Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Looking good with the skidsteer.. just mite be the next piece I'll be looking to buy.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Thanks for the encouragement, Lenny

Yesterday, when I arrived home from work, I had a package I've been awaiting fir a LONG long time! The SLOW boat carrying it FINALLY made it's way to me from China. :bounce: I took them, & made a pack for the skid steer conversion. The 2/3A pack fits in it, but I'd have to move EVERYTHING from where I had planned. :( Going with the 2/3AA 1800MAH batteries hopefully it's enough power to last fir a lil bit of play time in that machine. Picture below has the 2/3A pack next to the 2/3AA pack. I liked how the 2/3A pack weighted the machine slightly rear heavy, just like the 1:1 machines. Perhaps, I'll find a spot in/near the rear of the model, & give it the Skeeter special treatment........just a few ounces worth.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4561/...b3b35741_c.jpgunnamed (98) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Today I didn't work, due to a Dental appointment. :( I HATE going to them places......but when tooth is abscessed, & hurting, it's time to drag myself in there & get taken care of. When I arrived home, I had an EXCELLENT surprise awaiting me. :jump: I WASN'T expecting that package to arrive for about 4-7 more days. A great big THANK-YOU goes out to Hostile for being of assistance with acquiring this project. The Subaru WRX, I COULDN'T source locally. I inquired if he'd help me out, since they are readily available in Australia. It's sitting on my shelf, awaiting it's turn to be converted.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4539/...b2bf2d83_c.jpgunnamed (99) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr
I'm excited to cut the cord off this little rice burning hot rod, but have other projects ahead of it. Once I get a few more parts, the dump truck will be taking over as the HIGHEST priority build. After all, I'll need something to haul away all that dirt that the new hoe will be digging up! :bounce:

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Atleast you've got some battery options to work with. It looked like you might have been able to run 4 of the 2/3A across the back counterweight, then stick the other 2 onto that going into engine compartment?

Wait, the 2/3A are 1600, but the 2/3AA are 1800? Do the AA have a slower discharge rating?

Nice scooby, mine should just be couple days out then.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Unfortunately, neither evilbay seller was able to provide a "C" rating for the batteries, so I'm unsure.

Yes sir, your new ride SHOULDN'T be too far away.

Yeppers, I have a several options for batteries to work with. I COULD have ran the 2/3A battery pack, but then I wouldn't have room to put in the Sabertooth 2X5, or the receiver. With the smaller 2/3AA pack, I can have the Sabertooth in the back with the pack, as well as shoe horn the receiver in there too. The 4CH receiver for the Spektrum is slightly too bulky to fit under the seat area.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Tonight, after work, I tinkered with the Bruder Skidsteer conversion some more. I got as far as installing 7 testing the driveability functions. I added another 2/3AA battery to the pack. It now runs off from a 2/3AA 8.4V 1800MAH battery pack. I also got the on/off/charge switch installed. IDK, yet where I will shoehorn the charge port at on this thang. Perhaps, at/near the rear of the ROPS, on top perhaps?
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4636/...df0135b7_c.jpgunnamed (100) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Even with the lighter weight batteries that make up the pack, the thing is still slightly heavy to the rear, just like the 1:1 is. I still think I'll do the skeeter special, just a bit to it, as it's not quite right.....yet.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4537/...d63181a7_c.jpgunnamed (101) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Once it FINALLY gets did loading, I'll have a short video of the driveability testing to post.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

as promised, here's a short clip testing the drive functions of the skidsteer
https://youtu.be/nD5vWxLdMEw

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Nice to see it's fighting a little less and moving under it's own power now.

Did you put any brass tube bracing in the lifting arms yet?

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Yes sir, It feels AMAZING that it's FINALLY showing progress. The cousin Delta Loader, hasn't made any progress.

Brass tubing in lifting arms....no sir. The arms on it are I think built very solidly. On it's cousin, I WILL be placing some reinforcements in it's arms. The wheeled version has a solid boom, unlike tracked version.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

My bad, i hadn't actually seen the wheeled bobcat in person yet.

A while back you were asking about figures, i just ran across these being used in a M35 in 1/16 build over on scale4x4. They'll be a little short, but seem to have great detail
http://americandiorama.com/index.php...tegory&path=69

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Thank-You sir for that link! I've found a few things I might could use for future projects there.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

This morning I was sitting in the garage tinkering with the Bruder Skidsteer conversion.....well trying to, but this guy WOULDN'T stay off my lap.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4687/...de77d454_c.jpgunnamed (102) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr
I think he was enjoying the warmth that Mr Heater Head was providing.
All was quiet when I heard the truck pull into the driveway. When the delivery gal got out, I noticed she was carrying a rather large box. Normally, I'd just sit back, & let them take it to the front door. This time, knowing I was anxiously expecting a delivery of about that same shape/size, I hopped up, & went to greet her. I was overly joyed when I found out the package was mine. :) It came today, my RC4WD 4200 excavator!
:D:p:cool::jaw::bounce::jump::popcorn::drool: :bounce:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/...0ed746f2_c.jpgunnamed (104) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/...1140538f_c.jpgunnamed (105 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4589/...4aca7536_c.jpgunnamed (106) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Now the work begins! I'll be going through it with a fine tooth comb, to make sure EVERYTHING is properly tightened, & locktite where needed. then I'll have to watch a Youtube video of how to properly fill & bleed the hydraulic system, before I get to doing that.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Hi Skeeter

Nice purchase
Enjoy your new machine a good pre inspection is always worthwhile and usually pays off in the long run.
Looking forwards to seeing it in action.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Got some time out in the garage today, & finished the Bruder Caterpillar D4 conversion. :bounce:
I know the bolts that hold the blade wear plate to the machine are a bit too large, & there are too few of them. They are what I was able to source locally.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4580/...aaa6fa6d_c.jpgunnamed (107) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Got a chance to get the 4200Xl out to play today. :cool: HOPEFULLY my friend gets the video of it, :bounce: as well as the clip with the D4 playing with it's 1:1 cousin, edited & sent to me. Soon as he gets them to me, I'll post them for all to see. :D

I must say I was impressed with the digging power of the RC4WD 4200Xl hoe. :) I am a lil disappointed with the track drivetrain though. :( When the machine is sitting there digging, the tracks freewheel. :jaw: They WON'T propel the machine either. IF I give it a helping hand, then they will drive fir about 4-6inches before they quit driving again. IDK what's going on with it. I'm awaiting a reply from RC4WD on this issue. Other then the drivability issue, I'm really satisfied with this machine!

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I'm still working on the Bruder skidsteer conversion. I have to figure out where in that thang I can put a BEC unit. :thinking: When I try to run the bucket servo, it browns out the receiver. I think the built in power supply of the Sabertooth 2X5 isn't quite strong enough to run the full sized servo. :thinking:

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Today after the maiden excursion of the 4200, I sent PM to him. I think I will buy his upgade kit for the drive motors. the stock motors are junky, & already not working properly. I didn't even run a full battery through the machine, before the stock motors acted up. the machine wouldn't stay in place while digging. the tracks free wheeled, & allowed the machine to move as I tried to dig.
Thanks again for the info on his upgrade parts!

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

No work today, so I had time in the garage to mess with the Bruder Skidsteer conversion. I was able to show horn a BEC unit into it. With the 5V BEC unit in it, it now functions, as it SHOULD! I'll post a lil teaser vid of it. Sorry, the nephews were visiting, & got in the video a bit. They are both 2, & thought this was the neatest thing they've seen yet!
https://youtu.be/J4JD0Bu_aw8
Sorry for the crummy video quality. The video was taken using my cell phone.

After battling this one, I'm unsure if I'll be attempting the Bruder Delta loader conversion! This one was cramped enough to try & fit everything into. There's even less room in the delta loader to fit it all into!

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

My friend JUST sent me a short snippet of the video he took of the RC4WD 4200 excavator he took. This shows the track freewheel problem I'm talking about. When I try to dig, the tracks freewheel, & pull the machine towards the bucket. They SHOULDN'T move, as they are doing. RC4WD is sending replacement parts for it. I'm sure they will get here before the upgrade kit from SoylandIndustries does. I'll R+R the stock motors, so I can use the machine, until the upgrade kit gets here. Once the upgrade kit arrives, I'll switch to those motors.
https://youtu.be/Hwz6pSUzERo

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I did it, I ordered from Magomhrc the metal bucket for the Bruder Liebherr L574 loader conversion. It should arrive me in about a week, or less. As soon as it gets here, & I get it installed, I'll try to post video of the loader

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I found a neat interior for the RC4WD on thingiverse. I think I'll print it out, & see if it fits well enough. HOPEFULLY it's a good fit!

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I just got free bling for my truck!
Go to http://www.rcbrmin.com/
Scroll about half way through the website, & you'll find
Reality Metal Hub Nut For TAMIYA 1/14 Truck

I got the max, 2 sets, some scale hand tools for the truck, & a set of hinges. Cost with shipping, $10.00 U.S.D..

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Bobcat looks good.
Does the excavator do that if you take smaller bites of loose ground?
Would horizontal videos be possible? Vertical is hard to watch on anything other than what recorded it.

http://www.rcbrmin.com/index.php?mai...oducts_id=1282
Note. Orders must be more than 60 USD ( If less than $60 won't  be ship it)

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

DAM IT!, I missed the part about the $60.oo minimum. Oh well, I tried. Perhaps Friday, if they're still offering it, I'll order up that 550mm multi stage cylinder for the dump truck that I've been eyeing.

thanks fir the encouragement on the bobcat! It wasn't an easy conversion.

Yes the hoe does that even with smaller bites. I can make it freewheel the tracks with my hand pushing the machine. The tracks SHOULD slide atop the plywood, but they freewheel as I move it on/off the shelf.

There was suppose to be better video of it. He was going to take several angles of it working. He did get several nice stills of it sitting out there in the dirt.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

On November 10th, I found this link on ScaleBuildersGuild & decided to chek it out. They were offering a pre-sale on them. I placed my order. It arrived me today!
https://www.banggood.com/WPL-B-1-116...r_warehouse=CN
This will be my first scale military RC vehicle. I've got pics of it I'll post later today/night. Also got a few more videos to post of the various equipment I have. I had a friend over today. He's ONLY just began in the RC world. When he saw all the possibilities available, he was definetely interested in the RC construction side of things. I filmed a bit, while he controlled the models. He wasn't familiar with the controlls of them, so the operating skill level is very beginner. With time, he got it figured out, & was doing better. unfortunately, my camera battery died, & I had to resort to using the cell phone for video.

EDITED to add a recent link that functions. The previous link was broken, & no longer worked. Here's a good link to find this kit.
https://www.banggood.com/DIY-WPL-B-1...l?rmmds=search

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

As promised, here's a few pics of the newest acquisition, the military truck
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/...2640b7f6_c.jpgunnamed (109) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4527/...66372159_c.jpgunnamed (110) by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

At the moment, I'm still working on getting the videos from the phone & camcorder to the video hosting site(s).

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Well....POOP! :o I accidently hit a wrong button, & deleted ALL the videos from the camcorder, as I had the memory card plugged into the laptop. :( The couple videos I took with the phone, they are too large to upload. :mad: Since I CAN'T figure out how to get them out of the phone, I DON'T know what to do! Perhaps the next day off I have, I'll set up the camcorder on the tripod, & try to re-shoot everything ;)

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

For $38. & some change, I like this kit enough that I've ordered another one, but green this time. When it arrives, I;ll have the dessert tan one, & the OD green one.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Nice, i'd seen the bobbed M35 around a couple times, i didn't know there was a kit version. Any idea does it have any upgrades over the rtr ones?

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

What would you say the wheel base of that military truck be?

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I SHOULD have checked evilbay, BEFORE I bought the second one. I JUST found this for around $30 buck LESS than I just paid.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-16-Scale-...MAAOSwHUhaLkDz

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I'm not sure, but I do know on ScaleBuildersGuild.com, they fellers were talking about the German folks using the stock kit, but upgrading the ESC, & steering servos.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I'm not sure. From what I've heard, they are pretty well scaled between 1:16th to 1:18th scale.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=83650
Said 14 cm wide, but didn't give the other dimensions. The fenders are wider to help cover big tires.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

As per the description from evilbay, the dimensions are
Product Size: 34X14X15cm

the link provided to this truck on evilbay is the RTR version. The stock battery is weak, as well as are the steering, motor, & speed control.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Sorry to hear about the issue you already had with the track motors. Rimrock’s track motors are a great upgrade over the stock motors on the 4200, you will be happy with the upgrade :cool: The kit also includes stiffer idler springs. He’s kind enough to include an easy to understand installation guide to go along with the kit.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I'm glad his springs are stiffer! The stock springs are weak. Already they are allowing the tracks to sag, & be sloppy lose. When I lift the machine off the shelf, the tracks DON'T stay tight, & droop downwards.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Thanks for that link skeet! I just bought 2 at that bargain price. Ill be using the components for the crane i want to build. Great find!

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I bought one not sure why but seemed like a good idea at the time lol.

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Efroh, LOL! Same thing I did.

Hostile, you're very welcome. I look forward to watching the progress of that build.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Haha once again i add more to my workload. Im so darn inconsistant. I need to finish things ive got going 1st before i start new ones. /facepalm. But at $27 au for 2 trucks it can sit in the cupboard with the bruder trucks.