my first semi build (dump)
 

some of you would have see this thread on scale 4x4, or crawl canada, but thought I would repost it here.

I have always been interested in anything construction and heavy equipment, been around it my whole life and operating heavy equiment is also my career. as big as my passion is for it in the real world. I find most on my time on the internet is spend looking at crawl canada, or scale rc construction equipment. so I have decided to start my first scale construction build. it will be a Tandem Dump truck.

the base for my build will be a Tamiya King hauler.
here is goes
my first semi kit
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0120.jpg
cut the sleeper off of the cab, to make it a day cab and so the dump box will fit.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0089.jpg

now it is on to making the box. I drew up a couple ideas picked one and started cutting styrene and wood to make the box. basic shape with no detail. sorry the pic a bit blury using phone to take pics.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0113.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0112.jpg

if you noticed the staples they are to hold the two sheet of styrene to the wood spacer between the sheets
this makes my box side thicker and stronger but less weight then using many layers of styrene or metal. and will also alow me to add depth and detail to box sides.

now there are many box makes and type but I like the western style box, with horizontal ribs instead of vertical lines. so here I go cutting and shaping.

cut out sections for depth and add to give angle, shape and detail.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0114.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0115.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0116.jpg

one side taking shape hopefully I can repeat for the other side

let see how is looks with the truck.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0117.jpg

pretty happy with it so far with my limited skills.
really excited about building this one. my time is limited in the shop right now so this may take a while so be patient for updated.
thanks for looking

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Jason. Looks real good. There's a lot of great work that's gone into the build. Keep it up and you'll be haulin dirt real soon. Lou said you were doing a screw drive for the box and there is a seperate thread here for it on RC T&C.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Looks great !!!! I have a question are those staples??? I have never worked with the sterlyn stuff alot now will those be pulled out then fill the holes or do you counter sink them and leave them in??and cover them with what kind of stuff??? like bondo or what ??? just curious looks good though guess i am just tryin to get a idea on the sterlin stuff or how ever you spell it lol

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

most of the staples will be pulled, they are holding everything together for now, now that the ribbed shape is done I plan to add a super thin skin of styerene to outside that will cover the couple staples that will stay , than I will do the rest to the shaping with filler. to give the seam a welded look. I hope :confused:

it is all trial and error for me I waste allot of styerne, good thing I get it cheap

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Nice work, did you this fashion this off of the Oxford dump bed? Looks just like it.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Looks good man! Keep us posted.

Brian

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

not much new to post, bit frustrated. been working on lift system, based on a screw drive type setup, with a sliding block between two rails with a rod attached to it and the box. I tried pushing and pulling on the block. but the box will not lift, it just binds up, feels like it wants to rip the box off, unless I lift the box up a inch and it goes up no problem, can't figure out what the problem is? :mad:

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

If your mounting point on the slider block and the dump box are on the same plane or level you are right it would never lift. You'll have to pick a spot on the slider that is as low as you can mount the push rod. The same goes for the dump box mount. Try to get mount as close as posible to the floor of the box, maybe even build up the box frame. That way it won't try to push strait out, but will have some angle for leverage to start the lift.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Nice build keep it coming and us posted

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

I was wonder if you had a youtube account/ page and do a how to for us novice because I would like to build or modify a dump truck someday

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

That is a great looking dump box! Never considered using wood as a build material (even if just filler) for a box, but it's working really well for you and I can definitely see it being strong enough, light enough, and easy to work with. That's some good thinking.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

no I do not have a youtube account, and I am a novice too, I am figuring it out as I go, so follow along and see what happens, and search around the guys on these forums are awesome. you will learn alott.

thanks. well wood was what I had on hand to build with. so I said why not. if it doesn't work I will try something else.

been working a bit on the truck tonight, will have a update soon.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Caseracer. Nice work. I have a dump in my que so to speak.
But I wanted top say I agreee with you. I have always liked my models to look as if they were in the real world. That is why the racing did not stay in my blood. Same with helicopters. The scale stuff was too expensive when I crashed.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

well guys no updates, I have been working crazy hours and then get family time only leaves time to sleep and look at the forum. but been busy with ideas so I can work when I do get time.

I want to make this truck look different then the standard KH, and make it my favorite make of truck Autocar, I want to make my cab look similar to a autocar A64b. like the one my Dad drove when I was just a little kid back in Nova Scotia.

I don't have any pictures of his old truck, but the are lot on the net. my only problem is round fender or square.

here is 2 1/24 scale model kits. not my own ( pulled from google)
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...09carioux1.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...tocarBlue2.jpg

I really like the round look but the square was used more of construction applcation, and is easier to do. I will also have to move the front axle back to get the autocar nose look

what to you guys think round or square?

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

I like the square look as it reminds me of the Kenworth LW... Nice project to keep you out of trouble for the winter.. lol

greg

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

I say square fender, and it's awesome that you are thinking of building this into an Auto-car model. They are good old fashion work horses. Don't see many around these days. That model reminds me of the Auto-car dump truck, from the Die Hard movie, when Bruce Willis is driving it through the underground tunnel, flooding with water. :D

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

I'm a real fan of the old iron myself. The Autocar was a real workhorse and built as tough as they come. I remember riding lots of miles in one and they rode real rough. My favourite is the square fender one as it was the construction version and the round fenders were the supposed highway version. I think they were both used either way. Looking forward to more of the build. How's the screw drive coming along
Rob

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

i am more of a fan of squar my self but i like big lines.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

You have done a real nice job so far keep it up. Ed

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

I like the square kind better. For your first truck, you certainly are good with styrene! Keep it up!

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

wow thanks for the responses guys, looks like I will be doing square fenders. (although I really like the round, but I will make them for my next truck,lol)

well with the daylight gettting shorter these days I soon should be home work eariler and I will get time to get to work on this truck. I am making a screw drive setup based on fhhhstix's setup he has on his cabover and pup. then is will be cutting and hacking the cab to make this baby a Autocar.

hope to have updates soon

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Im sold on the square style too ...I remmeber building one of those kits when i was a kid...one of my favorite work horses...Get Er Done ...and we ll set up a meet in the spring

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

the square design will look good with your dump box

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Looks like it will be hauling dirt in no time..

greg

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

well no updates but I did pick up a key piece to the puzzle and a bit of a motavator, I found a 1/25 scale autocar dc9964b model. I will use this kit measure and scale up from to make my 1/10 autocar dump. here is the kit I found hiding at the local hobby shop
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1261.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1262.jpg

I may redo my box sides now to make it look more like the one on the model and match the time period.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

That kit use to go for a mint on ebay a decade ago... till the "re-releases" that is haha I use to build those kits before I switched to RC.

You're in luck, some one is offering those wheels in1/14th scale nowadays too... click it

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

yes I thought of those rims as soon as I looked at the box cover. I was pretty suprised to find the original amt kit, I have been seeing the re-release on ebay. I pick this one up for less the the ebay one. and even better no shipping :)

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

I found some time over the the holidays to get out the the shop, so I got a good start on my Autocar
on new years eve I went to my friends shop so we could work on the screw drive dump system( he has better tools and two heads are better then one)
we make good progress on the screw drive system. here is a couple pics of what we came up with. thanks to fhhhstix for the basic design of the system.

dump box down
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1561.jpg

dump box up
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1560.jpg

still working on motor mount it will set below the gear between the frame rails.
so on to today.

in order to make my king hauler cab resemble a autocar a few things need to be changed. one thing is move the front axle back 1/2 inch closer to the cab
so I redrilled all the front assembly hole a half inch back.

stock wheel base
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0089.jpg

half inch shorter
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/IMAG0015.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1564.jpg

so now the fenders need to be cut off so the new ones can be fabed up and moved back. moving the fender back and building a thicker rad/ grille will get me close to the signature autocar nose I am looking for.
if you look you will see a space in between the grill and hood that is how much thicker the grill has to be the gap will be filled in to make the rad thicker.
also got some old school rear rims from Semijoe just waiting on the fronts.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1557.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1559.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1562.jpg

that all I got for now.
thanks for looking

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Looking good Chaseracer!!!

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Good to see progress on this build Jason, the new rims are perfect for this workhorse. :cool:

Qu? - why are you mounting a motor under the screwdrive, might cause interference with driveline? Choice of gh motos available, shorten up all thread at the front to mount drive motor direct to threaded shaft.

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Lookin real good Jason

that is going to be a nice build. I agree with Joe on the direct drive motor, saves some room as well...

greg

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

thanks guys for the comments and sugestions
I am shorting the rod and moving the gear back, it was just for mock up haven't cut to lenght yet. as for the motor it is small enough but strong enough it will tuck right up in there and you won't even notice it, or that is atleast the plan.:D

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Love these old trucks, I'd like to build one of theses or a Hendrikson one day. Keep up the good work.

SC

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

thanks guys

well I am in the the groove to build right now so last night I worked on making some patterns out of graph paper for my fenders, just to test the size and fit, and will also use them transfer them to styrene later. here is what I can up with last night. just rember they are just pieces of paper taped together it is just to get a gereral idea of the outer shape and placement.

here is a couple pics
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1568.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1566.jpg

today after work I cut a few aluminun peices for the bottom inside box frame. here is the gerenal idea . here it is just sitting on the truck not attached yet.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1569.jpg

that is all I have for now
thanks for looking

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Looking good chaseracer!!!

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

The build is really making progress...cab/frame/fender placement makes the Autocar really look scale....great to see the building talent on the South and North Island

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

hi guys it has been a while since I posted. my life is very busy here so not much time for hobbies, but I did get some time tonight after my sons hockey game to work on the autocar, instead of spending nights just thinking about it and doodling ideas on paper.

So I will start my small update here. a few nights ago I sketched out a scale drawing of what I want my Autocar cab to look like . it is quite a bit different then the stock king cab. lots of little mods.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1819.jpg

also sketched out a rough box design.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1820.jpg

now on to tonight.

cut away hood sides so I can start fabing up new side and incorperate the new fenders.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1808.jpg

and since I was in the cutting mood and feeling a bit crazy, I decided to fix the problem with cab height, (it is too high for a autocar) so I ................
Cut the roof off. then took a 7mm section out of the middle and set the roof back on. just rough right now

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1810.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1812.jpg

then I marked where the windows get lowered about 5mm. and rough cut it out.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1813.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1814.jpg

here is a idea of what it looks like on the chassis.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1818.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1817.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...i/SAM_1816.jpg

thanks for looking

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Jason. Starting to look more like an A car now. Roof line looks spot on.
Rob

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Looking good Jason. I'm not sure if you know this and just have not done it jet, or if you are scratching your head trying to figure it out.

To get the roof to fit right from the point you have it, you will need to cut it in half from left to right and add a filler piece.

Good job tackling that big of a modification on a shell..;);)

-Mike

Re: my first semi build (dump)
 

Coming along beautifully Jason! :) Starting to look like a real brute!

-Alex