[Virtual Conversion] 2004 Freightliner FS65 Shortie

[Dummiesman]

Hi there! First off, I did ask Janet from the site team if it would be OK to post this.

Anyways, everything sucks with the current world situation, as you guys know, but that's not my only reason for doing this. I wanted to drive one of these in a game (as it's not possible for me to do it IRL) for the longest time, so I made that possible with BeamNG.drive.

Then I started making variants. 7 window, low headroom. 7 window, high headroom, etc. Then one day, I specced out a bus in-game that I've really taken a liking to. Clocked in 100mi on the virtual odometer in the past couple days.




So I'm going to take all this free space, put in some wooden flooring, and get to modeling out parts, and I'll update along as I do so


(Btw, this isn't some 'roleplaying' thing. This entire thing has taken a long time to build thus far, and I have yet to model any conversion parts. So I am essentially building my conversion, just happens to be virtual!)

[sepudo]

Nice. Too bad it's not a 6 window lol. Then I could offer my interior layout as a model for you ;)

[Native]

I am stoked that you are finally in the buildout phase!

[Dummiesman]

Originally Posted by sepudo

Nice. Too bad it's not a 6 window lol. Then I could offer my interior layout as a model for you ;) Attachment 43552

It could definitely still help! Interior design is so not my thing

I have a decent idea of what I'll do with the front, but with the rear, I don't know what to do between bed and door/doorway.



All I've got so far because I've been working on other misc parts for the mod (pre-facelift dashboard, lift blocks, etc), but it's a start

[Native]

You may be onto something here. Having a true 3-D model would benefit most any build. Most of us have to dream it up ... you can play with itin 3-D!

[Dummiesman]

Looked around for inspiration, got some more layout progress.


Decided to put the bed sideways, that way there's more than an inch of space between the wheelwell, and the wheelwells can be separated off and used as storage areas


Update: Threw the floor texture on the counter, and added a sink
Just those little additions make me feel so much more confident in this

[Native]

Coming along nicely. Are you planning on a toilet or shower?


Now you understand more of the challenges skoolies must facce in their builtouts. It is too bad we all do not have the ability to model in 3-D. It would be so cool to actually try out our own layouts.

[Dummiesman]

Maybe I could put a mini shower above one of the wheelwells, and still use the other for storage. It's a shortie so I'm thinking of it kind of like a trailer.

more stuff!

[Native]

Are you going to run water and electrical lines?

[Dummiesman]

You wouldn't end up seeing any water/electrical lines so I don't see a point to it.

Hmm, what do you do when you end up with a window in between your walls?

[Native]

Some would skin over the windows. Others would put up curtains. Others would do nothing.

[banman]

Very fun -- congratulations on your build!

[Dummiesman]

I've decided for windows, they'll be skinned over.


Decided on using half the free space in the bedroom for a closet, other half for a table, and also replaced a cupboard with a space for a mini fridge. Also made a temporary placement model for a gas range.

[Native]

Ain't it cool how it starts to fall together once you really get into your vitrual physical design?


When we moved my wife's mother into a nursing home, I took measurements of the floorplan then made a full-size mock-up in her livingrooom out of cardboard boxes and tape. We move furniture in ans out to help decide where her minimalist amount of funiture would fit. It was quite interesting to do the physical 3-D design, as I would think you are experiencing it in virtual 3-D.

[Dummiesman]

Changed my mind on the layout a bit. Axed the closet because I think the cupboards in the rear cabinet could suit that purpose better for the space.

The bathroom is now expanded, there's now space for a toilet, shelving capacity remains the same.



Also added texturing to the chairs, bed, and added cushioning to the chairs too.
Thinking I might model a solar panel to keep this thing powered too

[Native]

Comming right along!

[Dummiesman]

Range is in, toilet is in, tiling in the bathroom is in, and there's now also a door frame to the bathroom.

Almost done! Needs curtains+doors, some overhead cabinets above the sink, a couple lights, outlets/switches.

[Native]

Is the square "rim" floating over the sink a roof vent?

[Dummiesman]

Originally Posted by Native

Is the square "rim" floating over the sink a roof vent?

It's the overhead portion of the emergency exit. The rest of the roof isn't shown because it's facing inwards and therefore not rendered.

[Dummiesman]

Started loading in outlets/switches, finally have a bathroom door, moved the roof lights around to look better. Added comforter/pillows to the bed. Getting close to being ready for in-game