Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Went through my shed today and found some remnants of a trailer I built a long time ago, Thought I would try ressurect the old girl....

Homemade Frame rails..

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/IMG_0454.jpg

Two Tamiya Flatbed trailer bases, cut & shut and some 12mm x 12mm Alum angle for sides & left over Tamiya cross braces attached to make a scale 42 ft aussie trailer

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/IMG_0458.jpg

Deck Frame almost complete...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/IMG_0461.jpg

Next, adding tie down rails using scrap timber and coat hanger wire....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/IMG_0467.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/IMG_0470.jpg

In the process of soldering up LED's for side lights......Stay tuned, more to come....

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Looking great! Interested to see it finished.

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Thanks Matey, It's coming up well, Soldered a few LED's together today, not realising that the more I put together, the less light they give off.....will have to have a re-think...:confused:

Cheers Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Hey Paul, try this thread? http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...read.php?t=441 Hope this helps. Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug.

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Thanks for the link, Neil,

I did read a lot of that thread, but, Must have got lost somewhere along the way, still don't know how to wire up 10 x 3mm LED's to my trailer. Might have to leave that one to the experts.....Lol!!!

BTW, Can someone tell me if there is an alternative system to the MFU, I'm lookiong for something different nin sound and lighting.

Cheers Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Hi Paul,

its not a big deal with the leds! You didn't watch the voltage of a single led. So if you run a 12V system and want to use 3.2V leds you can only put (12V/3.2V=3.75) three together and still need a resistor for the remaining (12V-(3.2Vx3)=2.4V).
You have 12V and these 12V have to be shared by all the leds you put in one line. If one led gets more than the optimal voltage which might be between 2.somethingV and 3.somethingV it won't work for too long. If it has to share the 12V with to many and gets less than the optimal voltage it won't be as bright as it should be or won't work at all.
And for the case that you have 12V and 4 single leds with 3V each, you still need a tiny resistor as leds should never be used without one.
You find calculators on the web:
http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
When you work it out keep in mind that the actual voltage of a fully charged 12V battery is more than 12V. So if you work out the number of leds you can work with 12V but if you want to calculate the size of the resistor, better work with 13V.
Just let me know if you need help.
There are alternative systems. It only depends on how much you want to spend. Tight a... solutions start at a few dollars for manual switches. If you mind bending your knees you can get switches for RC use. I got a "servonaut" smx sound in my Volvo, but thats nearly 300 bucks. Speaker goes extra :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8AG7jNNHRo
...not my scania...

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Thank you so much for the Info, very helpful!!

Tell me more about the Servonaut, Please, Is it similar to the MFU as in a complete sound and light unit or are the lights a different unit altogether?

Also, I looked on the board and couldn't find much info on servonaut, are there any links to where I could read up on them or even purchase one??

Many thanks, Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Hi Paul, try these links

http://rctruckandconstruction.com/sh...ight=Servonaut

http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=25235

Cheers Tracy

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

z
Hello tracy,

Thanks for the links, got a little more insight into Servonaut now, Better hit the books and learn German so I can understand the Websites....:confused:

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Hi Paul


Here is the best explanation of servonaut I've found. It's on a Norwegian website so you may need to use a translator

http://www.rclastebil.no/forum/showthread.php?t=1692

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

hey paul good to see you here as well!
ask josh about the servonaut as he is running it
in his aeromax

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

No worries Paul!

There is no need for learning german as they have an english page as well. Could be handy though :D
Well the MFU is speed controler, light in sound all in one. The SMX is only for the sound. If you want a really good speed controller as well go for the S20. There are other ones (more expensive) with a cruise control as well. From my point of view: This function is just crap and those with a light system included are just overpriced.
Yes I know this function is pretty popular in Europe (...) but after a few years they noticed that not all of us were utterly convinced and they came up with regular ones as well.

Get a S20, SMX+speaker (don't forget to put it in a box for better sound) and get yourself a tiny RC swich from CTI.
Sorry mate, its only in german!:rolleyes:
http://www.flymotec.de/product_info....ul-4-fach.html
But all you need to know is the size, the price and that you can turn 4 light functions on and off by only using one RC channel. Oh and up to 4 amps each. So you could use this one for your parking lights, low beam, high beam and fog lights. You'll find a similar switch including a function for indicators as well.

If you decide so make sure that they take out GST (19% in Germany) ;)

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

You snuck over here didn't you Paul...Glad to have you aboard buddy, and i'm sure your trailers will turn out supurb as usaul. :D:p;):):cool:

Big John

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Thanks again for your great replies, I now have some insight into what I need to set one of these up.

Basically I am looking at a S20(I'm assuming this is the speed controller), SMX(sound module) and speaker...right??

Now, for lights, are they part of this or are they bought seperately??

Oh, What size speaker am I looking for??

BTW, I have a Futaba 4EX FM Radio, Dunno if that makes a difference to all this or not!!

So many questions...Lol!!!

Thanks again, Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Hi Paul!

Oh thats a problem! As your radio only got 4 channels.
-steering
-motor controller
-smx needs one
that makes three. What about a gearbox? If you have a 3 speed one you have to look into buying a new radio as well :D

You have to buy the leds seperately. Servonaut has a set on offer but in Germany its cheaper buying it somewere else. If you want to buy it all together, got for it.
The speaker depends on the voltage so 12V or 7.2V. They sell the speakers as well. "LAUT85" and "LAUT45".

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Hi there!

I run a M20+ w/o sound but with an added switch module.. using a 4-ch radio.

The M20 needs two channels, one for throttle control and one for the lights (turn signals, low beams, high beams, four ways)

Channel 3 is used for the steering servo and channel 4 for the switch module (search light, more lights, flash-to-pass, <unused>).

.. you could hook up your horn on channel 4, provided you don't want to add more than basic functions to your truck and run it with a 4ch radio.

I don't use the automatic coupler.

Cheers

Pip

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

This is all very good and helpful information, Thank you again for your input!!

Small Trailer Update:

While still hunting down Axles & Wheels for the Flatbed trailer, I decided to take the next step and get me the first Tanker for the "B" Double Build to go on with,

Built Box Stock except for moving the axles back a little and up to "lower" the chassis rails a bit....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3246.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3245.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3247.jpg

Not sure whether to make it a Tri-Axle or not, wadda ya think??

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3248.jpg

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

I vote for Tri-Axle :cool:

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Whilst waiting for the Tami Flatbed Donor to arrive to finish my Flatbed, I stumbled across a low loader I started making a long time ago,

Here's a few pic's, still in the early stages...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3328.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3329.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3330.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3331.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3332.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3333.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3335.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3334.jpg

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Fly Wheels? that sounds familiar, they could be, If I remember, I got them from "Toys "R" Us", and I faintly remember Shaun sending me a few as well!!

Didn't think of the weight issue with the dolly, I might give it a run with a couple of bricks on and see what happens...:confused:

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

The Tami Flatbed arrived today, so, I got stuck into my Flatbed Trailer.

Got a bit done.....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3343.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3341.jpg

Decision time, Do I use a Balsa wood Deck or a Hard wood Deck???

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3346.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3347.jpg

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Go with the hard wood, it will last longer and finish better then the Balsa.:cool:

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

I thought the Hardwood deck too, but, problem is, cos I extended the Trailer by 170mm, I don't think I'll have enough wood strips to cover the whole deck :(

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

I would bet if you put up a wanted ad in the buy,sell,trade forum somebody will have some lying around because there are a lot of flatbeds that get kit bashed for the suspension and king pins.

Travis

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

I knew that....:confused:

Just not with it lately, stupid head cold :mad::mad:

Thanks Travis

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Well Chris I have some on order for a trailer thats in the works and all the 1:1 "A" trailers that I have worked on / loader all have had checkered plate floors, some times you just have to think outside the square and look a other forms of modeling for idears.......

Cheers Tracy

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

G'Day Tim,

I am only using this floor cos I couldn't think of any alternative, But, Once again, you have come up with the goods, Plywood sheet would look better, I would really like a checker plate look, but, am unable to find any at all.

Thanks Again, Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Looking good Paul, keep it up;):cool::D

Big John

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Thanks Big Fella,

Had a couple of spare hours today, so, I made a toolbox , bit rough, but, a coat of paint should help....I hope...:confused:

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3348.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3349.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3350.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3351.jpg

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Is it me, or have a lot of posts disappeared again, I posted on here yesterday after tracy and Chris posted and now those 3 posts have gone......??? :confused:

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Hey Aussie, Have you considered linoleum floor tile's for trailer decking? just a brain cramp.
Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug.

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

G'Day Neil,

I did post here yesterday, but, It disappeared :confused:

I did say that I have got my hands on some sheets of Plastruct Diamond plate which I will use as decking on top of the Tami deck boards, just waiting for it to arrive.

Thanks for the idea though, floor tiles would be good cos ya could scribe lines in them quite easily, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best...;)

BTW, I have started the "A" Trailer for this rig, I will get some pic's up tomorrow

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

As promised, some pic's of the "A" Trailer,

Still in the early stages.....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3380.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3379.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3378.jpg

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Small Update!!

Got some more done on the "B" Trailer today, attached the cross spurs and Tie-down rails along the sides and installed the 3rd axle...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3388.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3389.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3391.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3392.jpg

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Thanks Uncle Timmy, Appreciate your input :D

As for you having to try harder, well, I don't think you'll have too much trouble keeping up, it has been said and I couldn't agree more that you and Chris (oztruck) are the best builders in Aus. :D:D

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

I liking that trailer paul the tie down rails realy improve the look of it http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/ima...ilies/nice.gif and chance of a sneck peak of it with the A-trailer ?

Cheers Tracy

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

Thanks Tracy,

A sneak peak, Huh??? I dunno........:o

Oh, Ok Lol!!!

Here ya go.....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3401.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3402.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3403.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3404.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3405.jpg

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

My first ever attempt at soldering brass, trying to make front and rear load gates for the Trailer.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3408.jpg

Very messy, but, A bit of patience and a good file should fix that :eek:

And, yes, it's supposed to be a bit crooked, never seen a working 1:1 trailer with shiny new ones...;)

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

All good, Rear one done, Front one next...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3409.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...k/100_3410.jpg

Paul

Re: Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!
 

hi it`s looking good & you have given me some ideas for a few changes for my trailers. keep up the great work & keep the pixs coming as well
cheers paul
tiny-trucker