Wedico 966G Build

[pigeonfarmboy]

Got my 966 from Garden Trucking yesterday and got started. GT/PMD gives some supplementary instructions which will definitely help seeing as this will be my first dive into a hydraulic rc kit.

Logo tape always makes packages more exciting right?
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5769423717_4fec0f76b5_b.jpg

Some of the metal fitment is a bit off but all in all it fits without much effort. Being that I'm colorblind, it's tough for me to gauge color correctness. So I called my friend over that works for CAT to make sure the color was good. According to him this color is a bit off with a "faded/aged" look to it. It does seem to have an awful lot of green in it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/5769961964_d13d9cc4cb_b.jpg

And as if I'm not busy enough, here's what I was working on last night :eek:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/5766890679_af73b31cc3.jpg
60% Super Cub (21' Wingspan)

[mazdaparts]

Holy crap are you gonna fly that thing or is it rc? The loader looks great so far.

[titandigs]

Good luck with the build I have made the three Wedico models now, what radio will you be running? If you have any questions i may be able to help.
Paulhttp://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff431/titandigs/wedico014.jpg

[pigeonfarmboy]

Holy crap are you gonna fly that thing or is it rc? The loader looks great so far.

It's RC! tons of servos and many receivers.

Good luck with the build I have made the three Wedico models now, what radio will you be running? If you have any questions i may be able to help.
Paul

Plan to use the new Spektrum DX10t. Will use my 12x for now.

[titandigs]

I have used the Futaba fc16 2.4ghz and it works well. It has the correct switches for the operation of the lights horn and engine sound, I use them in all of my models now.
Paul

[SonoranWraith]

The robbe/futaba FC tray radios aren't sold in the US. Futaba used to sell the Fx40 ($3K US) but I have only seen the 14mz and 18mz of late. :eek:

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Holy Shyt dam that is BIG you should of just built a predator dorm.. Man that is so dang cool!! And great build on the loader too..

[SmallHaul]

Enjoy Your 966G build, it looks like fun to assemble. They are definitely a blast to operate.

That is a HUGE Cub! I have owned and sold many Cubs through the years but none that big.:eek: The funny thing is it will probably be cheaper to fly than a 40 sized nitro powered cub with the price of glow fuel right now.:)

[pigeonfarmboy]

Got a ton of work done today. This model would be done if it wasn't for the crap instructions and fitment. I've lost count how many times I've had to counter sink holes that weren't done and grinding panels to better fit together. A ton of work is also needed to clean out all the powder coating from holes/threads. (Moot point as the Stahl stuff isn't even coated I suppose)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5779485627_77c0429019_b.jpg

All the cylinders are mounted and its time for the pump install.

The Cub being gas will definitely be cheaper to fly than a nitro. The only thing I own that's nitro anymore is an OS Flat Four Pegasus. Worth the money to hear the sound.

[Lil Giants]

I hear ya loud and clear on the crap instructions... built both the 966 & 740 yrs ago, relying on mostly the crappy drawings & trying to decipher some of the german text. Built each model 3 or 4 times over before completion, as there always seemed to be one or two steps 5 pages further on that should have been done sooner and then would have tear alot apart to get that one specific piece into it's proper location. :rolleyes:

There's no better instructions out there than Tamiya instruction booklets. :cool:

[JAMMER]

The Stahl stuff isn't much better except for the paint you have to deal with you have the same problems with Stahl and missing parts. After a year I am finally getting my Komatsu together. Ed

[pigeonfarmboy]

Yeah this thing is such an exercise in patience for me. One good reason they're so expensive, this thing would have already been tossed through a window. If I didn't have to snake a thousand M2 nuts into tiny places I might not be crossed-eyed right now.

[TheMachinist]

I hear ya loud and clear on the crap instructions... built both the 966 & 740 yrs ago, relying on mostly the crappy drawings & trying to decipher some of the german text. Built each model 3 or 4 times over before completion, as there always seemed to be one or two steps 5 pages further on that should have been done sooner and then would have tear alot apart to get that one specific piece into it's proper location. :rolleyes:

There's no better instructions out there than Tamiya instruction booklets. :cool:

Instructions?????
I thought we just built them by feel:rolleyes:
Build looks good can't wait to see it loading.
Jordy

[RAIDERS]

cant wait to see it finshed and loading both ur dump trucks...

[pigeonfarmboy]

Haha both indeed ;)

[pigeonfarmboy]

Waiting for my hyd. servos so I got the wheels/tires mounted and laid the cab and rear body on the frame ;)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/5789469212_8a83719df0_b.jpg

The beadlock wheels went together very nicely. (Just realized the exhaust is on backwards...DOH)

[titandigs]

looking good and going together fast, you may need to take the work light frames off again to enable you to mount the lenses and to route the wires. Hope you enjoy a challenge when it comes to putting the radio gear inside it is a bit tight with the standard gear and you can get a servonaut BMA pump switch to fit in if you want as I did. This helps to keep the run time up, with the pump only running for about three seconds after the end of a function.
Paul

[titandigs]

This may help?
Paul
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff431/titandigs/9663.jpg

[pigeonfarmboy]

Good to know the BMA fits. Are you running any sound Paul?

[titandigs]

Yes the original Wedico sound card inside the speed control box.
You can see the BMA behind the speed controler as a green board under the hoses.
Paul

[pigeonfarmboy]

Was able to work most of the day on the loader.

One question:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5968632483_d412e02951_b.jpg
Is this where I should route the lift cylinder lines/Ts?

All the lines are run now, nothing connected to the valves or pump yet. Only a few more connections to make though!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5969191088_f92b5ce169_b.jpg

[Espeefan]

Despite all the weaknesses I hear about these Wedico 966Gs, I still think they are great looking models. Everytime I see a picture of one freshly assembled, I want one, but it's a lot of money to fork over for model. Hope it'll be a good machine for you.

[SmallHaul]

Those lines are routed the same as Jimmy's loader that I have worked on and they seem to be ok routed that way.

Make sure you use a good amount of loctite on the little screws that hold the wheels on the axles because they can work themselves loose. After having I wheel come loose, I pulled all of the wheels off of Jimmy's loader and used blue locitite on all of the wheel axle screws.

[pigeonfarmboy]

Despite all the weaknesses I hear about these Wedico 966Gs, I still think they are great looking models. Everytime I see a picture of one freshly assembled, I want one, but it's a lot of money to fork over for model. Hope it'll be a good machine for you.

Yeah I read many negative reviews on the WDC 966 but ultimately I chose it because of the level of detail it has over the Stahl. It's probably a better idea if you're heavily using a model to go with Stahl but time will tell with this one.

[fhhhstix]

Izzy has a wedico and I have put a few hrs on it myself as well as a few others at shows and it seams to be holding up quite well. If I had the extra cash I would buy one as I have been real impressed with the reliability and looks of the machine.

Travis

[pigeonfarmboy]

Nobody told me I was going to need a shoe horn to get everything in this **** thing!!

Should be able to finish up tomorrow. Built til 5am today....guess that's good enough.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/6014214662_511ddaef1c_b.jpg

[CustomRCmodels]

The robbe/futaba FC tray radios aren't sold in the US. Futaba used to sell the Fx40 ($3K US) but I have only seen the 14mz and 18mz of late. :eek:

The Robbe F-14 Navy version in 75mhz was sold since years here in the US ,
( around $ 250,- if I remember it correctly ? )
And before that you had the option to by the Robbe or Graupner tray-radios in 27mhz FM
Now since the 2.4Ghz systems , you can buy any European Radio and use it over here . I am a big fan myself of the Graupner and Robbe tray-radio-systems.
Besides the different options now of converting almost any FM radio to 2.4Ghz there are no real limitations anymore for us to use these tray-type multi-channel radio-systems

[CustomRCmodels]

Nobody told me I was going to need a shoe horn to get everything in this **** thing!!

Should be able to finish up tomorrow. Built til 5am today....guess that's good enough.


Are the Wedico instructions now also in English or just in German ?
If you need some translations , let me know

[Izzy]

PFB - isn't great using tweezers to get to those tiny nuts and screws. The main issue I had with routing lines was the splice for the steering - mine are just under the main body area but just above the rear pivoting axle

Izzy

[pigeonfarmboy]

Got all the crap crammed into the model.....now let's see if it works!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6017254218_f9d10bc9ce_b.jpg

The railings are just a pain in the ***. They should be attached way earlier in the manual. Like Joe said earlier. I spent more time on this model disassembling to fit parts, drilling holes out, and countersinking than I did building it possibly.

[pigeonfarmboy]

Are the Wedico instructions now also in English or just in German ?
If you need some translations , let me know

The manual is two-sided English/German. It's just the build sequence that is poor.

[mgb]

Great looking build this loader is very nice, now, is there video in the future :)

[pigeonfarmboy]

Yep, I'll definitely make videos. Gotta get it all setup for Indy first.

[titandigs]

garden trucking do some nice wheel hubs to cover the bolt in the middle of the rims if you are interested

[Espeefan]

Ahh, they always look so good, when they are brand new, and freshly built! Nice looking machine.

[pigeonfarmboy]

garden trucking do some nice wheel hubs to cover the bolt in the middle of the rims if you are interested

Got em thanks! Just wanted to wait until testing in case I f'ed up and have to rip this thing apart.....again.

[titandigs]

If you use the tape supplied they possibly will fall off as mine did, I found the 3M tape that you get with picture hanging plastic hooks is much better as none of mine have fallen off since using it.
Paul

[Lil Giants]

How's the programming going?

[pigeonfarmboy]

Got it all hooked up and filled the oil. All the cylinders were operating ok, everything functioning as it should. I installed the cab and then tried to take a short video of it operating but the hydraulic system did not work. I packed it up and headed to the Indy show. When I got there Scott (RC Guy Farms) and Izzy helped me troubleshoot the issue. There was a pinched line coming out of the filter and I had my vent line running per the instructions hanging open below the rear axle. We got the lines run correctly and plugged and she was good to go. Ran the thing **** near all weekend. Works awesome! Will post some photos or video of some new goodies I got for it from Izzy!

[D8R]

Nice model, is decal supplied in kit or is it the normal way that c a t is forbidds to put those on?

Very nice tires, hope someday someone is doing bigger tires like that,
Dan

[Izzy]

She comes with decals.......

[pigeonfarmboy]

Makin a dozer blade!
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6230/6378989797_1893c20140_z.jpg

[Izzy]

Ooohhhh - snifty - is this for the coming snow fall?

[pigeonfarmboy]

Would definitely work for that. More so for all the dirt/sand I'm going to be dumping in my basement!!

[Lil Giants]

You're filling your basement with dirt/sand?! And doing it thru a window with the rc's?

'at a boy! :D

[pigeonfarmboy]

Just need to mount the quick detach plate now! It's 4:45am....must have been the TURKEY POWER!!!! I think it turned out good considering I didn't have any drawings/plans. Even tacked on a consumable blade edge.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6399073013_b16f1f756d_z.jpg

[pigeonfarmboy]

Front and rear driveshafts are binding bad when fully steered left and right. Completely stalls the motor when in reverse.

Anyone experience this with this model? Should I just take out the shafts and file the u-joints? Haven't been driving this **** thing long enough for driveline problems :(

[rcguyfarms]

do u have the pot metal u-joints or the zinc plated steel ones? I had similar issues with my 966g when the pot metal joints where used. In the hinge area plates are there chunks of brass around the pins?

[pigeonfarmboy]

No brass shavings and the u-joints look to be pot metal.

[rcguyfarms]

can u post a pic of the loader hinge area to help me get u the right answer to ur problem?

[pigeonfarmboy]

Top hinge:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6438098807_3dfd09e6b4_b.jpg

There is a very slight amount of play in the hinge. Maybe a millimeter.

Driveshaft/Bottom hinge:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6438098275_e94bcd3317_b.jpg

You can see how the u-joints are wearing on the edge of the sphere. I suspect that to be the issue. It's not limited to the front or the rear shaft either. When I disconnect one or the other it will still stall. Need a temp fix. I'll probably put some different shafts in entirely. I've always had great success with the MIP stuff. Might have to customize something to fit.

[ihbuilder]

I'd say get rid of that shaft and get a real u joint . thats the most micky mouse joint I've seen ( no offense ) pot metal will not last long under torsional stress . is there a slider on the shaft ?

[Izzy]

these joints are a bit on the weak side - but it does look like that joint is noy fully engaged at the ball. right side looks slightly open.

mine have held up without issue -
ive heard of guys swapping the systgem out.

[Izzy]

Also - you need to keep that ball directly over the center of the hinge pin - so loosen the set screw on that right half and adjust.

[rcguyfarms]

upgrade to the steel zinc coated u-joints. I did that and upgraded to new plate with brass like u have already. U have some worn out pot metal u-joints. U will need to order two sets of wedico number 2017 u-joints.
http://www.wedico.de/images/2017.jpg

[pigeonfarmboy]

Cool will adjust for now and get those ordered up!

Thanks gents!

Start thinking about when you guys want to bring your stuff over for some weekend mini-fun.

[Izzy]

ya got crash space .... for us Indiana guys thats a chair to sit in for a few minute or so .... LOL

[YoungGunz]

Well shoot, i never knew you were in monticello... i have an aunt and uncle that live there and I'm just a couple hours west..

-J.D.

[pigeonfarmboy]

Yup, wonder if I know them I grew up here.

I have 2 spare bedrooms a foldout couch and airbed as well. I'm 2.5 hours from Indy for reference.

[pigeonfarmboy]

Where can I get Leimbach parts? I broke the drive coupler off the motor somehow. I guess this loader is cursed! Should have some video by now but I've been working on this bastard non-stop.

At least I have my fellow grown-up-sandbox nerds to help ;)

[Lil Giants]

You broke the rubber connector between the pump & motor?

[pigeonfarmboy]

Yep, Ric has put some on order for me. Surprised I can't find anything @ mcmastercarr

[Lil Giants]

I have one here, PM your address & I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow... maybe by some fluke chance you'll have it before xmas. :)

[pigeonfarmboy]

You're the man! Sending pm now.

[pigeonfarmboy]

Thanks to Joe she's back up and running. The driveshaft upgrade definitely helps. It's funny Izzy mentioned he hadn't had any issues with his and after an hour playing in my basement it started clicking like mine did before failure.

I'll get some photos up of the shafts so you can see how shredded they are. I did have to clearance the frame so the upgraded shaft doesn't bind when fully steered either direction.

[pigeonfarmboy]

This is the shaft that was connected to the front output of the trans. I don't know if my rough driving is to blame or not. I used some Tamiya Ceramic Grease when I assembled the model and no dirt or rubber ever got to it that I could see. In my opinion as much as these things cost, pot metal shouldn't be used on a part that sees this much use. The upgraded shaft is working great so far.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6643121521_13dc6aa6a8_b.jpg

[9W Monighan]

Looking at that thing, I would never trust something made as cheap as that. Did you get a miniature U-Joint?

[pigeonfarmboy]

Yup

[rcguyfarms]

Prime example on wedico cutting production cuts, so they or aftermarket company can sell u the better quality part. I recently put together a wedico loader. They have made some improvements since I built my own, but man the went overkill on the powder coat thickness.

[ptebbe]

I'm new to this discussion group. I'm thinking of purchasing the Wedico loader...do you have any advice? Still haven't decided where to purchase from....looks like Gardentrucking or VCS.
Have you worked out all the problems with your unit? How long did it take you to assemble it?
thanks!
Paul

[Lil Giants]

I'm new to this discussion group. I'm thinking of purchasing the Wedico loader...do you have any advice? Paul

Are you aware of this model? A bigger, more powerful, greater durability than a pot cast wdc for considerably less money. ;)

http://www.fumotec-shop.de/modelle/radlader-komatsu-wa500-6/index.php

[Izzy]

Paul - I have a loader and I love it. But I don't work it very hard either - mostly at RC events and a little when friends and family are over. Great detail. It took me about a week to put it together.
And BTW, nate has his up for sale - it'sa great unit - well put together and well taken care of.

Izzy

[ptebbe]

Thanks for the tips! I purchased his loader and I'm very happy with it so far. I like the look of the Femotec one but really don't have the time time right now to build/paint it. It would be a year before it was finished!

[buzzy16]

I'd love to have a wedico just because they look so good, but for the price they'd want to fit together easily without have to force anything, and you're want better instructions than what they supply from what iv heard.