Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Wonderful, always delighted to watch the progress and thanks formpointing out the cat hair, i was wondering about your "watermark" ;)
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Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Hi Tom, not really much progress, at the moment I'm just bumbling a bit around. And yes, having 4 very "helpful" cats gives lots of surprises. Might end up using this "watermark" as an excuse for a new camera.
Small update on the servo. Did some checking and the Hitec servo is a bit higher than the Robbe Servo ScaleART included with the axles before. (Robbe went out of business so those Servos are no longer available) I also checked the one I ruined in the previous build and it looks like you can not shave off a mm or so without messing with the structural integrity. The axles the gears are on would no longer hold secure. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmtyihwsw.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmutyubqo.jpg Am sure the clamp would hold the servo in place without being clipped in the slot on the side, but still would be nice to be able to sort out some sort of solution. Another thing to put on the "to do" list. |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Got the frame ready to drill / enlarge holes for attaching the servo holder for the 2 rear axles.
For this needed to remove the rear fender, rear wheel and exhaust. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbqzlwgwo.jpg Holes drilled / enlarged http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrcm0mboa.jpg Made a simple bracket/clamp to hold servo. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxmreyzc2.jpg Installed the servo. (Didn't remove the unneeded attachment point at this moment) http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pshoan15fz.jpg Servo holder bolted to the frame. Might elongate the holes a couple of mm so I can move it a bit more towards the fender. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psgf3ss4lh.jpg Also could do with some washers near to the exhaust to bring it more in line. Is a tad off. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqwtya24o.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psectuffhh.jpg |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
The fuel tank (which will hold the servo for the front axle differential) is up next.
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjkfqytli.jpg A spacer is provided to take care of the narrowing of the frame. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pstepfdykk.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pslmh39sj0.jpg The other tank support will to here. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0rskpsgz.jpg The instructions indicated to install M2x8 bolts with the heads on the outside of the frame. Bit of a fiddle and as there were 4 M2x5 philips screws included with the package I ended up using those to install the supports. Easier that way. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psu5awdvk8.jpg I installed the fuel tank without the side covers for now. I tried the side covers for size and they were such a tight fit it was quite a hassle to get them back of. Also, since I am still waiting for the right front axle, I can't install the servo as of yet either. Will have to cut some holes in the tank to accommodate the bowden cable and the wiring of the servo. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pscofimlwy.jpg A look at the inside of the tank: http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbwpzqwlp.jpg And with the holder for the servos in place http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pshi864a8h.jpg The tank straps are clipped in place (and I messed up and installed them wrong way up as I found out later) http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmfq0s1df.jpg These 2 little bits are needed to attach the straps to the supports. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pscmqppslm.jpg A bit of bending involved. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmf3rfgxl.jpg Tank strapped in. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pssaezbdyx.jpg Had a bit of trouble getting the strap to clip into the provided space. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pscnbya0jq.jpg Only after seeing these pictures I noticed why I had a bit of trouble ... Well will redo it tomorrow or so. :rolleyes: http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfaihcdo7.jpg A nice touch is that the provided gas cap in not it plastic as I expected but is machined out of aluminium! |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Finally found some time to work on the truck.
Remembered just in time attach the supports for the electronic module to the frame. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pslm8pvnri.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psuyzz6oto.jpg Next comes the cross brace that will hold the motor/transfer/transmission. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0fyair8g.jpg At first I put it on the inside of the frame. And I used the wrong nuts too, so not enough thread for the nuts that will hold the gangplank in place. (should have checked the instructions) http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psych0zj79.jpg These are the correct nuts. They are half the thickness of the model nuts. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmlcu2eaq.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqbmhzar5.jpg Screwing the motor into the gear- transfer box. (different from the AROCS where they were 2 separate units) The motor is kept from unscrewing by a grub screw. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psznuay0dr.jpg Ready to bolt to the support http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6xmpe7hj.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pskz7xhdhm.jpg Gangplank on top - might turn it around to go over the exhaust. Don't like the fact you can see the gearbox support peaking out from under it. Overhang on the other side is wider. Of course after installing it, I noticed I had forgotten the earth strap of the motor. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrgfwa2vv.jpg Fixed. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psyejuwelv.jpg Meanwhile got notice from ScaleART that the new front axle is on its way here. Hopefully it does not get stuck in Customs over the holidays ... |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Finally convinced myself to assemble the servo cluster that goes in front of the motor/gearbox. Not one of my favourite parts.
I am not doing a complete install on this because I will have to take it all apart again for painting later on. The servos, frame and nuts/bolts are included in the motor/gearbox module. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psy2o2tkac.jpg First to go in is the steering servo. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjmgudjwh.jpg Next the guide for the bowden cable of the transfer box/center differential lock http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pstfqfs701.jpg The holder for the bowden cable http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqiqo5ejx.jpg Followed by the servo for the gearbox and centre differential. The gearbox servo didn't seem to fit flush. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6yij5ui6.jpg This is because the Hitec servos have these ridges ... The previously supplied Robbe servos did not have them. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5ksito2g.jpg No big deal, a couple of strokes with a file and they are gone. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjqjjxrdv.jpg The servo cluster ready to be installed in the frame http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psukdlxeam.jpg And held in place with 4 screws. The holes in the servo frame have thread in them http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psogo6vprn.jpg Contrary to the AROCS, I didn't have to bend the leads of the motor out of the way to fit the servo cluster in place. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjds7nssf.jpg |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Great looking build Stephan, sure are a lot of pieces in these kits :eek: Question does scaleart tell you to put the heads of the bolts on the inside of the frame rails ?
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Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Hi Brandon, yup, the assembly drawings coming with the modules have the heads of the bolts on the inside. I did try to reverse some of them thinking it would be easier, but getting those nuts on the bolts on the inside of the frame is a nerve wrecking experience. Just holding the bolt with a finger while tightening the nut with the driver works like a charm. There is enough friction from the bolt head to be able to tighten the nut without having to go crazy. - Although, I must say, in some places one comes rather close to it :)
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Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Keep up the hard work :cool:
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Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
that is one bad *** build you got going, love the air suspension on the rear axels.
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Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
@ Northern Farmer - Brandon, sweating away here :)
@ Roundabout - Totally agree with you! But might take the air suspension of this one and save if for a possible future build. Articulation too limited for the intended usage of this truck ... :o :) |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Apart from the missing front axle that should arrive today or tomorrow according to the tracking info, installing the last bits to the frame.
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psolsgc210.jpg The TGX can be ordered with either the "street bumper" or the "steel bumper". I opted for the steel bumper. This means that the lower step of the cabin is attached to the frame. (I love this bit of detail) http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbkporjbe.jpg The grid for the step is supposed to be glued on, but since I still need to paint it is just put in place on for the picture. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmga9vc52.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psggca1kgv.jpg Then the bash plate. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pspu2kdxpd.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7rfde2l9.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pspkvg8ipn.jpg The 4 bolts that will hold the front bumper. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswzd63nlc.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psuq0uhokn.jpg The bumper still needs the lights installed and I need to do some alterations too before I can install it. I would like to attach the protection for the lights, but I will have to drill 8 1mm holes ... will be the question if I can work up the courage to drill those 8 holes ... http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdyviax0s.jpg I also got the optional front coupling for the truck. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pscpec44qw.jpg For this I will need a 2.5 mm bit to drill out the circled holes in the bumper. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps10x2gv5y.jpg |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Tuesday evening got the new front axle delivered :)
Here some pictures to show the difference between the 2 axles - the one with the narrow centre is the new one. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pstqzh7rus.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdmcrhddl.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfiytecc4.jpg Finally I can get rid of the little tub I used to support the truck http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxhq0fu43.jpg Previous I had added the spacer blocks for the front suspension. I found out that that way the truck was too high at the front when using the air suspension. So took it back out and re-installed the shorter screws. This leaves not much play on the front suspension, but it is still doable. Differential is not hitting the gearbox under compression. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psaqnzf76p.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5tqclgx6.jpg Axle installed, next the front Trilex rims. Here are the parts. I had to ream out the paint in the centre of the red front piece with a 10mm drill so it would fit over the centre nub. You can see the raised bit on the inside of the rim that will be clamped between the 2 pieces. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pspdva8fir.jpg First the black part goes on. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrywigtu4.jpg Followed by the rim http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqfblumay.jpg And then the outside bit gets bolted on and the tire installed. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psl3omz5ep.jpg To tell the truth, this is easier said than done - therefor the lack of pictures :). To line everything was a tedious job because the red part is really a very tight fit. I solved that by using two small pins that I inserted in the holes marked with the red arrows. This really made it a straightforward job. Next the connecting rod for the 2 front wheels http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfkhvqnps.jpg And finally the truck stands on its own wheels :) http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psl7ro7dsh.jpg I did not insert the hubcaps of the rear wheels. They are a real pain to insert and an even bigger pain to get back out. |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
In the package of the axle came some extra M2x8 bolts I had ordered for the rear wheels to replace the short bolts that came with the axles. As I mentioned before those short bolts were only 1 - 2 threads into the black part and came out rather easily. If tightened too hard they would strip the threads. As you can see one already fell out.
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdc8izhgw.jpg With the M2x8 in place, a strong and secure bond. I also prefer this look better and am thinking of cutting some M2x8s down to 6mm to use on the front wheels. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdnyojplf.jpg View from the back with the short bolts http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrwvuss8u.jpg With the M2x8 http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdkrkbdlg.jpg |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Drilled the holes needed for the head light protectors and the heavy front coupling.
All taped up ready for drilling http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqgzyqgam.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbklj1oql.jpg 8 little holes drilled http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pszxlqbnhc.jpg Finished. I used a 1mm drill for the small holes and afterwards enlarged them a be with a 1/32" bit (1.19mm) from Dremel to fit the copper nails provided to hold the protection in place. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbpydqbsz.jpg Drilling the 2mm holes out to 2,5 mm was not as easy as expected. Needed to remove rather a lot of material. The original hole was not that deep. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psujan69zq.jpg Now have to paint the head light protection before I can continue. |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Fantastic build ! Cant wait for the next update ..
Br, Tom |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Thanks Tom, here a very tiny update ...
I painted the headlight protection with Humbrol 19 - as close as they have to RAL 3002. Also painted the heads of the copper nails provided to attach to the bumper. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjdx9kjwl.jpg Didn't get to install. Noticed that the holes for the protection are in or right at the square impression where the head lights will go. Did a quick test and looks like the top left and top right (arrows) will need careful shortening of the copper nails. The 3 other on each light just miss the light assembly. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pslebge39n.jpg Can't do much more for the moment because I succeeded in sawing into my left thumb while messing with some stupid plants in the garden yesterday. :rolleyes: |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Just wondering why they light covers aren't nuts and screws and how are the nails held into stop them coming out ?
Cheers Tracy |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Hi Tracy,
Yeah, was wondering that myself. Was a bit surprised to just find the metal plate with a little bag of copper nails and no instructions. Was hoping it would be more like on the Arocs where they provide an indentation for the first hole to drill and then you can use the protection bit as a template. They do have those thin bolts and nuts, they did include them with the Arocs visor, but then looking at it, the nut would really interfere with the placement of the head light unit. I will use superglue to glue the copper nails in place. That should do. There is no tension or load on the things. |
Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
Found myself with free time yesterday so made some progress on the bumper.
First needed to paint in the indicators. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2no7zwgt.jpg Next glue in the nails holding the head light protection http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjeu3rlf4.jpg Clip the copper nails off as close as possible http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pszni5ihb9.jpg Insert the provided plastic to function as the headlight glass and install the headlights. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdsrzbkqi.jpg Install the LED board. Only held with one screw. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psndwqcsr6.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pskhpl0mhi.jpg Then the rest of the bumper parts http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psr7z7zctc.jpg The step bar clips in the 4 provided holes. Supposed to be glued in place but was a very tight fit. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1n4tpn48.jpg The number plate holder goes in at the back of the bumper. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6dtm7jvq.jpg Next the handle and pin are inserted http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psa42ycvku.jpg Numberplate clipped on and the 10 plugs inserted. http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswhptebjb.jpg Inside grillwork http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pstd8lerfh.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmmeov7x2.jpg http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbkfkhfv4.jpg The number plate will need to be unclipped and removed to accommodate the spacers of the heavy duty front coupling. |
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