Liebherr LTM 1055 S-4 in scale 1/24

[kerst]

My next project will be a crane again.
This time an all-terrain crane. This model is actually one of the first all-terrain crane and it set the trend for the future.
The LTM1055 was designed by Liebherr for a large order from Russia for a gigantic natural gas pipeline project in the early 80

[Hemi1966]

This will be interesting. Great work as usual :)

[Jared]

Watching!

[jerry56]

Looking forward to this build...

[kerst]

During the past months i worked on the axles. all 4 are driven and there is limited space, so I need to design them carefully. I started with one axle to make sure it fits and in order to try things out. Now I think I am ready to make the other 3 axles.
The basis is a block of AL.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50867710442_86a6f9bec0_b.jpg

The diff is a Traxxas 1/16 VXL E-revo. It is not too big and looks pretty sturdy.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50867610966_c9a871c4e3_b.jpg

here the axle is taking shape:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50867710422_d3876428df_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50867610866_b6b66cbd77_b.jpg

And here with the wheels:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50866890403_f96b000ae6_b.jpg

Kerst

[sparkycuda]

Amazing design and workmanship - as usual!

[9W Monighan]

A TRUE Craftsman at work again.

[Krewmember]

It's nice to see a another scratch build on this forum. I'm really looking forward to this one :popcorn:

-Shawn-

[egronvold]

HD axles :D

[frizzen]

Those look absolutely bulletproof!

[kerst]

I still have a stack of tires, which I used for other truck cranes, like the Liebherr LTM1800 and they would be the right size for the LTM1055, but they are not perfect. This off-road crane needs off-road tires, so I have been searching the Internet for a while, but didn’t find anything.



Last week I was clearing up some drawers and found some nice tires and when I measured them, they proved to be perfect for the LTM1055! In the early 80’s I bought this Conrad model of a Wabco Haulpack and somehow the tires survived. But I only had 6 of them and I needed 2 more.

Luckily, I found a Haulpack for very little money, so now I have 12 tires!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50901941937_0f2b6e323b_b.jpg

Comparing tires:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50891020607_f1471d510c_b.jpg

Loosely fitted:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50890904211_df3833bd2b_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50890904251_6f62026a53_b.jpg

Now I have all the parts for the axles.


Kerst

[skeeter]

Kerst, you are a master builder! I'll be anxiously following the progress in this build thread!

[kerst]

Thank you all!
During the past months I have been making the parts for the axles. It's a lot of work, but it is getting there.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008650278_cff0651bd9_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009356816_a58f1322d8_b.jpg

Kerst

[kerst]

I have been working on the axles and the suspension. The original LTM 1055 S4 had the old fashioned Liebherr suspension with coil springs. Only later they introduced the hydraulic suspension.
The third axle also has the transfer box incorporated.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51127380056_236169fd32_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51127596808_0b03e20724_b.jpg

I made most of the parts for the axles, but I first wanted to get the suspension done before finishing them. It is quite tight and needs a bit of figuring to make it all work.

Kerst

[kerst]

Finally something to show. With all the rain this weekend I had plenty of time to finish the wheels and fit the tires.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51212924342_2ae3708ec0_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51214704290_68287da289_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51213638881_89d7646542_b.jpg

The axles are basically done, just lots of finishing and fitting. Then I can add the drive shafts. Then the steering.

Kerst

[kerst]

More than a month later and not much obvious progress, at least non visibly.

I got all the gears in the axles to turn smoothly, the suspension works well and I got the steerage linkage figured out. This was quite something with the limited space available.

This morning I mounted the servo and I am debating how to connected the rear axles, either with a separate servo or with a special linkage. Stay tuned!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51299057898_a96c239c52_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51299057923_c1b753f7d4_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51299588454_cf31c0dc5d_b.jpg

Kerst

[sparkycuda]

As always, marvelous attention to detail and getting things to work!

Just for fun, consider having a separate steering servo for each axle controlled by 4 different channels - then you can go crazy trying to drive and steer! For a guy that made a transmission with actual mechanically controlled clutch packs, should be no problem!

Kerst, you do such interesting projects, overcome problems in new ways, and approach the hobby with a fresh eye, I salute your efforts to keep scratch building alive!

Looking forward to when we get to see each other again.

Ken

[kerst]

The past months I have been working on the RC controls and the cab. Initially I had a lot of stuff in the cab.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51909810398_00f4988d35_b.jpg

But I changed my mind and opted to create more space for the interior, like chairs, etc. that meant that I had to rearrange things a bit. I also fitted the light, which are usually an afterthought, but actually take quite a bit of space. Luckily there is some space behind the cab and there I fitted one servo (gearbox), the receiver and the speed control. There are two servos between the front axles and the rear axles on either side (one for the rear steering, the other to engage front wheel drive). The other two servos (5 in total) are under the floor of the cab, one for the high-low gearbox and the other for the front steering. All the servos are micro servos. Unfortunately there is not space (yet) for the battery. I will figure something out.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51917139212_97113cdcb0_b.jpg

Then finally I could do a proper test run:

https://youtu.be/QchCmGFTASg

Kerst

[pufferfish]

What a fine build so far. Chapeau!

[trucker n]

amazing workmanship

[kerst]

Here two pictures of the front and how the RC gear is fitted in

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038689136_48b78c3c33_b.jpg

and her with the cab:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52039204290_0a1e7ea412_b.jpg

Kerst

[Mikem]

Those seats look hard ! Looks great

[kerst]

I did a little photo shoot today.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52073612965_704d512928_b.jpg

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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52073360089_a73b9d8dbf_b.jpg

The carrier is getting there. It looks a bit lopsided (leaning forward) , but that is because the suspension is sprung and there is less weight in the back, but that will change.
The outriggers are still missing and quite a few details.

Kerst

[kerst]

It is summer and I spend more time outside, but I still managed to make some progress. I just finished the outriggers. I made the beams from 24 gauge galvanized steel, soldered together in an elaborate jig. They turned out quite nice.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52172940790_e7004e30ce_b.jpg.

The jacks are hand operated. They are too small for any motorized solutions, so just M4 screws.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52172707404_c017016d96_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52172465733_1b38c35710_b.jpg

I also made the slewing ring, which is visible in this picture:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52172459626_1275d2596a_b.jpg

Next is the boom. I will try to make it out of 24 gauge galvanized steel as well. See how that works out!

Kerst

[Zabco]

Very nice work. Am enjoying watching your build.

[kerst]

Progress has been slow during the summer. Lots of other distractions. But I managed to work on the boom. After a few trials the best solution was 26 gauge galvanized steel soldered together. It worked surprisingly well. I have a good brake, which makes it easy, but precision is important. I filed the pieces exactly straight, then did some trails to get the measurements right before bending the 2 halves of each section and joining them together. One more section to go then I can install the mechanics.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52368916856_b8f11a2bb8_b.jpg

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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52370703557_1e6cc6f42b_b.jpg

Kerst

[kerst]

The boom is ready, except for some cleaning up.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52591706388_cd48682876_b.jpg

I had some gearbox and axle trouble.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52591192576_f9c92292ec_b.jpg

but theses seem to have been resolved, fingers crossed! All functions work now.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52591614855_38f8c31296_b.jpg

Kerst

[jerry56]

How do you plan to get the out riggers out and then down...?
Fantastic work by the way...

[kerst]

How do you plan to get the out riggers out and then down...?
Fantastic work by the way...

Thanks! The outriggers have screws and are operated by hand.

Kerst

[Zabco]

Very nice work as usual, sir. How did you form up your boom sections? Do you use anything to reduce friction between the boom sections?

[kerst]

Very nice work as usual, sir. How did you form up your boom sections? Do you use anything to reduce friction between the boom sections?

Thanks! I have a pretty substantial brake, which I bought for the LTM1800 and it does good job forming the boom. Each section has two parts (bottom and top) and they soldered together. I did several test runs with short pieces to get the bending just right.
I will use Teflon tape to reduce friction between the sections.

Kerst

[frizzen]

Beautiful workmanship!

This just keeps getting more impressive. Plus the longer i look at a chassis picture, the more functions i'm seeing. I love the boom, outriggers, and that you were able to get an interior into that!

Am i seeing a 2 speed trans?

[kerst]

During the past two months I have been working on the upper. I made the frame and worked on the boom hoist cylinders, the swing and the winch.
The boom cylinders will have spindles and all the components are there, but it all needs to be fitted. I managed to fit the motor right behind the mechanism in the upper. Hopefully the motor will be strong enough. If not I have to redesign everything.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52727961797_5fa83bb9e5_b.jpg

Here are some parts of the spindle and gears for the boom hoist:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52728967358_62a6dab40d_b.jpg

The swing motor with an override clutch:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52728967368_61f1aab76b_b.jpg

the winch and the motor:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52728487811_1e40af4352_b.jpg

And here with the motor assembled:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52728967373_6703649ea3_b.jpg

I plan to have 4 speed controls in the upper and maybe there is a space for a battery. We will see!

Kerst

[ddmckee54]

At 1/24 scale I realize that you're not going to be lifting any thing heavy. Will the gearbox drag be enough to hold the load when doing a lift? Will the boom extend/retract be manual like the outriggers, or will it be powered?

Don

[kerst]

At 1/24 scale I realize that you're not going to be lifting any thing heavy. Will the gearbox drag be enough to hold the load when doing a lift? Will the boom extend/retract be manual like the outriggers, or will it be powered?

Don

I tried the winch and it seems to have enough braking action. I plan to lift loads till the crane tips (under controlled circumstances)
The boom telescopes with a spindle and cables. the motor sits in the boom.
The outriggers are manual; it get too small there.

Kerst

[kerst]

During the past 2 months I have made good progress.
Once all the functions were in place it was time to organize the upper. Luckily there is some space, because the motors take very little space. And I have space for a battery, which will power both the upper and the carrier.
I created two different setups for one transmitter/receiver and it seems to work!!!!
The receiver will be housed in the counterweight.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52870043155_5c8a2ff5ea_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52870100778_2343e20a7d_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52869087772_30c77bd9e5_b.jpg

Next is fitting all the RC bits efficiently in the upper and finish the covers, then I will build the cab.

Kerst

[ddmckee54]

When you solder things together are you using soft solder, or silver solder?

What size are the screws you're using to lift the boom?

[jerry56]

This is really looking good....
I se you used an N20 motor and what looks like a 180 can gear motor.... I wouldn't have thought they would have the power you need for something this heavy...makes me re-think some of my future builds in terms of motors to use...

[kerst]

When you solder things together are you using soft solder, or silver solder?

What size are the screws you're using to lift the boom?

I used silver solder.
And the size of the trapezoidal thread is 6 x 2mm
https://www.ebay.com/itm/302465758278?var=601294075008

Kerst

[ddmckee54]

I believe that earlier you said that you were using 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal to form to parts of the boom sections. Since you silver soldered these parts, I've got a few questions:
1) How did you strip the galvanizing off before you silver soldered the parts together?
2) The upper and lower parts of the boom sections look like they are held together with a butt joint. How did you keep the parts aligned as you silver soldered them? (Those are some long joints.)
3) What silver solder did you use, and what flux?
4) What torch did you use for the 26 gauge material?

I've been looking for small lead-screws for one of the projects I've got on the back burner. I know that they make lead-screws down to a 2mm diameter, but I haven't been able to find a seller with both the lead-screw and the lead-nut. Al least not at a price that I am willing to pay for a hobby item. I can find one, or the other, but not both at the same supplier.

I hesitate to order from 2 different sellers, as some sellers can be "less than accurate" in their descriptions.

Don

[kerst]

I believe that earlier you said that you were using 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal to form to parts of the boom sections. Since you silver soldered these parts, I've got a few questions:
1) How did you strip the galvanizing off before you silver soldered the parts together?
2) The upper and lower parts of the boom sections look like they are held together with a butt joint. How did you keep the parts aligned as you silver soldered them? (Those are some long joints.)
3) What silver solder did you use, and what flux?
4) What torch did you use for the 26 gauge material?

I've been looking for small lead-screws for one of the projects I've got on the back burner. I know that they make lead-screws down to a 2mm diameter, but I haven't been able to find a seller with both the lead-screw and the lead-nut. Al least not at a price that I am willing to pay for a hobby item. I can find one, or the other, but not both at the same supplier.

I hesitate to order from 2 different sellers, as some sellers can be "less than accurate" in their descriptions.

Don

1) How did you strip the galvanizing off before you silver soldered the parts together?
I didn't.
2) The upper and lower parts of the boom sections look like they are held together with a butt joint. How did you keep the parts aligned as you silver soldered them? (Those are some long joints.)
I clamped the two halves with wood inside and outside. This was the biggest challenge.
3) What silver solder did you use, and what flux?
STA-BRITE SBSK Silver Solder 3/64 1/2 oz STAR2000 by Stay-Brite
4) What torch did you use for the 26 gauge material?
A simple propane torch.

Kerst

[ddmckee54]

Sta-Brite SBSK silver bearing solder, now I'm beginning to understand why you didn't have problems with the zinc burning off from the galvanizing. SBSK is a silver bearing soft solder, it melts at 430 degrees F.
(I'm editing this message now because the rest of the message got clipped off after the 430. A word to the wise... DO NOT try to use the degrees symbol, ALT + 248, in any messages on this forum. It sees that combination and deletes everything from there on.)

The low melting point explains why you didn't have trouble with the zinc burning off. It also explains how you could use wood to clamp the parts together, 430 degrees is below the ignition point of wood. I'll bet the wood was still well charred from the torch though. Maybe you could wrap the wood with the heat resistant tape they use on exhaust headers on 1:1 scale cars? You can get a 2"x100' roll for about $40USD.

You could probably use a Weller 200/260W soldering gun with that solder on the 26 gauge, there's not a lot of mass there to heat up. I was given one of those guns about 30 years ago, I haven't used it much, but now I might need to do some experimenting with it.

Thanks for the explanation,
Don

[kerst]

I made some progress with the crane cab. It is more complicated than I had anticipated, with lots of angles and a sliding door.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52949779694_d0d6f65595_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52949779699_ef234c9913_b.jpg

Kerst

[jerry56]

With what little experience I have working with brass and aluminum on my shovel build .... I have a huge new found respect for you guys that build entire projects with it...

[Krewmember]

Looks great. I look forward to seeing future updates.


-Shawn-

[kerst]

I entered the last phase of this built.

A few weeks ago I took the whole thing apart and started fixing lots of details of the carrier, then priming and painting it. Now it is time to put it all together again. I trying to put all the cables in their right place, which is quite a challenge.

Once the carrier is fully done I will do the same with the upper.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53109199020_1458f5f248_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53108213717_96e6b1ed2d_b.jpg

Kerst

[jerry56]

That is going to be killer....
Can't wait to see this at Cabin Fever next year.

[kerst]

It's quite exciting to put it all together again. I took pictures before I took it apart, because I need them to assemble the crane again. Now it is like a kit.
Progress is good, but there are still a lot of loose wires and some details to finish.
When it is all together I will test it and then i still need to make a hook block and the jib.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156052563_1902660259_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156052568_45b900279b_b.jpg

Kerst

[frizzen]

That is looking beautiful with the fresh paint!

[kerst]

Although I am still working on the details and the painting, I also started testing today.
I am very pleased that the telescoping works well and the boom hoist functions better than expected. I don't seem to get the winch to work. Probably an issue with the speed control.
The swing needs a bit adjusting, but that is easy.
So far so good!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53186934541_2941e036eb_b.jpg

No problem lowering the full length of the boom over the side.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53187132320_c3cf107e8c_b.jpg

Kerst

[jerry56]

WOW laying the boom out like that... that carrier must have some real weight to it....

[kerst]

It is ready!


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53387916531_5311666b27_b.jpg

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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53388221869_39770c2955_b.jpg



Kerst

[jerry56]

WOW That is a work of art.... I love that multi-part block
I'm glad there are builders like you to give hacks like myself something to shoot for... again great build...

[kerst]

A couple of quick videos, made on the kitchen table:

https://youtu.be/Yf0AuVcqYJo?si=HOU29ggKTSzArPpt
https://youtube.com/shorts/WwRdEdQPWfo?si=1e4KeW7bje270Kaw
https://youtu.be/NWTr-IJaTSs?si=_3czcIpchyQWzixG

Kerst

[jerry56]

LOL... that all wheel steer is crazy...

[Zabco]

Beautiful work, congratulations on another great build.