My first Semi build, KW W900L

[Hwheeler1973]

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.

[Hwheeler1973]

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!

[Hwheeler1973]

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] [/IMG]

[Hwheeler1973]

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] [/IMG]

[Hwheeler1973]

I got this body through Shapeways. It was designed by Goose19. I gotta say, he did an amazing job on the CAD design!
[IMG] [/IMG]

[Hwheeler1973]

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] [/IMG]

[bigford]

nice kw your building there!!

[Hwheeler1973]

Thank you bigford!

[Northern Farmer]

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

[Hwheeler1973]

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

[rccrazy523]

Absolutely beautiful start looks great

[Hwheeler1973]

Originally Posted by rccrazy523

Absolutely beautiful start looks great

Thank you!

[up9018]

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

[nenard]

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

[Hwheeler1973]

Originally Posted by up9018

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

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

Originally Posted by nenard

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

Something like that!

[bigford]

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

[Hwheeler1973]

Originally Posted by bigford

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

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.

[Hwheeler1973]

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] [URL=http://s359.photobucket.com/user/hwheeler73/media/image_zpsbwbperid.jpeg.html]
[IMG][/IMG]

[Hwheeler1973]

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] [/IMG]

[bigford]

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.