Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Before you cut the mounts test fit the light so your sure they fit

Cheers Tracy

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Tracy, good point, was thinking about that. The screws that attach the actual lights might interfere with the fender supports.

Before cutting into the supports I will try to make a support out of some thin brass plate I have using the supports as a template. Now I hope that reading Berna's threads, maybe some of his brass working skills have rubbed of on me. :rolleyes::lol:

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

After Tracy's post and looking at the rear lights again, tried the simple approach.

Trimmed a small piece of thin brass plate into 2 L shaped pieces and used the original supports to drill the 2 holes needed to attach the rear lights. The 2 pieces fit in between the 2 clamps holding on the fender and are just under the fender support. (Too bad I don't have the scale diamond plate here)

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmah0eapm.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pssp3ags3z.jpg

Corresponding holes drilled in the fenders

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psndsv7wxx.jpg

Rear light screwed on

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxhbjcikl.jpg

Both with the coloured glass. The coloured cover is not completely pushed home, still have to glue in the transparent piece and I think I have to colour the indicator part of it too. Have to check that one.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmgdcaasd.jpg

Will paint the brass black before the final install.

Here pictures of the front and back of the PistenKing LED boards they make for ScaleART.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxjfeyfyn.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbdhgukrd.jpg

I will probably drill another hole through the brass plate and fender to guide the wires inside the fender ... will see how that works out.

Only thing left is to figure out where to makel the hole in the fuel tank to get the bowden cable to the servo of the front differential that is supposed to go in there.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Looks great.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Well I wish I could say it was my meticulous measuring etc. but in reality, the bit of brass I cut/bend figuring I will adjust it until it fits, just fitted perfectly first time around. Pure luck. And for bonus points, the rear light fits between the brackets holding the fender to the support.

Now disassembling and painting time.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

This is a great build. Nice to see so many close photos of the parts we usually cant see if we dont buy it. The more i look at scaleart truck, the more I want one.

Cabin on that truck is aluminum?

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

The cab is cast metal, but I don't think it is aluminum, a bit too heavy for that. Probably zinc?

As for all the individual parts, they are beautifully crafted and a pleasure to assemble. Slightly addictive too.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

A quick update.

Received the missing LEDs for the position lights and indicators needed for the cab. That was fast work from ScaleART as well the postal services!
Guess the folks at ScaleART must know I'm no good at soldering ... the wires are nicely soldered on and wrapped in heat shrink tube.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps73paeuxh.jpg

On the question Doggy asked about the casting material, found the answer on the ScaleART website:

https://scaleart-shop.de/en/Help/?si...def5a1e0b02320

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Not much of an update, too many things going on at the same time. Sadly enough not all hobby related.

Before I started taking the truck apart for painting, I noticed that the front leaf suspension is sagging quite a bit. And this is without the weight of the battery, electronics etc. in the cabin. I will fortify the front suspension by doubling up some of the leafs with those left over from the Arocs.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psshyhl4lq.jpg

Meanwhile the we are almost back down to a bare frame. Disassembling is a bit of a logistical problem in keeping parts and screws organised.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psu6naqysk.jpg

While I had access I relocated the motor support inside the frame. I will bring the gearbox/motor closer to the front differential but that should be counteracted by strengthening the front suspension.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psny6pdfle.jpg

Still have to assemble the rear leaf suspension to replace the airbag one and decide what gets painted black and what red ...

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

im always struck by how good these trucks look. anxiously awaiting to see it with some paint.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Prop, you will have to wait a good while before paint gets on the frame! Weather here not that great for painting at the moment. Lots of dust in the air because of dry season. Need to mess a bit around with the chassis too. Going to install the heavy duty rear part again now that I go for the leaf suspension.

Stripped most of the parts of this morning. Next up is reinforce the front suspension and assemble the leaf suspension for the back. Looks like I might have to adjust/enlarge holes in the heavy duty rear to accommodate support for the rear fenders. Should not be to hard.

Looks like I will have many small bits to paint. Not that easy with a rattle can. At least this time I got some decent paint.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8wicfhcd.jpg

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

What paint are you using?

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

This time round I got paint from the UK, not the local stuff. (Still rattle can though)

Going to try out a zinc primer followed by RAL 3002 Acrylic or RAL 9011 Mat Black - Depending which part.

Not going to make the mistake I did with the 409LC, so will first check compatibility of paints on a piece of scrap metal and then make sure to leave enough time between layers.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Good precise work dude. thumbs up.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Cool sounds like a plan.
After my first disasterous attemp painting the Jeep. Ive found the duplicolor automotive line is now my go to for rattle can paints. Probably cant source it where you are but maybe something similar if needed? what I know now will help me tremendously down the road. It is laquer based paint, which is great for drying times. You can recoat after 10 or 30 minutes, depending on the application. The most important part of this system is their self etching primer. As someone told me in one of my posts, "it sticks to just about anything". Seems they were right! What a life saver. Good luck with your painting.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Actually I should invest in decent airbrush equipment. it's available here in Malaysia, but the supplies are rather hard to get. Because paint and thinner are "dangerous" cargo, they do not allow it on planes. So comes in on the slow boat and they never really have stock. Of course I don't order big enough supplies to make it worth their time.

The zinc primer is supposed to be self etching ... will see if it is true. According to their info it should be neutral with other paints and provide excellent adherence. Will try and see.

I also got regular grey acrylic primer in case the zinc based one doesn't work out. Whatever, it has to be better than the locally produced stuff.

Well living on a tropical island does have certain drawbacks ... there are days I wished I was back in Europe, specially if you have to wait weeks for some simple stuff.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Another short update.

Since I will use the rear leaf suspension, I re-installed the heavy hauler rear end again. I wanted to install a coupling too. Not the Rockinger variety but a simple one which is also available from ScaleART.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pscj4vshi6.jpg

Will need different nuts and bolts to hold it on, this would look a bit odd even after painting.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswmhk11hv.jpg

Another thing, because the heavy hauler attachment is set deeper in, the pin can not be inserted or taken out. It bumps against the top part. I will have to rummage through my junk pile and see if I have something of suitable thickness to bring the part out enough.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psoakgrxyd.jpg

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Try making a spacer from some thick metal flat sheet for a quick fix then find some long screws to mount it .....

Cheers Tracy

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

This is a superb build, thanks for sharing.

Scaleart is lovely but I could never justify cost.

Just lovely to admire it.

Thumbs up to you for your patients on the build,if I ever won the lotto I could only get a RTR model.

Your pics are very detailed and great quality.

Thanks again I'm enjoying this. :p

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

@Cossett - Hi Tracy, that is indeed what I have in mind, will have to check first how thick the stuff has to be. Have some 1.5 mm sheet aluminium around, might have to double it up though.

@JD Transport - Glad you enjoy it. The stuff is indeed lovely. I have to admit that there are the rare moments I wished I had ordered a build model.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Turned out I needed a bit of metal at least 4mm thick to be able to clear the top cross brace of the frame.

Ended up cutting 3 small pieces of 1.5mm and messed around with them until I got something that kind of would work (most definitely not on par with Berna's work - still have a lot to learn before I could even think of building my own trucks)

Hard to see in the picture, but those 3 little pieces of aluminium took me the better part of today to get to that state. Learn while you go and fun at the same time. Will use M2x10 model bolts and nuts to bolt it all to the frame.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9ekn63bm.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psf9wjvg0l.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psz8bho9ow.jpg

I had made the holes in the plates .5mm oversized to give me some wiggle space, but it looks like I will need bit more filing and sanding on the sides to straighten it all out a bit more.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Went to assemble the rear leaf suspension 2 days ago and ran into a slight problem.
2 of the parts were missing ...

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psihrahbxy.jpg

Here a picture of the rear leaf assembly of the Arocs ... it is the 2 black items that hold the assembly to the support and are also needed to hold the leaf pack together.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pspxzsn5qy.jpg

Nice thing about ScaleART is that they make no problems and send the missing pieces immediately.

So went back to more filing and sanding on the rear coupling spacer.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psvfeotgph.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psity42ugi.jpg

Since the front suspension could do with some strengthening as pointed out in a previous post, I decided to use the one leaf that is not used for the rear suspension. This should give some extra resistance to the weight of the cab without making the suspension too stiff. Should this not work out, I can still add the ones I have left over from the AROCS as you can see in the above picture.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pshf94t0to.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2psr9jse.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pszuzuogbf.jpg

Now for some self inflicted extra work - can happen if one haphazardly builds these trucks without really following the book ... I completely forgot to figure out the insertion of the front differential lock servo in the tank ... For this I will need to partly re-assemble the truck ... bugger. To add insult to injury, I actually have 2 tanks. The 80cm one and the 60cm. I had gotten the shorter one in case I only needed to put one servo in the tank. That way I might have room for the 2 air tanks that normally go underneath the battery box if one uses the regular exhaust.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdmhllbzx.jpg

The tank support can be moved over for the shorter thank. Although it might interfere with the support for the engine/gearbox, but that can be fixed.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psf6gmvp9l.jpg

Looks like there is just enough room to squeeze in the air tanks. Just need to figure out a bracket to hold them. The servo mount that goes into the tank can be cut if only one servo is used.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3ishh0lw.jpg

Here the instructions that came with the servo mount for in-tank build ... looks confusing for an 8x8!

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psivapgvlq.jpg

So have to re-install the fenders and front axle and see if I actually have the room for the air and fuel tank.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Build and rebuild. Seems to be an ongoing theme with these higher end models. Sometimes making a small modification, or adding some parts here and there requires some massive diassembly. I guess on the bright side, you get to know the ins and outs of the model! Great job steph.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Well Prop, most of this build and rebuild is self inflicted in this case ... nothing like changing ones mind halfway through to make things interesting, and not building the "standard" truck adds to it. Had hoped to have a painted chassis RTR before the end of next week. Guess it is not in the cards. Have friends visiting last week of Feb, first week of March, will have to move my stuff out of the guest wing kitchen. So everything will be on hold for a bit.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Only way to find out if the air tanks would fit with the shorter fuel tank is to try ..

A quick move of the supports and install of the needed pieces

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psg82y6mln.jpg

Dropping the shorter tank in place

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9mdkbhka.jpg

Looks very tight. (The sides are not completely clipped on because too difficult to get them back off otherwise)

Originally the air tanks are to go underneath the battery box that no longer fits due to the V8 exhaust.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps20i3ovr0.jpg

In the V8 exhaust kit there was a holder to use for the battery box and tanks. There are plenty of holes so it should fit to the frame and hold the airtanks

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psf2shjbn2.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pstyploumd.jpg

However the thickness of the screw heads and the holder make it too tight. The front fender is also not straight down but has a curve towards the rear into it, so the space gets narrower near the bottom.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbjmnadrf.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psegovp2ag.jpg

The air tanks would fit if I bolt them to the side panel of the fuel tank. Can easily be done, but I think it would look rather weird. Will have to think about this ...

While I was looking and "pondering" noticed that the supports don't really line up

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrnebovda.jpg

Sorted that by using longer bolts and putting a nut between the support and the frame as a spacer. I will either shorten the long screws before painting or replaces them with more suitable ones so doesn't look so odd

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psvnmmo0q8.jpg

Could also bolt the air tanks to the front fender bit, but that is die-cast and only held in place with 2 bottles ... might break off at the support. Will see what I do.

I test fitted the longer tank with the sides and that too is a very tight fit between the front and rear fender.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Have you got any flathead screws you could use in place of the normal mounting screws for the air tanks? Countersink the holes in the bracket and use the flathead screws should let the tanks and bracket slide right in from your pics.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

What he said.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Lynn. Great idea! I should have some countersunk screws somewhere. Thanks for the tip!

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Would bolting the tanks direct to the chassis work with a screw in the end or mount the air tanks to the rear of the chassis like you see on some trucks like this
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...4d&oe=57350969
Cheers Tracy

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

So countersunk screws - sometimes the solution stares you right in the face ...

After fruitlessly messing around with the bracket that came with the V8 exhaust, it became clear that it will be simpler to make a new one.

So made a cardboard one to see if tc1cat's tip would give enough clearance.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psx7tnpsh3.jpg

And as you can see, it works! :bounce:

Just need to get them a bit lower and a bit farther out from the frame.

The bracket will be held on with 3 M2 bolts. Should be sturdy enough if I use the 0.5 mm brass plate I have sitting around.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmosndvpu.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psvikqbx3y.jpg

I can gain some more air if I grind of a mm or two of the bottom air tank. This would be invisible from the side as it is covered by fender.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfyhdwyin.jpg

The bracket will be practically invisible from the top too.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psb54alof9.jpg

Roughly will end up looking like this. Will elongate the holes for the bolts for adjustments.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4gvimcbd.jpg

Using a countersunk head screw for the fuel tank support also solves the problem of the head interfering with the gearbox/motor support bracket.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psadddvlte.jpg

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Tracy, would be a cool solution, but I now have that heavy duty rear end on the truck. So no room. Also played with the idea of having them inside the frame, but just not enough room.

Thanks for the suggestion! :)

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Groan ... started on the bracket and half way through I realised that the frame support should bend the other way. As I have it now, it will be very difficult to attach the air tanks to the support. Back to the drawing board. Well at least that way I have 4 bolt holes for support.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Succeeded in making a total mess drilling the 4 holes to attach the support to the frame. So have to start all over again.

Will have to wait for a couple of weeks though. Our visitors arrive this weekend so I have to clear my stuff out of the guest wing kitchen and box it up for the time being.

During this 2 week break I can do some more thinking on how not to mess up a rather simple support. :)

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

So you did you have to order new chassis rails ?

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Tracy, nope, no new chassis rail, just have to cut a new piece of brass and get the holes in the right position. Just that I only have de "drill press" from Dremel, and that one has too much flex so the 4 holes I need for attaching the support to the chassis rail are crooked. Could use it after filing etc, but the contrast with with ScaleART parts is a bit too big for my liking ... Will see, have 2 weeks to ponder now. Also been thinking of soldering 3 separate pieces together, might be easier and something new to try.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

What?! 2 weeks with no updates? Unacceptable! Your guests are just going to have to sleep in the shed. Lol

I would only suggest trying a center punch for drilling the holes. Sounds like if you have a vice and a hand drill you might be better off with that as opposed to the dremel setup.
Good luck with it.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Wish we had a shed ... I would move in there no time. That would give me room to get some extra power tools like a decent drill press and a proper vice. Also would save lots of time since I wouldn't have to put everything away all the time to prevent our 4 felines of re-organising the parts.

You are right about the center punch - should have used it instead of relying on the dremel, getting a new set of 1 & 2 mm drill bits would help also. Well, shouldn't blame the tools really, part is lack of skill and impatience because I tried to finish the part before the arrival of our visitors.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

I haer ya. Ive pretty much turned our sunroom into my hobby room. Strangly my wife seems ok with it.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Of course could build a shed, just need good airconditioning. But we are trying to sell the house and move back to Europe. Also one of the reasons I'm reluctant to buy more tools as it would not be cost effective to move them. Well shouldn't complain, is not that we have so many visitors really.

Here some pics I took from the mess I made of bracket Mark I ... hopefully Mark II will be a tad better fitting/looking

Error 1 - Made the bend in the wrong place. Should have measured better and should have scored the brass more to get a nice sharp corner instead of this bendy thing. :rolleyes:

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psw6wqjgtf.jpg

Because of this error I am about 2 mm too close to the fender. You can see I have the air tanks too high up in relation to the fuel tank because (error 2) I drilled the holes to attach to the frame with the plate in the wrong place - still can't figure out how that happened. :o

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbc260oxw.jpg

The top air tank is pushing against the fender, bottom one wouldn't fit! Amazing what a 2mm mistake translates to.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmrzgkofo.jpg

Here a look at the holes to attach the support to the frame. I thought to be smart and drill 2 2mm holes close together and than file out the little bit in between. That way I could move the support up and down. It kind of worked after a fashion. Will need more accuracy when making bracket Mark II.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psokyk8ju0.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psej9d8mnu.jpg

Mark II I will start out with a narrower bit of brass too.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6sxpvwai.jpg

I know the bracket could look a little better if the excess bits are trimmed off, but still a long way to go before I get something that looks like what BERNA, RCP57 and others on here fabricate. Respect! :)

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Mistakes aside. At least you know it will work.