MPE – 24M Motor Grader Build

[mpe]

Hello Fellow RCT&C Forum Members and guest.
In Respect to Freddy Gear Drive and what he has created here with
this forum I am dedicating this 1:16 Scale 24M Motor Grader build in
his honor. The CAD work is about 75% finish. The time in this build
will be (has been) long and expensive but it is coming together – slowly.

In Freddy’s honor…

Front Axle CAD
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/e6a383c9-1.jpg
Parts and the assembly...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/1da3e052.jpg

Pressing the bearing in place...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/f572d032.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/9de9eadc-1.jpg

Adding Spacers...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/72bc0473.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/dac8baf7.jpg

Piviot in place...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/5790ebad.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/23b065fb.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/a3dc63c2.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/0cc242ac.jpg

[Hemi1966]

Looks great. The 24M is a big one:)

Nice thought to dedicate this build for Freddy´s memory.

[tc1cat]

What an entrance:eek::eek: Your dedication of this build to Freddy is appreciated by all.

Now for some ??? What tires are you planning on using or are you going to make them? Hydraulics or actuators?

Keep the pics coming!!

[pigeonfarmboy]

Can't wait until I can draw 3D stuff like that! (Taking 3D classes this spring)

[tc1cat]

How many are you making:eek::eek: Missed the extras in the background of the last pic!!!

[pugs]

Nice looking work. Looks like 5 axis cnc machine? What kind?

[9W Monighan]

Amazing what can be done with the proper equipment and the will to go at it. I like the small bearings added to the pivot points.;)

[Grainfarmer]

Fantasic parts! Great job...!

[doodlebug]

Wow! this one will be watched! thank's for sharing this cool project.
Cheer's, Neil.

[Trucker47]

Beautiful work! We all appreciate the dedication you are making to Freddy! I will be subscribed for sure.

Chris

[Lil Giants]

Heck of an entrance! Freddy would have dislocated his jaw seeing this! Fabulous results so far. :cool:

[modelman]

Nice work! I am envious of folks who have cnc machines, while I stand over my manual mill for hours trying to make a small part.:D

[CustomClod]

Good start so far! Cant wait to see more.
Scott

[dirtpusher9]

Nice work, I'm glad to see someone building a 24. This should be good.

[mpe]

Hey everyone - thanks for your good words. Of all the models that I had built over the years this one is the most difficult by far but is easily my all time favorite!

tc1cat -
The tires are designed by me and are solid core rubber. I cannot take credit for the process because I had paid $$$ to a shop to make them for me.
The plan is for full Hydraulics. Some I will machine myself and some I will have a shop do.

How many am I building? - One maybe two. Parts that are very complex and $$$ I had extras machined, just in case I want to build a few more.

pigeonfarmboy -
Why wait till spring. There is great FREE CAD software that has full function but with some limitation... after 60 parts you cannot save the assembly. I have been using the Pro version for many years and it is really easy to use once you understand the basics. Here is the link for anyone that wants to explore 3D computer design software:
http://www.ptc.com/products/creo-elements-direct/modeling-express/
Are you taking classes for SolidWorks? I also run Solidworks 2012... very powerful but way harder with complex designs.


pugs -
You are right about the 5 axis, not sure on what kind was used because I cannot take credit on the machining. Many of the front axle parts I had paid $$$ to have machined.

modelman -
I know how you feel - I had spent many hours standing where you stand! I'm soooo glad I do not have to do that anymore.

[mpe]

A few more pictures...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/35021010.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/e78af4ab.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/b2459d6c.jpg

[Espeefan]

Wow. Amazing. Seems the construction models builds just keep getting better and better all the time. Awesome.

[mpe]

Had some time today to work on the rear housing assembly.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/599893e1.jpg

[mpe]

Bearings presssed into the differential housing.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/93eddb98.jpg

[mpe]

Bearing retaining ring bolted in place.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/96ae6598.jpg

[mpe]

Secondary housing with Tandem mounting flange assembly and final drive bearing housing.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/201fc35a.jpg

The two parts pressed together.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/5bb6f615.jpg

[mpe]

Another view of the pressed parts.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/e401210e.jpg

[mpe]

Rear housing before final assembly.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/9ba377fd.jpg

[mpe]

Rear housing assemblied without the internal gears and final drive. That will come later.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/e46854a4.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/fc3e2b37.jpg

[mazdaparts]

Wow, another amazing build. Can't wait to see it finished.

[9W Monighan]

Wow nice bolting. What size are those bolts? Looks a bit challenging doing the ones with the button heads in the blind hole (unless it was done on the machining center)

[Hemi1966]

Wow, that´s beautiful:) Will there be a chain drive to the wheels ?

[Espeefan]

Good grief those axle housings are phenomenal! I really don't know what else to say, except keep the updates coming, as you progress with this!

[RCP57]

I looked at this last night right before we headed out for dinner. The first thing that came to mind was Holy Sh!t!

What you've done so-far is truly amazing to me! Please keep the pictures and info coming!

Reg

[pugs]

Very nice looking build.

[Stefan]

Wow, that´s top-class! Really inspiring. Those flanges with the ribs seems like a complicated job. How did you do them? Are you using a four- or more axis mill?

By the way, looks like you are using stainless steel. Right?

Stefan

[dirtpusher9]

WOW, I'm astounded the craftsmanship. Way out of my league.

[pigeonfarmboy]

I wanna do inappropriate things to that axle housing :O

[SmallHaul]

Beautiful work!

Very inspirational.

Thanks for sharing.

[Izzy]

rather interesting - Teh axel housign brings a smile and delight to most peoples faces including mine and it brings ilicit thoughts to Pigeons mind......dude your twisted LOL ...... it is beautiful though......

[mpe]

Wow nice bolting. What size are those bolts? Looks a bit challenging doing the ones with the button heads in the blind hole (unless it was done on the machining center)

Thanks.
The bolts are M2 x .4 and they were drill and tapped on a machining center.

[mpe]

Wow, that´s beautiful:) Will there be a chain drive to the wheels ?

Yes I am using a chain drive for the wheels. Take a look at this...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/6049d032.jpg

[mpe]

Wow, that´s top-class! Really inspiring. Those flanges with the ribs seems like a complicated job. How did you do them? Are you using a four- or more axis mill?

By the way, looks like you are using stainless steel. Right?

Stefan

Thanks Stefan. The ribs were a problem from the start. It took a long time to find bearings that would fit in the overall design and when I did find the ones that I am using now (Two - 40 x 50 x 6mm), I could not find a place that had any in stock. The design was challenging enough but trying to find a shop to machine them for me was not easy either. When I finally got the parts machined ( on a 5 axis machine)– the shop miss-read the drawing and drilled and tapped the blind holes into the rib pockets. I had to fight to get them to remake the parts for me per the drawing. As you can see I won the fight and the part looks great!

Believe it or not but these parts are all very well machined T6 –6061 Aluminum

[mpe]

The wheels...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/231e150f.jpg

[mpe]

The wheel is pressed into the tire.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/2fcca3a0.jpg

[mpe]

Inside view

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/4ad8f5ef.jpg

[mpe]

Aluminum retaining clip

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/81e23313.jpg

[mpe]

Retaining clip snapped in place

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/50bf6d5a.jpg

[mpe]

Another view...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/5e50c1dd.jpg

[mpe]

All six stacked tires and ready...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/274ae60e.jpg

[mpe]

Tires installed on the front axle.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/d69a7e6c.jpg

[rc_farmer]

These graders are getting more and more outstanding. You are doing a fantabalous job!!!!

[titandigs]

Fantastic build, I know how long it takes for the drawing and programming stage, how long has this project been going.
Paul:)

[D8R]

Wow, that looks fantastic. Looks like our modeling friends building grader are taking the hobby to another level.
To bad that Santa did not come with a CNC mill last year, guess have to put that higher up on list for coming Christmas. Have been looking at a Optimum M2 but thats a $14.400 investment, a little to much right now.

Looking forward to see the progress on this build!
Dan

[pigeonfarmboy]

You made the tires? I'd be interested in that process if you care to explain.

[mpe]

Fantastic build, I know how long it takes for the drawing and programming stage, how long has this project been going.
Paul:)

I had taken a look at some of the original design files and it looks like March 2009 was when I started this project. Yeah... its been awhile!

[mpe]

You made the tires? I'd be interested in that process if you care to explain.

The process was quite easy for me but if you want to know you will have to promise NOT to get within 10 feet of the drive axle! just kidding...

Actually the tires were molded by a shop. I did the CAD for the tires and than drew up the mold design. The shop made the mold and tires for me.

[mpe]

The Frame...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/30d40a9e.jpg

[mpe]

Three M2 screws attaches the Tiedown Bracket

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/a95ffce0.jpg

[mpe]

Transmission bracket added

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/b48976df.jpg

[mpe]

and the lower Axle Bracket

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/293838e8.jpg

[pigeonfarmboy]

The process was quite easy for me but if you want to know you will have to promise NOT to get within 10 feet of the drive axle! just kidding...

Actually the tires were molded by a shop. I did the CAD for the tires and than drew up the mold design. The shop made the mold and tires for me.

Sounds cheap... :D

Yeah probably a good idea I never see any of this thing in person. :eek:

[mpe]

Upper axle mounting bracket

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/df568056.jpg

[mpe]

Rear support parts

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/71f68a9f.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/ed186eeb.jpg

[mpe]

Rear support bolted to one side of the frame

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/0f376087.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/ebeb9e71.jpg

[mpe]

Cylinder bracket added

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/a1b4fab3.jpg

[pugs]

Do you work around a 24m? How did you get all this detail figured out? It looks awesome!

[sparkycuda]

Wow! This grader is amazing. Still trying to get my head around the size of it. The molded-in tire markings make them look real, rather than just large rounds of rubber. What are the dimensions of the tires?

Waiting to see all the pieces come together as a machine. Keep up the great work!

Ken

[mpe]

Do you work around a 24m? How did you get all this detail figured out? It looks awesome!

Hey Pugs... I had never been around a 24 or even anywhere close to one or any grader for that matter. All the details of my design came from what I found in pictures and videos from the internet. I did a lot of research on this model to get it as close a possible to full scale. I still have a lot left to do.

[mpe]

Wow! This grader is amazing. Still trying to get my head around the size of it. The molded-in tire markings make them look real, rather than just large rounds of rubber. What are the dimensions of the tires?

Waiting to see all the pieces come together as a machine. Keep up the great work!

Ken

Thanks for the Wow! Ken and everyone else that has stopped by to checkout my build.
As for the tires... The diameter is 130.5mm (~5-1/8") x 54mm (~2-1/8") wide. The weight with the aluminum wheel and rubber is 751g (~26.5oz). Once I get the frame together I will give you a scale reference of some sort.

[mpe]

Front brackets...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/afe10a7f.jpg

[mpe]

Assemblied...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/0b260693.jpg

[mpe]

Attached to the frame without the center bracket...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/5ce123c1.jpg

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Very impressive build you are very talented person I cant wait to see more..

[JZA80]

i'm overwhelming in this site by all the talent people, just amazing.
kenny.

[Iron Art]

MPE, If you were to set a model shop truck along side all your parts, ready to make a pick, I'd be fooled into thinking you were assembling a full size grader. This is going to be a great model, hope to see it completed and at one of the West Coast Toy shows in the future. Fred

[JensR]

Guess I should scrap my grader :(

Sensational build!

Will you do a diff lock?

[9W Monighan]

Attached to the frame without the center bracket...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/afe10a7f.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/5ce123c1.jpg

How are the two outer plates joined to the center (3/4''plates?) Not the raised area around the flanges. I can't see if you bolted or pinned because the surface was sanded.

.

[mpe]

Guess I should scrap my grader :(

Sensational build!

Will you do a diff lock?

Thanks JensR. I am not adding a diff lock at this time.

[mpe]

How are the two outer plates joined to the center (3/4''plates?) Not the raised area around the flanges. I can't see if you bolted or pinned because the surface was sanded.

.

Ahh great question 9W. They are machined out of one solid chunk of aluminum with some amazing machining.

Well not really from one chunk. Actually the entire assembly has 5 parts and a lot of M2 screws. I had designed these parts so the screws are on the bottom so they would not be visible.

Take a look...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/8cb14d23.jpg

[mpe]

With center bracket

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/aeaf20ad.jpg

[mpe]

next part added

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/a0f8e39c.jpg

[mpe]

The complete assembly viewed from the bottom

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/e8ee4bd4.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/83d3810c.jpg

[9W Monighan]

I figured you made it that way but in the first photos the screws are underneath out of view and you have them going the same direction rather than reversing one side putting the screws in towards the center bracket .

[tc1cat]

This build is putting most of the builds on this forum down a notch :eek: Just shows what can be done with CAD and CNC machines. Can't wait to see it all together:D:D

[B-Train Hauler]

Hey Pugs... I had never been around a 24 or even anywhere close to one or any grader for that matter. All the details of my design came from what I found in pictures and videos from the internet. I did a lot of research on this model to get it as close a possible to full scale. I still have a lot left to do.

:eek::eek: Incredible job... Can't believe you'd never be around a real one! So much details just from pics & vids :eek: A lot of research, for sure, and a lot of mastership and talent too ;)
Cant't wait to see more!

[Lil Giants]

This build is putting most of the builds on this forum down a notch :eek: Just shows what can be done with CAD and CNC machines. Can't wait to see it all together:D:D

I'd hate to hazzard a guess what the dollar value might be to achieve this level of quality?! :eek:

Do you have any intentions of actually using this model in the dirt when it's finnished or is it more of a novelty museum piece?

[mpe]

I'd hate to hazzard a guess what the dollar value might be to achieve this level of quality?! :eek:


Do you have any intentions of actually using this model in the dirt when it's finnished or is it more of a novelty museum piece?

I cant share that with you because I do not want my wife to find out!

This grader will be played with in the dirt. That is why I am building it. I ran a lot of different construction equipment in my day but never a motor grader.

[mpe]

Bolted on axle housing

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/763e145c.jpg

[Lil Giants]

I cant share that with you because I do not want my wife to find out!


I hear That! 10-4 :D

Looking forward to your vids of wearing the paint off. http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/images/smilies/nice.gif

Your attention to detail is just astounding... too bad alot of it with be covered up!

[Espeefan]

Truly insane and perfect scale perfection. At least that's what it looks like! Did you have to deviate much from the blueprints and dimensions of the real machine? Not that it matters, because it's beautiful, but I was just curious if you had dimensions of the real machine to pattern everything from, or if you just knew some of the basics and winged the rest.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Truely outstanding craftsmanship! Reality in miniature has always drawn me to the hobby.Based on Lil Giants comment on "wearing the paint off" how will you paint the grader, powder coat?

[mpe]

Truly insane and perfect scale perfection. At least that's what it looks like! Did you have to deviate much from the blueprints and dimensions of the real machine? Not that it matters, because it's beautiful, but I was just curious if you had dimensions of the real machine to pattern everything from, or if you just knew some of the basics and winged the rest.

No I did not deviate. I start with the basic dimensions of the 1:1 machine that are available, that gives me the envelope where everything has to fit, and then work on eyeing the rest till I am happy with the overall look. Some parts are easy but some are a total guess from references to other parts and from pictures. I got a little luck because I came across a website that did a complete overall of a 24H with lots of pictures.

[mpe]

Truely outstanding craftsmanship! Reality in miniature has always drawn me to the hobby.Based on Lil Giants comment on "wearing the paint off" how will you paint the grader, powder coat?

Thank you for the compliment!
I think that I am going to powder the main parts and paint the rest. I am not too concerned about that at this point in the build.

[mpe]

The front brackets attached to the frame.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/14c97cf7.jpg

[mpe]

Another view.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/56ac445b.jpg

[mpe]

Frame completed.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/a5022f77.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/2f1a2888.jpg

[kerst]

Quite amazing! Beautiful work!

Kerst

[ihbuilder]

Never thought I'd say this 1 day :o isn't cnc machining cool :D . the grader looks GREAT :eek:

[pugs]

That thing is beautiful!

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Wow that is unreal...

[Azonic]

Wow, wow and WOW!!

What an beautiful piece of art!

[rc_farmer]

My hat's off to ya!

[mpe]

What it will look like with the tires
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/c272e428.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/03fdddab.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/b664bd97.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/e8dcbcb8.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/e228a3a6.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/02b26ddc.jpg

[jtroyer06]

Truly amazing work! Hats off!

[footprint]

Wow, you guys arnt so much raising the bar but redefining where it starts.
As for the controller as its a larger model have you thought about using a nano-itx board a PC servo controller & Arduino? this would give you 16-30 servos and 20 digital I/O for lights and sensors.
Best of luck for the rest of the build keep us updated, we love the pics!.

[JensR]

Hi footprint!

On my grader I currently use two modified Turnigy 9x transmitters to control 16 functions.
But I plan to switch to my own arduino-based transmitter with more functionality.

I am not sure why you suggest with the itx board?
You can make two arduinos talk with each other very easily and that's cheaper, smaller and uses much less energy.
What can the itx board combination do that outweighs those points?

Cheers
Jens

[footprint]

Hi Jens,
Yes i do like your joystick mod its very cool and im thinking of doing something similar but using the UNO and sending it all over WiFi, i've been looking from some good cheap joysticks (2nd hand) but with little luck so far.
The ITX board would provide 2 things; USB so you can use one (or 2) of the 24ch servo controllers and an Arduino for just the digital outputs, lights, sensors - tie these into a user interface and you have unlimited mixing & control options, eg pump, lights and indicators.
And second easy WiFi, the Xbee mods are pretty good and coming down in price but 802n cards with pigtails will a give better range and antenna options.
So while you could use a Arduino Mega, (14pwm i/o) and an xbee, i would be more inclined to over complicate it for the additional features. At 30" in size i would guess there should be space to hide it all the PICO-ITX is 7x10cm, however as stated power consumption would be considerably higher.
Edit: you could also use 2 xbee mods and a servo controller that uses 232 via one xbee but im kind of looking at it like using the ITX as a PLC/SCADA which also means using a laptop as the controller.

[JensR]

Hi Footprint!

Hm...
But we do not need xbee range. Beyond 10m, it gets really hard to grade, beyond 30m, it gets really hard to even steer. (1m is roughly one yard.)

Here's what I currently use and plan on building on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Cm3TxekJO4
(The description has more info.)

This is also fully programmable, but uses very little power in a compact form factor.

So you would have the ITX on the grader and connect the USB servo-controllers to the ITX? And then you add an Arduino to control the lights?
Why not use the Arduino to do everything?
IMO, that's a lot of stuff to put into what will be a crowded machine.

And a Laptop as transmitter? On many driving courses, you might have to walk behind the machine. And how do you connect all the controls to the laptop? USB joysticks? But will that work? Look at the Caterpillar M-Series layout - you have to modify the sticks. How do you get those mods into the USB format without further complications? I guess there must be potentiometer-to-USB converters. But why not cut out the middleman and go Arduino directly on either end?
And even if you go with the previous H-series layout, you'd have loads of 2-axis joysticks arranged around a laptop, which you would be schlepping around the course.

To be fair, the Laptop would probably be a very nice and even realistic display. And you could reprogram your radio in the field - but all at a cost

Building a controller/radio is a project by itself and there are so many different options. It's always good to hear from other people's approaches. :)

Cheers
Jens

[mpe]

Footprint and JensR -

Thanks for the information on the electronics. I have been tossing around a few different approaches on how I want to control this beast. Once I get her on a rolling chassis I will focus more on the electronics and controls. I may want to bounce some ideals off of you guys when I get to that point.

[mpe]

I just finished with the final design of the tandems. I will need to spend some time on getting the drawings finished so I can get the machining process started.

Here is the CAD of the rear frame and tandem drive assembly
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/aa88eb28.jpg

[D8R]

wow, incredable!!!
Looks like made from factory blue prints!
Dan

[tc1cat]

MPE- This vehicle is truly a work of art:eek: In 1 of your posts, you mention not thinking much about paint or powder coating yet. Well you might want to as you need to allow for either of them for clearances for the final build. Paint on a 1 to 1 is not that big of a deal but when you shrink down to our scale coatings are a thing to be reckoned with. Things go together very nicely until you have paint on them- voice of experience.

[doodlebug]

Hey MPE, look's great sofar! Question on the radio? have you concidered one of that can run multiple model's at the flick of a switch? 1 radio, 3 reciver's may be the ticket.
Just a thought. cheer's, Neil.

[JensR]

MPE, I would be delighted to talk a bit electronics :)

In the meantime, I think you need to work on your CAD model...


...I fear it's not the right yellow! :D :D :D

Just kidding of course!

It's so awesome that Caterpillar are changing their blueprints to match yours!

[grumpygrady]

for joy sticks check your local coin operated games guy
should have some old games that don't work and have the joy sticks
if you can't find them stop at your local bar/pub and ask who owns there machines and talk to them


Hi Jens,
Yes i do like your joystick mod its very cool and i'm thinking of doing something similar but using the UNO and sending it all over WiFi, i've been looking from some good cheap joysticks (2nd hand) but with little luck so far.
The ITX board would provide 2 things; USB so you can use one (or 2) of the 24ch servo controllers and an Arduino for just the digital outputs, lights, sensors - tie these into a user interface and you have unlimited mixing & control options, eg pump, lights and indicators.
And second easy WiFi, the Xbee mods are pretty good and coming down in price but 802n cards with pigtails will a give better range and antenna options.
So while you could use a Arduino Mega, (14pwm i/o) and an xbee, i would be more inclined to over complicate it for the additional features. At 30" in size i would guess there should be space to hide it all the PICO-ITX is 7x10cm, however as stated power consumption would be considerably higher.
Edit: you could also use 2 xbee mods and a servo controller that uses 232 via one xbee but i'm kind of looking at it like using the ITX as a PLC/SCADA which also means using a laptop as the controller.

[JensR]

for joy sticks check your local coin operated games guy
should have some old games that don't work and have the joy sticks
if you can't find them stop at your local bar/pub and ask who owns there machines and talk to them

These are available on ebay: arcade joystick*

Some issues I can see:
Not cheap if you need several
rather heavy (but admittedly good quality and sturdiness)
only two axes per joystick, so copying Caterpillar's sweet M-series control is not easily possible

Cheers
Jens

[tootall]

Great build !!!!! for joysticks you could use some of these 4 axis ones from servo city. http://www.servocity.com/html/4_function_joystick.html

[JensR]

Great build !!!!! for joysticks you could use some of these 4 axis ones from servo city. http://www.servocity.com/html/4_function_joystick.html

Not bad, these look really sturdy. The fourth function is only on-off, though - but I guess one could modify those sticks - still cheaper than buying a full-scale industrial joysticks and more sturdy than the converted gaming joysticks I use.

[footprint]

Thanks for the update, had me worried you were buried in a pile of swarf.
JensR, Ive been working on a prototype, ive got 4-axis off an old controller to a PC front end then sent back to control 4 servos and 16 latched digital outputs.
Am still having some comms dramas but after some reading theres a memory leak in the USB driver but should be able to find a work around. With this scheme it would be fairly easy to have an ardunio on each end and an xbee for the TX/RX, and either no PC or a laptop for monitoring & feedback. Due to my student budget im waiting to pickup that mutiplexing IC and the xbees, but ive got the bare bones going for now.

[JensR]

Hi footprint!
A servo-multiplexing IC only costs a few quid at hobbytronics?!
Which ones are you using? Maybe they are higher performance?
I've been mildly looking for some with higher resolution.
The xbees are more expensive devices that the multplexer, but are IMO a bit overkill for this (and similar) applications in terms of range. However, they are a tried and tested solution. NRF24L01 is a cheap alternative, but you have to come up with your own protocol...

[footprint]

Yes same ones and only a a few quid but due to cutbacks at work all us apprentices got the boot, so for now ive ~60 a week to live on so a few quid is a few cans of soup. I am thinking of selling my RC-Heli's if anyones interested.
The xbees are still on my plans as in the future i can use the ADC & D I/O for other projects, range is more optimal and im already using mod 232, 9600,8,1 so can just "bind" and i should be away. Still the next few weeks are packed solid with Tec so be a few weeks before i can concentrate on it in the meantime am working on the frontend and a better comms standard for better flexibility but as it stands now on the breadboard, without the demux IC, 6 servos and 16 latched D/O''s but for things like pumps you could always build a few H-bridges to save the channels.
Anyway i'll start a new thread soon, save clogging up MPE's AWESOME! build, subtle hint - We need more pictures :)

I did get a little sidetracked playing with the adrunio the other day,
http://youtu.be/_D5MnshZl0Q

[mpe]

Hey Guys... Not much to show right now in way of pictures. Life has a way of getting in the way of doing my fun projects and CAD drawings take a bit of time to finish.

Here is a post of the internal chain and gears on the tandem drive. One overlook when I was designing this part, I failed to compensate for chain slack. I am not going to change the model any because of its complexity. Instead I will add a half link to the chain. This is going to be a little more then I want but it should work out Ok.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/1658d8cf.jpg

[mpe]

MPE- This vehicle is truly a work of art:eek: In 1 of your posts, you mention not thinking much about paint or powder coating yet. Well you might want to as you need to allow for either of them for clearances for the final build. Paint on a 1 to 1 is not that big of a deal but when you shrink down to our scale coatings are a thing to be reckoned with. Things go together very nicely until you have paint on them- voice of experience.

tc1cat - Yes you are so right with the paint. But I am not really concerned because I have experience painting small assemblies. The tandems rotation is not an issue for paint. The rear frame including the body will be painted assembled. The cab and neck will also be painted once assembled. Problems areas could arise from the front axle and blade. My thoughts are to have these parts, and basically all painted parts assemblies before paint. This could all change once this thing is complete, and if it does I can deal with it then. I will use an airbrush when I paint this model.

[mpe]

Hey MPE, look's great sofar! Question on the radio? have you concidered one of that can run multiple model's at the flick of a switch? 1 radio, 3 reciver's may be the ticket.
Just a thought. cheer's, Neil.

Neil - Not a bad idea to get this thing moving while I work the controls out.

[mpe]

MPE, I would be delighted to talk a bit electronics :)

In the meantime, I think you need to work on your CAD model...


...I fear it's not the right yellow! :D :D :D

Just kidding of course!

It's so awesome that Caterpillar are changing their blueprints to match yours!


JensR - Thanks for the great compliment! As far as the color goes... I was waiting for someone to call me on that! Actually the color in my CAD program is CAT correct but between doing screen shots and Photobucket the color morphs to this bright yellow that you see in my post. I haven’t taken the time to investigate why that is.

[mpe]

Yes same ones and only a a few quid but due to cutbacks at work all us apprentices got the boot, so for now ive ~60 a week to live on so a few quid is a few cans of soup. I am thinking of selling my RC-Heli's if anyones interested.
The xbees are still on my plans as in the future i can use the ADC & D I/O for other projects, range is more optimal and im already using mod 232, 9600,8,1 so can just "bind" and i should be away. Still the next few weeks are packed solid with Tec so be a few weeks before i can concentrate on it in the meantime am working on the frontend and a better comms standard for better flexibility but as it stands now on the breadboard, without the demux IC, 6 servos and 16 latched D/O''s but for things like pumps you could always build a few H-bridges to save the channels.
Anyway i'll start a new thread soon, save clogging up MPE's AWESOME! build, subtle hint - We need more pictures :)

I did get a little sidetracked playing with the adrunio the other day,
http://youtu.be/_D5MnshZl0Q

Footprint - sorry about your job! I look forward to your thread. It will be great to see what you have going in way of electronics.

[mpe]

Found some time to work on the rear steps...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/36dad46d.jpg

[mpe]

Hand Tapping the ruins for M1.4 threads....
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/4df2f01a.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/bef45805.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/0a97f52a.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/dd8f4ced.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/558fc6db.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/39e06e3b.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/4ae376d3.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/7a8f9b1c.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/fe95850a.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/5c8353ee.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/61356b1b.jpg

[Azonic]

OMG! Crazy details! :eek:

[Stefan]

Very nice work!!!

Stefan

[D8R]

Wow, that bogie should be view-able without any structure above, hiding all those nice details!
Dan

[Hofabooz]

Hi

Thats great work to a very highstandard.
thanks for posting pic gives something to work to.

Regards

Mark

[mpe]

Steps completed...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/7f07d70c.jpg

[JAMMER]

That is some excellent machine work there it is very nice keep up the good work. Ed

[mpe]

Thanks guys for all you compliments.
Hey Stefan... when are you going to post some more of your outstanding work on that G990?

Here are a few more pictures of some of the details of the wheel hubs and tandem body parts.

Rear axle top view...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/a2fc7d1c.jpg

[mpe]

Rear axle with bearing pressed on...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/a03dec61.jpg

[mpe]

Hub with bearing
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/cd4a0c3e.jpg

Both parts press together
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/9661aae5.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/43f49ac5.jpg

[mpe]

All four assemblies
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/2bdb38e8.jpg

[mpe]

Assembled on frame
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/c3472a20.jpg

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/950daf0f.jpg

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/7df935bd.jpg

[egronvold]

It just looks amazing!

[apfubar]

:eek:

WOW!

Simply amazing....

Cheers,
AP

[9W Monighan]

You gotta love all those bolts.

[Stefan]

Hey Stefan... when are you going to post some more of your outstanding work on that G990?


Patience! :D:D I do have something in the pipeline... but hardly anything so excellent as your work ;).

Stefan

[dabears]

WOW you have some crazy skills!! Those hubs and steps are sweet!!! Keep up the great work!!

[modelman]

Very nice work-Great details!!

[rc_farmer]

Just sick! just sick!:D

Where did U get that big 24M diecast?

[doodlebug]

Just sick! just sick!:D

Where did U get that big 24M diecast?

Bought mine at Wheeler Machinery, here's a link for 1 source http://www.3000toys.com/brands/caterpillar.html

MPE, Like your creativity, Keep it up:D:D:D:D

Cheer's, Neil.

[mpe]

Actually the grader you see pictured is a 24H and the site that Neil mentioned http://www.3000toys.com/brands/caterpillar.html is where I bought it from. Not sure but I think that the 24H has been discontinued. The 24M in my opion is a much nicer model then the 24H in 1:50 scale.

[doodlebug]

Actually the grader you see pictured is a 24H and the site that Neil mentioned http://www.3000toys.com/brands/caterpillar.html is where I bought it from. Not sure but I think that the 24H has been discontinued. The 24M in my opion is a much nicer model then the 24H in 1:50 scale.

You are right, mine's a 24 H, still like the model!

Cheer's, Neil.

[mpe]

I'm back. Sorry about the long delay on this build. I ran into some computer/ software issues and to make a long story short I ended up redrawing the entire model. One a good note I have a nice new super-fast HP mobile work station that works very well with SolidWorks 2013... I'm happy!
I do not have any parts to show as of today but I can give an update on the design progress.
Here are some images of the front end. This is/was the most complicated part to design so far. This part is out for quote and I am prepared for the worse as far as what the price might be.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/24Mpic2_zps04834ee7.jpg

[mpe]

Populated with parts...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/24Mpic3_zpsa8b7b449.jpg

[mpe]

One more...

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/24Mpic1_zpsf9f57c06.jpg

[D8R]

Welcome back, I sat the other day looking thru this build and was worried if you had stopped the build.
Yes , I know the software problems, I make mine drawing in a Window98/SW98 computer, scared that it will stop working any time. Did buy a upgrade to SW2008 but didn´t get any code, and can´t find the original code so I guess I'm stucked to the old one.
Looks like the grader builder taking the lead here, With Ari, Stefan and youe self building 3 different brands/models in different scales to.
Looking forward to see pics coming.
Dan

[RCLogger]

WOW Your grader is jaw dropping, it is one thing to watch the build but I am sure there is more folks watching this thread that want to TOUCH IT like I do ! ! ! Maybe just to see that it is real !
Your CAD work it crazy. Is it hard to learn or do you have some back ground in that type of work

Greg

[Madda]

RCLogger, It is hard in the beginning because you really don't know what you are doing, but after you get it then it is a lot of fun!

MPE, I'm using SW also, your model looks very good! Can't wait to see it alive. Are you using the sheetmetal feature there? How the 2013 version is compared to 2012?

[mpe]

Welcome back, I sat the other day looking thru this build and was worried if you had stopped the build.
Yes , I know the software problems, I make mine drawing in a Window98/SW98 computer, scared that it will stop working any time. Did buy a upgrade to SW2008 but didn´t get any code, and can´t find the original code so I guess I'm stucked to the old one.
Looks like the grader builder taking the lead here, With Ari, Stefan and youe self building 3 different brands/models in different scales to.
Looking forward to see pics coming.
Dan

Thanks Dan... Hopefully what happened to me does not happen to you. My main issue was all the CAD files came from a different CAD software other than SW. After getting nowhere with the other CAD people I decided to upgrade and my thinking was I could export the files as iges into SW... long story short... yea it work but not all that well when it came to making the 2D drawing files. I found many in correct dimensions and radius, so I spent the last year redoing everything in SW.

Maybe one day Ari, Stefan, and myself can get all three of these graders together in one place for people to enjoy...

[mpe]

Just as it was getting interesting NO MORE PICTURES more midnight oil needed.
Tim

Tim... Midnight oil is all I seem to have these days for this hobby.

[mpe]

WOW Your grader is jaw dropping, it is one thing to watch the build but I am sure there is more folks watching this thread that want to TOUCH IT like I do ! ! ! Maybe just to see that it is real !
Your CAD work it crazy. Is it hard to learn or do you have some back ground in that type of work

Greg

Greg... Thanks for that compliment and yes it’s real!
Little history... I started CAD about 15 years ago and have been making my living designing parts and systems for the Hi-Tec industry for the last 10 years. The CAD is the easy part. Knowing how to make it all come together and work is sometimes the bigger challenge.

[tracksntreadslou]

Greg... Thanks for that compliment and yes it’s real!
Little history... I started CAD about 15 years ago and have been making my living designing parts and systems for the Hi-Tec industry for the last 10 years. The CAD is the easy part. Knowing how to make it all come together and work is sometimes the bigger challenge.

Awsome work .It Quite a challenge making everything fit .Look scale and Properly work .Im sure it will all work Quite well when done..Hats off on this Build ..Top 5 in my books Cheers and happy new year

[mpe]

RCLogger, It is hard in the beginning because you really don't know what you are doing, but after you get it then it is a lot of fun!

MPE, I'm using SW also, your model looks very good! Can't wait to see it alive. Are you using the sheetmetal feature there? How the 2013 version is compared to 2012?

Madda, Thanks for your good words. No sheet metal at this stage. I will design the case parts using sheet metal features later down the road.

Not a lot of major differences in what I use but some differences that I use daily...
In assemblies I can insert mulitiply part at one time (Very useful).
They made creating section view in 2D drawings very simple. One click and a couple of adjustments to the section line and I am done!

[Madda]

Both updates you mention seem very good, migh wanna try the new one.

If you aren't familiar with sheetmetal features then there is a button that can make your boss extrude into sheetmetal part, then you can unfold and other stuff with that part. Very useful, I make most of my parts that way (always going the easy route :))

[mpe]

Just a heads up for all those that have been following my build. I should be getting some new parts in the next couple of weeks or so (finally!). I have a few issues with the main neck that had to be worked out - as I stated in a previous post, the neck is by far the most completed part on this build to date.

[Espeefan]

Good to see this thread is still alive! It slipped through the cracks, and it had been so long since I posted in it, I wasn't even sure if this was a new build or one I had missed! Incredible is the best word I can come up with. The axles, the rear frame, the tires, the rims, the attention to detail! I think this is one of about 4 or 5 top builds on this forum! Seems you guys with CNC machines are all cranking out models of this top notch caliber! Makes me feel like throwing in the towel on my simple, modest builds. I feel like a 2nd grader, stacking blocks or something, compared to what you are doing! Truly amazing work. When the updates come, I'll be watching, and drooling! :D

Just had to note, you probably have more fasteners in just the axles and hubs then about two Tamiya King Hauler kits. :D Speaking of semi trucks, please, can you post more photos, or a build thread of your (Kenworth?) tri-axle truck, sitting in the background? It looks every bit as incredible! I'd love to see more of it.

[doodlebug]

Welcome back, I'll send you some frame pictures, to make you feel better!
Ive been working on a grader for my Skidsteer loader, wanted to scrap it
Several times! Keep up the great work!
Cheers, Neil.

[mpe]

Good to see this thread is still alive! It slipped through the cracks, and it had been so long since I posted in it, I wasn't even sure if this was a new build or one I had missed! Incredible is the best word I can come up with. The axles, the rear frame, the tires, the rims, the attention to detail! I think this is one of about 4 or 5 top builds on this forum! Seems you guys with CNC machines are all cranking out models of this top notch caliber! Makes me feel like throwing in the towel on my simple, modest builds. I feel like a 2nd grader, stacking blocks or something, compared to what you are doing! Truly amazing work. When the updates come, I'll be watching, and drooling! :D

Just had to note, you probably have more fasteners in just the axles and hubs then about two Tamiya King Hauler kits. :D Speaking of semi trucks, please, can you post more photos, or a build thread of your (Kenworth?) tri-axle truck, sitting in the background? It looks every bit as incredible! I'd love to see more of it.


My apologies for the long delays on this build. There is a lot of work that is involved with this build from the design to the machining and everything else that falls in between. Dealing with vendors and machine shops - as we all know can be somewhat of a challenge at times... but besides all that just finding some time to be able to work on it would be nice!

Not to worry... this build is not dead. I will keep plugging away at it till I finish.

The semi is loosely based off of a peterbilt 365 daycab -another project that I have been working on in my free time. It still needs lots of work so at this point I am not ready to do a thread on the build but thanks for the compliments.

[mpe]

Welcome back, I'll send you some frame pictures, to make you feel better!
Ive been working on a grader for my Skidsteer loader, wanted to scrap it
Several times! Keep up the great work!
Cheers, Neil.


Neil,
If you have any pictures that I do not already have of a 24M that would make my day!
I say never scrap a build. I does not matter to me if it is the simplest to the most complex build.... if it has a motor and moves I love seeing it come alive in a build. As it was all of those simple builds that influenced me to seeing if it was even possible to building as close to real scale models that I now build.

[doodlebug]

I don't have any 24M picture's, just the ugly duckling that I'm scratch building. Not pretty, but will do the job when finished. No CAD (cardboard aided design):eek::eek::eek:
Cheer's, Neil.

[oldwestrnwear]

I have just read this thread from start to end in amazement at the talent and dedication put into this model
but I look at my model then look at this one and feel like a cave man who just made his first stone wheel very proud of my wheel but can lonely dream of what I would build with just a quarter of mpe's talent and skill!
amazing
perry

[mpe]

I have just read this thread from start to end in amazement at the talent and dedication put into this model
but I look at my model then look at this one and feel like a cave man who just made his first stone wheel very proud of my wheel but can lonely dream of what I would build with just a quarter of mpe's talent and skill!
amazing
perry


Perry.. Thanks for the compliment!

[mpe]

Well finally I have some new parts to build. Here is the build-up of the upper cylinder bank assembly bracket.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00694_zpsdcf400ae.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00694_zpsdcf400ae.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Pass-thru parts post assembly
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00695_zpsa15462a2.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00695_zpsa15462a2.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Hand tapping the M1.6 threads
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00697_zpsf7f546a9.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00697_zpsf7f546a9.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Pressing the M12 Bearings in place
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00698_zpsa48fbe6b.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00698_zpsa48fbe6b.jpg.html)

[mpe]

The two halves assemblied with all the bearings in place
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00699_zps4a0472d4.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00699_zps4a0472d4.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Chain brackets in place
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00700_zps8de4d801.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00700_zps8de4d801.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Pass-thru assemblied and ready to be bolted in place
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00702_zpsaeee1d2d.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00702_zpsaeee1d2d.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Completed assembly
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00703_zps8884838d.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00703_zps8884838d.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00704_zps02bdb603.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00704_zps02bdb603.jpg.html)

[doodlebug]

Wow! That's a lot of detail:D:D:D
Cheers, Neil.

[mpe]

A few more parts...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00705_zpscceebb38.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00705_zpscceebb38.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00706_zpsf70580d4.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00706_zpsf70580d4.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00707_zpsc05cf326.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00707_zpsc05cf326.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Assembly completed
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00708_zps3bab69a9.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00708_zps3bab69a9.jpg.html)

[mpe]

This isnt the best picture but it does shows where the parts will all go once the neck comes back for the machine shop.
They said in about 3 weeks. So until then this is all I have for now.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00709_zpsb298b417.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00709_zpsb298b417.jpg.html)

[Kingcam2]

Great workmen ship MPE.

When you finish making 24M Motor Grader, and you want to start selling them as a Rc kit, I would buy on for sure, :drool: :bounce:

From Cameron.

[mpe]

While I am waiting for the neck to come back form the machine shop I thought that I would post some pictures of a few of the parts that will get bolted to it.

Here are the support gussets and lower neck plate that helps support the front axle assembly and ties everything together.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00710_zpsff1f1f53.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00710_zpsff1f1f53.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Here are the gussets bolted in place with 4 M2 x 4 mm SHCS for each gusset.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00711_zpsd55c2f3e.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00711_zpsd55c2f3e.jpg.html)

[mpe]

This is what the bearing assembly that attaches the neck to the rear frame looks like before assemblied.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00712_zps80595587.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00712_zps80595587.jpg.html)

[mpe]

This pictures shows the bearings and connector pin as it sits in the rear frame. The neck will get sandwiched inbetween the bearings plates and bolted in place with 12 M2 x 12mm shcs that clamp the bearing assembly and 3 M2 x 6mm shcs that bolt the flange part of the bearing plate to the neck. The connector pin is held in place by 8 M2 x 8 shcs.
Once the neck is attached to the rear frame it will be very hard to see these features.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00713_zpsce8aa042.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00713_zpsce8aa042.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00738_zps7247d698.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00738_zps7247d698.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00742_zpsd207caba.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00742_zpsd207caba.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00739_zps9eb58c1d.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00739_zps9eb58c1d.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00744_zps504d1573.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00744_zps504d1573.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00740_zpsfc67c915.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00740_zpsfc67c915.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00741_zps8e9bd694.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00741_zps8e9bd694.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00743_zpse4e18806.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00743_zpse4e18806.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00745_zps8e433e52.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00745_zps8e433e52.jpg.html)

[mpe]

That's all for now...

[max52]

congratulations nice work

[9W Monighan]

:popcorn: really enjoy seeing the progress on your machine--model?

[Espeefan]

Really nice updates, MPE. I love all the little details. Making separate parts that bolt up like the full sized machine, is the most realistic way to go. The neck looks fantastic. Looking forward to more updates as they come.

[D8R]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00739_zps9eb58c1d.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00739_zps9eb58c1d.jpg.html)

Looking very good (as usual), like those milled in mounting plates. See that there's other project's going on too, a drill that will be a donnor of it's motor and gearbox :rolleyes:

Dan

[JAMMER]

Very nice work you have a lot of Cad time on this. Ed

[mpe]

Great workmen ship MPE.

When you finish making 24M Motor Grader, and you want to start selling them as a Rc kit, I would buy on for sure, :drool: :bounce:

From Cameron.

Thanks Cameron...
if and I dought that "IF" will ever happen, your at the top of the list for a kit. Better start saving because it will be $$$$$$.

[mpe]

Really nice updates, MPE. I love all the little details. Making separate parts that bolt up like the full sized machine, is the most realistic way to go. The neck looks fantastic. Looking forward to more updates as they come.

Little insight on the neck... I had place the order to the machine shop back in late January. The part was remachined 3 times before it was made correctly because of machining issues. 6 months later I had the part at my door. I had to do some slight machining on various features to get the correct fit that I was looking for but all in all as complicated as the neck was to machine - I am very happy with the final results and the job they did on it!

[mpe]

Looking very good (as usual), like those milled in mounting plates. See that there's other project's going on too, a drill that will be a donnor of it's motor and gearbox :rolleyes:

Dan

Thanks Dan.
I am not ready to give up my Dewalt drill for parts... she has been a good drill for me over the years when I was in the contracting business, although I am sure she would wear the 24M proud if it came to that.

Here is a glimpse of my project wall - all are in various stages of design and build. The D11R is most recent with about four years on the design. I am planing to start cutting metal in the near future on that one.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00746_zps45815505.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00746_zps45815505.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Few more pictures...
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00747_zps00e656a3.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00747_zps00e656a3.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00750_zpsf232c944.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00750_zpsf232c944.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00749_zps033d02e1.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/DSC00749_zps033d02e1.jpg.html)

[Espeefan]

Beautiful! What else can I say? It looks this good already, and it's not even done yet. I can't wait to see the rest.

[od jhon deer]

look forward to more of an awesome build where did u get the tires done at

[Markus K.]

WOW, holy crap! That is sick! What an awesome work!

[mpe]

Little update... I have been working on a few different designs for the hydraulics. The plan is to keep everything small and compacted. More on that as I develop the system.

Also I am in the process of redesigning the drive system to make it a little more practical with components that are on the market. This will help to keep the cost down by not having so many custom parts on the drive system. Most of these part will be out of view anyway so I will not take anything away from the design intent and look of the model.

There will also be an update with more machined parts added to the model. I should have the parts in a few weeks or so. Yes it has been a while since I have posted... just too many projects going on the past 8 months. Think I should retire so I can just work on my RC rigs.

Od Jhon deer...
I had the tires made through a friend that worked at a Hi tech company that had a mold machine in their shop. I had to design the mold and pay for the material and his time and the process took a little bit of time because we had to use the machine in the off hours.

Markus...
thanks for the praise. There is a lot of time, $$$, and work invested in this model.

Espeefan...
There are more parts on the way!

[ricm]

100% AWESOME build - stunning!

[Ekimjr]

very nice build i cant wait to see the end result '

[mpe]

A few more parts added to the main frame.

Here is a picture of the front counter weight bolted in place
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0174_zps119beb17.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0174_zps119beb17.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Cylinder brackets added
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0171_zps215d244a.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0171_zps215d244a.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Picture of the walkway and step installed
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0173_zpse6df4551.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0173_zpse6df4551.jpg.html)

[mpe]

Walkway supports installed
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0175_zpsced2996f.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0175_zpsced2996f.jpg.html)

[mpe]

One last picture of the walkway
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0170_zpsebaf3901.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/IMG_0170_zpsebaf3901.jpg.html)

[JAMMER]

Mpe this is a very nice build and you have paid a lot of attention to detail and it shows. You must have a lot of Cad time in on this one. Keep up the Great work. Ed

[Espeefan]

Wow, the walkway/platforms are amazing. Must have took some time to machine those parts out of aluminum! Your truck cabs in the background look nice too. 3D printed, I assume? I can't wait to see the rest of your projects. Judging from your project wall you are going to have an incredible fleet of models, when you get them all finished up.

[ricm]

:jaw::jaw::jaw:stunning......

[dabears]

WOW!!!! That is killer looking. Kinda jelous of your project wall! Also the 2 cabs I see and all those shiney rims!!! What part of Northern Cali are you in?

[mpe]

Mpe this is a very nice build and you have paid a lot of attention to detail and it shows. You must have a lot of Cad time in on this one. Keep up the Great work. Ed

Thanks Ed... And over 5 years of CAD and it is still not finished!

[mpe]

Wow, the walkway/platforms are amazing. Must have took some time to machine those parts out of aluminum! Your truck cabs in the background look nice too. 3D printed, I assume? I can't wait to see the rest of your projects. Judging from your project wall you are going to have an incredible fleet of models, when you get them all finished up..

Espeefan... I can't tell you how long it took but I'm sure there is a fair amount of machine time that went into the platforms. Each one of those thru features is 1.5mm wide x 3mm deep. Yes you are correct on the cabs. I printed those six years ago and from what I remember it took around 14 hours to print one.

[mpe]

:jaw::jaw::jaw:stunning......

Ricm... Thanks!

[mpe]

WOW!!!! That is killer looking. Kinda jelous of your project wall! Also the 2 cabs I see and all those shiney rims!!! What part of Northern Cali are you in?

Debears... Thanks. I'm in Sunnyvale. Between San Jose and Plato Alto.

[mpe]

Few more pictures to look.http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg1_zps887ae081.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg1_zps887ae081.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg4_zps2b4b32c1.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg4_zps2b4b32c1.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg2_zpsbe2e879c.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg2_zpsbe2e879c.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg3_zpsc1db0c90.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg3_zpsc1db0c90.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg6_zps0979a872.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg6_zps0979a872.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg5_zps4c6a8c8b.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg5_zps4c6a8c8b.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg8_zps790aeeda.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg8_zps790aeeda.jpg.html)

[mpe]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/khim1313/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg7_zpsf6e5398d.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/khim1313/media/MPE/mpe%2024M%20Motor%20Grader/imagejpg7_zpsf6e5398d.jpg.html)