My 1st Big Rig "Blue Collar"

[Pete68]

Great progress I like the fit of the aftermarket suspension looks very good. 

[Pete68]

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Edited December 1, 2024 by Pete68

[Pete68]

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Edited December 1, 2024 by Pete68

[James2]

I believe this will work….

[James2]

Not much of an update, I'm still waiting on my final tire choice. I hope to get some from Mo’Luminum today. 
being the first semi build the learning curve is quite steep. I’ve had to do and redo things several times. The chassis, wheels and suspension seem finicky. But probably because I can’t build anything stock! The single hump fenders from Blacksheep are nice, the clean up was simple but the filling and smoothing has been time consuming. I like the grill and fitment. I also purchased the side steps along with the custom wheels. They did come with all brake drums and caps. The resin is very nice but brittle. I broke a wheel mounting a tire. Easily repaired and lessons learned. Differently not in a rush to finish this build. Anyway off to the local hobby shop (40mile) for supplies. 

[Gary Chastain]

Looking really good, I like your vision 

[BK9300]

Good choice for the wheels!

[Biggu]

7 minutes ago, BK9300 said:

Good choice for the wheels!

They sure are different...

[James2]

New Year day one tinkering and problem solving. Funny how the instructions are almost useless. But since I’m customizing it doesn’t matter. I’m just having fun….

 

[James2]

A little more frame cover and exhaust work. Made up a better support with braces and then removed the kit chrome and upper pipe from the mufflers. I used some styrene tubing, slash cut at 60deg. I may have to make my own header pipe but that's ok with me. I also added a recess for the airline connections. 

Thoughts?

Edited January 2 by James2

[BK9300]

Your scratch work looks awesome - this truck will look so amazing, ‘down in the weeds’ - great progress!

[BOZ]

Deck plate looks amazing

[gotnitro?]

Fantastic work! Having fun building a custom truck keeps the mojo flowing 

[Bills72sj]

Great job on the mods you are doing. I built two of these a few years ago. The extra frames make for some easy mods.

https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/151693-brbo-2020-triple-drive-white-freightliner-done/#comment-2231905

https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/150940-white-freightliner-coe-day-cab-dual-drive/

 

[James2]

Things have come together pretty well with the exhaust. Got the head pipe made and installed. More to follow….

PS The stacks are 3/16” Evergreen tube. 

[ShakyCraftsman]

On 11/10/2024 at 4:49 PM, James2 said:

Bench time today. I took a stab at smoothing the roof seam first. After a light coat of primer, I do believe I can get things figured out from here. Also flipped the headlights around to represent the 1:1 truck better. Some more careful smoothing to come. Thoughts so far?

Hey James

 Your killing it man! This is going to be great when you get it done.

Ron G 

[Gary Chastain]

I love a good custom build and who needs instructions anyway, just let your imagination drive your success 

[James2]

Moving forward, I mean to the rear in uncharted waters here, mock up….

[ShakyCraftsman]

10 minutes ago, James2 said:

Moving forward, I mean to the rear in uncharted waters here, mock up….

Sweet. It looks amazing.

Ron G 

[Gary Chastain]

Oh, I’m likin this 

[Pete68]

Stacks and the brackets looks good. 

[James2]

Would this be a correct engine color for this build? It seems there are several different colors I find on-line, just like the internet the more ya look the worse it gets!

[BK9300]

Maybe your inspiration truck didn’t have a stock engine colour either, so, pretty much up to you!

[BOZ]

If you’re going for stock engine color I believe it would be “Cummins Beige” which is almost a tan color

[James2]

Not much progress here except for some applied primer. I need some better weather to use my spray booth in the garage, no hurry!