Bob's M1070

[kingbob]

OK, so even though my Optimus Prime isnt finished yet, it is close, and i'm contemplating my next build. I love the look of the US M1070 HET, so figured i'd try my hand at one.

But before I start buying parts, i want to make sure what I have in mind is feasible, at least on paper.

Obviously all 4 axles are driven, with front and rear stearable, so i'd probably use TLT1 axles at each end, unless anyone can recommend a better alternative? Can anyone confirm the internal ratio of the TLT1 axle vs Tamiya semi axles is the same, or should i use TLT axles for all 4?

Also, does the TLT1 axle have a pin/hex drive system, or a splined drive like a semi axle? That one makes a big difference to what wheels I can use, whether they are hex or pin drive.

The other problem with wheels, is the size. The M1070 has 53" tires, which in 1/14 scale is 96mm. The closest I can find to the real design is the Rock Crusher X/T from rc4wd, which is a 94mm tire. But it has a 1.55" inner size. Given that i'd have to make and attach hubcabs, i'd prefer plastic wheels, but i cant find any. Anyone have any recommendations?

Anyone have any advice?

Thanks.
Bob

[kingbob]

1/16 actually makes things more difficult when it comes to tires and wheels.

1/12 isnt too bad, rc4ws do some mil-spec 1.9"s which are close in size, so thats not an issue. Does mean it would be about 30mm wider, which may be an issue for axles. Could use wideners, but they mess up steering.

I dont really plan to build a trailer though, so matching scale with a tank isnt much of an issue.

[Finster]

I think this company has the tires you'd want although it won't be cheap.
http://www.afv-model.com/4711shop/index.php?cPath=79_375_332

They list tires for 1/16 and 1/14 scales. If not AFV-Model, I know there is a Euro seller that has the exact tires used on the HET. Hope this helps.

[kingbob]

Thanks Finster. They have the Michelin 16R20 at almost the right size. €16 each though! Would need 9... Ouch.

[kingbob]

Far out, another €9.90 per rim, plus €11.50 per hub. Works out at about US$50 per wheel. $450 just for wheels. Might have to skip this idea.

By comparison, using rock crushers would cost $100 for tires, and $80 for stamped wheels. Big difference.

[doodlebug]

Take a look at this thread and get some ideas! http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=1870&highlight=oshkosh+m1070
Cheer's, Neil.

[kingbob]

Yeah I saw that one. That level of metalwork is beyond my ability though.

[sassgrunt]

I have just the bare bones of one of these started. I bought semijoe's frame rails and cut them to 28". I am using TLT axles, and the distance from the center of the front hub to the center of the rear hub is 22-1/2". I am using RC4WD Rosk Crusher tires (the sidewall says "HT 19") and plastic Tamiya Humvee rims, (I wanted to have something plastic to attach a hub to, as well). There is just enough spacing between tires of the 3rd and 4th axles for the 4th axle to steer. The width outside the tires is 8-1/2". I also am using a stock semi-truck front spring setup, although the spring itself is from one of the single-rear-axle trucks, so that the screws that go through the axle can also pass through the spring to hold it all together. I also bought Russ' air-ride suspension for the rear three axles.

I'm not sure yet what it scales out to, as I was trying to enlarge some drawings I found to fit these tires. But, my goal was to build something that would work with 1/16th scale tanks. As my primary reference, I bought the Hobby Boss 1/35th kit for the M1070 and M1000 trailer, and plan to enlarge the plastic parts on a copier to fit the chassis.

I am not nearly up to speed on taking pictures yet. With my kids all out of the house, it's just me and the dawg to try and figure out all this technology stuff - and, I think she's a lot more savvy about it than I am. Sorry about that. Here is a link to a photo of an M1070 that uses the Tamiya Humvee rims (and also tires from it). -Mike http://www.rc-tanky.com/jine/kracik/kracik1.jpg

[kingbob]

I have just the bare bones of one of these started. I bought semijoe's frame rails and cut them to 28". I am using TLT axles, and the distance from the center of the front hub to the center of the rear hub is 22-1/2". I am using RC4WD Rosk Crusher tires (the sidewall says "HT 19") and plastic Tamiya Humvee rims, (I wanted to have something plastic to attach a hub to, as well). There is just enough spacing between tires of the 3rd and 4th axles for the 4th axle to steer. The width outside the tires is 8-1/2". I also am using a stock semi-truck front spring setup, although the spring itself is from one of the single-rear-axle trucks, so that the screws that go through the axle can also pass through the spring to hold it all together. I also bought Russ' air-ride suspension for the rear three axles.

I'm not sure yet what it scales out to, as I was trying to enlarge some drawings I found to fit these tires. But, my goal was to build something that would work with 1/16th scale tanks. As my primary reference, I bought the Hobby Boss 1/35th kit for the M1070 and M1000 trailer, and plan to enlarge the plastic parts on a copier to fit the chassis.

I am not nearly up to speed on taking pictures yet. With my kids all out of the house, it's just me and the dawg to try and figure out all this technology stuff - and, I think she's a lot more savvy about it than I am. Sorry about that. Here is a link to a photo of an M1070 that uses the Tamiya Humvee rims (and also tires from it). -Mike http://www.rc-tanky.com/jine/kracik/kracik1.jpg

Sounds like you're on the same page as me. Ive got the hobbyboss kit on its way as a reference as well, great minds think alike.

I was looking at the 1.55" rock crushers as they are 94mm, and the real tires are 53" which at 1/14 scales to 96mm. At 1/16 they scale down to 84mm but I couldnt find tires that size. I assume that yours are the 1.9"s if they have 19 Written on them which are 110mm tall.

At 1/14 it should be 25.5" long. At 1/16 should be 22.3" long.
Width at 1/14 is 7.2" and at 1/16 should be 6.3" wide.

So yours must be closer to 1/10 or 1/12.

I know tlt axles are 180mm/7" wide at the outside of the hex so depending on wheel offset it should be pretty close if the tires arent too wide.

My main issue at the moment is working out the width difference between tlt axles and semi dual output axles. The semi axles are narrower so getting the wheel width to match is what im trying to work out. Would appreciate any help if you've already sorted that issue.

[doodlebug]

Sounds like you're on the same page as me. Ive got the hobbyboss kit on its way as a reference as well, great minds think alike.

I was looking at the 1.55" rock crushers as they are 94mm, and the real tires are 53" which at 1/14 scales to 96mm. At 1/16 they scale down to 84mm but I couldnt find tires that size. I assume that yours are the 1.9"s if they have 19 Written on them which are 110mm tall.

At 1/14 it should be 25.5" long. At 1/16 should be 22.3" long.
Width at 1/14 is 7.2" and at 1/16 should be 6.3" wide.

So yours must be closer to 1/10 or 1/12.

I know tlt axles are 180mm/7" wide at the outside of the hex so depending on wheel offset it should be pretty close if the tires arent too wide.

My main issue at the moment is working out the width difference between tlt axles and semi dual output axles. The semi axles are narrower so getting the wheel width to match is what im trying to work out. Would appreciate any help if you've already sorted that issue.

http://www.the-blueprints.com/blueprints/trucks/oshkosh/
http://www.the-blueprints.com/blueprints/trucks/oshkosh/10887/view/oshkosh_het_m1070/ Does this help any?
Cheer's, Neil.

[sassgrunt]

Bob, my first chassis was 23" long. I tried mounting TLT axles on it, but they were too close together to allow the rear one to steer, and also too wide for the length of the chassis. I agree that the rear dual axles have a good width for that length, but I couldn't come up with driven steering axles that were narrow enough to match. My scale probably IS a lot closer to 1/12, but I'm happy with the scale being a compromise; as long as I can end up with an 8x8 working tractor. -Mike

[kingbob]

Heres some sizing, the red line is the size of a stock King Hauler
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/m1070smallsize.jpg

And a full size actual scale version
here (http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/m1070fullsize.jpg).

[kingbob]

Just did the maths, you said the tlt axle with hummer wheels and tires is 8.5", which is 215.9mm.
The real thing is 102", which at 1/12 works out at 215.9mm.

Cant get more exact than that.

Now to work out if its possible to widen a stock semi axle to match. May be easier to use 4 tlt axles and just lock the steering on 2 of them.

[kingbob]

Top view sizing.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/topview%20smallsize.jpg

[kingbob]

Can someone with a TLT-1 axle tell me the width of it?

Googling and searching i get answers between 168mm and 180mm. I dont know if thats from case edge to case edge, or hex to hex, or axle to axle.

Regular semi axles are 120mm from case edge to case edge, so if TLT axles are ~170mm case edge to case edge, then i could just use a 25mm widener on each side on regular semi dual input axles.

For 1/12 scale anyway.

[sassgrunt]

I pulled off a set of wheels to measure my axle. I am using aftermerket aluminum end pieces that lock the steering, but I don't believe it changes the width from stock. Width of the axle case (to where the shafts emerge) is 168mm. Width at ends of the hexes is 180mm. Width at the outside of the tires I'm using is 215mm, (and the tires are 115mm tall).

Thank you for the side and overhead views. I guess mine IS 1/12 - now I know. -Mike

[kingbob]

Ok cool, so it looks like 1/12 is the scale to go for then.
I looked up getting wideners for the dual output semi axles, but for the price plus axle, its cheaper to just get a tlt axle and mod it for dual output.

Sounds like the plan.

[sassgrunt]

This is a pretty neat M1070 build from 2008, if you haven't seen it before.

http://www.rcpanzer.de/apboard/thread.php?id=17151&start=1&seite=1

[kingbob]

Sweet jeebus thats beautiful! I hadnt seen that before at all!

Thats built in 1/14 though, which is what i'd prefer. It look like he used tamiya semi axles, and made 2 ali brackets for each side to hold a steering hub. Basically to get a super narrow steerable axle.
I wish I could see how he worked out the mechanics of that. And the black plastic wheels look familiar, but they arent Tamiya Hummer wheels.

[Bigrigger]

Hey Bob, this is a cool idea! If you need any pics or info on TLT axles, I have a few separate from frames at the moment. One of them has a straight axle conversion kit or something on it, if you needed a wider axle. Let me know if you want to see a pic! :D

[Finster]

Bob,

I only could find this pic I have showing how someone (I forget who) made the big rig drive axles steerable. I also forget where I got it from (I think it was from the Garden but I could be wrong). I know I've seen others on German or Dutch forums. I'll keep poking around. Hope this helps.

[kingbob]

Looks a bit like this turning kit for robbe axles:
www.afv-model.com (http://www.afv-model.com/4711shop/product_info.php?products_id=2840)

[kingbob]

Hey Sass, what are the dimensions of those Tamiya hummer wheels? Are they hex or pin drive?

[sassgrunt]

They're hex drive. I measure 25mm wide, with 48mm at the point where the tire bead sits, and 52mm at the flange outside the tire bead. And, if you want them, I have eight of these wheels as spares, along with those two sets of axle-straighteners.

[kingbob]

Hmmmm, i've been doing my research on axles/wheels. tires etc (trying to avoid going back to my disastrous paint on my OP truck), and have found the following.

1/12 seems to be the scale to build to use TLT axles, Tamiya hummer wheels, and rc4wd mil-spec 1.9" tires. BUT, i'd really like to do 1/14 to match OP, and another military truck i want to do.

Looking at straighteners, and steering kits for Tamiya semi axles, makes them ludicrously expensive, but then i remembered that Integy do some 1/14 drive axles. Full ali, and only $10 more than a TLT axle!

Rc4wd 1.55" rock crusher tires are the right size, but, wheels are a problem. Need around a 41/42mm wheel. The RC4WD panthers are the right size, but have an 8mm drive hex, not 12mm.

So, my idea at the moment is this:
Use Integy 1/14 axles ($70 each)
Use RC4WD 1.55" rock crushers ($25/pair)
Buy Panther wheels ($8/pair)
Buy Sass's spare Hummer wheels ($20/8)

Then cut the middle out of all the wheels, and bolt the hummer centres with 12mm hex, to the panther rims to get the right size.

How does that sound?


Or, just build it 1/12 with tlt axles lol

[sassgrunt]

I have used some two-piece Tamiya car rims in the past, where the (white) center screwed into the (chrome) outer rim. The idea of these is that you can screw the center to either the inside or the outside of the rim, to make a more negative or positive track. The problem I've found when you start using these centers as the 12mm hub for other wheels, is that the overall width tends to get really wide.

Personally, I like the Humvee rims, as they don't have much offset. And, since I plan to cover up most of their detail with new hubs anyway, they work out fine for my build.

[kingbob]

Offset might not be a bad thing, might let me match the tires to the correct width of the truck.

I think i might just have to get a set of tires/wheels and see what works.

[kingbob]

Was poking around online tonight, and came across this site, sells Tamiya semi axles converted for steering. Sells the conversion by itself as well, but an interesting option if you have to use semi axles on your project.

http://www.doc-gear.de/abbildungen/art20361.jpg
Link (http://www.doc-gear.de/artikeldetails.php?aid=38)

Not particularly cheeap though, about 95Euro/$130US. Cheaper to buy the Integy aluminium axles.

But i did see they also have extended shafts for 3 speed gearboxes so you can use a front and rear output, no transfer case needed. Same as Joe had but ran out
Shaft (http://www.doc-gear.de/artikeldetails.php?aid=6)

No idea if the shop is any good though. Anyone ordered from them before?

[kingbob]

The M1070 is still on my to do list! Just gotta finish off Optimus Primes trailer, then paint my truck made from leftovers from the OP build, then will be on it!

I've been seriously looking at 3d printers lately. I make a lot of models (1/35 military mostly) so for me it would possibly be worthwhile. Looking at what other people charge for printing, as well. That may be simpler.

With that in mind i started a cad model. The cab would be made the old fashioned way by cutting sheet, but for detailed things like the grille, and complex shapes like the hood, i reckon 3d printing might be worth it.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/cab.jpg

[Szczerba]

There is a M1070 cab on shapeways. I had the designer upsize it to 1:9.8 but it was going to cost too much for my budget. There is a 1/12 scale version on there.

Three piece cab. 1/12 scale is a reasonable cost.
https://www.shapeways.com/model/1435170/oshkosh-cab-1to12.html?li=user-profile&materialId=6

I am building a 1/6 scale version of the M1070 using a 1/6 CXT Cab, Wraith and AX10 axles. I used some of your drawings to help me scale it out.

[kingbob]

I think our definitions of reasonable cost differ! lol

The cab is easy, its a basically a box with all flat pieces, easy to make from scratch with $5 worth of styrene sheet.

But complex bits like the hood, while not impossible to scratch, make life a bit more difficult.

[Szczerba]

I guess so. lol I come from the RC Crawling world and construction RC's are alot higher in cost, relatively speaking. Most of my crawlers dont go over the $1500 amount. I have seen some nice rigs on this site that sell for much more than that but they are incredible machines too!

The link I sent has 3 different cab pieces, so you could just get the hood. The guy that handles these files is in Denmark and is super nice and easy to work with.
Hood
https://www.shapeways.com/model/1435175/oshkosh-hood-1to12.html?li=shop-results&materialId=6
Bumper
https://www.shapeways.com/model/1435164/oshkosh-bumper-1to12.html?li=shop-results&materialId=6

[kingbob]

Ahh ok. Thats for the M1070F, a version sold to Europe.
I'm going for the US M1070 HET, which has a squarer hood.

Must be said though, this M1070F with its massive tyres looks pretty awesome:
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/oshkosh/images/3-oshkosh-1070f.jpg

[kaptain Jack]

Hey,Bob. Start building,I can't wait to see it going.....

[kingbob]

Well i've started to collect parts, does that count as building?

[Szczerba]

Ahh. good catch on the model variations. I didn't think about that and have seen the US version too but forgot they were different.

Here is my build, loosely based on the M1070 truck. Just waiting on the ten 2.2 MilSpec tires to show up to start the chassis build.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/multi-axle-rigs/468190-szczerbas-tow-rig.html

[kaptain Jack]

No, doesn't count...must have pictures to count.

[kingbob]

Just had a look at your build Szczerba, looks beefy!
Id just scratchbuild the body, its just flat panels so only need $10 worth of styrene sheet.

Im up-armouring mine as well, which actually makes the build easier.
I'm planning to use Integy axles, they make a driven front axle in 1/14 scale, so that makes life simple.
As for suspension, i'll be using a modified stock setup with Tamiya oil semi shocks. Also using Rock Crusher XT 1.55" tires, they're 94mm which is about right for 1/14 scale.

[Szczerba]

No way will I tackle building a styrene cab! Not my strong point. Lol

Sounds like a plan, I'll be,watching this build for sure.

[kingbob]

I've actually found proper scale tires, with michelin markings and everything. but they're $25 each! When I need 9, that makes it rather ludicrously expensive.

[kingbob]

Kaptain Jack, just for you...

It has begun!

http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/1.jpg
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/2.jpg

[kingbob]

I'm building it with added CPK armour, so this is the inspiration:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/3.jpg
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/4.jpg

[Szczerba]

cab looks good. What's the width?

I have my rough draft m1070 cab mocked up as well.

[kingbob]

Its about 165mm wide.

[kaptain Jack]

Finally! Looks great,Bob.You have a bunch of followers,anxious for next step.

[kingbob]

Can anyone recommend some wheels, preferably plastic, with about a 40mm diameter, 34-35mm wide?

Suggestions?

[Szczerba]

That's about 1.5".
These are 42mm http://store.rc4wd.com/Panther-Plastic-Wheels-2_p_2032.html
RC4WD also has a decent selection of 1.9" wheels and beadlocks if you can go up to a 1.9" wheel.
http://store.rc4wd.com/19-Wheels_c_59.html

[kingbob]

I have some Tamiya humvee wheels that I forgot about that are pretty close. Going to use those even though they're a little big.

[Exclusive RC]

This build will look awesome! Can't wait to see it done!

[kingbob]

I suppose I should get rid of the (maybe) in the title!

[kingbob]

Always nice when goodies arrive. Just got 2 of these for the front and rear axles. They do middle axles as well but are out of stock atm.

http://www.integy.com/C24519BLACK.jpg

[moo10032]

Hey I have seen one of these M1070 in person at the Oshkosh air show in 2012 and it is MASSIVE.

I took some pictures of it, might help you for some additional reference:
http://imageshack.us/g/1/10446715/

[kingbob]

Oh nice! Thanks for that!

[Exclusive RC]

Yup get rid of the maybe

[kingbob]

If i could work out how!

[Exclusive RC]

If i could work out how!

pm phhstix and tell him to change it for you

[kingbob]

So i did a bit of work on the cab today. Added the CPK armour panels, and accompanying windows. Added the appropriate bolt details, grab rail, door handles, lifting lugs etc. I'll probably re-do the lifting lugs though, not very happy with them. One side of each window frame is only taped on so i can remove the windows for painting.

Btw: the little bolts, they really are hex bolts on washers, each into a 1mm hole.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/10.jpg
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/9.jpg
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/8.jpg

[Exclusive RC]

Looking great bud!

[kingbob]

The tires from rc4wd came in, Rock Crusher XT 1.55's. The diameter is about 94mm which is about spot on for the real Michelins in scale. I'd have preferred to use their mil-spec tires but they arent available in this size.

Sassgrunt on here was kind enough to send me some spare Tamiya Humvee wheels he had, And they do fit, but they compress the sidewall a bit, and didnt look quite right.
I found a silver touring car wheel in my bits box which was the same diameter as the humvee wheel, but wider, but still didnt look right.
I borrowed a wheel from a mates Tamiya Mini, and they fit way better. So i've ordered some black dish mini wheels to use. I'll be making hubcabs for them, which will be easier to attach to dish wheels.

Pic left to right; Touring car wheel, humvee wheel, mini wheel.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/11.jpg

[kingbob]

Have had some time over the christmas break, so got started on the chassis. The mounts on the Integy axles arent a direct fit for the stock truck suspension setup. It does have mounting holes at the right width though, so after a bit of experimentation, came up with the following mounts.

Managed to use kit parts in different places to keep the front suspension layout mostly the same, including the leaf spring, but used Tamiya oil filled semi shocks instead.

The rear is similar, but used 2 sets of plastic arms. Again used kit parts, but oil shocks.

In both cases the frame sits a bit higher from the axle than stock, but should give it that right sort of high look i hope. My only concern is the rear axles. On a stock kit, the axles can rock easily on the leaf springs, which gives them some nice soft suspension. But the way i've done them does away with that. Its quite firm, i dont think they'll have that sort of easy adjustment/movement in them. But if i just use stock spring shocks, it'll be too soft, it'll sag because of the weight.

Any ideas?

Rear:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/12.jpg
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/13.jpg

Front:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/14.jpg
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/15.jpg


Still waiting on the centre axles.

[kingbob]

I put standard sprung shocks on the rear axle to see how it feels. Definitely works better, the axle freely moves now, but it does sag a little. Depending on what the truck ends up weighing the sag may become an issue, but it will also have another 2 axles to spread the load on, so who knows, might be ok.
Might even be able to find some stiffer springs to put in the shock.

Have also discovered that the small steering arms that mount to the C hub interfere with the tire and wheel. Will have to make some new ones for front and rear.

And the rear tires hit the screw holding the lower link when turned as well. May not be an issue though since the rear wheels steer less than the front.

[sassgrunt]

Bob, I don't know if you have the fifth wheel figured out for your build yet, but I just found this one for mine (which isn't nearly as progressed as yours is).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-14-5th-Wheel-Couplings-metal-CNC-parts-for-tamiya-1-14-scania-truck-w-Sliders-/171209413520?pt=US_Radio_Control_Control_Line&hash=item27dce05390

I ordered it about two weeks ago, and just got it in today. It's all metal and pivots both forward-rearward, and left-and-right. The release handle unlatches it well. It comes with a new 'mushroom' for coupling, as it is somewhat smaller than the Tamiya one. I tried making my own out of Tamiya bits, but was never happy with it. This one is really nice, and I'm glad that someone finally made one. Now, if they will only make a sliding fifth wheel.... -Mike

[kingbob]

Joe has the same thing, for $30 less! here (http://www.ebay.com/itm/FIFTH-WHEEL-and-PLATE-TRACTOR-ASSEMBLY-SCANIA-MAN-VOLVO-BENZ-TAMIYA-LESU-ALUM-/291054227744?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c42f1120)

And i actually have one of those 5th wheels, but with a different base. I dont plan to use the base though anyway.

[sassgrunt]

It's great to know that I can get it even cheaper than I did, because I need another one for a Scania 8x8. Thank you for the link to Joe. I like your idea of changing out the base, as this one is not nearly tall enough.

[sassgrunt]

Update on the fifth wheel. I ordered the one from Joe and it got to me today. It IS $30 cheaper, but it isn't the same fifth wheel at all. They both sit at about the same height, and are both made of metal. On the one Joe sells, the plate is a bit shorter in length, and most importantly, the plate can only pivot fore-and-aft, like the stock Tamiya one does. There is no spring in the pivot; just the weight of the 'tails' makes the rear of it pivot down. On the one I posted, it can also pivot side-to-side, which is what I want for it to be able to do for an off road truck. Both directions are spring-loaded, so that the tails stay down and the side-to-side comes back to center. Joe's is nice, but not as suitable for off road builds as the more expensive one. -Mike

[kingbob]

Ahh bugger. They looked the same but I guess you never can tell.

[kaptain Jack]

Any progress, Bob?

[kingbob]

Nah, waiting on parts at the moment.

[kingbob]

Sonofa....

Been waiting for Integy to have the matching mid axles back in stock so I can order 2 for the M1070. They've been out for about 3 months and was listed as "Restock pending" for ages. Finally today they were back in stock!

Went to order 2, and blow me sideways, they only had 1!

They make them, they sell them, been out of stock for months, and when they do get them, they only have 1!

*mutters under breath*

[kingbob]

Suppose i should make a start on the winch platform for it while i wait for parts.

Knocked up a couple of basic drawings for it so I can work out sizing etc. Have left a lot of the little details like bolts, levers, tow cables, wiring etc. Thats easy to do after the base structure is built.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/16.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/17.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/18.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/19.JPG

[kingbob]

Aaaaalrighty then, now that Optimus Prime is finished, time to get this sucker going!

Integy FINALLY got some axles back in stock, so the last axle i needed has now arrived.
Brian from Exclusive RC 3d printed some parts i designed, grille, hubcaps, fenders etc. But there were so many little parts i wanted that he'd be doing nothing but printing parts for me, so, i bought my own 3d printer!

I've made a start on printing parts for the winch platform. Not everything will be printed, no need. Some parts will be quicker to scratch by hand than to design and print. The main cab is done, and now i have the ;ast axle i can start placement of the body this weekend.

[kingbob]

I've started making the various "blocks" of the superstructure, fuel tank covers, locker boxes, winch platform etc. The hood is assembled, but needs puttying and sanding around seams etc.

The rear steering servo is just taped in at the moment, its facing downwards, but i may move it between the frame rails facing forwards. The tires arent glued yet, so they've a bit crooked at the moment. I do have some other parts for the winch platform made, but not mounted yet.

Long way to go, but a decent start.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/21.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/24.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/26.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/27.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/m1070/20.JPG

[kaptain Jack]

Bob! you got 3d printer?

[kingbob]

Sure do!
Not using it for everything though. The fuel tank covers for example were quick and easy to make from styrene, but some of the odd shaped things, or repetitive shapes are great for the printer!

[kaptain Jack]

I'm thinking of getting one,but hard to decide with whom to go.

[kingbob]

I ended up getting a Robo3d, bang vs buck they're hard to beat.

But, ive spent a lot of time tinkering, learning the best way to print different shapes, how to get the best results etc. For example, the hood for the M1070, i did try a single piece print, but for various reasons, i couldnt get a result i was happy with. In the end, i broke the model down into several parts, ie, front, top, sides etc.

3d printers arent at the level of a home inkjet paper printer for example, you really do need to play with them, learn how to work within their limitations, and how to use their strengths effectively.

It helps if you're happy to tinker as well.

Plus of course you have to be willing to create the models for things you want to print. In some cases it takes longer to draw than it would take to scratch build!

[jffhrvstr]

That looks amazing, I can't wait for you to post more pics!!

[Bobby]

Wow, huge truck this is?