Flat bed Trailer, Aussie style!!

[Aussie]

Went through my shed today and found some remnants of a trailer I built a long time ago, Thought I would try ressurect the old girl....

Homemade Frame rails..

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/IMG_0454.jpg

Two Tamiya Flatbed trailer bases, cut & shut and some 12mm x 12mm Alum angle for sides & left over Tamiya cross braces attached to make a scale 42 ft aussie trailer

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/IMG_0458.jpg

Deck Frame almost complete...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/IMG_0461.jpg

Next, adding tie down rails using scrap timber and coat hanger wire....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/IMG_0467.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/IMG_0470.jpg

In the process of soldering up LED's for side lights......Stay tuned, more to come....

[Big Run]

Looking great! Interested to see it finished.

[Aussie]

Thanks Matey, It's coming up well, Soldered a few LED's together today, not realising that the more I put together, the less light they give off.....will have to have a re-think...:confused:

Cheers Paul

[doodlebug]

Hey Paul, try this thread? http://www.rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=441 Hope this helps. Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug.

[Aussie]

Thanks for the link, Neil,

I did read a lot of that thread, but, Must have got lost somewhere along the way, still don't know how to wire up 10 x 3mm LED's to my trailer. Might have to leave that one to the experts.....Lol!!!

BTW, Can someone tell me if there is an alternative system to the MFU, I'm lookiong for something different nin sound and lighting.

Cheers Paul

[Quad-Dog]

Hi Paul,

its not a big deal with the leds! You didn't watch the voltage of a single led. So if you run a 12V system and want to use 3.2V leds you can only put (12V/3.2V=3.75) three together and still need a resistor for the remaining (12V-(3.2Vx3)=2.4V).
You have 12V and these 12V have to be shared by all the leds you put in one line. If one led gets more than the optimal voltage which might be between 2.somethingV and 3.somethingV it won't work for too long. If it has to share the 12V with to many and gets less than the optimal voltage it won't be as bright as it should be or won't work at all.
And for the case that you have 12V and 4 single leds with 3V each, you still need a tiny resistor as leds should never be used without one.
You find calculators on the web:
http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
When you work it out keep in mind that the actual voltage of a fully charged 12V battery is more than 12V. So if you work out the number of leds you can work with 12V but if you want to calculate the size of the resistor, better work with 13V.
Just let me know if you need help.
There are alternative systems. It only depends on how much you want to spend. Tight a... solutions start at a few dollars for manual switches. If you mind bending your knees you can get switches for RC use. I got a "servonaut" smx sound in my Volvo, but thats nearly 300 bucks. Speaker goes extra :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8AG7jNNHRo
...not my scania...

[Aussie]

Thank you so much for the Info, very helpful!!

Tell me more about the Servonaut, Please, Is it similar to the MFU as in a complete sound and light unit or are the lights a different unit altogether?

Also, I looked on the board and couldn't find much info on servonaut, are there any links to where I could read up on them or even purchase one??

Many thanks, Paul

[Cossett]

Hi Paul, try these links

http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=859&highlight=Servonaut

http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=25235

Cheers Tracy

[Aussie]

z
Hello tracy,

Thanks for the links, got a little more insight into Servonaut now, Better hit the books and learn German so I can understand the Websites....:confused:

Paul

[ddc333]

Hi Paul


Here is the best explanation of servonaut I've found. It's on a Norwegian website so you may need to use a translator

http://www.rclastebil.no/forum/showthread.php?t=1692

[diesel950]

hey paul good to see you here as well!
ask josh about the servonaut as he is running it
in his aeromax

[Quad-Dog]

No worries Paul!

There is no need for learning german as they have an english page as well. Could be handy though :D
Well the MFU is speed controler, light in sound all in one. The SMX is only for the sound. If you want a really good speed controller as well go for the S20. There are other ones (more expensive) with a cruise control as well. From my point of view: This function is just crap and those with a light system included are just overpriced.
Yes I know this function is pretty popular in Europe (...) but after a few years they noticed that not all of us were utterly convinced and they came up with regular ones as well.

Get a S20, SMX+speaker (don't forget to put it in a box for better sound) and get yourself a tiny RC swich from CTI.
Sorry mate, its only in german!:rolleyes:
http://www.flymotec.de/product_info.php/info/p50_ps4a-schaltmodul-4-fach.html
But all you need to know is the size, the price and that you can turn 4 light functions on and off by only using one RC channel. Oh and up to 4 amps each. So you could use this one for your parking lights, low beam, high beam and fog lights. You'll find a similar switch including a function for indicators as well.

If you decide so make sure that they take out GST (19% in Germany) ;)

[glorydays24]

You snuck over here didn't you Paul...Glad to have you aboard buddy, and i'm sure your trailers will turn out supurb as usaul. :D:p;):):cool:

Big John

[Aussie]

Thanks again for your great replies, I now have some insight into what I need to set one of these up.

Basically I am looking at a S20(I'm assuming this is the speed controller), SMX(sound module) and speaker...right??

Now, for lights, are they part of this or are they bought seperately??

Oh, What size speaker am I looking for??

BTW, I have a Futaba 4EX FM Radio, Dunno if that makes a difference to all this or not!!

So many questions...Lol!!!

Thanks again, Paul

[Quad-Dog]

Hi Paul!

Oh thats a problem! As your radio only got 4 channels.
-steering
-motor controller
-smx needs one
that makes three. What about a gearbox? If you have a 3 speed one you have to look into buying a new radio as well :D

You have to buy the leds seperately. Servonaut has a set on offer but in Germany its cheaper buying it somewere else. If you want to buy it all together, got for it.
The speaker depends on the voltage so 12V or 7.2V. They sell the speakers as well. "LAUT85" and "LAUT45".

[Pippoe]

Hi there!

I run a M20+ w/o sound but with an added switch module.. using a 4-ch radio.

The M20 needs two channels, one for throttle control and one for the lights (turn signals, low beams, high beams, four ways)

Channel 3 is used for the steering servo and channel 4 for the switch module (search light, more lights, flash-to-pass, <unused>).

.. you could hook up your horn on channel 4, provided you don't want to add more than basic functions to your truck and run it with a 4ch radio.

I don't use the automatic coupler.

Cheers

Pip

[Aussie]

This is all very good and helpful information, Thank you again for your input!!

Small Trailer Update:

While still hunting down Axles & Wheels for the Flatbed trailer, I decided to take the next step and get me the first Tanker for the "B" Double Build to go on with,

Built Box Stock except for moving the axles back a little and up to "lower" the chassis rails a bit....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3246.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3245.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3247.jpg

Not sure whether to make it a Tri-Axle or not, wadda ya think??

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3248.jpg

[Car5858]

I vote for Tri-Axle :cool:

[Aussie]

Whilst waiting for the Tami Flatbed Donor to arrive to finish my Flatbed, I stumbled across a low loader I started making a long time ago,

Here's a few pic's, still in the early stages...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3328.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3329.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3330.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3331.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3332.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3333.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3335.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3334.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

Fly Wheels? that sounds familiar, they could be, If I remember, I got them from "Toys "R" Us", and I faintly remember Shaun sending me a few as well!!

Didn't think of the weight issue with the dolly, I might give it a run with a couple of bricks on and see what happens...:confused:

Paul

[Aussie]

The Tami Flatbed arrived today, so, I got stuck into my Flatbed Trailer.

Got a bit done.....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3343.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3341.jpg

Decision time, Do I use a Balsa wood Deck or a Hard wood Deck???

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3346.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3347.jpg

Paul

[Car5858]

Go with the hard wood, it will last longer and finish better then the Balsa.:cool:

[Aussie]

I thought the Hardwood deck too, but, problem is, cos I extended the Trailer by 170mm, I don't think I'll have enough wood strips to cover the whole deck :(

Paul

[fhhhstix]

I would bet if you put up a wanted ad in the buy,sell,trade forum somebody will have some lying around because there are a lot of flatbeds that get kit bashed for the suspension and king pins.

Travis

[Aussie]

I knew that....:confused:

Just not with it lately, stupid head cold :mad::mad:

Thanks Travis

[Cossett]

Well Chris I have some on order for a trailer thats in the works and all the 1:1 "A" trailers that I have worked on / loader all have had checkered plate floors, some times you just have to think outside the square and look a other forms of modeling for idears.......

Cheers Tracy

[Aussie]

G'Day Tim,

I am only using this floor cos I couldn't think of any alternative, But, Once again, you have come up with the goods, Plywood sheet would look better, I would really like a checker plate look, but, am unable to find any at all.

Thanks Again, Paul

[glorydays24]

Looking good Paul, keep it up;):cool::D

Big John

[Aussie]

Thanks Big Fella,

Had a couple of spare hours today, so, I made a toolbox , bit rough, but, a coat of paint should help....I hope...:confused:

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3348.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3349.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3350.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3351.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

Is it me, or have a lot of posts disappeared again, I posted on here yesterday after tracy and Chris posted and now those 3 posts have gone......??? :confused:

[doodlebug]

Hey Aussie, Have you considered linoleum floor tile's for trailer decking? just a brain cramp.
Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug.

[Aussie]

G'Day Neil,

I did post here yesterday, but, It disappeared :confused:

I did say that I have got my hands on some sheets of Plastruct Diamond plate which I will use as decking on top of the Tami deck boards, just waiting for it to arrive.

Thanks for the idea though, floor tiles would be good cos ya could scribe lines in them quite easily, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best...;)

BTW, I have started the "A" Trailer for this rig, I will get some pic's up tomorrow

Paul

[Aussie]

As promised, some pic's of the "A" Trailer,

Still in the early stages.....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3380.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3379.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3378.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

Small Update!!

Got some more done on the "B" Trailer today, attached the cross spurs and Tie-down rails along the sides and installed the 3rd axle...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3388.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3389.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3391.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3392.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

Thanks Uncle Timmy, Appreciate your input :D

As for you having to try harder, well, I don't think you'll have too much trouble keeping up, it has been said and I couldn't agree more that you and Chris (oztruck) are the best builders in Aus. :D:D

Paul

[Cossett]

I liking that trailer paul the tie down rails realy improve the look of it http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/images/smilies/nice.gif and chance of a sneck peak of it with the A-trailer ?

Cheers Tracy

[Aussie]

Thanks Tracy,

A sneak peak, Huh??? I dunno........:o

Oh, Ok Lol!!!

Here ya go.....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3401.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3402.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3403.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3404.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3405.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

My first ever attempt at soldering brass, trying to make front and rear load gates for the Trailer.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3408.jpg

Very messy, but, A bit of patience and a good file should fix that :eek:

And, yes, it's supposed to be a bit crooked, never seen a working 1:1 trailer with shiny new ones...;)

Paul

[Aussie]

All good, Rear one done, Front one next...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3409.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3410.jpg

Paul

[TINY-TRUCKER]

hi it`s looking good & you have given me some ideas for a few changes for my trailers. keep up the great work & keep the pixs coming as well
cheers paul
tiny-trucker

[Aussie]

Thank you so much for the nice comment, Tiny, Please feel free to use any of my ideas you want, always happy to share!! :D:D

Now, Timmy.....You really want side gates, do ya???

Well, ok, guess I better get busy then!!! :eek:

Paul

[Cossett]

The rear gate came out fine paul now lets see the full trailer gated sa timmy said but while your doing that how about some trailer winches for the rails like this http://www.nobles.com.au/media/11331/para_1436_8x21x200695354am.jpg and what are gates without some trailer tarps, I guess that will be a job for your partner??:D:D

While your at it don't forget the wheel & gate racks under the trailer:D:D anything else??? on that covers all the trailer accessories for now:D:D
Wait stop the press you need some Aussie branded mud flaps http://rctruckandconstruction.com/image.php?u=7924&dateline=1307265788 :D:D

Is that all for you build list paul or do you want some more:D:D

Cheers Tracy

[Aussie]

Geez, Tracy....anything else you want...Lol!!! :confused:

I already had the Tarps in mind, the side gates were an afterthought (thanks Tim), but, they will be done,

Gate & Spare Tyre rack is on the list too,

As for the Ratchet Tie-Downs....well....I guess they are do-able, will certainly give it a go :D:D

And the Mud Flaps are partially hidden behind the ICC Bar, so, "Marvin" Style is out, unfortunately :(

Phew.....is that all???

In the meantime, I completed the Front Load Gate and laid down a temporary deck....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3411.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3413.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3411.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3412.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3415.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

Got the first set of side gates done....8 more gates to go :eek::eek:

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3416.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3417.jpg


Paul

[Aussie]

Plastruct Diamond plate arrived today, So, I wasted no time in getting it done, love this stuff, looks so good...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3419.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3420.jpg

Think I worked out how to get the side gates on too...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3421.jpg

Paul

[Cossett]

That looks bloody good paul :D the gates and the dimond plate really change the appearance of the trailer for the better, now I can't wait till Mr XXX sends me my trailer so I can re skin the deck.....

Cheers Tracy

[Aussie]

Thanks Tracy, appreciate the comments ;)

The Diamond Plate has changed the look quite a bit, just gotta put a few scratches and dents around the place to give it that "used" look!!

Paul

[ddc333]

Hey Paul

Where did you get that diamond plate from ?

You've nailed the look spot on

[Aussie]

Cheers Mate, Thanks for the comments, Much Appreciated ;)

I was lucky enough to find the Diamond Plate on Evil Bay from a Guy in the states, just between me & you, I think I bought him out of stock, I got 10 sheets :D:D

You might find some here http://www.brunelhobbies.com.au/plastruct/plastruct.htm

Cheers Paul

[Cossett]

You think you did ???? You did buy all his 1/16 Diamond Plate from memory :D:D LMAO the seller must of thought it was christmas and wondering what does a Aussie want all that styrene sheet......:p:p:p:p

By the way Daniel you can also get it in 1:16 DOUBLE DIAMOND PLATE SHEETS.....

http://www.plastruct.com just search there site for the scale you require

Cheers Tracy

[rappy]

Now thats a real bloody aussie trailer looking great :D

[Aussie]

Thanks, Mate, Appreciate you comments :D

There will be an update once I get these gates finished, have done 7, got 3 more to do, 1 gate takes about 3 hours to make, then I got the 5 cross bars...Phew!!!

I will get some pic's up when it's all done ;)

Paul

[rappy]

well done you should be able to make more of them and sell them i think there maybe a few aussies that would buy them again well done love it

[Aussie]

If there's a market for them, I guess I could look at making some, yeah!!

I finally finished all the gates and cross bars,

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3433.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3431.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3429.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3430.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3432.jpg

Paul

[Quad-Dog]

That is true aussie style!!!
What about a tarp and a hoist at the front? :)

[Aussie]

Been fiddling around again and found a piece of material for a tarp, needs a few stitches here and there, but, I think it will do the job....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3434.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3435.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3439.jpg

Paul

[Quad-Dog]

Paul I was more thinking of one for the inside making it a tipping trailer.

[YoungGunz]

looks great!!!

[Aussie]

Lol!! My apologies, I see what you mean now, I have seen them set up that way with the Hoist, but, the thought never crossed my mind, I could've built it that way, yeah!!! Durrr!!!! :confused:

Maybe an idea for a future build...:rolleyes:

Thanks youngGunz, appreciate the cool feedback :D

[Cossett]

That is true aussie style!!!
What about a tarp and a hoist at the front? :)

Hi Quad-Dog, is this what you meant http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac255/Cossett/Down%20loads/d8d4c463.jpg

Cheers Tracy

[Quad-Dog]

Yep, they are pretty rare nowadays. You won't see to many doing the highway work but during harvest you get so see them.

[Aussie]

Caged trailers are rare these days, that's why I gotta build me a "Old School" truck to pull it around, I do have one in mind...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/Brian20Fawkas-thumb-448x268-112773.jpg

Paul

[Cossett]

Now that is niceeeee old school aussie, will be a fun build with plenty of challengers and headaches :D:D:D

Cheers Tracy

[Aussie]

It definately is Old School, Tracy,

gonna be a lot of fun building it too!!

Gotta KH body here to start off with, gonna have to chop the roofline down a bit and tilt the windscreen back a little, amongst a lot of other detail :eek:

Might have to employ our old friend 1800-BB-TIMMY to do the cow killer though...Lol!!

Paul

[Cossett]

Well I was going to say as well only a 1800-BB-TIMMY BB would do for this build but thought I would leave it later in the build once the body work was started LOL :D:D

Cheers Tracy

[Aussie]

Yeah, gonna be a while before I'll need one... :D

Started on the chassis today, moved the front axle forward, tried to mod the trans to get the motor and output on the same end, but, found it impossible....Ya haven't got a spare Hi-Lux 3 speed Trans lying around , have you??...Lol!!!

Paul

[Aussie]

Lol!! We're only saying nice things about ya, Tim....honest...:D:D

My gearbox is fine, I just need one with the motor mounted on top, not sticking out the front!! Like this....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/58372g.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

Totally Cool Banana's, :D

Thanks Tim, I will give him a call!!

Paul

[Aussie]

Totally Cool Banana's, :D

Thanks Tim, I will give him a call!!

Paul

Nope, No Gearbox from Brad :(, will keep looking,

Thanks again, Tim

[diesel950]

now that is going to be a cool truck to build paul,
if you want any information about it the owner is a
mate of mine, so can give him a call. i think he would
be rather chuffed to see it built too.

[Aussie]

Thanks Shaun, will be great build if I can pull it off...:eek:

Trust me to pick a truck and have someone on here know the owner...:confused:

Could be very handy, you knowing the Bloke, might just need some detailed pic's,.

Actually, I should go all the way, Can you get some shots of his trailer, might as well build mine the same as his!!!

Cheers Paul

[Cossett]

Hi Paul are there any more updates on this trailer or has it gone back to the when it gets done it gets done shelf ???

Cheers Tracy

Whilst waiting for the Tami Flatbed Donor to arrive to finish my Flatbed, I stumbled across a low loader I started making a long time ago,

Here's a few pic's, still in the early stages...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3328.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3329.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3330.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3331.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3332.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3333.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3335.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/willsbrook/100_3334.jpg

Paul

[Aussie]

Hey Tracy, Yeah!! It has gone on the backburner for a while, I'm concentrating on the Road Boss for now, I will update the Float as I slowly get it done!!

Paul

[bruce]

those are some awsome looking trailers. great build.