WIP - ANMT Freightliner Coronado 122SD
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85 5 July 2021, 13:53

I've been prepping for this one in the background for many months now, and kickoff time is nearly here. I'll starting digging into all the parts when I get back from vacation
5 July 2021, 14:00

I've got it - Your building a 4x2 Freight-cedes and a 6x4 Merc-liner
8 July 2021, 16:20

All kidding aside, my goal is to build as accurate as possible a replica of a 2021 Freightliner Coronado 122SD. The FLD 120 kit will donate a chassis, suspension, and axles, and the motor will come from the Actros kit. I'll be building a showcase of Detroit Diesel products, which will require a lot of modifications across all parts of the build. There will be scratchbuilding, 3D printing, and maybe even some brass and aluminum machining. Wish me luck, because I'll need it sooner or later!
11 July 2021, 04:19

Ha, thanks Jonn, but it's all just talk so far!
I did learn a lot from the Actros build, so hopefully the powertrain build goes smoothly!
11 July 2021, 21:57

Looks like you are going 'all in' on this truck. Cant wait to see the final result.
17 July 2021, 22:41

I've got brain ache just going through your pictures! The attention to detail is incredible. Ever thought of writing a modelling book?
18 July 2021, 12:54

Haha thanks Nigel, but let's not get carried away... I'm no Jan Rosecky!
The attention to detail is inevitable, I'm surronded by trucks and engines every day! All the reference photos I could ever want, on my lunch break.
19 July 2021, 23:40

Ah, that would help. How do you find the 3D modelling ? It's something I'm interested in though I need an idiot proof system !
20 July 2021, 02:57

The CAD work doesn't intimidate me much, but I learned it as a CNC machinist and again as an engineering student, so I've had a lot of exposure. Some platforms are easier to learn than others; I found Solidworks to be the most intuitive, but different aspects of different programs "click" for different people. Autodesk Fusion is free to hobbyists and although it's not the easiest to pick up, it still comes more naturally than some bigger production platforms like NX or Inventor (IMO). The nice thing about learning any of the major CAD software systems is that there's no shortage of walkthroughs and forums and channels across a wide range of hobby communities, so you can almost always find the tutorials that best fit your learning style.
20 July 2021, 13:43

Lots of progress on the engine this weekend. The main block/transmission group is almost ready for paint.
26 July 2021, 14:58

Started over with the transmission and I'm happier with the result this time. Lots of other side tasks happening concurrently.
1 August 2021, 22:21

Maybe I'd get more done if I could focus on one task at a time.. oh well, I'm having fun. More progress on post processing the 3D printed parts, as well as a start on the decal sheets I'll need
7 August 2021, 14:03

I promise I haven't just been messing around with decals this whole time... all of the engine parts are now ready for paint! Nearly every one got some sort of modification, which makes me wonder why I bought the donor kit to begin with...
22 August 2021, 03:56

I am not into Trucks but this - aftermarket-kitbash-scratchbuild-overkill is exactly my taste. Really nice work so far. Count me in
22 August 2021, 05:37

Blimey Brandon and you haven't started on the rivet counting for the chassis yet !
23 August 2021, 20:46

Ha, thanks guys! Inching ever closer with the engine. Touch ups and much of the detail painting is done, next will be the dozens of decals!
12 September 2021, 03:08

Brandon! Have you gone troppo? So much detail and prep work! I'm here, but mate, really? What's the rear suspension set up? 8 or 4 bag?
12 September 2021, 04:05

Thanks Peter! Things have indeed gotten a little out of hand 🙂 The rear suspension will be a 4 bag AirLiner setup from my FLD donor kit
12 September 2021, 16:24

looking forward to seeing this come together! (PS, I saw those license plate decals and was like "hey, he's from MI too!") 🙂
13 September 2021, 13:38

Making progress! But still so far to go! Miles of wiring, belts, fuel lines, and coolant lines yet to install...
23 September 2021, 20:24

Motor's done, finally! Just need to make a stand for it while the rest of the truck is being built. I'll probably go overboard on that too 😄
5 October 2021, 22:32

Beyond next level Brandon! Jaw on floor and may never be able to lift it again!
6 October 2021, 00:58

Many thanks, everyone!! I promise I'll get around to building the rest of the truck at some point haha...
6 October 2021, 11:18

Ok, I think I can finally set the engine aside for a while. Exhaust and axles will be next!
17 October 2021, 18:21

Exhaust is starting to materialize; ready to receive color this weekend
28 October 2021, 15:40

Thanks Nigel! Actually, this has all been Tamiya acrylics up to this point. Colors for the exhaust were mixed on the fly for a subtle heat effect. And there will be plenty of Alclad when I get around to all of that exterior chrome!
2 November 2021, 19:15

Interesting. How do you find mixing paints and do you use paint shaker/mixer?
3 November 2021, 14:47

The Tamiya colors mix together really well; usually stirring with a toothpick is enough to blend them pretty thoroughly, or drawing it in and out of a pipette a few times. It's very useful for those weird one-off colors like natural plastic or specific shades of mud.
3 November 2021, 23:41

The pictures with the original engine and transmission are so cool!
4 November 2021, 05:11

My mother
How good are they, they have made an engine just like yours but big ...
Just kidding, great work
4 November 2021, 06:01

Haha thanks Christian and Pepe! I'm quite fortunate to have access to these engines whenever I want!
4 November 2021, 11:24

Another major assembly done! Exhaust aftertreatment is ready to ship.
11 November 2021, 18:56

Just build another few hundred engines and you can replicate the warehouse photo !!
12 November 2021, 18:18

not much into these huuugh trucks but like your approach. Great build. Following.
15 November 2021, 16:41

And now for some less glamorous work (but just as critical!) Starting on the modifications and assembly of the axles, frame, and suspension.
1 December 2021, 14:54

You know Brandon, I kind of expected you to drill out the diff casings and make axles to fit into the hand made crownwheel and pinions! This level of detail is just mind blowing! Loving it!
2 December 2021, 22:35

What type of technology are you using? I was thinking about 3D printing some parts... Thank you for the time and effort you put in to post so others can get inspired!
3 December 2021, 16:02

Thanks logos! I'm using SLA printing here. I've found that I can achieve an adequate amount of detail and accuracy for this scale, even on the relatively inexpensive machine I purchased (Voxelab Polaris). There's a bit of a learning curve as to how some parts should be designed, oriented, and supported, but at the same time, I haven't had to tune my machine settings very much beyond the manufacturer recommended values, so in some ways it's been easier. I definitely would recommend trying out 3D printing - it's been a game changer, especially for this particular project.
Beware though! I've learned that your scratchbuilding skills can quickly fall out of practice when you turn to the printer for every little part!!
3 December 2021, 18:54

I wouldn't be concerned Brandon, your skills are not going to get lost or even hide!
4 December 2021, 10:56

Thank you again for the info. I'm going to take a look. This would enhance those kits sometimes I get that the models are old or to do custom work.
4 December 2021, 12:13

Turns out the front housings on each of the rear axles need an update too. Should have both rears and the front axle finished up shortly!
8 December 2021, 13:05

Chassis rails are cut to length... fingers crossed everything ends up in the right place when it's all said and done!
20 December 2021, 18:24

You cannot rush excellence but it does need a break lol I wish I had more time to build. Looks great so far and cannot wait to see it all come together!
23 December 2021, 15:51

Haha, you and me both! Thanks Jarrett!
Making some good progress on the frame this week with a few days off work.
23 December 2021, 19:36

I am late to the party but I am following now. BTW the engine detail is insane.
26 December 2021, 05:35

Axles are attached, now comes the long process of running air and electrical...
8 January 2022, 21:59

Thanks Kathleena! Painting has got to be my favorite part - all of the hard work leading up to it finally pops out in the right color!
16 January 2022, 14:47

Thanks Nigel. No frills for this one, just doing semi-gloss black. Tamiya X18 in this case (my personal favorite), which should be a bit cheaper than the DuPont high solids polyurethane coating from the big version!
16 January 2022, 21:00

Wowie! That is some detail. I don't even no where to begin. Stunning work, Brandon. I'm simply speechless!
20 January 2022, 00:45

Slowly making my way through the long checklist of chassis components... one scratchbuilt and/or heavily modified part at a time!
5 February 2022, 01:23

Looking good. Those rear lights look strange to my European eyes
5 February 2022, 16:20

Thanks Nigel. Most stock American tractors have bare bones taillights just mounted to the rear crossmember, including the two reference trucks at work that I've been using.
5 February 2022, 20:01

Amazing work brandon love it
But here down under we don't use super singles
To save fuel
We use them to get more load
We use them on steeres
Not on drives
11-22,5 will allow you 6 tones
295 will allow you 6,5 tones
Super singles will allow 7 tone
So we do it the allow the extra tone on
Steeres
13 February 2022, 11:34

Good to know, thanks for the info Jv! Could come in handy for a future build... I've got a very interesting kit on its way to me in the mail right now...
14 February 2022, 01:26

And most American trucks down under have to use super singles
Cos most waigh 7 tone on the steerers empty
Whed twin steerers you can dobbel the waight
Then we have a permit system
You have to pay and can achieve 3 tone more total
That is for a semi whed 1 trailer
Total waight allows 46,5 tone
Any more and other specal permits is needed
Like escorts
And only allowed to drive from sun up to sun down
The biggest road train is 6 trailers
There is only 6 of them in the world
All in Australia
Thay drive in the mining industry
3 or more trailers are only allowed in Northern Territory
And western Australia
On any heavy hauling truck you will only find super singles
On steering axels
14 February 2022, 11:14

Your level of detail just blows me away. As I perused the your album the little decals stopped me in my tracks. THEN seeing all the hoses and lines showing up on the chassis, INSANE. THEN seeing BRAKE SHOES... I am at a loss for words. It would take me 3-4 years to build at that level with my current rate of progress.
22 February 2022, 05:53

Yes its impressive
Love your attention to detail
It will be a longtime before I can even think about attempting
Anyting like that
But its first time I have ever seen supers on the drives
Interesting will look into why anyone would do that
For now I think it would lower your payload
22 February 2022, 12:32

Thanks everyone!
And don't worry Bill, sometimes it feels like this project IS taking 3 or 4 years haha! Still a lot of work ahead of me here.
Jv, it isn't unusual to see super singles on drive axles here in the US, or trailers for that matter. They're mostly used in applications where total payload isn't the primary concern, such as less-than-truckload logistics or some vocational applications. I've also seen them on tractors hauling low gravity tankers or other lightweight trailers. Most Coronados/122s would be built with more traditional dual tires, but it's all just up to what the customer needs 🙂
22 February 2022, 13:53

Looks like I'll be making the cooling package from scratch, so I had to go ahead and assemble the hood in order to get some dimensions. Now it's time to start drawing up the 3D models for the radiator, intercooler, and AC heat exchanger.
27 February 2022, 19:13

Ended up modelling the entire cooling package from scratch. Time to fire up the printer again!
8 March 2022, 15:10

Blown away! Cannot wait to see the finish and hope is not delayed because the head QA is tough on you lol.
9 March 2022, 04:10

Thanks guys! About mile ~16 of this marathon...
Not to worry about the quality department, he's easily distracted by string or socks 🙂
9 March 2022, 13:01

Lots more progress on the remaining chassis components... basking in that Alclad shine!
17 March 2022, 16:42

Loving this Brandon. I have about fifty bottles of Alclad metal paint but hate the stuff as it wears off and dulls everytime it is touched with skin!
17 March 2022, 23:16

On another level, just insane detail on that engine and thank you for posting your progress for the newbies lol
18 March 2022, 03:28

You always blow me away whed your details
Can't wait to see what it ends up like
18 March 2022, 10:20

Thank you everyone, glad to know you're all enjoying the ride!
I think it'll be cotton gloves only for handling the Alclad parts from here on out... I still haven't found a method for clear coating Alclad that I'm impressed with. Even their own clear seems to dull the shine too much.
18 March 2022, 12:31

That's a good question... I think the intent is that you shouldn't have to. I'd be curious to see if anyone's had any luck creating a more durable finish by polishing
20 March 2022, 00:36

Wet, wet, wet, wet, wet! Sorry, I've just wee'd!
That's some amazing details and the skill and implementation, just makes me want to swear with excitement! I'm off for another wee, before I look at the pictures again! Fantastic progress mate!
21 March 2022, 20:48

Bozzer get ahold of yourself man!!
Thanks everyone! I'm on track to have the rest of the chassis components done by the end of the month. Hopefully I can keep up the same pace on the cab and hood after that... but I have some 1:1 projects that will be ramping up around that time too!
22 March 2022, 12:32

Haha thanks Nigel. It would mean that I could finally be done with this project and start on all those Jeeps I've been looking at longingly the whole time...
But don't worry, the initial test fits of the hood have me thinking that it should quite easy to keep the hinge functioning.
28 March 2022, 15:07

This is probably a bit much, but I've decided to make a jig to solder the PE parts for the front grill (since I just *love* soldering). I want to get all of the individual slats as straight as possible, since this will be a very visible part of the finished model. Leaning towards soldering because I'm worried about needing a noticeable glob of glue at each joint to hold them all in place given the small surface area of the notch joint. So soldering jig it is! We'll see how it goes. I'll start machining these parts in the background while I work on the interior of the cab.
1 April 2022, 15:33

Brandon, very curious as to what you call a "work platform" over there. Everything seems to have a different name everywhere!
2 April 2022, 00:00

Aaaaaah! In my ignorance, I'm gonna sit back and just watch what happens. I understand what a jig is, from my short past in engineering, and the construction industry, but I'm buggered if I can figure out, what this does? However, I totally agree with the soldering part, on such a prominent part. I soldered my roll cage, on my Funny Car, it definitely looked more realistic. So, my mate, I'll grab a beer and watch in amazement, at what comes next?
@peter... It's a new one on me too, buddy. Grab a beer and see what happens? Knowing Brandon, it's going to be awesome.
2 April 2022, 17:57

Thanks Bozzer! The idea is that the carriage will slide along that slot, positioning one slat at a time... I'll be sure to get some pics of the tool in action. (If it ends up working the way I'm hoping it will anyway!) Not a clue when I'll get around to machining it. My 1:1 is going to be occupying the majority of my time over the next few weekends.
Peter, in this case, I felt that "work platform" was more appropriate for a technical drawing than "the flat part". "Basal platten" was also considered.
4 April 2022, 11:04

Slowly making progress on the cab and hood assemblies. I'll probably paint these with the interior parts once those are ready.
9 April 2022, 15:29

Coming along nicely. Do you have any pictures of the real truck to compare with your build?
9 April 2022, 17:29

I just added a handful of the 400+ reference photos I'm using. Many are from for sale listings on line, and many more are from two of our test vehicles at work.
9 April 2022, 21:53

Thanks Brandon. If it wasn't for the studio setting, you could not tell the real thing from your model!
10 April 2022, 09:38

Thanks Nigel! So what I'm hearing is that I should also be working on a diorama?
10 April 2022, 13:28

I was thinking of a photo background scaled/ angled to match your model.
10 April 2022, 13:41

Haha I'll see what I can make happen.
More progress on the interior parts and cab... ready for primer now!
17 April 2022, 01:18

Interior is coming together well. Four good painting sessions in, with a few more remaining.
27 April 2022, 00:31

I'm gonna be so sad when this is finished, I've really enjoyed following its progress. Checking in on the updates has become a habit. 🙂
27 April 2022, 15:37

Haha thanks guys!
At least someone will miss this build, I think it's gone on long enough lol! Itching to break in to the next project in the pipeline...
28 April 2022, 15:51

More interior parts done. Just a few details and decals left, then it's time to start masking off in preparation for the body paintwork!
28 April 2022, 15:53

Get a move on will ya Brandon! It's like watching your first born and only child graduate valedictorian in super slo-mo!
28 April 2022, 22:09

Why do we put ourselves through all this pain, when it comes to painting? Masking off, for the smallest detail, has to be the worse? However, the final outcome is very much worth it! I would've never had thought of using clear orange in that way. Very impressive Brandon, I like what you did there 👍
29 April 2022, 06:47

Bozzer, I don't mind all the masking for a decent paint job. It's the scraping, filling and sanding of seam lines that makes me question my sanity. If only I could care less… no one notices missing seam lines, but I notice them when they are there… Bah humbug
29 April 2022, 07:30

I'm right there with ya Tom! It's the most tedious part and seems to take up the most time! But I gotta say, pulling those masks off makes all the rest worth it.
The woodgrain technique is not my invention, of course - learned it from TSMC: Youtube Video

29 April 2022, 11:24

This is looking excellent. Going to have to try out that wood grain tactic too! Thanks for sharing that
29 April 2022, 14:54

Just missing a Tim Hortons cup, in the cup holder! Fantastic work Brandon, keep going 100%
30 April 2022, 18:50

Brandon, I just hope you are thrilled with the look of the upholstery as I am just plain dumbfounded! Super detailing is one thing, paint is another but finding a way to replicate the look of velour is something else again. You are the "real deal" my friend!
30 April 2022, 23:06

How in the heck did you get the seats upholstered?!? The sheen is spot on.
1 May 2022, 02:30

Thanks everyone! Haha the seats didn't get that much thought at all! Just masked off the all but center part and dry brushed some light gray, then shot some semi gloss clear over them. Glad to hear they made such an impression though, I'd encourage to add drybrushing to their bag of tricks for interior detailing!
2 May 2022, 00:16

Work has started on the exterior! Paint followed by more tiny decals, with a clear coat to come later.
10 May 2022, 11:22

Wasn't sure it work at first, but submerging the warped parts in hot water and allowing the bath to cool naturally did a pretty good job of straightening them out.
19 May 2022, 14:04

Big holiday weekend, here in the UK, so after all the festivities, I'm hoping to get some pictures up myself. You got things going on yourself here, so I'll look forward to seeing what you make of it?
1 June 2022, 21:24

Thanks Bozzer! I'm actually working the big race in Detroit this weekend, so this is about as far as I'll get this week.
2 June 2022, 10:55

Awesome work on them mirrors mate. I have a modelling friend in Florida, who uses small diodes as antennas. They actually look pretty effective with a lick of paint. I like your idea though, very clever
2 June 2022, 11:35

A ver good an easy way of getting antennas, is acupuncture needles, If you can get them
2 June 2022, 11:57

I'm also lucky enough to be gifted the odd cat whisker, from time to time. Although I've never tried to chrome one, I suspect they would? But they never break off, that's for sure. Worked excellent, when I did 1/35 scale.
2 June 2022, 19:10

Thanks Bozzer!
Back at it again; now making progress on the jig for the front grille.
7 June 2022, 15:03

It's been a slow go on the workbench lately, mostly due to some other priority projects taking up a lot of my time. Bouncing around between a few different areas on this one. Clear coat did not go well. A lot of the parts for the cowl and exterior are painted or ready for paint though.
12 July 2022, 10:51

Oh I know, Peter! Haha had just hoped that my to do list for this build would be shrinking, not growing!
13 July 2022, 16:56

Sanded and recoated and things are looking better now. Back to procrastinating on the grille and exhaust stacks 🙂
22 July 2022, 20:57

Thanks Peter!
Turns out I was just kidding about procrastinating on the exhaust - stacks are ready for paint now too!
24 July 2022, 18:24

I've gotta agree with Martin. This one, is outta the ballpark! Brandon, your sanity is questionable, at this point 😉
16 August 2022, 15:59

Let's be honest, Bozzer, my sanity was questionable before I started this build lol
Thanks everyone! I'm grateful to be a part of such a positive and encouraging community. It keeps me going as I inch closer to the finish line!
17 August 2022, 18:46

Thanks Steve!
Moving on to the exterior trim now. Here I'm marking out the positions for the hood latches. The brackets that hold the rubber strap will be soldered in place before painting.
19 August 2022, 12:46

I'm just waiting for the airhorns to work next, and then I'll eat my hat! 🙂
20 August 2022, 17:03

Quit giving me those ideas Bozzer!
Majority of the trim is now painted with Alclad... getting closer to final assembly!
26 August 2022, 12:02

Felt like I was running in place finishing up all these tedious tasks... until today! Close to final mock up has me feelin' good!
31 August 2022, 00:56

wow. it is a truck! 😉
(forgive me Brandon, I am just at a loss of words in the light of your detailomania.)
31 August 2022, 07:42

It's always a good feeling, when you get the cab and hood mounted. Things start moving, in leaps and bounds then. Keep at her mate, you're just a few lengths from the winning post now 🙂
31 August 2022, 12:23

Thanks everyone!! I'm just excited to be almost done! So many cool projects in the queue....
31 August 2022, 19:05

Getting very close! Only a few things remaining before the final shoot, namely the grille, exhaust piping, and air lines.
4 September 2022, 15:06

Taking the easy way out on the exhaust piping :/
Factory piping configurations for these vocational trucks can be pretty bad, but not this bad! Unfortunately it's the best I can do given where the aftertreatment, transmission, and cab ended up relative to each other.
4 September 2022, 15:10

You thought I forgot about that soldering fixture, didn't you? Been working on it in the background, just one more part to mill, then it'll be ready for use.
8 September 2022, 11:21

Brandon you have done wonders
I think most of us can only dream about the tools and skill you have got
I have followed your build
Amazing
Thanks for sharing
I will keep an eye on what you do
Its always been Amazing
Even if I don't comment on it all the time
There is builds that are above most others
This is one
8 September 2022, 12:56

I have to agree with JV.
This is the build, that just keeps giving! Just when you expect the final product, another rabbit, comes out of the hat!
8 September 2022, 19:26

What a wonderful work and model 👍
My main focus is different, but I have done some old cars in this scale. But what you are doing here is impressive, especially the integration of CAD work and printing into this build. Great careful work in all areas, from research to build and paint.
8 September 2022, 20:38

Take some credit yourselves, mates; your kind words have kept me going through the whole build!
9 September 2022, 00:42

Looking fabulous
Now you just have to put some dents in it rust and dirt lol
13 September 2022, 08:27

This ain't no model. This is a miniature original. I am anxious about the final pics. I am sure - with the right background you won't be able to tell whether it is scale or template.
PS: looking at the jig I envy your workshop. 🙂
14 September 2022, 11:05

Thank you everyone, glad it lived up to the hype!
Tonight's photoshoot will just be a plain white backdrop, but maybe I'll get some pics around the factory when I bring it in to work (after the show this weekend), where it's gonna live for the next few months.
14 September 2022, 16:53

Thanks again to everyone who followed along and provided encouragement all the way!
Final photos posted here: Completed - ANMT Freightliner Coronado 122SD | Album by brahoff (1:24)
15 September 2022, 01:08

Michael is so right, you should put it next to the real truck since it looks like you had access to as I seen in the pictures and take a side-by-side pic. No joke it would be hard to tell the difference.
15 September 2022, 13:02

Haha I'll see what I can do! Unfortunately we don't have the day cab on site here anymore, but the 58" sleeper cab is still around...
15 September 2022, 13:11

Well Done brother! And rightly deserved! You should be very proud mate. And, you keep Big Rig modelling alive! It got my vote, on here 🙂
1 March 2023, 19:54

Congratulations if you don't vin first place in anything you put this model into
I would be surprised
Amazing build you deserve it
2 March 2023, 01:41

Thanks everyone, couldn't have made it happen without this community!
2 March 2023, 12:09

Congratulations!!! Love it! I agree with all, well deserved!!! What is the next Freighliner? FLD-120, FLB, or Cascadia?
4 December 2023, 21:01

Thanks Jarrett! I wish I had the math for a Cascadia... maybe someday...
But in the meantime, stay tuned for another Freightliner starting up in the next few months!
4 December 2023, 23:35