DUKW

[CG Bob]

I built the Dean's Marine semi kit of the DUKW, amphibious truck. The model is 1:10 scale. The basic kit consists of a fiberglass hull and main deck, resin and white metal fittings, diagram and some written instruction manuals. You have several options on the DUKW model: 2 wheel drive; 4 wheel drive; 6 wheel drive; and propellor drive. I elected to go with full 6 wheel drive and propellor drive. I also added working road and navigation lights. I chose to paint the DUKW in USCG colors.

Two 12V batteries provide the power. The wheel drive motor is connected to the drive shaft by a belt and pulley arrangement. The propellor motor has a standard u-joint. Robbe diffs were used to transmit power to the wheels. The wheels are 4" model airplane wheels.

[Car5858]

Great work and attention to detail :cool:

The boat hook is a nice touch:cool::cool:

[fhhhstix]

CG Bob that is a cool looking machine you have there, can we get some more pics of it.

Travis

[CG Bob]

The boat hook is mainly used to pull up the plywood cargo deck, so I can get to the batteries.

A Futaba 4 channel radio controls the model:
Left stick up/down = propellor
Left stick left/right = electronic switch for lights
Right stick up/down = wheels
Righ stick left/right = steering

These pictures show the front axle; prop and rudder; deck screen behind the drivers area; and under the main hood.

[CG Bob]

It really does work well in the water. Unfortunately all of the lakes near me have steep banks, so I can't drive intpoo or out of the water.

[doodlebug]

Thank's for sharing, neat project. Have you considered a small launching ramp with no-skid tape, like what they use on boat's & skate board's? Portable & homemade?
Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug.

[Stuff]

I have wanted one for years!

bottom line, how much from beginning to end do you figure you put into it? (not including paint)

[CG Bob]

I think the cost breakdown was something like this:
Basic DUKW kit - $500
6 wheel drive kit - $700
Propellor drive kit - $100
Vantec ESC's - $150
12V SLA batteries - $30
4" Robart wheels/tires - $45
Ram light kits - $35
Electronic switch - $40

Total = $1600

I built the model about 7 years, and posted some pictures at another site (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276680&highlight=dukw).

I got the kit and drive components from Loyalhanna Dockyard (http://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/DUKW.htm).

[JoseFL10-4]

AWESOME, VERY RARE

[CG Bob]

Got some new tires (http://store.rc4wd.com/DUKW-19-Military-Offroad-Tires_p_2442.html) and rims (https://store.rc4wd.com/19-Militants-Rear-Wheels-pair_p_1645.html) installed on the DUKW.

[Daveroo]

i was just wondering what it would take to modify the new wheels to look like WWII combat wheels?.....use plastic sheet ect?....


very nice model though,i may look into this myself..

[Finster]

It is possible to purchase wheels that look like the WWII ones from a few sites. Not cheap but...

[RC Modeller]

Hi guys.
Not sure if you're still on the forum, but RC4WD have the perfect DUKW tyres. What we used to call in the Army sand tyres.

I also got the wheels from them.

Cheers

Chas

[skeeter]

Hi guys.
Not sure if you're still on the forum, but RC4WD have the perfect DUKW tyres. What we used to call in the Army sand tyres.

I also got the wheels from them.

Cheers

Chas

Is there a build thread for your DUKW?