Jim Groeneweg tells us he built this Freightliner in the mid-'80s, updating the Herpa Freightliner COE to a '85-'89 model. Jim says he thought at the time it was closer to a modern truck requiring less modifying then the comparable Athearn cab. It did require a rebuild, finding wheels and tires that looked good was a nightmare back then so even with a crisper grille, new wheels, and new paint, this one would be better! It has the old Herpa wheels with unknown tires added; a lot of work for not having more favorable results!

The tractor is based on similar specs as the fleet Jim once worked for; longer wheelbase, 60” spread axle, large fuel tanks with the battery boxes mounted on the chassis as shown. They did not have Alcoas or dual stacks; they had chrome bumpers, six spoke wheels and single stacks. The dump trailer is mostly scratchbuilt and it is based on a Cobra brand that was popular in Ontario at that time.

Posted January 2, 2014