My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Hi everyone! I've built a few custom RC's in the past but never a semi. There is definitely some different tech involved in these verses just a 4wd crawler. And the price difference is way more on these! But I'm definitely into it and I've already made some good headway. I've posted some of my progress on the Facebook page but i figured I better do it the right way here in the forum. Here are a couple pics of more or less what I'm shooting for.

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1tq0sil6.jpg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...psmxrafcbi.jpg

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Some frame and chassis setup. I'm using Lesu axles and single airbag suspension. Don't mind the super sized tires! I only used them to get things going in my mock up!

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...saf6fudqw.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sgvduvolg.jpeg

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

On to the scale motor and motor/tranny setup. As for the scale motor, I've seen some guys use an arm mounted to the bottom of these as a go between from the servo to the steering. I wanted to do something different tho. I used a low profile servo and mounted it inside the motor.
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sa5qfqbg6.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...svdofinnd.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sbn8g9kgy.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sba7crme1.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Im using an Axial, rebuildable, 55T motor and a Veroma Models 3 speed transmission. Very nice setup! Everything fits down inside the rails nice and neat!
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...scuxnzdsn.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sxgc9peg6.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...su3v3lyho.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

I got this body through Shapeways. It was designed by Goose19. I gotta say, he did an amazing job on the CAD design!
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sc9umsaw7.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s2kkcraux.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...svnm6n1km.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...szmwtol2a.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sskjmqg8t.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sigdcu958.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sbwbperid.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...smmbtpqor.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...psg1ezxhrk.jpg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

And now what I've got so far for my LEDs. Both of these bumpers came from Russ at True Scale. He makes some awesome stuff! All of the LEDs that are lit up are 1.8mm.
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sdpxgxyop.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...st3acnx3t.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...slrwk8vhz.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sazbnvngf.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...slqfh1msu.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

nice kw your building there!!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Thank you bigford!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Wow this is your first truck build ? Come along very nicely :cool:

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Northern Farmer, yes. This is my first semi build but not my first custom RC build. Thank you!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Absolutely beautiful start looks great

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Thank you!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Wow, that is looking great. I'm a big fan of the large KWs too.

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Looks like its gonna be a rolling light show. Off to a great start.

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Thank you! I've always loved the W900L with a studio sleeper.

Something like that! :)

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

allan cads up some nice stuff for shapeways to print. i just
wish they could get the grain down more..

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

I agree! It definitely takes some work to get them smoothed down to paint. I've got 3 coats of primer on it now and still not quite ready for paint. :thinking:

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

My next step on the lighting was the drop visor. The one I'm using is a Gear Head stainless steel one. I had an idea to put the clearance lights in it instead of using roof lights. All of my LEDs and lenses for my bezels are clear. I don't want any color showing until they are turned on. The closest roof lenses to the real KW's are the ones that are used on the Aeromax trucks. The problem for me is that they are orange. So... I found a solution!
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...siqczo48x.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...saxlvs1nl.jpeg [URL=http://s359.photobucket.com/user/hwheeler73/media/image_zpsbwbperid.jpeg.html]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sbwbperid.jpeg
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sytepoig6.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

As with the bumper marker lights, I've used 1.8mm LEDs. I did have to cut the upper corners of the windshield area some to allow for the LEDs and wiring. When the visor is mounted to the cab, you can't see the area that I cut and there is still plenty of area to mount the windshield to.
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sz71s1pjs.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sd5zr9jt4.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s8ze3ufng.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

my 379 hood looked ok in primer then the paint went on
and all the grain popped even after 3 coats of high build primer.

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Yah, that's what happened to my sleeper cap. I'm going to have to sand it down and start over. I'm going to try using a sealer primer over the high build primer as a last step before I paint it this time. Hopefully that will stop it from happening!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

it only happened with 1 of my 5 hoods

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Looking good, I'll be watching this one..

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Outstanding! I've been away from the hobby for quite a while, I'm amazed at these 3d printed cabs, looking forward to seeing the finished article!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

So I've been working on it here and there. Actually I've got quite a few little updates. So where do I start?! LOL!

The cab and sleeper are painted! I made door handles out of stainless steel.
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s2bugsupx.jpeg[/IMG]


I used stainless steel to make side window visors and the strip that goes across the bottom of the cab. And the elephant ears for the hood.
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...srh9nmodg.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sewfttmii.jpeg[/IMG][IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...svwvswlit.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sry7hkdqc.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sx7oxqntl.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

I also got a grill and a few other goodies from Russisloud at True Scale! The coolest is this prototype air ride steer axle setup!
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...suisrs26w.jpeg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sh8my5og4.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...slbubmgou.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sslvudzaf.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s5andjmw4.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

And I had to get a couple of shots of the truck outside in the sun!
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sx5tazjzp.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sho17jkzo.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

And I hooked up the visor and the front bumper lights for a test run. Is it just me or does this truck seem mad? Lol!
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sx2yalgdg.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Oh! Here's a shout out of thanks to Fabone for letting me park the truck in front of his RC4WD Lowboy for a couple pics! Although I'm still bummed that he wouldn't sell the trailer to me! Sigh....
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...syelb3stx.jpeg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sz6cwsivn.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Man that truck is looking GREAT!!!! Nice work you are doing.

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Thank you!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Got lights?!
[IMG][URL=http://s359.photobucket.com/user/hwheeler73/media/image_zpsdqygs9r6.jpeg.html]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sdqygs9r6.jpeg
[IMG]http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...spuf7epzn.jpeg[/IMG]

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Jesse-

Looking GOOD!

I didn't think you were really serious about the lowboy! But it would look good for hauling a JD combine! :Dlol

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

LOL! I'd've given you cash for it when I was there! Oh well I'll get one when they become available again. By the way, those Oversized banners are in stock at R.P.P.! Better hurry!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Truck looking good looks just like K&lol chrome

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

really nice lowboy hauler!!!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Love the truck. Where'd you get your fuel tank brackets and straps from? Thanks!!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Thank you!:)

The tanks and "J" hook mounts came from True Scale RC. The straps are from Garden Trucking and were cut down to fit the way I needed them to.

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

By the way.... That trailer in the picture is mine now! WOOHOO! Thank you FabOne! I also received my new Big Farm, John Deer Combine today!

Re: My first Semi build, KW W900L
 

Ok, W900L 2.0!

I've changed out the rails to a set from IHB.
I'm now using True Scale RC air suspension all the way around.
All of the hardware is scale bolts.
I'm using a modified rear bumper that matches the one on the back, in front of the drive tires.
I got ahold of one of True Scales one piece fuel tank mounts for the rearmost mount for my tanks.
I'm now using 6" tanks with 3 straps. (The way it would be on a real truck)
I got a new front bumper that matches the rear bumper.
All of the holes are drilled and ready to start installing the multitude of 1.8mm LED's.
The hood has been painted pearl white. I still need to paint the fenders blue.
OH! and I decided to go with a fixed mount fifth wheel instead of the one that looks like a slider.

I think that's it! LOL! On to the pictures!
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s8kijaekn.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...skdhdgvcv.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sjxg8k6ec.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...senxqgs1h.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...srnaekuvl.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sxj3t5gbd.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...skm2l7b4z.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...sqzil7bc8.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...swtqvupbd.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s2jibelae.jpeg
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s9iffs8qs.jpeg
What sucks is that now I have to take it all apart AGAIN to paint the rails and install the LED's! Sigh....