? Their customer service, is very good. You only pay for shipping, and even though they do things a little different, they're always happy to help? I once had a set of scratched chrome tanks, and they sent me the parts, shipped to the UK, for €7. These days, I'd just strip and use Molotow, but back then, it was a life saver 🙂

Jonathon Herring
Will be watching. Tempted by this kit. Don't have a freightliner in the stash yet. It's either this or the COE with its massive seam filling. I do love day cabs so.......

Christian W
Welcome on board, Lonathon 🙂 This truck was a gift of my mom and it is the kind of trucks, I like a lot. It looks so massive with the skirts and this big wind deflector on the roof.

@Boozer ... Good advice. On some building steps im really not sure, whether I put the parts wrong together or misunderstood the instructions or changed them after picking them up and turned the e.g. frame not from up to down. I always cut the parts for each step of the frame and lay them onto the instructions sheets like they are showed on it. Then glueing them together and put them on the main part. Regular stuff. Routine. I think 99 percent do that.
It is the first time that I have so much issues. I don't know why. So far the chassis is done and it can sit on its wheels.
I decided to have the chromed parts black at the chassis.

Bill Newcomer
I have 5 different Italeri kits in my stash. I have not yet tackled any of them. Following to see the hurdles involved.

Bozzer
@ Bill. Mainly, the instructions can be misleading, so dry fitting before drilling any holes, is a must. And the later kits, I found the chrome parts, more greasy than normal? A good soak in detergent sorted that out, and a general wash with a sponge. And some of the cab assemblies can be a bit tricky. Painting the cabs, involves thought. I usually paint the interior, then build them completely. Mask up the windows and then paint the exterior. But everyone has their own way? I'm happy to watch Christian, battle on with this, and assist where I can though 😉

Christian W
When I see the different parts of the cab, then I know, what's awaiting me: another lot of dry fitting. The conclusion of the roof is stupid because the uper frame of the front window leads 5mm into the flat part of the roof - up to the area, where the lamps will be mounted. That is one spot to work on.
Also the sleeper. The roof doesn't line up to the side walls exactly. I don't know, where I will fix that. Sand down the roof edges and losing the bolts and rivets or fit the side walls to the edges and fill up gaps.
For the cabine and sleeper I think there is now other way around to work with them like you'll do on planes. Finish the interior, glue everything together (and the windows have to be mounted from the inside!), mask it and then work on the gaps or edges and paint everything as one big piece of body.

For the chassis I easylie can follow the advise: dryfit before drilling - with all the parts, which will be needed afterwards.

Bozzer
You have to use your eyes, to correctly line up the sides, with the front of the cab. I definitely don't recommend sanding anything. However, the location tabs, are definitely off. For the cab, I always use Revell Contacts Cement. It just gives you more time, and a decent weld of the plastic. I can hear the superglue guys shouting, already, but it's never worked for me, on an Italeri kit, cab? I tend to leave the roof until last, then touch up anything, from the top and the sleeper entrance? Obviously, dry fit the roof, at all times. The western star cab, and a couple others, have a joint on the roof. I've filled this, as we always do, but I've been told that it's a seam, that's very life-like? Still seems strange to me though? For some reason, I couldn't find any reference information on this? If any truckers out there can confirm that, I'll be grateful for any pictures? I just don't think that a joint, in this location, is a wise move, for any vehicle roof?

Jonathon Herring
@ Bozzer. I have noted that Tamiya extra thin cement creates a brittle connection on my MPC Mack DM800 . I am constantly reconnecting parts that my ham-handedness tends to abuse to unfastened freedom. I am now trying Lacquer thinner, Tamiya airbrush cleaner (test the chemical makeup to see if the difference helps) then I will try MEK or other products. I have been reenforcing my joints with superglue. I'm worried that seams may appear over time. MEH
@ Christian W. it's nice when someone recognizes our joyous hobby. It's a real goose for me when anyone gets me kit (no matter how many are in my stash!). I'm 55 and it still tickles me. I always build in sub assemblies, tack it all together with blue tack or tape, to assure proper alignment (about a hundred times it feels like) disassemble, paint, reassemble, find the part that flew off or find the part i scratch built because of the flying styrene acrobatics, etc.
It's a ;labor of love, right? Sometimes, I can't believe I still have any hair.

Bill Newcomer
My go to is still Testors red tube. Strong bond but requires patience. I glue two parts, set it aside. glue two others set them aside. Sometimes I use Testors window maker to wick in after the fact to add strength. Occasionally I will mix Plastruct Bondene with Testors red to thin it down and give it more "bite" due to the added solvent.

Christian W
Today I got to my beloved Frightliner. I want to come to an end so I took my rattle and and fillered it. After inspecting all the parts I saw a lot of shadows in the plastics. But I decided to let it dry and take the risk to paint it. I'll go for metallic paint. So I've done it a couple hours later.
So far I'm satisfied with it. Now let it dry and looking forward for clear coat.

Martin Oostrom
Grab that truck by the neck and show who's boss!
I like the blueish silver. Or is it silverish blue?

Bozzer
In summer, I love to paint outside. The natural light, shows everything. That's why my new cave is having 4X 600x600mm LED panels, to light up the sky. I'm also thinking about under shelf lighting, where my bench is.
Your colour looks perfect, Christian 👍

Villiers de Vos
Great paint colour.

Kyle DeHart
Bluish silver I think Martin. Lol. Either way that's a great looking color on this truck.

Christian W
I do, Martin! I show him, where the frog has it's curls *lol*

For the color I used an anthrazite. I think the bluish shine if of the blue sky yesterday.

Thank you for the motivation! Yersterday a looked at it late in the night and saw some shadows of the plastics. We will see, how this comes out after a layer of clear coat. In the end the decals will cover the tracks. Hopefully 😉

Dominik Weitzer
my condolences - i'm working on a truck too and we are not the best friends. nearly it become to an airplane and learn how to fly...

good work, fast step forward!

Christian W
Sticking the painted parts together to get the first look. All right. I think, I'm good with that. Maybe I'll paint the wind deflector again.

Bill Newcomer
Dominik, Semi attempting to be an airplane... Now that is funny!

Christian W
I have to bring this Truck to an end. I painted the lower bodyparts Anthrazit semi gloss. As soon as it is dry, I'm going to complete it.

Bozzer
Well, hopefully things go well and I'll get to see it, before I get on the plane to America? If not, I'll catch up with you guys, stateside. Good luck, my friend, and happy building 🙂

Christian W
Uh! I'm among to get it done in November. I think I won't make it this month 😉
Deadline for it is at least the first week in January.

Have a good flight!

Christian W
Some little detailing (and for me a huge step): body and sleeper sitting on the chassis.

Martin Oostrom
This is some very nice work mr W. A big difference with the cab and sleeper on

Christian W
Thank you 🙂 There are some things, I'm not satisfied with. For example: Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the shadows of the plastic out of the paint. This bothers me more than I thought. I feel like this all came out over time. After the last clear coat I didn't notice it so much. Now I just have to get through it.

Either way: I'm starting to like the truck 😄
Wait until this big wind deflector on the top is mounted. That thing looks hugh.

Nigel Chapman
If you do not say anything then no one will know! The colour choice is spot on

Bozzer
I gotta admit, when I see a flaw in my paintwork, it eats away at me. I have to agree with Nigel though, if you don't point it out, nobody else will see it.
I have lots of stuff shelved, mainly because of paint blemishes, runs, reactions and even the dreaded hair!
She looks great mate, keep going.

Jonathon Herring
We hobbyists are our own worst critics. I know every inch of the build I'm doing at any given moment and could point out all the bad. I try to not let it stall me but, it does happen. Just as long as I can see a solution or a compromise, O can keep going😏

Christian W
You are so right. Often you have every piece in the fingers. Fit testing, painting, fittesting, correct some paint spots and so on so you know every part like the pockets of your pants. At the end, when the work is done, it looks like a completed picture. Every little piece fits together. That's it. But still you know your issues. But that is also good to improve your skills. Not everything is bad.
Fir my side and to be honestly: I can't remember when I built my last truck. I know, it was another golden Frightliner but I don't know, when it way. At least it was mord than 20 years ago. There I'm sure about.

Nevertheless. Through the last hours of buildjng, I like the truck. We are friends 🙂 If is on a good way.
Today I glues some smaller parts. I try not to hurry nig to mess up with something. Another lesson learned😄

Christian W
btw: the color choice is still a challenge. Mostly then, when you go on a research through the web. And then you notice a lot of things, which aren't right molded ect. But then I compromise with it. In this case I didn't find any FLD with this highpipes. Somehow. Also the cabin to the sleeper and the wind deflector were without any gaps. Everything smoothly filled. Great. Yes, o thought about to modify mine but I didn't as you can see. Maybe in another 20ish years🙂

Bill Newcomer
I too, was approaching the its got to be perfect stage, on my builds. I finally let go of that. I began to just simply be happy with the best I could do at that particular stage. Maybe someday we will accomplish the "Perfect" build but, for me, it shall be awhile.

Christian W
Totally agree. The latest kits I'm building only for me. Silently in my mans cave 😉 This week I did two rstaurations nearby the two Trans Am and this truck. Sometimes you need a little success during boring porcesses.
Those two restaurations will be posted soon.

Kyle DeHart
I agree completely. I stray far, far from perfection. I certainly try to do my best with the hope that one day I may build one that I am truly happy with, but until then I still have my fun. This is looking really nice Christian.

Jonathon Herring
I love the color choice. When it comes to color matching, being a military modeler, I prefer to select the color I want. The amount of hullabaloo over OD green or Russian 4BO could last a lifetime. Was a Mack Superliner painted Valiant Green? 🤷‍♂️ Maybe? I like the color so, in my universe, yessir. Plum purple? Yup. Some colors I just won't do (personal preference). I would rather chase the "perfect" paint job. Like you said,though, perfect is elusive. I try to learn something new with every build, which the best older rereleases provide in droves. One of the reasons I rotate my shampoos and ground my produce when they are bad.
As long as I'm building, even-my disasters, are a learning experience. Just my 2 cents ( of which my account is now overdrawn )😭

Bozzer
Maybe we should all start an album called "Cock ups and bloopers"? Lol, I'd love to see some of your screw ups and corrections! I know that I have had a few, in my recent years of modelling. I'm dreading moving my shelf of doom builds, because there's parts everywhere! Lmao, it's gotta be crazy, or I wouldn't be doing it 😉

István Szücs
This interior color looks fantastic with this metallic gray exterior! Great work so far!

Jonathon Herring
I'm in Bozzer. Got plenty to share. Shelf Queens, damages, mishaps, and glue bombs galore. Everything from absolute skill fails to horrible kits.They need a home too. I have no shame ( I was married once, once! She spent enough time telling me what I have, am, and will have screwed up)🤨

Martin Oostrom
Bozzer, something like this? Evolution of skills. | Album by Mahoo76

Nigel Chapman
Brilliant Bozzer, I'm up for this. Have you started already then?

Bozzer
Lol guys! If I have to start this off, I will do, soon as I get home. I may just have to visit the Mack Museum again first though? I need more reference pictures, for some of my builds.

Jonathon Herring
Looks like we put Bozzer under fire. Well, if anyone can get this going, it's you Bozzer. You are prolific on this site, and also extremely helpful, personable, and humorous. Take it as a compliment, this way it won't hurt as much as you pull it all together. Your a Star🤩

Bozzer
Lmao Jonathon. I don't mind sharing my shelf queens with you guys. My main issues are usually paint, although I think that I've lost/misplaced some parts, of my A-Team van? I also have some interesting fun builds, that have stalled, simply because I started a "help" build. Those are usually started, to assist another builder, with an issue they're having with their build. And I definitely love doing research into other people's issues. If I can help, I'll do my best to do so. However, when it comes to dislikes, in my builds, it's gotta be decals! When I built my Scania, the decals were very "Testing!"

Bozzer
Oh, for any of you guys, who live near an Ollie's, have a check amongst the shelves for some bargains? I've started a new album for my hauls and bargains. $20 for the GMC Coke Truck, has gotta be a no brainer. They also had a few cars/trucks too

Christian W
You are crazy and creative in one 🙂

First: thank you for the kind word to this build. Yesterday I did some more on it and "exciting as I was to get all the chrome parts on it and not thinking about what I'm doing", are the most parts on it. There are 9 parts left to completion. But - there is the big but: I missed the decals to put on. That is very stupid. So ... Hm. I was happy, that the last parts went on without any issue or shouting on it - I had a pretty good run 🙂 Ok. Then the truck won't get the decals for now. Surely I'm thinking about, how I can bring them on at the end. Maybe with some more cuts? I don't know.

Then to you, Bozzer: "Cock ups and bloopers". This will be the perfect home for all my "in progress" without galleries here on scalemates or those gluebombs, which went into my shelf or kits (cars/trucks) which wanted to try whether they can fly.

Kyle DeHart
I could hop in with an album of an entire slew of hideous builds. From my childhood, some have survived and I don't have a shelf of doom because I force my way through everything. So that leads to some less than thrilling results. LOL. Especially early on when I was just getting back into this hobby. Also Bozzer, good shout on the Ollie's. I went about a week ago? They had no tractors but I picked up the Coke Fruehauf van and the 36' city hauler box trailer for 19.99 a piece. Selection is wildly varied between locations so check them all out in your area.

Christian the truck is looking great. Perhaps you can cut some templates out of paper and adjust them accordingly to if they will fit? Then just use the template to cut your decals to shape? Just an idea my friend.

Christian W
@Kyle ... I didn't thought about to draw a template / copy of the decals! That could work and sounds a lot more easy then use the decals itself and point out through hours where to cut etc. Good idea!

Dominik Weitzer
comes really well together . Better than mine *lol* .

Bozzer
Nearly ready for a trailer 🙂 Just be mindful that in the USA, the trailers are mainly twin axle and have 4 wheels per axle? The only time I've seen Tri axle with super singles, have been on dump trailers. I'm sure that if I'm wrong, one of the guys will correct me, but from my own personal experience, that's all I've seen.
Let them truckers roll, 10-4!

Martin Oostrom
Tadaa! Almost there.

Kyle DeHart
Bozzer, a month ago I would have wholeheartedly agreed with you. But about 3 weeks ago I saw a short conex with a tri axle setup tooling around the interstate. Have never seen one before or since so I don't know if a company just had a random one of if they are just new here or what. Maybe it was just a guy with a tri axle conex. Not sure but it was very odd.

Bozzer
Now that's very interesting. I've gotta keep my eyes open for that! There's a strange trailer, parked up by me, and I'm gonna have to get some pictures of it. I need to get myself a tape measure first though. I also picked up some cool pictures of a Mack B 61. It's in a bad way now, but it's still pretty.

Kyle DeHart
I thought it was very intriguing. What sort of a trailer is it that's near you?

Jonathon Herring
In my neck of the woods (New York) some tanker trailers have tri-axle, but not super singles. Those tires are generally on truck rears and/or box trailers. I have seen tri-axle low boys, which a modern lowboy kit would be most welcome, with both lift/tag axles or a flip up rear bogie. Also, for the fun of it, there are dump trailers around here with so many tag axles that another set wouldn't fit. I'm gonna start taking pics for a reference album. Been buying and searching for tag/ lift axles and have many so a dump trailer is in my future 👌

Bozzer
kitformservices.com/..-and-suspension-sets

Bozzer
Just for you, Jonathon 😉

Bill Newcomer
I see a lot of tri-axle Conex trailers and 4 axle flatbeds. The flatbeds usually have the forward axle single tire and lifted. Sort of like what I did on my flatbed build. I got the airbag tag axle from Auslowe.
Great Dane Extended Flatbed | Album by musclecarfan (1:25)

Christian W
Uhgh - there is some cool stuff pn that page @Boozer

Bozzer
Christian, there's some awesome stuff for Euro trucks, and I believe that they're catching up on the USA stuff. From time to time, I pick up their older stuff on eBay, etc. Sure, it can be expensive, but it all makes for interesting builds. And since I've been in the states, I've got some awesome ideas!

Bozzer
@Bill. I love that extended trailer! I have one of those in my stash. I have several friends in the states, who drive big rigs, and they share some of their cool loads with me. I get to see some awesome stuff! I have a Nooteboom lowloader in my stash, and also a bottom dump trailer. I can't wait to get them both built, and show them to you guys 🙂