New Freewheelers Brakeman in Tanaka Brown (Not Mine . . . Yet)

[John Lever]

I thought that only a very small number of these were made most of them are olive green.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I can try one on for you in a couple months to make sure the cut is good

Personally, I prefer the olive version, but it's a beautiful jacket either way.

 

[handymike]

The olive is a great color, but honestly SF if your Canucks weren't your favorite choices I feel the Brakeman isn't the wisest choice for your $$

 

[Colin G]

its OK.

To me, it looks like a leather shirt, rather than a jacket.

I like the colour.

I say wait 1 week before pulling the trigger and the want may subside.

 

[Bobby Peru]

You need it. From the questions I have been asking you, you already know that I am also privately going through the same torment. Buy it - I will feel less guilty when I end up committing the same act.

You need it.

I am trying to convince myself that I do not need this jacket.

 

[Dr H]

I posted this message in the classifieds, but it's worth repeating. If you have a typical westerner's frame then you might have passed on the Freewheelers Brakeman, which is cut for the home (Japanese) market. However, this season, I was astonished to see that Freewheelers are offering the Brakeman in a size 46 (practically unheard of in Japanese sizing).

 

[John Lever]

I bought one in Tatanka Brown size 42. Everything is of the very highest quality.
Design is superb great length smart but also casual, no pronounced bell shape at all. Very warm and comfortable to wear.
A nice change from the short bomber style I usually wear.

 

[Dr H]

I agree with John - the A line is exaggerated when photographed flat, it’s not an issue in use. Wearing mine again today in a damp, overcast Wells. Mine is an older example, so it’s well worn in and looks more casual. Currently awaiting the arrival of the black deerskin Journeyman that I picked up in the classifieds for a smarter look.

 

[Colin G]

The jacket looks amazing in photos while not being worn but when worn, it looks oddly shaped and the collar always looks really weird to me. It rides too high.

 

[Dr H]

This is an older shot (I’ve since had the sleeves trimmed by 1/2”), but when broken in the collar sits well enough in my view. Apologies, I can’t seem to upload a portrait version.
The Journeyman collar sits a little more squarely, but still looks conventional when it has been shaped slightly in the hand to give it a little more curvature.

The issue of shape/profile is down to age/wear. Compare the following images of Brakeman jackets in Canyon Brown (similar shots - one brand new; one with two years of wear). The bell shape is lost as the jacket moulds to the wearer. I think of it more as a sleeved jerkin.

 

[Dr H]

Hadn’t we run through the numbers and decided that sleeves would be too short on the 42, Craig? The sleeves of the 46 work for you, but everything else would be out of kilter. You ‘need’ the torso of a 42 Brakeman and the sleeves of a 46...

I am trying to convince myself that I do not need this jacket.

I am trying to convince myself that I do not need this jacket.

 

[Dr H]

I thought that only a very small number of these were made most of them are olive green.

John
Recently, the Brakeman has been split evenly between Canyon Brown (tan) and Rude Black. The Journeyman has been predominantly olive drab, with a smaller number in black deerskin (and 15 in Tatanka Brown).

 

[Bfd70]

I bought one in Tatanka Brown size 42. Everything is of the very highest quality.
Design is superb great length smart but also casual, no pronounced bell shape at all. Very warm and comfortable to wear.
A nice change from the short bomber style I usually wear.

Do you still own this? A y updates?

 

[John Lever]

I sold it to a Lounger in Hawai

 

[Marc mndt]

I sold it to a Lounger in Hawai

I would love to see @jonesy86 take a swim wearing a carcoat lol.

 

[John Lever]

He bought 3 jackets from me a couple of years ago but no word from hime since Covid.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

He bought 3 jackets from me a couple of years ago but no word from hime since Covid.

Every once in a while he will like "Like" something in the Hats subforum, but he hasn't posted since this past Spring. To the best of my knowledge he had to move out of the place he was staying, but other than that he's living his best life in paradise.

 

[Bfd70]

I sold it to a Lounger in Hawai

Was there a particular reason you sold it?

 

[John Lever]

They are unwearable.
Leather way too thick and stiff,the buttons on the 37J1 were impossible to do up.
Lost a substantial amount of money on them.
Just my experience others may disagree.

 

[John Lever]

Every once in a while he will like "Like" something in the Hats subforum, but he hasn't posted since this past Spring. To the best of my knowledge he had to move out of the place he was staying, but other than that he's living his best life in paradise.

Good to hear all is well he was very easy to deal with and a nice man,