Scratch-Built Flatbed

[mototodo]

This flatbed trailer started as a byproduct of a Dakar truck that I was building. The truck is based on a Bruder MAN TGA cab and a Tamiya High Lift 3-speed chassis with TLT axles. I had been working on the Dakar truck for a while when I decided I should do something with the remaining Bruder pieces. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away but I also couldn't envision using the parts for anything. I had started hanging around the old Garden Trucking Forum due to a Knight Hauler and Dry Box acquisition. I had seen a few low-loaders and dollies made from Bruder axles and though I had admired them, they didn't register as projects that I would pursue.

I posted the parts in the Sell/Wanted section and figured that if no one wanted them, I would toss them. That is until one day, several weeks after posting the ad and receiving nary a nibble, I picked up the parts and considered actually tossing the parts. That's when it hit me: a dolly would be a simple build and surely someone would want a Bruder-axled dolly.

While contemplating the hacking of the chassis, it occurred to me that I could build a single-axle dolly out of the front axle and I could build a complete trailer based on the pair of rear axles. And not only that, the chassis section holding the rear axles could be bolted right up to chassis rails. Easy Peasy.

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I started acquiring materials. I cut the chassis rails to 36" long which is approx. 42 feet at 1/14th scale. I considered making it a few inches longer for a more common 48' trailer but I decided to sacrifice scale for maneuverability and shelf space. Also, 36" is a common length for materials.

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Here is a shot of the Dakar truck that I built using the Bruder's cab. It's on a Tamiya High Lift 3-speed chassis with custom leaf springs and TLT axles and it has working lights.
Build thread is here: http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=50734

https://i.imgur.com/fQaewGwh.jpg

[mototodo]

It's a roller! It took more than one try to get the coupling plate the way I wanted but the height of the coupling plate and king pin are spot on. I spent a lot of time on this part of the build because I wanted to get it right. In retrospect, I could have raised the back end to level the bed but I'm happy with it, it looks scale, and I may curve the bed. The aluminum coupling plate is made from a Swedish license plate and the king pin is made from a motorcycle seat hinge bolt that I shaved and threaded. As it sits, the only real expense has been the aluminum rails. Now comes the expensive part: the deck.

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[Tamiya Cowboy]

This is a great trailer build your finished product came out so great!

[mototodo]

Thanks Paul. You know my son built the brown and beige Globeliner that you have done such great stuff to. We recently acquired a used King and I'm waiting for some stuff from Ric to get to work on it. My son has convinced me to do something like Snowman's KW.

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Ahhh Very Nice.. I did not know that was your son.. And thanks very much for the complement on the Glob I am a big IH fan so I really enjoy that truck..

[mototodo]

I made the base for the deck out of two sheets of 8" x 18" steel trimmed to 7 1/4" which is approx 102" scale. The sheets are attached to the chassis rails using small bolts. I framed the steel with angle aluminum. The angle aluminum was a little thick for scale so I shaved 3mm off of one edge. It was laborious but I am happy with the thickness now. I cut a sheet of 1/4" MDF to fit inside the frame. The lip of the frame protrudes 1/16" above the MDF to leave room for deck boards.

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[mototodo]

I found a set of landing gear in our box of leftover Knight Hauler parts. Our dry box trailer has electric landing gear so this was the original gear from the Tamiya dry van. The chassis rails of the Bruder are about an inch wider than the Tamiya trailer rails so I had to modify the landing gear release to work properly. The coupling guide needed a spacer to correctly contact the coupler. And the angle of the release arms needed to be greater so I added an arm to properly contact the release levers. I also had to fabricate a new push rod since the gear was a little further away from the coupling plate. I have added detail shots of the mods. Works like a charm.

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[mototodo]

I was happy with the neatness of the Bruder rear bumper but it was European so I got to work on a U.S. bumper. I styled it after Great Dane bumpers.

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[mototodo]

I learned to appreciate how useful the Bruders are on this build. And though pricey, they are relatively inexpensive compared to Wedico and Tamiya stuff. Not totally comparable but very usable.

I found a tool box in the Knight Hauler leftover parts box. I hinged it so it opens.

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[mototodo]

More work on the bumper.

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[mototodo]

Finished up the deck and started paint. The deck boards are 1/16" x 1/2" x 36" balsa strips stained with dark walnut and then lightly sanded to simulate weathering. The boards are glued to a sheet of MDF which is screwed to the metal deck from the underside by some of the chassis rail screws in the center and the aluminum angle frame on the edges.

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[mototodo]

Painted and assembled. Still some bumper work left as well as some additional details. Also, the wheels look toyish. They are in need of some weathering.

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[mototodo]

I am really happy with how it is shaping up. I have been looking at how I can fit lights but it probably won't happen.

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[tc1cat]

:D Great use of left over parts plus the scratchbuilding of the trailer. Goes great with either of the trucks.

Lynn

[Zimms Customs]

I have some bruder parts laying around and I plan on making a cargo trailer out of them, thanks for the inspiration, looks great!

[mototodo]

After a long break, and a little inspiration, it's time to get back on the flatbed. I finally got around to making the bulkhead. It came out great and it really finished off the trailer. And it is removable.

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[mototodo]

And here is the inspiration I needed to finish the trailer, a newly acquired King Hauler. The King came with a box trailer but I knew the flatbed would be perfect for it. I was right.

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Adding some details.

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[mazdaparts]

That is a great use of parts. This is right up my alley. I'm a built rather than bought kind of guy.

[Heavy Metal]

Nice work Moto. That thing looks great!! I guess I'm a little dense...did you move this post over from another board? I mean it starts yesterday and you're showing tons of work getting done in like 24 hours. Or do you just drink a lot of coffee and work around the clock? LOL :D

Joe

[mototodo]

Nice work Moto. That thing looks great!! I guess I'm a little dense...did you move this post over from another board? I mean it starts yesterday and you're showing tons of work getting done in like 24 hours. Or do you just drink a lot of coffee and work around the clock? LOL :D

Joe

This is what happens when my wife brings home a case of Throwback Mountain Dew from Costco. No, I am finally getting around to moving this thread over from the old Garden Trucking forum. But I did just finish the bulkhead and decals a couple weeks ago.

That is a great use of parts. This is right up my alley. I'm a built rather than bought kind of guy.

Thanks for the comments. Thinking about putting PMD axles on it.

[scalelover]

Looks great, I have two tamiya flat beds I was going to kitbash together and this gave me alot of ides and inspiration. Keep up the great work and nice grab on the king hauler too it def. fits well with the trailer.

--Dan

[SonoranWraith]

Looks great moto. I think it could use some more weathering like your f100. :D

[Stuff]

wow very nice!! now you gotta get some miles under that trailer!

[chaseracer]

nice job on the trailer, looks great. and homemade out of spare parts even better.