2 steps forward one step back
My Model build to start 2021
- Thread starter Kenbo
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Question: Is the I-beam critical to the building procedure or is that just a deception to throw us off?
Kenbo
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- #65
Today went a little better than yesterday. After repairing the pieces that I broke yesterday, I reinforced them and then finished off the last pieces needed for the platform. While I was waiting for glue to dry, I started cutting the treads in the tire segments. I finally managed to get the lift assembly platform finished and I managed to get all the treads cut and a couple of wheels glued together. Doesn't look like a lot but I'm pretty pleased with the progress today. At least I didn't break anything. LOL.
This is definitely a Rube Goldberg machine
2 steps forward one step back is still 1 step forward...
Impressive project. Way bigger than I originally thought it was. I did a little work at the coal mine in Kemmerer, WY. Those big trucks have individual servo-motors on each wheel, independently controlled. The cab looked more like a airplane cockpit and sits twelve feet above grade. Each wheel/servo also has it's own fire suppression system as does the engine compartment. I could stand inside the wheel hub of one of the tires. You could probably fit four of my Toyota Tacoma pickups in the dump bed.
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- #70
It was an interesting day on the build today. I spent most of the day working on the tires. I glued them together through the week so that I wouldn't have to wait for the glue to dry today and this morning, I sanded them and the started in on everything from drilling the recesses to drilling out the hubs of the front tires. I also cut and fit in place all the dowels that will serves as the front tire bearings and got them shaped and fit into place. These are a serious pain in the butt to make but it was worth the effort. I also cut all the hub retainers and started working on the front steering linkage. I managed to get the tires glued together and pinned as far as I can take them for now and I am hoping to have them done by the end of tomorrow.
Wow detail is fantastic!
Ken, do the wheels turn on the dowels? Or is that for looks?
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- #74
They actually turn on them Marc. The dowels were sanded round and then cut to length. They sit in a dado that runs all around the centre hub of the wheels and the tire rolls on the dowel bearings. It's a very cool setup.
Oh very cool....
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- #76
Another 7 hours on the build today. I got the front steering linkage all made and glued to the hubs of the front tires. I also had to cut the 12 dowels that would pin and strengthen the joint between the hub and the steering linkage. Once that was dry, I sanded and shaped the linkage and then reset the dowel bearings back in place, put the tire back on the hub and then glued and pinned the inner hub retainers in place. Once they were sanded and the bearings were tested (again) to make sure that the wheels turned on them, I dry fit the front wheels in place and then dry fit the rear tires in place. That's about it for the wheels for now. Other than gluing a cap on the upright axle of the front tires and making some spacers for the front linkage, there wasn't much more to do on that so I moved on to making some of the gears and racks that I will need for the next step. I still have more to make but I just ran out of time to make them. More next week I guess. For those who are wondering, I am at 71 hours on this build so far.
Two questions Ken:
1. How are you making the gears and rack? Do you have a pattern you glue to the wood?
2. If I remember when you admitted this was going to be a dump truck, you said it'll be played with outside. Are you worried about grit and sand getting inside the wheels?
1. How are you making the gears and rack? Do you have a pattern you glue to the wood?
2. If I remember when you admitted this was going to be a dump truck, you said it'll be played with outside. Are you worried about grit and sand getting inside the wheels?
Now I see it!! But, I thought it was supposed to be built in half and then put together.......
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- #79
The gears and the rack are made by printing out a pattern of it. I then apply masking tape to the stock and then spray some spray adhesive to the back of the print out and attach it to the masking tape on the stock. At the base of each "cog" I drill a 3/32" hole and then cut the perimeter of the gear (or rack) on the scroll saw. I then use the scroll saw again to cut each tooth in the design.
As for the grit.....I never said it would be played with outside. I just said that it would be able to be played with. I honestly don't think this one will ever see the great outdoors except for maybe a photo shoot but it can be played with inside all they like. A fully wooden model isn't exactly outdoor compatible.