Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

That's a great little machine, Dan. When I first saw the design, and how it looked like a little Bridgeport mill, I thought it was a great design! I just kind of wish Sherline had a little bit bigger version of it. Something more around the 100 - 150 pound range, and maybe two or three times the size. You can never have to much table and table travel, is what they say. That was kind of the selling point for my Sieg SX2 clone, offered by The Little Machine Shop. The only disappointment I have with the SX2 clone is that the way they throw them together in assembly, one must tear it all down and tram the head to column, and the column to the table, which isn't easy because the column is only adjustable for tilting the head. Everything else needs to be unbolted, shimmed, and rechecked, until it's good enough for the operator (me). The SX2 mills are known to have the spindle 'off' from the factory. Not perpendicular to the table, nor parallel to the column, and you really can't make good parts till it's assembled properly and gone through. That's why I envy you with your little Sherline! How easy it is to tram it all.

It never crossed my mind to mill styrene, but that's one trick I'll have to remember! How much speed do you run the cutter at, and is there any chance of it melting the styrene? I imagine it goes right through it like butter and you can feed a pretty good clip!

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Nathan, for cutting styrene, you spin the cutter SLOW. You have to be able to see it turning, not a blur of speed. I use it to make duplicate strips. It's so easy to get it off when cutting, say a few 3/4 inch strips with an exacto. Seems they'll be off by a couple thou, which may ot may not mess you up. But when you can cut them to about .050 over then mill them to spec, they will be right on. I also used it to mill out all the window openings in the cabs, nice and STRAIGHT.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

It seems winter has arrived. Snowin like crazy. What's a boy to do? As if we need to ask...

Heres the latest progress on the crane. I'm continuing on the styrene cosmetic details. Or whatever material suits.

If styrene could scream...
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1181499.jpg

Rare earth magnetoscopy
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1181501.jpg

This picture shows a lot. The figure has a magnet in his rear, There's another in the pink seat, (I'm gonna paint it) milled just below the top surface. He stays planted it it, yet, is removable. Those black dots in the seat mount are also magnets. The bottom of the seat mount is steel. It can be slid to and fro. This allows me to slide the seat and figure back from the control handles and pedals, and yank im out of the cab. He also has a head in this picture, the top part of a different "guy" grafted on.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1191525.jpg

In the above picture, there is a piece of thin slippery clear plastic on top of the magnets, so that the seat slides easily. The hand control pedestal and the figure were built simultaneously so that his hands and feet are really planted on the controls when he's in position, as seen below. Since this picture was taken, the front panels of the cab have been added. The windshield one is still removable so i can pull the whole interior platform out still for painting.

The door slides open and shut. Channels were made by milling one side off of K&S brass square tube.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1201532.jpg

On to the hood, now. I wanted a butterfly hood, cuz I just like 'em. Pivots were made from sewing pins. A micro drill is used to drill into the end of the styrene, as seen here. You can see the corresponding pin in the other piece. Cheap, effective, strong.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P2271603.jpg

For the other hinges, I used doll house piano hinges, held on by 3M adhesive membrane that a buddy scored for me. This is the underside if the hood to show the basic components.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P2271605.jpg

Here it is as it looks as I write.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P2281611.jpg

I'm working now on the exhaust pipes and intake tubes, which will go through access ways in the hood sides. Then I can put the opening latch handles and such on it. Note the rear grill, same as the front ones.

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P2281609.jpg

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Very nice styrene work. Especially like the operator details and hinged hood,etc. Milling styrene certainly has its benefits - really like the way the cab and windows came out.

Keep up the great work!

Ken

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Poor guy!
But great to see some progress on this fantastic model!

Kerst

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Nice updates! Boy, that operator must be feeling a little sore, and like he has some lead in his bottom? Ha ha. He fits the cab really well though. Hands and arms in the perfect place.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Yeah, guys. ya gotta feel for the little fella. But I bored him out and got him all patched up before I put his head on so he never felt a thing! ('sides that, he's plastic)

Moving along, the hood cant be finished until the exhaust and intake details are done, so here's where that is. I like these little sock hangers for this kind of work, as they provide nice round "pipe" with different radius curves to work with.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P2291626.jpg

I use different sizes of rods and pins to help make the joints...
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P2291627.jpg

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P2291628.jpg

I came up with an idea while working on the crane that will work on most any other truck that calls for a custom exhaust system. I turned a bunch of these little muffler ends on the lathe. Note the hole in the center, the stepped radius diameters.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P3021638.jpg

Now I simply make a muffler casing of the right diameter K&S aluminum tube, any length desired, to fit the given application. A 7/32 tube goes down the center to act as muffler sleeves. 3/16 tube is used for the final stacks, resembling 4' pipe. The screen is expanded aluminum made from frying pan spatter screens available at wal mart cheap. After cutting to the proper length, you wrap it around a pen or something to get the desired radius, and superglue ot together.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P3011633.jpg

These are relatively short, as to stay as out of the way of the boom as possible. they'll go about here.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P3041643.jpg

Not too bad, huh? Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Thanks for the update Dan

Great progress,

greg

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

like those mufflers, as said before, a lot of new ways to make things here on the board, can be used on different models and scales!
Looking forward for more updates!
Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Great idea, using those hangers to make the exhaust pipes. I will have to remember your ideas, as it's one of those things that makes you say 'why didn't I think about that?' So simple, and easy to do too. I could see that working for a nice engine exhaust manifold in a larger scale.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Detail, simplified! Very realistic, a minimum of work, and low-key approach to making a great model. Thanks for the how-to!

Ken

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Hi gents! It's been a while, but I have gotten some more done on this project. I got the bright idea of putting lights in this while at a doll house supply shop, where I go to get brass hinges and such. They had these LEDs that are the right shade of white, and bright enough too. It snowballed from there...
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8...013444a43e.jpg
PB052034 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

The park lights and clearance lights come on with the main power switch. The headlights can then be turned on, and/or the emergency flashers. These pictures can't show ya that action, but it involves a 555 timer IC, a small coil relay, and resistors and pots to get the right intensity of the hi and lo brightness. Also, these pictures exagerate how bright the lights are. theyre realistically bright, but not as blazing as they appear in the photos.

Here's with the headlights on. note the silver colored switches in the grill area. the grill hides them when it's in place.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8...b92185240d.jpg
PB042015 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

This shows how the batteries are held, 4 AAs in each of those brass tubes to give 12 v for the light system, which is independant from the RC motion control, and is totally built in to the styrene carrier deck. You can also see here the bottom of the circuit board that controls the flashers and brightness of the lights. The grill is in place here.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8...63b54a8503.jpg
PB052029 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

Out back, you can see (better in the reflection) the 2 amber tail light in between the reds on the fenders. Again, the photo looks brighter than it really is.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8...7dfd8a1627.jpg
PB021997 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

The side frames were not rigid enough, and always looked warped. So brass ones were made by milling K&S brass bar to the right width, scoring it up with a rasp, and replacing the styrene sides. That's the quick version!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8...c3d08bc405.jpg
PB172133 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

There are a couple other small improvements, but this gets you mainly up to speed. I need to take some new overall pictures of it. Thanks for looking. Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Nah, Not to bad at all !!
Fantastic effort in all your efforts to date, Dan.
Loved the photo you took of the boom and all the lattice detail in the earlier shots.
Lots of great info for all to read and will look forward to your updates.
Good Onya Mate.

Shane.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Since the last post, air cleaners were turned on the lathe and a couple details added. There are 2 air cleaners for the carrier truck. They'll mount like this:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8...4cbe6bb01a.jpg
PB292179 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

In progress:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8...34b2e30ee1.jpg
PB282155 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

up close. That superglue has since been cleaned off.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8...f3037039aa.jpg
PB292173 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

The mirrors have been made, The harder of the 2, I like to think, has been mounted. It's all stainless where it's metal. Notr that here it is retracted, close to the body.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8...749e62ebfc.jpg
PB302182 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

It can be extended, too.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8...628f2c88cb.jpg
PB302183 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

Then, on to the cat walks. The idea here is that no matter how the upper unit is positioned, access to the cab can be made from the carrier's deck, either from behind, the front, or the gap in the rail. It took a lot of work to get these things to fit without interfering with motion at the front or the back.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8...5e8f77c196.jpg
P1010092 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8...37c1c8f8f7.jpg
P1010093 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

They easily come off for transport.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8...58cd421d48.jpg
P1010094 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8...4cc4ccbb9e.jpg
PC022191 by Southgate_08, on Flickr

I'm getting it ever closer to prepping and paint! Thanks for looking. Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

The details are incredible! Glad to see you're still working at this project. The lights look great. So do the air cleaners and catwalk, with rails.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Simply awesome this is one impressive build I can't wait to see it all finished...

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

I've been working away at it here, getting well under way on painting the crane. These pictures are basically mock ups, but you can get the over all idea. The 2nd color will be gray, as the front grill, and the one on the upper unit. It's as shiny as a new die cast model. That will be dealt with too.

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1010122.jpg

The grill on the hood will be gray too.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1010125.jpg

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1010127.jpg

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...x/P1010123.jpg

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Southgate, this is fine work. I like the detail on the exhaust. Colin

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Looks great!

kerst

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Very nice, Dan. Keep going!

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

A bit off topic here, but how large is the train layout that we can see in the background of the pics? Also what scale is it? I dabble in N scale trains as well and it's always cool to see other stuff that rc fans are doing

--Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Fair enough question, considering the train layout is in most of the crane pictures. It is HO scale, and runs all the way around the room when I put the duckunder across the doorway. The room is about 10x20 feet. The workbenches are under the layout.

Looking at the crane sitting on layout deck;
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...m/P1122227.jpg

And below the layout:
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...m/P1122229.jpg

I had been working slowly on the RR layout for a few years, but progress halted when I started on the crane 6 years ago, something I've wanted to build since I was about 20. The RR is supposed to be mid 60s on the Oregon coast (where I grew up) Southern Pacific. The layout is in operating condition, but no scenery, obviously. Progress will resume when I fairly complete the distraction at hand. I only model in 1/24-1/25 and 1/87
Thank You for asking. Dan. (other Dan)

PS. I just got home from work where I used their heated space to paint some more on the crane. Most all the styrene bodywork is now painted. I suffered casualties on the earlier painting session. For some unknown reason, some of the LEDs failed in the tail light section. I'm stumped as to why, but I tore 'em all out (it wasn't a pretty picture, I was REALLY mad!)and will wire in new ones asap.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

What a great use of space!!! :cool: I never noticed your workbench under there in earlier pics... I'm bad for tunnel vision. :o

And you have your dog house in the mix of things too Dan, more quiet time from the wife. :D

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

My bedroom used to look like that, mostly workshop with a bed in the corner.
Till I got to know my wife! Ha, ha!
Now I have a corner in the wood shop, which is great, because it far enough away from the house.
Nice toolbox you have sitting there on that chest of drawers!

Kerst

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Ahh, living the dream! I have always been interested in model railroading and trains, ever since I can remember. I'd love to have a room like that, to build something. Maybe someday! There aren't to many hobbies, greater then model railroading and radio controls trucks/construction equipment. At least not in my opinion! Good to meet another fan of the Espee. Oregon is some beautiful country. I'd like to visit it someday. I can't think of a finer setting for a Southern Pacific layout. Good choice!

LEDs not working - all I can think of is maybe you got some paint somewhere it wasn't supposed to go and it bridged an electrical connection, shorting out some of the LEDs. Most paints do conduct electricity.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

The "dream" room was something I salvaged. It was 10x12, with one open end. I salvaged it and enough material from the same demolition to add 8 feet on to it. The only money I had to spend was for lights and sheetrock. Later I put in the laminate floor.

When I was young, in Coos Bay Oregon, you could still walk around up close to the trains on the tracks and look around. Trains no longer run to Coos Bay, the bridge is delapidated. I live in Bend now, east of the mountains.

As for the crane, the new LEDs will be installed into prepainted boxes on the rear section.
Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Amazing work!!! Looks like the crane is getting near being done!! Any videos of it yet or did i miss them?

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Nope, no videos yet. But i have a buddy who's going to help me get some on You tube when it is at least presentable. A link will be posted when ready.I got the cabs and more body work painted last night. Still have way to go; Counterweights, chassis, upper machinery. Outriggers are not near ready for paint. plus fixing the lights. More pictures as progress is made.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Here are the latest pictures of progress. The cabs are painted, along with a few other items.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psc22e5ae7.jpg

Lights are working like they're supposed to. The lenses are now added over the LED, and are flush with the body panels, giving the light a wider angle.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps9109fb8a.jpg

I finally got some pictures of how the lights pretty much look...Headlights on
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps209416c9.jpg

Headlights off
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps00bbde50.jpg

These lights appear more red in person, but this is still the best picture I have of the tail lights so far.

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps20409198.jpg

I'm taking this to a model car show in Portland (OR) today. It should behave itself, as everything is working like it's supposed to. We'll see! Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Looks great!

Kerst

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

I haven't been logged in here in a while. I guess I changed my password some time, and I've tried every alternative as well. I had to reregister under a new slightly changed name.

I did figure out how to do a simple video, here's a look at some of the action. Kinda crude, it's all I have.

first ever video, before paint. couldn't load it with old 'puter. Dan

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps981ac012.mp4

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Looking good Dan. :cool:

I changed your password for Southgate & PM'd the password to your Southgate 1 account. ;)

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

That slews very nicely. Great job.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

You know how good it feels to know someone else live right here in Oregon for a change! I felt like I was the only one! I would love to start hearing about some model shows in portland . It is a 4 hr. Drive for me but would be way worth it. I've been hard at work building ab1/14 excavator and starting on a 1/14 d11 for my brother. I just bought a lathe and mill last year and have learned so much its amazing and I really don't know how I've lived without!

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Hey, McCracken, wherebouts in OR are ya? The show I go to about every other year is a model car show, the SABA puts it on. It's not an RC show, but I build 1/25 trucks and cars, and this crane...

I have taken about a couple years off on doing anything with this project other than operate it, but I got busy lately. I tried a 10 lb lift to see what would happen. It revealed some weak points, but did the lift without any damage.

One weak point was the slewing pivot, rather a hub and spindle affair. The spindle was fine, a 1/2 stainless steel bar. There was enough play in the hub part, basically brass tube inserted through the 1 1/4" thick base plate to allow fore and aft rock, thus some interference. It took 10 lbs to reveal that.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psf2jcvrcq.jpg



So a new hub was turned from thick brass bar and a larger hole drilled to accept it. It is stepped so it looks like it's sitting on top, but it goes all the way down through, and held in with a set screw.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psezqevpbc.jpg

I rebuilt this block too. It needed a stronger hook, so I made a copper one. I'll probably replace it later on with a double hook, but for now this holds with all authority. The thin plates between the sheaves were warped, so I made thicker ones, now the block behaves far more smoothly. That overhaul took most of the day!
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...pscmzcfv1r.jpg

Another 10 lb "pick" was done to check out the improvements, and it all works quite nicely.

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Here's a little video of the crane raising the boom, gantry and live mast. Clicking on the little x-in-the-box should open it.

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...daduq3zo-1.mp4

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Your video of mast raising was great! You have kept faithful to prototypical speeds and it looks just like the real thing.

Awesome job!

Ken

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

I've been back at work on this thing after almost a 2 year break. I was burned out!

The rim beads were properly shaped, and resin hubs added after the rims were painted. Here's before paint.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psbvjj59l9.jpg

I got busy on detailing the outrigger boxes too. Still need some stuff, but they look far better being all closed up.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psj0uuskms.jpg


The gantry weight was increased, this helped in improving it's motion when erecting and lowering, but it also gave far more control to the lines by deepening the sheave slots.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psit2gvhxu.jpg

Here, the outriggers, the chassis on the carrier, and the wheels are all painted and assembled.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psvizu2vpf.jpg

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psior3zqzr.jpg

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...psttwwsqz3.jpg

I have a lot of painting left to do, especially on the details of the upper unit, and it needs some weathering, as it just looks too clean for a big ol' industrial machine. More to come. Dan

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

Southgate-I know nothing about cranes but this is truly a great model! Excellent craftsmanship, great attention to details, realistic movement. Great work!!!

Re: 1/25 6 Axle Lattice Crane
 

remind me to NEVER apply for opereator position in your company lol :jaw: