Utility Truck

[cyanide]

I am not sure where to put this build, it could go in truck, construction or here. but I choose here, admin please move if incorrect.

This is a non specific army truck build. It will be 40's to 60's in style. It is a very basic build compared the the beautiful builds I am finding here, but I want to start simple, I can improve my detailing as I learn the tricks.

Kind of like this.
http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/SS-EX.jpg

This is the chassis:
http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB11.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB10.jpg

and some images of the front.
http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB13.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB14.jpg

It will be made as an ex military truck brought into a civilian live as a utility truck. I plan to make different things to put on the back, like a crane, sweeper attchments etc.

It is not super scaled, as you can see I am using car valve springs in the front. I will use what ever I can find in the scape pile to build it. I have been concidering using the motor valves as outriggers, but we'll see.

[RCLaser]

OH! I think I am gonna like this one... Nice start.... ! cant wait to see more!
jeff

[glorydays24]

I agree with Jeff, this is going to be on my watch list.;):):cool:

Big John

[Autocar]

Anything Military has got my eye‚ that is if its early and ground based dont want to offend anyone who is particulary into the newer stuff but I prefer the older stuff

[WhiteWolf McBride]

PLEASE:

Specs on those rims/tires? That looks like it could become like something out of one of the Mad Max movies... particularly #3 with all those monsters hiding bits behind canvas ragtops.

Hmmm, that gives me a few ideas... or it could be made into a BTR-152... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BTR-152 (as seen in " Navy Seals " )

Let us know, ok?

[cyanide]

PLEASE:

Specs on those rims/tires? That looks like it could become like something out of one of the Mad Max movies... particularly #3 with all those monsters hiding bits behind canvas ragtops.

Hmmm, that gives me a few ideas... or it could be made into a BTR-152... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BTR-152 (as seen in " Navy Seals " )

Let us know, ok?

Specs as follows:

Front:
Pro-Line Dirt Works 2.2" All Terrain Truck
Pro-Line Epic 2.2" Black/Black Bead-Loc

Rear:
RC4WD Rock Crusher X/T 1.9 Tires
Axial 8-Hole 1.9" Beadlock Rims
Home made dualie adaptors.

Rear Axles are 25:1 worm drives from RC4WD.

I chose 2.2 for the front and 1.9 for the back so it would look like it had supersingles on the front.

I Passed a milestone this weekend, had it's first running roller test using 'borrowed' gear from my rockcrawler. Got some not so good cell phone vid, will post up soon. To see it moving on it's own was good, even in it's bare chassis state.

[cyanide]

Here is the drivechain test vids, sorry about the cell phone footage, I did not have my GoPro with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVtCcguFhXA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PjEhxyQhOc

Very basic test, used motor/tranny from my Rock Crawler just to get an idea. Will up the motor & gearing. Also, the rear steer was flapping about back there, will have that in soon.

Oh, here is some photos of the drive chain:

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB15.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB16.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB17.jpg

[doodlebug]

Gotta luv those vicegrip's! My favorite tool!(5wr's) Great start.

Cheer's, Neil.

[cyanide]

Gotta luv those vicegrip's! My favorite tool!(5wr's) Great start.

Cheer's, Neil.

yep, you can never have to many clamps (and vice grips) :D

I was happy with the alignment so after the test run I drilled and tapped a couple of M4s and bolted the tranny mounting plate to the chassis rail.

[glorydays24]

Thanx for the video, does the real truck have the steering axle? Doing a great job on the beast.:D:cool::eek:;)

Big John

[cyanide]

Thank you guys for the compilments!

Thanx for the video, does the real truck have the steering axle? Doing a great job on the beast.:D:cool::eek:;)

Big John

John, this build is not based on a truck in particular, it's more of a generic build. I hope to have the style of an older army truck like a GMC, Studebaker, Kraz or Ural, but it is not an exact scale replica of any (this truck is only 4x6).
I decided on the rear steer because I thought it'd need it to get decent maneuverability without a powered front axle. I did have concerns that the wormdrive axles may bind when one set of axles was turning with dualies on, but it seemed ok in the test, even on the concrete pad. It may be a different story when there is weight on it though, but I can always lock it off later if it is an issue. This is my first attempt at building a chassis, suspension etc, so I am learning as I go. I have mucked a few thing up along the way, but it is fun none the less. :o

[cyanide]

I know you guys like pictures and since I posted this late in the build I thought I'd catch you up on a few things I posted on another forum.

This is how I did the dualies:
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB02.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB03.jpg

I used M8x90mm bolts, cut the shank down to 35mm, then drilled and tapped M4 thread into each end. This allows the M8 bolt to secure the first wheel, and provides the hex for the second wheel, which is then secured by a M4 bolt. Locktite will be a must! :)

http://www.spacejunk.co.nz/temp/fbt01.jpg
This is the begining of a dump trailer to go on the back that I did when before I had the parts to start the tractor unit.

[pumptech]

Wow ,what a heavy duty build :D ,liked the vid ,it's sure going to have to pulling power,look forward to seeing how you build the cab,keep the pics /vids coming :D:):D:cool:

[cyanide]

When we did the test we grabed digital fishing scales, applied a little wight to the rear wheels and it pulled to about 4.5kg before the drive chain started making clicking sounds. Not a very exact test, but it was interesting.

[cyanide]

Wow ,what a heavy duty build :D ,liked the vid ,it's sure going to have to pulling power,look forward to seeing how you build the cab,keep the pics /vids coming :D:):D:cool:

Yes, I am looking forward to getting to the sheetmetal and building the cab also :D
Maybe a few more weeks on the chassis still and then I'll knock out some cardboard mock ups.

This is another sheetmetal cab I made as part of a Trail Truck build (http://www.rcsparks.com/forum/scale-build-projects/3312-custom-steel-trail-truck.html).

[Dreamweaver]

Lookin good, very nice work.

[cyanide]

Hi guys,

I put my steering electrics in this weekend and got some more video of a test run with my Go Pro so you can actually see some details this time. :)

Front servo is a HiTec 7975HB and the back is a Firgelli L12-R 100:1 30mm linear servo. We put a brick (about 4.5kg) on the back later to improve the traction a little. No sign of strain at all. I am not sure how well the 100:1 linear servo will do with a decent amount of weight on it, but, so far I am happy with it.
I think I'll put in the rest of the chassis crossmembers and pto shaft next weekend.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Tk_uh12PA&hd=1

[SWAGGER]

Nice work man! Looks great in the vid. Impressive steering range, torque and articulation. Is this 1:10 scale? Looks pretty big next to the dogs.

[cyanide]

Thanks for looking Swagger!

Not sure of scale, about 1/10 or maybe a little bigger I think.

Got a wee bit done on her last weekend, but not enough to photograph really. Just putting in cross members on the chassis and cutting off the temporary chassis rail spreaders.
Would have put in the PTO shaft in front but I forgot to get a bearing housing with the last parts order **** it. I've built the mounts, but can't weld them in until I can line things up properlly.
It puts a bit of a dent in my build plans, I really want to do things in a certain order so I know how things sit. Maybe I'll switch to doing some work on the payload for a few weeks while playing the parts waiting game.

[cyanide]

Minor update. Since I am waiting on some parts for the front, I decided to build the ring feeder. Still a work in progress. I need to put more thought into how the pin will work, manual, or servo etc...
It's a little bit over sized, but it will do for now.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB18.jpg

Sorry, that's all the photos I got, the battery in the phone went flat.

I also started on dismantling an old bike to harvest the sprockets and chains for a slew system for the crane I want to mount on the back.

[cyanide]

Well, I am still waiting on parts for the truck so I have been experimenting with ways to slew the crane I want to put on the back of the truck.

This is the third attempt, first attempt was using a old grinder head, disregarded due to weakness, second attempt, pushbike crankshaft, disregarded.

Third attempt, lazy susan bearing & pushbike sproket.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB19.jpg
setting bearing to crane base plate

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB20.jpg
sprocket tacked to bearing & crane baseplate

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB21.jpg
mounted to truck (no chain, or slew motor yet)

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB22.jpg
base of crane on truck

[cyanide]

The remaining bearing housing arrived in the mail so I got on with the PTO and front bumper for the truck. I'm making the bumper removable so I can mount other attachments like snow plow, or brush later. I lathed down a bit of rod a bit for the PTO shaft which protudes the bumper. I'm still working on the chassis / bumper mount.

PTO shaft between the chassis rails.
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB23.jpg

Bumper with the PTO cover.
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB24.jpg

Added lower ties to the chassis to add some strength.
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB25.jpg

[cyanide]

Finished the front bumper and mounted it properly this week. The bumper is held on by a M4 and M3 on each side. The inner square shaft is plug welded into the square tube of the bumper.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB26.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB27.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB28.jpg

Should be starting the body soon.

[dabears]

That truck is going to be unstopable!!! Its a beast but looking good!!

[cyanide]

Have made a little progress, did a rough cardboard mock up to get an idea of proportions and to get basic measurements from. Looks a little big, but once the sheet metal is rounded off it will look better.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB32.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB31.jpg


Body support hoops, front for radiator, bonnet clip, rear to connect bonnet hinges, door hinges, firewall etc

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB30.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB29.jpg

It's got a ways to go, but *should* look kinda like this
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/2760796620_6cddc57f3b.jpg

[jtroyer06]

This is an awesome build, keep the photos coming!!!

[SuperDutyScaler]

awesome build, i have a quick question what driveshafts are you using? they look like Axial but they have six spline it looks like, and they are longer i think?

[cyanide]

Hi, they are Long Nylon Punisher Shafts from RC4WD. ( http://store.rc4wd.com/Scale-Nylon-Long-Punisher-Shaft-104mm-150mm_p_1852.html )

To be honest, I'm not sure I'd recomend them, the yokes and grub screw holes seem a bit sloppy. Hard to really tell until I mount them properly and lock tight them on.

[cyanide]

Set up the hoop mounts properly and reset the tranny, then finally started on the skin!

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB33.jpg

Made from old computer case, hence the max payne sticker on it. I find computer cases great because the sheet steel quite often has nice folds and lips pressed into them that can be used to inset etc. I find the computer cases are more rust resistaint than the other standard mild sheet steel we use also.

[Bigrigger]

You could call the truck Max Payne. :D Nice looking build by the way! :D

[unix]

Maybe you'll need - paper model of Kraz 255B in 1:25 scale :)

http://www.gamahobby.pl/img/55/5514945_1.jpg

You can download from here y http://rapidlibrary.com/files/80-avto-renova-model-06-kraz-255b-rar_ulrxwxnywieon.html

Slawek

[cyanide]

Thanks for the comments guys! Also, thanks for the paper model plan link, I will check it out.

Got a little bit done last weekend, but not enough to warrant taking photos, we had vistors at the workshop that put a dent in the days production. I did get the side panels cut to size, swaged in the bead roller, and tweaked so they are ready to be drilled & tapped to the hoops. So next weekend I will get them on, and then make a start on the bonnet I think.

[cyanide]

side panels and beginning of bonnet.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FBrctat01.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FBxx01.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FBrctat02.jpg

floor plan mock up. batteries will go under seat. should be room to have 2, 1 for motor, another for axillary if needed.

[dabears]

Looking good!!

[cyanide]

Due to house repairs (earthquake damage) I have not had anytime to work on this project for about the last month. Finally got into the workshop and made a start on it again. Not much I'm afraid, had to sit and stear at it for a bit and get my brain back into the build. Finished off the bonnet, and made some decisions about the grill. Should have the bonnet mounted and grill done next week (if I am not needed at the house).

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB34b.jpg

[cyanide]

To finish mounting the bonnet I needed to put in the barwork on the grill, which is drilled out of the hoop and dropped down and plug welded in. Once that was done I could knock back the flat bar on the top of the hoop. I got that done on Saturday.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB35.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB36.jpg

I used incorrrect hinges, so I am going to redo the bonnet with hinges I pulled out of an old rack mount server, but, they are stashed in a storage box, so I'll have to wait untill the contractors are finished at our house. I'll proberlly add more mesh, not sure if it will be infront, or behind the bars yet.

[PROBUILDER1964]

DON'T FORGET....there's always your wife's car out in the drive....you can use stuff from it when she isn't looking ! lol Really...this is a cool idea .....I have always loved military vehicles ! This one is going to be too cool when your finished...cant wait to see more progress pics ...keep up the good work cyanide !

[cyanide]

The firewall has been put in and the bonnet hinged and mounted.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB37a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB38a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB39a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB40a.jpg

Cabwork starts next week hopefully.

[cyanide]

Made a start on the floorpan last weekend. I got busy scribling a plan on the sheet and set to cutting & folding. I forgot to swage a few lines in it before folding, so it aint so good. I may scrap it, or cut some bits off it & redo them.

The floorpan incorperates the bench seat / battery compartment. I need to do some more thinking on the specifics of battery insertion & removal as I do not think I will be able to get them in with just opening the cab door.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB41b.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB42.jpg

[Catrik]

This is looking really badass! If you are looking for some ideas you could try Spin Tires game, there is a free demo with a driveable Kraz :)

E: what kind of crane are you building?

[cyanide]

This is looking really badass! If you are looking for some ideas you could try Spin Tires game, there is a free demo with a driveable Kraz :)

E: what kind of crane are you building?

Thank you for the complement Catrik. I got a wee bit more done on the floorpan last week, but not much, so no photos this week.

I was thinking of making an old truck mountable cable crane to go on the back, similar to the style of the one made by Seilbagger (see his thread here (http://www.rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=4750)).

However, this build is constantly changing as I go. Now I am going to make more of an old truck mounted forestry / hedger machine, using linear articulators and booms. I am doing this because I think it will be more usable around the yard. I have a old weed eater that I am going to convert into a cutting head to trim my yard with.
I still want to build a crane but I have bumped it down my build list.

[cyanide]

Got the cab doors mounted. They are made from 1.2mm sheet I cut from some old draftmans A1 sized plan draws we pulled from a dumpster (one mans trash is another mans treasure). They had a nice fold in them so I used it as the top of the door. I don't plan on having side windows.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB43b.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB44b.jpg

I drilled and tapped M3 into the flatbar hoop, M3 nuts & bolts on the door.

[JoseFL10-4]

This is a call heavy duty, nice job

[cyanide]

This is a call heavy duty, nice job

Yip, getting heavy alright, weighed in at 5.7kg before I put the cab doors on.

Was able to fab and mount the rear of the cab, will start front windscreens next week.


http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB45.jpg


http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB46b.jpg


http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB47b.jpg


http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB48b.jpg

I need to cut a bit out the side to allow batterys to be put under the seat, I'll make it look like a access panel or toolbox and hinge it.

Starting to look more like I had it in my head every week. :)

[plow jockey]

Its really taking shape.Great sheet metal work.

[Catrik]

Already looks like you are gonna need sturdier tires on the front :) Do you have anything in them now, like foam or something?

[cyanide]

Thank you for the comments.

Catrik, currently has standard foams in the front tires, I plan on beefing them up with more to get rid of the flat tire effect.

[cyanide]

Been awhile, but got some time on the truck this Saturday.

Finished up the door latches, made from bit of rod, a nail and a ball point pen spring.
Also, added hand rails made from a pushbike spoke.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/fb49.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/fb51.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/fb52.jpg

quick update video on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/88bLPSI9Ikg

[cyanide]

Made a little progress on the cab interior last weekend.
Fabbed up the cover for the spur & motor, blew a bit of sheet, left the holes there to plug weld some gear levers through.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB54.jpg

Begining the dash mock up.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB57.jpg

[Catrik]

Looking good :) Are you going to mig weld everything and grind all the welds (pain in the *** IMO) or just tack with MIG and finish with soldering? I think is it faster and easier with so thin metals.

[cyanide]

@Catrik: Pretty much just tack it where there is no load, weld it where it needs it.

Doing more detaling of the cab interior, using nails and scraps of sheet for peddles and gear levers. Conctrete reinforcing mesh & scrap rods for steering wheel.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB58.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB59b.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB60b.jpg

[cyanide]

Bit more done on truck interior, moving onto the rest of the cab next.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB61.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB63b.jpg

[cyanide]

Front window screen frame. Going to be an old style split screen.

Squaring up the rear of the cab before building onto it.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB64.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB66.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB67.jpg

[cyanide]

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB70b.jpg

perpex windows
http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB71.jpg

[Cammo]

Nice Build, the sheet metal work is very nice. You are up there in the skill department. Keep up the good work. Cant wait to see how you finish it up and paint it.

[cyanide]

Thank You Cammo. There is only one colour for an old army truck: Olive Drab :o)

It has been an interesting build for me, definitely the longest build I've done, been about a year now.

I have fabbed up the roof and will weld it on once I finish up the windscreen hinges.

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB72.jpg

[Catrik]

Your truck motivates me on my tank build, I need to finish it fast as possible so I can start working on similiar truck+trailer :D What total dimensions and weight do you have so far?

[cyanide]

Your truck motivates me on my tank build, I need to finish it fast as possible so I can start working on similiar truck+trailer :D What total dimensions and weight do you have so far?

hehe, yeah man get to it :)

I am at the workshop tomorrow hopefully, and I am curious about current weight myself, I'll weigh her up and let you know. I expect it to be pretty heavy by time it's finished, it's called Fat Betty for a reason lol.

I wasn't planning to, but recently I have been thinking about a sound module, I think I'll use a TSB mini from Benedini. I have heard the RC4WD worm drive can be pretty noisy, so if it drowns the sound module noise I'll put it in another build.

[cyanide]

Got a little done on the window hinges.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB75a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB76a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB76b.jpg

I weighed it up, currently 6.2kg as it stands now.

[cyanide]

Made a deck out of some recycled slats and framed it with cut in half 12mm square tube.

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB79.jpg

Welded on roof and cut out rear window.

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB81.jpg

Wheel clearance

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB82.jpg

Strapping under deck, still just mocked up, will fab chassis mounts next week.

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB84.jpg

Once the deck is done it'll help me with getting an eye for the width of the steps, wheel guards etc which I should be getting to in a few weeks hopefully.

[grumpygrady]

Looking great
what colour are you going to paint it?

[cyanide]

Looking great
what colour are you going to paint it?

Thanks grumpygrady, it'll be OD in color.

Deck is now done

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB95.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB96.jpg

Got the steps done also.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB97.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB100.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB99.jpg

Welded a bit of scrap rod to hold the shape of the fender on the body.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB101.jpg

Although it has the wood deck on it now, it was made as a utility base, here is the beginings of a puner head to go on a kind of truck mounted forestry machine. A cheap 11v electric puner that should be easy enough to modify.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB103.jpg

[cyanide]

Air filter made, not quite finished, but pretty close.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB116.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB117.jpg

[dabears]

Your making some really good progress!! I think its looking great

[Twainmanbg]

Wow Cyanide,
You have done a fantastic job, I read through your whole build log yesterday when I found the thread, I want to build something similar, only in 1/6 scale,no excuses now,got to get on with it now,thanks for the inspiration, a super truck.
cheers for now,
Richard.

[cyanide]

Thanks Richard, wow a 1/6th scale truck? that will be a biggun for sure! I am not exactly sure what this one is, I think it's close to 1/10th (ish).

I havn't been able to get a whole lot done on her as far as fabbing in the workshop goes recently, some health issues are delaying my plans right now, I did get the electrics fit out done, and now I've stripped it back down to do the final touch ups and detailing back at the workshop, here is a video of the electrics on YouTube: http://youtu.be/89GhqDOvDPc

Poser photo in the back yard
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB120.jpg

[Busydad]

Nice looking truck....You do nice work.

[NYHowie]

Awesome build! Can't wait to see finished truck.

[Radio Control Trucker]

Looks authentic. Are you going to "weather" it any??

- RCT

[cyanide]

Thank You guys, I am pretty please with how it's turned out so far.

Looks authentic. Are you going to "weather" it any??

Yep, I am purposely going to not prep the metal and only give it a quite light coat of Olive Drab so the rust will come through, will try to leave as much of the cab roof and perhaps bonnet as it is with the rusty patina. In other parts I may take to it with light sandpaper (steps & hand rails) to give it the old used look.

I have since touched up the parts on the chassis where I wanted to fill in or fix old welds and knocked back the ugly with a flapper disc, added some tanks while I was at it.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB124.jpg

I only have the 'fake' engine block left to build and it's pretty much ready for paint & final assembly. I hoped to have her done before the end of this year, but I was diagnosed with cancer not long ago and with surgery, radiation & chemo therapies coming up she'll have to wait a bit to get the last bits done, I was so **** close to finishing it too, argh! but of course the health must come first. Stay tuned, I will get her finished.:)

[Radio Control Trucker]

She looks great Marc. When you're finished it will be a One-of-a-Kind. Excellent :) :D :)

I'm sorry the cancer is being a such a pain in the @$$, but keep up the good fight.
I'm glad that you have found this passion we share to take your mind off of such things. :D :D

God Bless and just remember... If you don't piss off at least one person every day, you're doing it wrong :lol: :lol: :lol:

- RCT

[cyanide]

I'm taking it easy recovering post surgery before starting the radiation & chemo, but have almost finished the radiator over the last few days. Once it is mounted in the engine bay I can start the engine block.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB129b.jpg

[Radio Control Trucker]

Looks great. Such detail is just outstanding. :cool:

Hope you feel better. I know how the ICU can be; B-O-R-I-N-G :eek:

Just hang in there and try to feel well. :)

- RCT

[RCTech9]

Nice build. It looks mean!

[doodlebug]

I like your radiator!
Cheer's, Neil.

[cyanide]

Thank You for your kind words guys!

I've pretty much completed the 'fake' engine which I will store surplus wire inside of through a hole in the bottom (most the electrics are mounted to the fire wall).
Made from various bits of junk (pencil tin, old HO loco body, wood, 3.5" floppy motors, switch, bike spokes, dog food tin lid, drinking straws, mic, there's even an old turntable cartridge on it :) ).

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB133b.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB134.jpg

Still need to add the exhaust pipe to the manifold to complete it and fix the paint on the radiator pipes, but I should be hitting the chassis & body with sprey cans pretty soon. :D

[cyanide]

Finally finished up the fab work, last details of wing mirrors and bonnet support finished today. Next is strip down, paint (Olive Drab) and final fit out. Here is some pictures of it before I strip it back down again.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB138.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB139.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB140.jpg

[doodlebug]

It keeps getting better!
Cheer's, Neil.

[Stuff]

very nice!

[cyanide]

Finally finished!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB146.jpg

Here is a wee teaser video and a bit of a show 'n tell. I will do running video this weekend I hope.

Teaser Video: http://youtu.be/xITjSleyrBw (http://youtu.be/xITjSleyrBw)

Build Thread Slide Show: http://youtu.be/PsVee8CEHPw (http://youtu.be/PsVee8CEHPw)

[Daveroo]

nice...looks like a rig you would see in the mountains where i live,ex-military thats been well used...

how is your health?..doing chemo?.....i hope all is well,,i dont know you,but you are in my prayers..

[Stuff]

it's those axles! I went through and looked over the thread again. I've seen those axles but never really thought about them.

[cyanide]

nice...looks like a rig you would see in the mountains where i live,ex-military thats been well used...

how is your health?..doing chemo?.....i hope all is well,,i dont know you,but you are in my prayers..

Thanks man, yep, they put me through both chemo & radiation therapies at the same time, all done now but still feel like something the cat dragged in :( looking forward to a good year after I kick these nasty side effects.

[skeeter]

I know you guys like pictures and since I posted this late in the build I thought I'd catch you up on a few things I posted on another forum.

This is how I did the dualies:
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB02.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB03.jpg

I used M8x90mm bolts, cut the shank down to 35mm, then drilled and tapped M4 thread into each end. This allows the M8 bolt to secure the first wheel, and provides the hex for the second wheel, which is then secured by a M4 bolt. Locktite will be a must! :)

http://www.spacejunk.co.nz/temp/fbt01.jpg
This is the begining of a dump trailer to go on the back that I did when before I had the parts to start the tractor unit.

I like the ingenuity used to make the dualies. Gives me some ideas for a project I've had sitting on the shelf for a long time awaiting inspiration.