My first piece of equipment - Carson Track Loader

[Espeefan]

Originally Posted by Claus

It's the little things in life that bug the shyt out of you, isn't it?

Craig, yes!

Originally Posted by JDH429

Nate, thats my kind of model! Heavy duty. Not a biggie, Im sure its just they feel that those small areas wouldnt affect structural stability..But id feel the same way you do.

Jason, yeah, the model would probably be all right as is, except for that one weld that was missed completely. The outer plate that the bucket arm pin slides through is free to pull away from the other side. I suppose the pin would keep it in place too, but it bugs me this way. Otherwise, I'm quite pleased with the construction.

Originally Posted by tc1cat

Hi Nate, As I have not purchased any construction equipment yet, I am watching your build with a lot of interest. I thought that I had 1 purchased but some how between my bank and Paypal the deal fell thru. I did get my money back though- many sleepless nights!! Your attention to the details will keep me coming back for all of your updates until you finish what looks to be a great machine!

Thanks Lynn! Sorry to hear your deal fell through, but I'm glad you got your money back! I appreciate the kind words.

Originally Posted by thuangs

Hi Nate, trust me yours is much better than mine. In order to get deep penetration on metal, arc welding needs to be extremely hot. All you need to do just sand it out. Midel looks really nice.
Best regards,
Kevin

Thanks for sharing that, Kevin. I guess I got one of the nice models then. I believe Carson had these frames laser welded together. I would say TIG welding would have been better, but by hand, much more time consuming. I think a little surface prep would have been good too. There is a little porosity in the welds too. I think some oil on the metal caused it. Still, minor. I'm just nit picking now.

Originally Posted by Lil Giants

Geez!!! 3rd page already & you haven't assembled one piece of the kit yet. BRUTAL!

Sooo, what do suppose the ETA is before this thing sees any dirt?!

Not true Joe! I do have both tracks assembled. ETA? Well it's going to be a while. The weather is getting nice. It's hard to stay in the basement, working on models, and I really would like to finish the Kenworth first.

Originally Posted by tc1cat

At this rate it will be at least 5 pages before it sees any paint let alone sign of assembly I should be the one to talk- 5 years on 1 truck and still not finished

Probably right, Lynn! So you've got a life long project too? I feel a little better now.

Originally Posted by TRUCKMAKER

Are you sure it'll only be 5 pages? I've been 1-1/2 years on mine, keep changing directions and now paint colors.
Oh yea, Hi Nate, sorry about the high jack, so you loading dirt yet??

1.5 years, Kent? Man, you're fast!

Well, I appreciate all the views guys. It will probably be my usual snail paced build. Especially with summer coming.

[ihbuilder]

Hey Nate , My beard is grey already

[jmking]

If you need that welded up I could hit those welds with my tig welder. I live 12 miles east of Mosinee on 153. Pm me if your interested.