Utility Truck
 

I am not sure where to put this build, it could go in truck, construction or here. but I choose here, admin please move if incorrect.

This is a non specific army truck build. It will be 40's to 60's in style. It is a very basic build compared the the beautiful builds I am finding here, but I want to start simple, I can improve my detailing as I learn the tricks.

Kind of like this.
http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/SS-EX.jpg

This is the chassis:
http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB11.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB10.jpg

and some images of the front.
http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB13.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB14.jpg

It will be made as an ex military truck brought into a civilian live as a utility truck. I plan to make different things to put on the back, like a crane, sweeper attchments etc.

It is not super scaled, as you can see I am using car valve springs in the front. I will use what ever I can find in the scape pile to build it. I have been concidering using the motor valves as outriggers, but we'll see.

Re: Utility Truck
 

OH! I think I am gonna like this one... Nice start.... ! cant wait to see more!
jeff

Re: Utility Truck
 

I agree with Jeff, this is going to be on my watch list.;):):cool:

Big John

Re: Utility Truck
 

Anything Military has got my eye‚ that is if its early and ground based dont want to offend anyone who is particulary into the newer stuff but I prefer the older stuff

Re: Utility Truck
 

PLEASE:

Specs on those rims/tires? That looks like it could become like something out of one of the Mad Max movies... particularly #3 with all those monsters hiding bits behind canvas ragtops.

Hmmm, that gives me a few ideas... or it could be made into a BTR-152... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BTR-152 (as seen in " Navy Seals " )

Let us know, ok?

Re: Utility Truck
 

Specs as follows:

Front:
Pro-Line Dirt Works 2.2" All Terrain Truck
Pro-Line Epic 2.2" Black/Black Bead-Loc

Rear:
RC4WD Rock Crusher X/T 1.9 Tires
Axial 8-Hole 1.9" Beadlock Rims
Home made dualie adaptors.

Rear Axles are 25:1 worm drives from RC4WD.

I chose 2.2 for the front and 1.9 for the back so it would look like it had supersingles on the front.

I Passed a milestone this weekend, had it's first running roller test using 'borrowed' gear from my rockcrawler. Got some not so good cell phone vid, will post up soon. To see it moving on it's own was good, even in it's bare chassis state.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Here is the drivechain test vids, sorry about the cell phone footage, I did not have my GoPro with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVtCcguFhXA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PjEhxyQhOc

Very basic test, used motor/tranny from my Rock Crawler just to get an idea. Will up the motor & gearing. Also, the rear steer was flapping about back there, will have that in soon.

Oh, here is some photos of the drive chain:

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB15.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB16.jpg

http://steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB17.jpg

Re: Utility Truck
 

Gotta luv those vicegrip's! My favorite tool!(5wr's) Great start.

Cheer's, Neil.

Re: Utility Truck
 

yep, you can never have to many clamps (and vice grips) :D

I was happy with the alignment so after the test run I drilled and tapped a couple of M4s and bolted the tranny mounting plate to the chassis rail.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Thanx for the video, does the real truck have the steering axle? Doing a great job on the beast.:D:cool::eek:;)

Big John

Re: Utility Truck
 

Thank you guys for the compilments!

John, this build is not based on a truck in particular, it's more of a generic build. I hope to have the style of an older army truck like a GMC, Studebaker, Kraz or Ural, but it is not an exact scale replica of any (this truck is only 4x6).
I decided on the rear steer because I thought it'd need it to get decent maneuverability without a powered front axle. I did have concerns that the wormdrive axles may bind when one set of axles was turning with dualies on, but it seemed ok in the test, even on the concrete pad. It may be a different story when there is weight on it though, but I can always lock it off later if it is an issue. This is my first attempt at building a chassis, suspension etc, so I am learning as I go. I have mucked a few thing up along the way, but it is fun none the less. :o

Re: Utility Truck
 

I know you guys like pictures and since I posted this late in the build I thought I'd catch you up on a few things I posted on another forum.

This is how I did the dualies:
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB02.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB03.jpg

I used M8x90mm bolts, cut the shank down to 35mm, then drilled and tapped M4 thread into each end. This allows the M8 bolt to secure the first wheel, and provides the hex for the second wheel, which is then secured by a M4 bolt. Locktite will be a must! :)

http://www.spacejunk.co.nz/temp/fbt01.jpg
This is the begining of a dump trailer to go on the back that I did when before I had the parts to start the tractor unit.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Wow ,what a heavy duty build :D ,liked the vid ,it's sure going to have to pulling power,look forward to seeing how you build the cab,keep the pics /vids coming :D:):D:cool:

Re: Utility Truck
 

When we did the test we grabed digital fishing scales, applied a little wight to the rear wheels and it pulled to about 4.5kg before the drive chain started making clicking sounds. Not a very exact test, but it was interesting.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Yes, I am looking forward to getting to the sheetmetal and building the cab also :D
Maybe a few more weeks on the chassis still and then I'll knock out some cardboard mock ups.

This is another sheetmetal cab I made as part of a Trail Truck build.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Lookin good, very nice work.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Hi guys,

I put my steering electrics in this weekend and got some more video of a test run with my Go Pro so you can actually see some details this time. :)

Front servo is a HiTec 7975HB and the back is a Firgelli L12-R 100:1 30mm linear servo. We put a brick (about 4.5kg) on the back later to improve the traction a little. No sign of strain at all. I am not sure how well the 100:1 linear servo will do with a decent amount of weight on it, but, so far I am happy with it.
I think I'll put in the rest of the chassis crossmembers and pto shaft next weekend.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Tk_uh12PA&hd=1

Re: Utility Truck
 

Nice work man! Looks great in the vid. Impressive steering range, torque and articulation. Is this 1:10 scale? Looks pretty big next to the dogs.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Thanks for looking Swagger!

Not sure of scale, about 1/10 or maybe a little bigger I think.

Got a wee bit done on her last weekend, but not enough to photograph really. Just putting in cross members on the chassis and cutting off the temporary chassis rail spreaders.
Would have put in the PTO shaft in front but I forgot to get a bearing housing with the last parts order **** it. I've built the mounts, but can't weld them in until I can line things up properlly.
It puts a bit of a dent in my build plans, I really want to do things in a certain order so I know how things sit. Maybe I'll switch to doing some work on the payload for a few weeks while playing the parts waiting game.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Minor update. Since I am waiting on some parts for the front, I decided to build the ring feeder. Still a work in progress. I need to put more thought into how the pin will work, manual, or servo etc...
It's a little bit over sized, but it will do for now.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB18.jpg

Sorry, that's all the photos I got, the battery in the phone went flat.

I also started on dismantling an old bike to harvest the sprockets and chains for a slew system for the crane I want to mount on the back.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Well, I am still waiting on parts for the truck so I have been experimenting with ways to slew the crane I want to put on the back of the truck.

This is the third attempt, first attempt was using a old grinder head, disregarded due to weakness, second attempt, pushbike crankshaft, disregarded.

Third attempt, lazy susan bearing & pushbike sproket.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB19.jpg
setting bearing to crane base plate

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB20.jpg
sprocket tacked to bearing & crane baseplate

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB21.jpg
mounted to truck (no chain, or slew motor yet)

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB22.jpg
base of crane on truck

Re: Utility Truck
 

The remaining bearing housing arrived in the mail so I got on with the PTO and front bumper for the truck. I'm making the bumper removable so I can mount other attachments like snow plow, or brush later. I lathed down a bit of rod a bit for the PTO shaft which protudes the bumper. I'm still working on the chassis / bumper mount.

PTO shaft between the chassis rails.
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB23.jpg

Bumper with the PTO cover.
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB24.jpg

Added lower ties to the chassis to add some strength.
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB25.jpg

Re: Utility Truck
 

Finished the front bumper and mounted it properly this week. The bumper is held on by a M4 and M3 on each side. The inner square shaft is plug welded into the square tube of the bumper.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB26.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB27.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB28.jpg

Should be starting the body soon.

Re: Utility Truck
 

That truck is going to be unstopable!!! Its a beast but looking good!!

Re: Utility Truck
 

Have made a little progress, did a rough cardboard mock up to get an idea of proportions and to get basic measurements from. Looks a little big, but once the sheet metal is rounded off it will look better.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB32.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB31.jpg


Body support hoops, front for radiator, bonnet clip, rear to connect bonnet hinges, door hinges, firewall etc

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB30.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB29.jpg

It's got a ways to go, but *should* look kinda like this
http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatb...6cddc57f3b.jpg

Re: Utility Truck
 

This is an awesome build, keep the photos coming!!!

Re: Utility Truck
 

awesome build, i have a quick question what driveshafts are you using? they look like Axial but they have six spline it looks like, and they are longer i think?

Re: Utility Truck
 

Hi, they are Long Nylon Punisher Shafts from RC4WD. ( http://store.rc4wd.com/Scale-Nylon-L...mm_p_1852.html )

To be honest, I'm not sure I'd recomend them, the yokes and grub screw holes seem a bit sloppy. Hard to really tell until I mount them properly and lock tight them on.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Set up the hoop mounts properly and reset the tranny, then finally started on the skin!

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB33.jpg

Made from old computer case, hence the max payne sticker on it. I find computer cases great because the sheet steel quite often has nice folds and lips pressed into them that can be used to inset etc. I find the computer cases are more rust resistaint than the other standard mild sheet steel we use also.

Re: Utility Truck
 

You could call the truck Max Payne. :D Nice looking build by the way! :D

Re: Utility Truck
 

Maybe you'll need - paper model of Kraz 255B in 1:25 scale :)

http://www.gamahobby.pl/img/55/5514945_1.jpg

You can download from here y http://rapidlibrary.com/files/80-avt...wxnywieon.html

Slawek

Re: Utility Truck
 

Thanks for the comments guys! Also, thanks for the paper model plan link, I will check it out.

Got a little bit done last weekend, but not enough to warrant taking photos, we had vistors at the workshop that put a dent in the days production. I did get the side panels cut to size, swaged in the bead roller, and tweaked so they are ready to be drilled & tapped to the hoops. So next weekend I will get them on, and then make a start on the bonnet I think.

Re: Utility Truck
 

side panels and beginning of bonnet.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FBrctat01.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FBxx01.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FBrctat02.jpg

floor plan mock up. batteries will go under seat. should be room to have 2, 1 for motor, another for axillary if needed.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Looking good!!

Re: Utility Truck
 

Due to house repairs (earthquake damage) I have not had anytime to work on this project for about the last month. Finally got into the workshop and made a start on it again. Not much I'm afraid, had to sit and stear at it for a bit and get my brain back into the build. Finished off the bonnet, and made some decisions about the grill. Should have the bonnet mounted and grill done next week (if I am not needed at the house).

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB34b.jpg

Re: Utility Truck
 

To finish mounting the bonnet I needed to put in the barwork on the grill, which is drilled out of the hoop and dropped down and plug welded in. Once that was done I could knock back the flat bar on the top of the hoop. I got that done on Saturday.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB35.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB36.jpg

I used incorrrect hinges, so I am going to redo the bonnet with hinges I pulled out of an old rack mount server, but, they are stashed in a storage box, so I'll have to wait untill the contractors are finished at our house. I'll proberlly add more mesh, not sure if it will be infront, or behind the bars yet.

Re: Utility Truck
 

DON'T FORGET....there's always your wife's car out in the drive....you can use stuff from it when she isn't looking ! lol Really...this is a cool idea .....I have always loved military vehicles ! This one is going to be too cool when your finished...cant wait to see more progress pics ...keep up the good work cyanide !

Re: Utility Truck
 

The firewall has been put in and the bonnet hinged and mounted.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB37a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB38a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB39a.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB40a.jpg

Cabwork starts next week hopefully.

Re: Utility Truck
 

Made a start on the floorpan last weekend. I got busy scribling a plan on the sheet and set to cutting & folding. I forgot to swage a few lines in it before folding, so it aint so good. I may scrap it, or cut some bits off it & redo them.

The floorpan incorperates the bench seat / battery compartment. I need to do some more thinking on the specifics of battery insertion & removal as I do not think I will be able to get them in with just opening the cab door.

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB41b.jpg

http://www.steelrats.com/builds/fatbetty/FB42.jpg

Re: Utility Truck
 

This is looking really badass! If you are looking for some ideas you could try Spin Tires game, there is a free demo with a driveable Kraz :)

E: what kind of crane are you building?