White Freightliner DD by CDW - AMT - 1:25 Scale - PLASTIC

[CDW]

After all these years, this is the very first time I have ever attempted to build a semi tractor model. This one is a re-released, very old mold of the White-Freightliner. It can be built as an SD model (short cab) or as the DD model (extended cab with sleeper). Mine will be built as the extended cab DD model. The first thing I noticed was the troublesome seam created by attaching the sleeper to the cab. Because there is raised rivet detail, it's going to take some work to smooth out the join area, particularly the top. Will probably need to sand off all the rivet detail then replace it with some Archer decal rivets. I didn't have any of those on hand but placed an order for some that should arrive later this week. I used styrene strip stock to reinforce the joint and help keep it in alignment. The strip stock will create some issues when later fitting the interior tub inside the cab, but that can be overcome with a little work. For the time being, I will work on the engine, transmission and frame assemblies. I plan to follow the box art as my painting guide. This re-release does include a nice decal sheet to recreate the graphics as seen on the box.

[CDW]

My Archer rivet decals arrived yesterday and were used to replace the rivets that were obliterated from filling and sanding the gap between the cab and sleeper. For those who have never used them, the decals are water slide variety with resin printed rivets as seen by the black dots.

[CDW]

An update on progress. Lots left to do. I need a larger garage. 😀

[CDW]

I recently acquired this kit. If you attend a swap meet and see one for sale, grab it. Truly outstanding kit. The model is based on a wrecker that operates from my hometown in Tampa, Fl. 

[Canute]

Looks like quite the beast, Craig. See these on the Interstates around here. Do you think this wrecker has enough chrome?

[CDW]

2 hours ago, Canute said:

Looks like quite the beast, Craig. See these on the Interstates around here. Do you think this wrecker has enough chrome?

The kit has three big chrome trees

[Canute]

That will build into a doozy. 😁

[realworkingsailor]

You could do a nice dio with the two trucks… and maybe a trailer looking a little worse for wear, being hauled out of the ditch….

(You haven’t happened to see “Highway Through Hell” on TV have you?)

 

Andy

 

[Jack12477]

31 minutes ago, realworkingsailor said:

You haven’t happened to see “Highway Through Hell” on TV have you?)

 

Yes! Some awesome recoveries ! Not to mention wrecks !

[CDW]

4 hours ago, realworkingsailor said:

You could do a nice dio with the two trucks… and maybe a trailer looking a little worse for wear, being hauled out of the ditch….

(You haven’t happened to see “Highway Through Hell” on TV have you?)

 

Andy

 

 

3 hours ago, Jack12477 said:

Yes! Some awesome recoveries ! Not to mention wrecks !

 

I haven't seen Highway Through Hell (AFAIK) but I have watched some awesome recovery vehicle videos on YouTube. Some where there were two of these same type of large wreckers used to recover and haul away big rig wrecks. Those men operating the wreckers are highly skilled at what they do. it must cost a small fortune to have a vehicle recovered like that. Takes hours sometimes.

Edited Monday at 11:34 PM by CDW

[realworkingsailor]

5 minutes ago, CDW said:

 

 

I haven't seen Highway Through Hell (AFAIK) but I have watched some awesome recovery vehicle videos on YouTube. Some where there were two of these same type of large wreckers used to recover and haul away big rig wrecks. Those men operating the wreckers are highly skilled at what they do. it must cost a small fortune to have a vehicle recovered like that. Takes hours sometimes.

Have fun: 

 

https://m.youtube.com/@HighwayThruHellCA/featured

 

😁😁

 

Looks like they’ve got the first three seasons uploaded, and they’re working on the 4th, plus a bunch of extra.

 

Andy