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| The Freightliner ready for the long haul. |
Sword 2018 - Freightliner Century with East
Flat Trailer
Model Review June 2008
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| The Freightliner ready for the long haul. |
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| The Sword box style. |
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The model in the tray. |
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| The parts out of the box. |
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| Sleek lines of the tractor unit. |
Freightliner Trucks is based in Portland, Oregon and is a division of Daimler Trucks of North America. It is a leading producer of trucks in the USA and this model is a 1:50 scale version of the Century tractor unit which is designed for long haul trucking and includes a sleeper cab.
It is paired with a flatbed from East Trailers, which was founded in 1968 and is one of the larger trailer manufacturers in the US.
Packaging
The model is packed in a standard Sword Models box which just has the model name on it but no pictures or other information. Inside, the model is well packed within a couple of expanded polystyrene trays. The review model had no defects or missing parts.
Included in the box are some small bags of parts. These include the wing mirrors and bulkhead for the trailer. Also included is a set of tie-down chains, and a set of straps, for securing loads.
No instructions are provided with the model although it is simple to assemble. Some information on the real machine would have been worthwhile inclusion.
Detail
The Freightliner tractor is fully detailed underneath with the transmission and the underside of the engine clearly visible complete with very good suspension detail. The wheel hubs have detailed wheel nuts and they are mounted with good treaded tyres which have different treads on the front and rear wheels.
At the front the headlights and indicators have inset lenses and the radiator grille has ‘Freightliner’ written in very small type. The cab has windscreen wipers and collector-fitted wing mirrors which are metal. Outside the cab there are various step plates all with photo etched texture. Inside, the cab is very detailed indeed with a wood effect dashboard and small details such as drink holders clearly visible. Behind the driver’s seat there is a detailed sleeping area complete with cabinets and a bed.
Outside the cab at the back is a very detailed ‘headache rack’ including various tools and chains and realistic coiled air lines. A fifth wheel is provided, and detail at the rear is completed with painted light clusters and mud flaps.
