Good afternoon, My name is Alex and was at onetime owner/operator. My rig was 1981 west coast liner. She was a double bunk custom with a 400 big cam three, 15 speed direct, 260” frame, 370 gears with freightliner air ride half spring, custom chrome package, twin Donaldson breathers, 3” twin exhaust stacks hung between a headache rack, twin 150 us gallon fuel tanks along with 10 24.5 buds. She had a silver gray base with 4 custom strips going from misty gray to light blue then navy blue middle strips. Her frame was Navy Blue with chrome flap struts. Her interior was Navy Blue with a full instrument cluster which included a complete gauge cluster which included rear gear temp gauges, 2 captains chair with leather/crushed material seat covers, along with the 3 flap curtains, and the seats were air ride 6 positions. The one thing that I didn’t like was the narrow space for the copilot seat but that’s about it. I purchased it with 100,000 miles so it wasn’t new but it was my dream. She ran coast to coast with afresh rebuild. That was my liner and she was beautiful so when you painted over the chrome , you lost me. I would spend a lot of time detailing all polished aluminum and chrome, engine bay, and outer cab every week (every free time) which included all paper work between loads, my exterior work so I had the weekends off to spend with my family. My wife used to get angry over the time I spent with the frock so y’a I did a lot of juggling with time but each weekend there was maintenance that had to be done so between a 4,000 mile week and greasing , fluid topping so on, I did what I could. Unfortunately, I had it for 2 yrs until I got into a big wreck in a pickup that ended it for me. Now about the model. This model I believe had either a 250 or 350 Cummins, but where was the turbo ? The suspension looked like a rayco spring but I’m not sure? It could have been a Henderson, which was it? That’s about it. I liked the truck thought and I probably would’ve added a few upgrades.
Thanks for watching and commenting. It sounds like you had a great truck there and that you really took good care of it. As for the model, I don't know where the turbo is because the kit doesn't come with one. I also don't really know which transmission it is either. Thanks for watching, have a great weekend 👍
For as bad as these old AMT kits, you did an awesome job! Built this kit back in the 70's as a kid and again 10 years ago. Still a bad kit. Walked away multiple time, but eventually finished it and it turned out nice. AMT needs to fix these old molds if they want to continue selling these kits. The KW's and the Pete's are the same way. They need to come out with more modern trucks. I did build the new International 4070A and it was wonderful. You should definitely build one. Good job and thanks for sharing.
I thank you did a fine job of building the Freightliner. Never thought of painting the chrome any other color that's a nice touch. Thanks for sharing your skills with us. 👍
I saw this kit at Hobby Lobby in Texas today. Very attractive box and heavy! Next to it, was the Auto World trailer for sale as well in 1/25. Going to wait until next week when the kits are 40% off. This color with the black is beautiful! So glad you didn't give up on it due to the poor quality and instruction you mentioned. I'm sold!
Thanks!!! You definitely want to wait for the 40% off, I do that all the time. I picked up another one back in August. (spoiler alert - I'm building another one and it's gonna be very scary) but you'll have to wait until around Halloween to see it. Have a great day.
Nice. I have the real live version. Same color. I was considering painting the wheels black and tanks blue. Now I see what it will look like. Thanks for sharing! Looks great!
That way I don't the cab/sleeper connection was like this: I used testors orange tube glue. Put a good head on both edges,let it stand for a couple minutes,to start softening I up,then push them together and give em a good wiggle. This will push out a little bead of melted plastic all along the seam. If you did it right,you can just shave that bead down ,and with just a little sanding,it's spot on. This was a technique I used to use building aircraft models when I was a kid. Used it on fuselage halves,and wings. I block sanded both edges first,should have said that first.
Ah, the seam issue! Two tips on that; Use a large, completely flat sanding surface (I stuck an automotive type adhesive backed 320 grit round onto plexiglas) and sand both ends as flat as possible. Then place masking tape almost up to edge to protect the surface and rivets. Tack the two together while checking flush with strong light. Then with toothpick, use superglue since it will not shrink on you later like solvent glues. Sand as usual, then remove tape. Build looks good and is different - like the Euro look.
Those are great tips, thank you. I'm planning on building another custom version of this in the not so far future. I'll be sure to give that a try. I'm glad you liked the build and tank you. New video dropping tomorrow morning. Have a great day.
You did a great job, and I agree with you totally, this is NOT a kit for the unexperienced modelbuilder. , I know exactly what you went through. I built this kit not long ago, and on my channel is a video, that shows the issues (some of them) I had, building this kit. You managed to get a beautiful truck out of it though, it looks really sharp.
Thank you very much. It was definitely a labor of love. I have since had the crazy notion of building another one. I have issues,;what is my problem???? ;^) Have a great day.
I bought this kit with the intentions of making the truck form of Transformers Optimus Prime (red cab with a horizontal white stripe from the grill to the back of the sleeper). It took AGES to get the build where I felt comfortable. So many parts are in the wrong place due to lack of numbers on the sprues/runners. I remember building this kit back in the 80's and I had deja vu at almost every step. As for the seam on the cab, I puttied it up heavy, sanded to a 600 grit finish and forgot about salvaging the rivets. I did several layers of weathering which did a great job pulling the eye from the missing/incorrect placed bits. Overall, I was satisfied with the finished project but as others have said, this kit needs some serious retooling. On that note, I have purchased a couple other AMT kits with the same issues as this one (parts on sprues not numbered/old instructions). Probably not going to drop any more money on AMT based on that alone. Cheers and good review!
Thanks. I agree. They have several kits that would benefit from retooling. I thought I must have been losing my mind when I built the second one. If you haven't seen it yet, check out my Fright-liner build I did for Halloween. Thanks for your comments, and thanks for watching.
you did a great job on a really tough kit for all the reasons you describe. I also hope Round2 or another mfg will come along and fix this one up. Love the COE's and the AMT kits are affordable if nothing else.
I'm currently building this kit. My Dad was a truck driver in the 70's and I built many of these kits growing up. As much is the kits cost you thing the instructions would be better? I honestly don't know how I managed to but these things together as a kid! lol
Looks great.... What annoyed me, was the cab split, had to put mine aside! 😬🤯 Got rivet decals, so....one of these days! Might jump on to one of cabover Aerodyne's....🤨🤔 Liked and subscribed! 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Nice video. If I may offer some constructive critisim, you installed your door handles backward as well as your cab lock release handles. I believe the instructions show installing the cab locks that way, but they would be in the unlocked position. I have owned and driven several Freightliners over my 43 years in trucking. Thanks for posting.
I’m about 3/4 of the way done with this kit. And i ran into the same things. I under stand they’re old kits. But if the instructions weren’t so horrible I could deal with the quality. But both are pretty bad. Lots extra work. I’m like you I like a challenge but come on lol. Good work on this looks awesome.
WOW awesome build love the big rigs just subscribed to you well done on the finish love the color works well with the black I light all my rigs with smd lighting 👍
I can help with the cab seam, make it a daycab, they were both single and dual drive and that skinny cab just looks cool other than that, if you get frustrated by this kit don’t throw it out many of the parts can be used on other truck kits when these kits are on sale at hobby lobby you can get them for about $25 and that’s a steal even if just for parts. PS. I only drive daycabs so I’m biased.
Ohhhhhh man. Stunning color combinations !!!! Absolutely love those colors. I may have to borrow that color combination. If you don't mind....I would love to give you and your channel a shout out and with your permission show a brief screen shot of your video and talk about what you have done with your Freightliner? I'm planning on a how to video within 2 weeks.
Thanks, I really like how it came out too. Yes, absolutely you can use that color combo, I barrowed it from a rig I saw going down the freeway on my way to work. And yes, please use screen shots and a shout out would be awesome! I’m looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Have a great day.
Just found your channel love this build I have the same kit I am going to build the consolidated fright lines tractor with the 27 ft pup trailers have you seen the new international transtar 4070 a kits that round 2 has put out I am building one as a Texaco tanker truck it's on my work bench your channel will get more subscribers as they find you here on the interwebs
Hello and thank you very much. Yes, I have seen these new kit's and, at some point, I will be building them on my channel. Please make sure to subscribe and click on the notifications so you don't miss my new videos. I have a new one dropping this Saturday! Thanks again and have a great day.
I have that model in my collection to build. Sorry to hear it’s a poor fit build. Not the first time I’ve heard negative on this kit. But that’s model building. Your end result was fantastic. The one who builds it knows all the mistakes and mishaps. Quite honestly I have never built a kit that was a 100% spot on and didn’t have at least a few problems, minor and major. But it n the end you finally finish it. That’s why we do it.
It’s a shame this kit is like it is the molds are 175 years old AMT needs to make some new molds because this would be a good one but you did great on. It looks great
@@drew_de8990 Hey, don't get discouraged. It is a challenging kit but it's all about having fun. Maybe pick up a few other kits for the experience before starting this one. Or, just build it and have fun. Remember, the only person you need to get approval from is yourself. As long as you like it, that's all that matters. Enter my 500 sub drawing and maybe you can win a free kit, none of the choices are too crazy hard to build. Have a great day. -David
Looks good though but back in the late 60s this is the same kite one of the hardest kits I have not built one in a while I like Revel kits And Itaileri Trucks better detailing and moulding .I have put together many AMT kits even from they where AMT-MPC there instructions are hard but after so many builds I under stand them. So I can look at a page and knowing the step by memory and just a glance thats all ,I have owned a few truck myself and just stop driving a few years ago building model trucks help me as a driver to one the test for class A driver license you have to explain and point out the pre trip inspection and check many like the s cam brake play air and on . The models are the same as the trucks just smaller and its up to you how much detail air lines plumed and on keep modeling and always enjoy you can always build another one the same or kit base for parts and build up your spare parts ,
It's nice to see someone build a vehicle without an unrealistic shine...especially a working truck ! I also like the blacked out chrom👌👍👍
Thank you very much Dan. And thanks for watching and commenting.
Good afternoon,
My name is Alex and was at onetime owner/operator. My rig was 1981 west coast liner. She was a double bunk custom with a 400 big cam three, 15 speed direct, 260” frame, 370 gears with freightliner air ride half spring, custom chrome package, twin Donaldson breathers, 3” twin exhaust stacks hung between a headache rack, twin 150 us gallon fuel tanks along with 10 24.5 buds. She had a silver gray base with 4 custom strips going from misty gray to light blue then navy blue middle strips. Her frame was Navy Blue with chrome flap struts. Her interior was Navy Blue with a full instrument cluster which included a complete gauge cluster which included rear gear temp gauges, 2 captains chair with leather/crushed material seat covers, along with the 3 flap curtains, and the seats were air ride 6 positions. The one thing that I didn’t like was the narrow space for the copilot seat but that’s about it. I purchased it with 100,000 miles so it wasn’t new but it was my dream. She ran coast to coast with afresh rebuild. That was my liner and she was beautiful so when you painted over the chrome , you lost me. I would spend a lot of time detailing all polished aluminum and chrome, engine bay, and outer cab every week (every free time) which included all paper work between loads, my exterior work so I had the weekends off to spend with my family. My wife used to get angry over the time I spent with the frock so y’a I did a lot of juggling with time but each weekend there was maintenance that had to be done so between a 4,000 mile week and greasing , fluid topping so on, I did what I could. Unfortunately, I had it for 2 yrs until I got into a big wreck in a pickup that ended it for me.
Now about the model.
This model I believe had either a 250 or 350 Cummins, but where was the turbo ? The suspension looked like a rayco spring but I’m not sure? It could have been a Henderson, which was it?
That’s about it. I liked the truck thought and I probably would’ve added a few upgrades.
Thanks for watching and commenting. It sounds like you had a great truck there and that you really took good care of it. As for the model, I don't know where the turbo is because the kit doesn't come with one. I also don't really know which transmission it is either. Thanks for watching, have a great weekend 👍
Like the blacked out trim against the blue👍
Thanks!
For as bad as these old AMT kits, you did an awesome job! Built this kit back in the 70's as a kid and again 10 years ago. Still a bad kit. Walked away multiple time, but eventually finished it and it turned out nice. AMT needs to fix these old molds if they want to continue selling these kits. The KW's and the Pete's are the same way. They need to come out with more modern trucks. I did build the new International 4070A and it was wonderful. You should definitely build one. Good job and thanks for sharing.
Looks pretty good
Thanks! Have a great day. 👍
I'm glad I found this video. I almost bought one and I enjoy the challenge of a detailed kit but I'm not willing to deal with poor quality.
I thank you did a fine job of building the Freightliner. Never thought of painting the chrome any other color that's a nice touch. Thanks for sharing your skills with us. 👍
Thanks very much. Appreciate it and thanks for watching.
You make it look so easy with this kit
Thanks for that but don't be fooled, it was a hard case... I had to put this thing away many times otherwise it would have landed in the trash. ;^)
@@PlasticImaginationWorkshop I'm right there with it I'm using super glue gel to fill the seems and straightin the body
I think it looks great.
Thank you! Thanks for watching and have a great weekend.
I saw this kit at Hobby Lobby in Texas today. Very attractive box and heavy! Next to it, was the Auto World trailer for sale as well in 1/25. Going to wait until next week when the kits are 40% off. This color with the black is beautiful! So glad you didn't give up on it due to the poor quality and instruction you mentioned. I'm sold!
Thanks!!! You definitely want to wait for the 40% off, I do that all the time. I picked up another one back in August. (spoiler alert - I'm building another one and it's gonna be very scary) but you'll have to wait until around Halloween to see it. Have a great day.
Nice. I have the real live version. Same color.
I was considering painting the wheels black and tanks blue. Now I see what it will look like.
Thanks for sharing! Looks great!
Thanks! Have a great day.
Looks Awesome!!! Love the blue!!! It is an old school AMT. Well Done!!!!
Thank you very much. 👍
Its beautiful ❤
Thanks.
That looks like a first class container hauler.
Thanks!
I think it looks awesome. Nice work. 👍
Thanks!
That way I don't the cab/sleeper connection was like this: I used testors orange tube glue. Put a good head on both edges,let it stand for a couple minutes,to start softening I up,then push them together and give em a good wiggle. This will push out a little bead of melted plastic all along the seam. If you did it right,you can just shave that bead down ,and with just a little sanding,it's spot on.
This was a technique I used to use building aircraft models when I was a kid. Used it on fuselage halves,and wings. I block sanded both edges first,should have said that first.
Ah, the seam issue! Two tips on that; Use a large, completely flat sanding surface (I stuck an automotive type adhesive backed 320 grit round onto plexiglas) and sand both ends as flat as possible. Then place masking tape almost up to edge to protect the surface and rivets. Tack the two together while checking flush with strong light. Then with toothpick, use superglue since it will not shrink on you later like solvent glues. Sand as usual, then remove tape.
Build looks good and is different - like the Euro look.
Those are great tips, thank you. I'm planning on building another custom version of this in the not so far future. I'll be sure to give that a try. I'm glad you liked the build and tank you. New video dropping tomorrow morning. Have a great day.
The build looks awesome. Despite the issues you over came it and built a fantastic looking Rig.
Thank you very much.
You did a great job, and I agree with you totally, this is NOT a kit for the unexperienced modelbuilder. , I know exactly what you went through. I built this kit not long ago, and on my channel is a video, that shows the issues (some of them) I had, building this kit. You managed to get a beautiful truck out of it though, it looks really sharp.
Thank you very much. It was definitely a labor of love. I have since had the crazy notion of building another one. I have issues,;what is my problem???? ;^) Have a great day.
Nice good job 👏👍
Thank you very much!
I bought this kit with the intentions of making the truck form of Transformers Optimus Prime (red cab with a horizontal white stripe from the grill to the back of the sleeper). It took AGES to get the build where I felt comfortable. So many parts are in the wrong place due to lack of numbers on the sprues/runners. I remember building this kit back in the 80's and I had deja vu at almost every step. As for the seam on the cab, I puttied it up heavy, sanded to a 600 grit finish and forgot about salvaging the rivets. I did several layers of weathering which did a great job pulling the eye from the missing/incorrect placed bits. Overall, I was satisfied with the finished project but as others have said, this kit needs some serious retooling. On that note, I have purchased a couple other AMT kits with the same issues as this one (parts on sprues not numbered/old instructions). Probably not going to drop any more money on AMT based on that alone. Cheers and good review!
Thanks. I agree. They have several kits that would benefit from retooling. I thought I must have been losing my mind when I built the second one. If you haven't seen it yet, check out my Fright-liner build I did for Halloween. Thanks for your comments, and thanks for watching.
you did a great job on a really tough kit for all the reasons you describe. I also hope Round2 or another mfg will come along and fix this one up. Love the COE's and the AMT kits are affordable if nothing else.
Thanks, I really hope they re engineer that kit too.
I'm currently building this kit. My Dad was a truck driver in the 70's and I built many of these kits growing up. As much is the kits cost you thing the instructions would be better? I honestly don't know how I managed to but these things together as a kid! lol
I hear you! It's definitely a challenging kit but I still think it's worth it. Thanks for watching and have a great week.
Thank you.
You are welcome! Thanks for watching. Have a great day.
I am currently working on one
I just started as well.
Looks great....
What annoyed me, was the cab split, had to put mine aside! 😬🤯
Got rivet decals, so....one of these days!
Might jump on to one of cabover Aerodyne's....🤨🤔
Liked and subscribed! 🤜🏻🤛🏻
98 abune hello my friend amazing masallah 🔔🔔🇹🇷
Thanks!
Nice video. If I may offer some constructive critisim, you installed your door handles backward as well as your cab lock release handles. I believe the instructions show installing the cab locks that way, but they would be in the unlocked position. I have owned and driven several Freightliners over my 43 years in trucking. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for that information 👍 I wouldn't have caught that otherwise. Thanks for watching, have a great weekend 👍
You too!@@PlasticImaginationWorkshop
I’m about 3/4 of the way done with this kit. And i ran into the same things. I under stand they’re old kits. But if the instructions weren’t so horrible I could deal with the quality. But both are pretty bad. Lots extra work. I’m like you I like a challenge but come on lol. Good work on this looks awesome.
I feel your pain, brother...... keep at it, you'll get it done. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great day 😀
WOW awesome build love the big rigs just subscribed to you well done on the finish love the color works well with the black I light all my rigs with smd lighting 👍
Thanks very much and, thanks for subscribing. Have a great day.
I can help with the cab seam, make it a daycab, they were both single and dual drive and that skinny cab just looks cool other than that, if you get frustrated by this kit don’t throw it out many of the parts can be used on other truck kits when these kits are on sale at hobby lobby you can get them for about $25 and that’s a steal even if just for parts. PS. I only drive daycabs so I’m biased.
Ohhhhhh man.
Stunning color combinations !!!!
Absolutely love those colors.
I may have to borrow that color combination.
If you don't mind....I would love to give you and your channel a shout out and with your permission show a brief screen shot of your video and talk about what you have done with your Freightliner?
I'm planning on a how to video within 2 weeks.
Thanks, I really like how it came out too. Yes, absolutely you can use that color combo, I barrowed it from a rig I saw going down the freeway on my way to work. And yes, please use screen shots and a shout out would be awesome! I’m looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Have a great day.
Just found your channel love this build I have the same kit I am going to build the consolidated fright lines tractor with the 27 ft pup trailers have you seen the new international transtar 4070 a kits that round 2 has put out I am building one as a Texaco tanker truck it's on my work bench your channel will get more subscribers as they find you here on the interwebs
Hello and thank you very much. Yes, I have seen these new kit's and, at some point, I will be building them on my channel. Please make sure to subscribe and click on the notifications so you don't miss my new videos. I have a new one dropping this Saturday! Thanks again and have a great day.
Hello my friend
Hello, welcome to the channel.
To be correct the decals u put on drivers door actually go on the sleeper box doors
Thanks for that, I'll keep that in mind on the next one.
I have that model in my collection to build. Sorry to hear it’s a poor fit build. Not the first time I’ve heard negative on this kit. But that’s model building. Your end result was fantastic. The one who builds it knows all the mistakes and mishaps. Quite honestly I have never built a kit that was a 100% spot on and didn’t have at least a few problems, minor and major. But it n the end you finally finish it. That’s why we do it.
Do you do any to sell fully-built? Can’t seem to find the right color scheme to match my dad’s old FL. Would love to give him as a birthday present.
Thanks for the question. No sorry, I don't sell or do commission work, just sounds too much like work. ;^)
HAVE YOU EVER BUILT A REVELL OF GERMANY KW OR PETERBUILT?
Yes. I built the Revell Pet a while back. Just search my channel for "Peterbilt" and it will pop up. Thanks for watching, and have a great day 😀
It’s a shame this kit is like it is the molds are 175 years old AMT needs to make some new molds because this would be a good one but you did great on. It looks great
I agree, no reason not to upgrade it. And thanks, I appreciate it. Have a great weekend.
Subded👌😁
Just bought this and wanted to watch some cool idea videos just to find out everyone hates it :(
Update: after reading all of the comments, it seems pretty discouraging… 🫤 this is only my second build ever so that’s why I’m pretty down about it
@@drew_de8990 Hey, don't get discouraged. It is a challenging kit but it's all about having fun. Maybe pick up a few other kits for the experience before starting this one. Or, just build it and have fun. Remember, the only person you need to get approval from is yourself. As long as you like it, that's all that matters. Enter my 500 sub drawing and maybe you can win a free kit, none of the choices are too crazy hard to build. Have a great day. -David
Looks good though but back in the late 60s this is the same kite one of the hardest kits I have not built one in a while I like Revel kits And Itaileri Trucks better detailing and moulding .I have put together many AMT kits even from they where AMT-MPC there instructions are hard but after so many builds I under stand them. So I can look at a page and knowing the step by memory and just a glance thats all ,I have owned a few truck myself and just stop driving a few years ago building model trucks help me as a driver to one the test for class A driver license you have to explain and point out the pre trip inspection and check many like the s cam brake play air and on . The models are the same as the trucks just smaller and its up to you how much detail air lines plumed and on keep modeling and always enjoy you can always build another one the same or kit base for parts and build up your spare parts ,
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for watching. Have a great day 😀