Knight Krawler

[TRUCKMAKER]

Its been awhile since I've built a kit but here goes. It will be a slow build due to time, funds and the lack of tooling (working on that). I'm going with a mid roof, a bit of a stretch, big pipes and any thing else i think of as i go. Here's a couple pictures after I laid every thing out. I started doin' a concept layout so I could get an idea of how long the rails need to be.

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/100_1463.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/100_1465.jpg

[Espeefan]

That's cool. Knight Krawler though? Going crawling with it, or just playing with night crawlers? :D

[CustomClod]

Looking good so far!
Scott

[TRUCKMAKER]

Thanks ESPEEFAN, There was one more picture that didn't make it out of the camera showing my work area and my crawler. I chose the name because the crawler migt donate its guts to the Knight before the build is done.

Thanks, Scott

The only update is the rails got drilled and I threw some X-mbrs in it last night. I still need to drill and tap the frame flanges but dont have that size drill and tap, and our local tool supply doesn't carry metric bits.:(

[SWAGGER]

Nice concept, a hybrid as such, but not in an economical sense. My favourite kind! Could be an off road logger type of setup. Best of luck with the design and build

[dsm4g63punk]

Cant wait to see this rig come together!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Thanks for the comments guys. :) I found the drill bits and taps I needed at of all places our local hardware store :rolleyes: Time to get busy!

[petermoblin]

Funny how that works huh? My local hardware store couldn't get me 3mm hardware for my build, but they had the drill and tap for it. weird!:confused:

[TRUCKMAKER]

Well with Christmas over and just finishing working 46 1/2 hours at triple time during holiday shutdown(?!), its time to get back to work on this project. I did manage to hide out and do a few things over Christmas weekend.:rolleyes:

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1105.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/042.jpg

Thanks for lookin'
Kent

[Diesel Demond]

hide out some more! that skeleton is looking sweet so far!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Got the suspensions done. Mounted the tires. The rear suspension, at the moment is not fastened to the frame so I can slide it around until I get everything layed out. I still need to get another set of fuel tanks and a set of running board step/box mounts so it all flows with out gaps to fill.:p

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1107.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1108.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1109.jpg

Thanks for looking;)
Kent

[SWAGGER]

Yeah now that's what i'm talking about! Looking mean.

[TRUCKMAKER]

This build has taken a couple different turns lately. Every time I set down at the bench a new idea and direction comes along!:rolleyes: I'd like to thank everyone doing brass out there and posting their projects, I really wanted to try a small project so I decided to make a couple of simple rails, well one thing led to another and its turned out to be a whole frame. Its not pretty but when it's done you won't see it unless it's upside down in the ditch.:eek: I've also bought the brass to solder up a headache rack. I messed up and got 40/60 acid core solder which I ended up using hopefully it won't cause problems later.:confused:

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1103-1.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1102.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1101.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1112.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1121.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1122.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1120.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1119.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1118.jpg

This next set of pictures are mock ups of the new direction I'm going. It will be a tri-axle, I have most of the parts for the axle or need to make them. The deck plate will go all the way to the cab with a headache rack (not made yet). The cab will be a mid-roof, two tone blue, there's a lot of blue Knight Haulers out here but I get a lot of greif from my daughter because everything I buy (1:1) is always some shade of red. Her favorite color is blue. I've got 2 pole trailers one is a donor for the truck and to modify the second one, I'm going to try to do a bridge beam hauler. But as with the truck that can change.;) Stay tuned and thanks for looking and keep up the awesome builds out there, I spend more time reading the great builds on this forum than posting or building my own!:rolleyes:

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1108-1.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1107-1.jpg

[CorbettTrailers]

Great Job. That's a really neat Idea to have the deck over the wheels. Looks really good.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Great Job. That's a really neat Idea to have the deck over the wheels. Looks really good.

Thanks John, It will have two sets of pole/log racks, both removable. It will be able to pull a standard trailer or a pole trailer. It can be used as a stand alone truck or tractor.

[glorydays24]

Now that's useing the ol' noggin'.:D I like where this is going. Keep it up, and I can't wait to see more pic's.:D:cool::)

Big John

[SWAGGER]

Wow, i'm impressed! Well done for taking the leap, this is quite original. With all of the builds going on here, i'm amazed how people keep coming up with something that has not been done before.

[uk trucker]

Nice loking job!
Don't think you will have any problems with the solder so long as you give it all a good wash in soapy water when you have finished to kill off any flux.

Turn table rings look really neat.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Now that's useing the ol' noggin'.:D I like where this is going. Keep it up, and I can't wait to see more pic's.:D:cool::)

Big John

Thanks Big John, now that I'm getting some intrest in the build, I'm more moltivated to spend more time on it.

Wow, i'm impressed! Well done for taking the leap, this is quite original. With all of the builds going on here, i'm amazed how people keep coming up with something that has not been done before.

Thanks SWAGGER, You wouldn't belive how many directions I've thought to take this build only to find that someones done it or is doing it.

Nice loking job!
Don't think you will have any problems with the solder so long as you give it all a good wash in soapy water when you have finished to kill off any flux.

Turn table rings look really neat.

I'm going to pitch the solder i've got and get some solid core lead free in a thinner strand before I start the headache rack. Thanks for looking!

Now is all I need to do is pry myself away from the forum and the computer and get to work!:o:D

[TRUCKMAKER]

Hi all,
I've got a few small things done, like mud flap brackets made and the rear bumper mounts modified. Got the 5th wheel mounted through the deck, I'll post those pictures later, still got some details to work out like building and mounting the log bunks. I also started the headache rack. Its kind of raw right now and I still need to cut and build the mounts for it, but its coming along.:)

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1130.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1132.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_1133.jpg

Thanks for looking, more later!:D

[Espeefan]

Darn nice work on the soldering! The headache rack is looking pretty nice already, and it's not even done yet. I'd say the frame work for your chassis turned out nice too. I have never soldered any brass but you seem to have it down. The joints look pretty good, from what I can tell. Are you using a torch to heat everything up? The fenders turned out nice as well. I never thought about using the pole trailer kit to make something like that. Are they chromed plastic, or metal? This is turning into a great build. I know what you mean about prying yourself off the forum to actually get something done on your truck! I have that problem a lot. Right now, actually!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Darn nice work on the soldering! The headache rack is looking pretty nice already, and it's not even done yet. I'd say the frame work for your chassis turned out nice too. I have never soldered any brass but you seem to have it down. The joints look pretty good, from what I can tell. Are you using a torch to heat everything up? The fenders turned out nice as well. I never thought about using the pole trailer kit to make something like that. Are they chromed plastic, or metal? This is turning into a great build. I know what you mean about prying yourself off the forum to actually get something done on your truck! I have that problem a lot. Right now, actually!

Hi Nathan, Thanks for the encouraging comments. I am definitely learning as I go, I've changed the type and size of my solder 3 times. Still trying to figure out the best way to clean it up when I'm done, but thats what it's all about, if it came out perfect the first time it wouldn't be any fun. I'm using a small butane torch, .062, 60/40 rosin core solder. The deck Plates/fenders are plastic, they're painted aluminum(?) as received in the kit. I purchased 2 deck plates from Tamiya/USA besides the 2 trailer kits I've got.

Here's some more pictures from things I got done last night. After getting the bunks done and mounted I need to shim the the front bunk up so there isn't as much of a forward slope on the load. I new it was going to be there with the back bunk up on the wheel but wasn't sure how much.:rolleyes:


http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0005.jpg
The headache rack is just laying against the cab, still need to build the mounts:o

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0006.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0007.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0002.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0004.jpg
Had to go pick up the headache mount stanchion material.:eek::p

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0003.jpg
Big load shows the height differance in the bunks! (Will be fixed).

Thats all for now, time to hang with the family:p, watch the race and get back to work!
Thanks for Lookin' Kent:D

[uk trucker]

Headache rack and soldering look very neat and tidy,I'm beginning to understand where you are going with the build, looks like a good use for a pole trailer ,or two, Great imagination!

[scalelover]

Looking goog I'm really liking where this is headed. Definitely a different build

--Dan

[TRUCKMAKER]

Headache rack and soldering look very neat and tidy,I'm beginning to understand where you are going with the build, looks like a good use for a pole trailer ,or two, Great imagination!

Thank you for the words of support on soldering, it helps! The more I go at this I forsee a third traler maybe. I sent you 2 PM's today.

Looking goog I'm really liking where this is headed. Definitely a different build

--Dan

Thanks Dan I hope it turns out the way I planned!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Got a quick update. The shop foreman stopped by to see how the building progress was coming. ;) After we made him happy and got him out of the way:p:p, I proceeded to fix the height difference in the log/pole bunks and finally took the dive into the cab.:eek: I decided to layer the roof to get the height I wanted vs. cutting up a perfectly good raised roof cap.:rolleyes: Now I need to figure out the best way to remove the excess plastic.:confused:


Shop foreman, build inspection
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0145.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0146.jpg

Passed inspection:D On with the build!
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0008.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0009.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0011.jpg

Thanks for looking, Later!
Kent

[Espeefan]

Hey Kent, don't cut the top! So are you going to sand and file the cab roof profile to give that rounded look?

[TRUCKMAKER]

Hey Kent, don't cut the top! So are you going to sand and file the cab roof profile to give that rounded look?

Thanks Nathan, I'll try to remember that!;) I have had a bad head cold all week and it was the first time I felt like getting in the shop. I had styrene all over the place and thought the way my week was going I'd probably cut the center out of all the plates and it was my last sheet big enough for the roof.:o
Yes I'm going to carve the roof to the correct proflle to the best of my ability. I'm just not sure how I'm going to do it yet! :confused: Filing and sanding will probably be my best bet.:D Keep watching to see how it goes!

[uk trucker]

Filing and sanding sounds the way to go with plenty of eyeball to check the profile.
Its looking a nice job so far. Guess the cat is keeping a close eye on the job :)

[TRUCKMAKER]

Filing and sanding sounds the way to go with plenty of eyeball to check the profile.
Its looking a nice job so far. Guess the cat is keeping a close eye on the job :)

I think so, just wating to feel better so I dont mess it up!
The cat likes to hang out where ever I am and if I wasn't talking to him when the picutre was taken he would have been in the middle of the bench!:p:p:rolleyes::D

[Espeefan]

To bad you can't just take a router and cut the profile into the roof with that! That or a shaper. What might be handy to get the profile close all the way around, would be to make a styrene template with the radius in it. Then as you file and sand, you could check the radius by placing the template over the edge, if that makes sense? Later on, the same template could be used to spread any filler.

[SWAGGER]

To bad you can't just take a router and cut the profile into the roof with that! That or a shaper. What might be handy to get the profile close all the way around, would be to make a styrene template with the radius in it. Then as you file and sand, you could check the radius by placing the template over the edge, if that makes sense? Later on, the same template could be used to spread any filler.

Great thinking!

[TRUCKMAKER]

To bad you can't just take a router and cut the profile into the roof with that! That or a shaper. What might be handy to get the profile close all the way around, would be to make a styrene template with the radius in it. Then as you file and sand, you could check the radius by placing the template over the edge, if that makes sense? Later on, the same template could be used to spread any filler.

I'm not going to get to crazy with it, just try to make it flow nice, I do like the template idea, Thanks Nathan:cool:. That also gave me an idea of how to get the correct radius in the template;), I'll get back to you on that.:D Thanks again for helping out, hopefully I get time in the workshop this weekend to get some more done. :)

[RCTech9]

Nice Build, this will be awesome when finished!

[grumpygrady]

[I am definitely learning as I go, I've changed the type and size of my solder 3 times. Still trying to figure out the best way to clean it up when I'm done, but that's what it's all about, if it came out perfect the first time it wouldn't be any fun. I'm using a small butane torch, .062, 60/40 rosin core solder]


on your solder try a 50/50 with no rosin ,and use a paste rosin and i think you will like it
if you are careful with the paste, the solder will only flow were you brush it on and that helps clean up ,
50/50 solder is the trick that the old timers used to fix radiators back when they were all metal
should find it in the plumbing section of your local hardware store

looking good so far

[MoRockN]

One word, WOW. Super nice looking rig! Thanks for sharing.

[Espeefan]

I'm not going to get to crazy with it, just try to make it flow nice, I do like the template idea, Thanks Nathan:cool:. That also gave me an idea of how to get the correct radius in the template;), I'll get back to you on that.:D Thanks again for helping out, hopefully I get time in the workshop this weekend to get some more done. :)

I was just throwing some ideas around. More like thinking out loud, but I still like the router bit idea best, cause it uses power tools! :D Ha. I'm sure you'll get it looking good. You've gotten this far, and it's great.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Nice Build, this will be awesome when finished!

Thank you for the compliment, I'm getting there slowly!:p

[I am definitely learning as I go, I've changed the type and size of my solder 3 times. Still trying to figure out the best way to clean it up when I'm done, but that's what it's all about, if it came out perfect the first time it wouldn't be any fun. I'm using a small butane torch, .062, 60/40 rosin core solder]


on your solder try a 50/50 with no rosin ,and use a paste rosin and i think you will like it
if you are careful with the paste, the solder will only flow were you brush it on and that helps clean up ,
50/50 solder is the trick that the old timers used to fix radiators back when they were all metal
should find it in the plumbing section of your local hardware store

looking good so far

Grumpygrady have you seen 50/50 in a small diameter? What I didn't like about the stuff I had was the diameter was to big and it would deposit way more solder than I needed for the joint which made clean up much worse. I used some 1mm 60/40 from our electronics lab at work and it was great! No problems with the joints holding and you can get away with alot less heat. Thanks for the help and compliments, keep watching, more soldering to come!:D

One word, WOW. Super nice looking rig! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks MoRockN, lots more work to come, and I still got trailers to build yet!:rolleyes:

I was just throwing some ideas around. More like thinking out loud, but I still like the router bit idea best, cause it uses power tools! :D Ha. I'm sure you'll get it looking good. You've gotten this far, and it's great.

LMAO:p:p:p You sound to much like me with the power tool thing,:D:D why do you think its taking me so long to start this part, I'm trying to figure out what power tools I have to make it go quicker, (I don't own a router:() so i'm using my dremel with a coarse sanding drum to carve it into shape! Its actually working pretty well so far. Definitely keep throwing those ideas around, especially the power tool ones:p:p:D and thanks!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Heres an update on the cab. I got it sanded to the shape I'm going with for now. The picture shows it sanded to 320 grit.

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0012.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0013.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0014.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0015.jpg

Thanks for looking!

[Roadmasters]

That looks really nice, and i think its a first! Keep up the great work, i cant wait to see more!

[Espeefan]

Kent, you did a great job on the sanding! Barely any filler, which is very good. The less you use, the better, and more stable the body work will be. What's next?

[Cossett]

Kent the roof came up well its got a nice shape to it, cant wait to see more now the hard part is done...

[uk trucker]

The hard work looks to be paying off, nice profile!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Kent, you did a great job on the sanding! Barely any filler, which is very good. The less you use, the better, and more stable the body work will be. What's next?

Thanks Nathan, I actually suprized myself as to how little filler was left when I got done with the initial sanding. I'll finish sanding and go back to finishing the headache rack.

Kent the roof came up well its got a nice shape to it, cant wait to see more now the hard part is done...

Thank you for the nice comments Tracy, I don't know about the hard part being done yet:o I still have to fabricate the driveline and then paint every thing. We'll get there a little at a time.

The hard work looks to be paying off, nice profile!

Thanks for the support Michael!:D

[Dairyland Trucker]

Nice build this is a different type log truck can't really say I have seen one quite like it before great job on the cab work look great so far can't wait to see the final truck when done.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Nice build this is a different type log truck can't really say I have seen one quite like it before great job on the cab work look great so far can't wait to see the final truck when done.

Thank you for the nice comments Dairyland Trucker. I got the idea from some older pictures I seen on HanksTruckPictures.com, the truck can haul a load while pulling a dolley with a trailer or can be converted to a tractor and trailer. They do it so they can haul the shorter logs on the truck.


Well I worked on getting the truck presentable for this months Build of the Month, Build in Progress, posted the pictures and then realized I was entry #11:eek::o. So I'll post them here and keep working on it.:)

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0017.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0022.jpg

Thanks for looking!

[dabears]

Wow your build is fantastic! Your headache racks looks perfect!! did you use a dremel to file down any excess solder or did you sand it? Can turned out good! cant with to see more!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Wow your build is fantastic! Your headache racks looks perfect!! did you use a dremel to file down any excess solder or did you sand it? Can turned out good! cant with to see more!

Thanks dabears, yes and yes, I used both dremel and sanding. One thing I learned was using very small diameter solder for electrical wiring and a water soluable flux is great with virtually no clean up needed. It holds fine for something like this.

[Espeefan]

Holy cow, Kent, your truck looks really sweet. I like the headache rack too! Did you get it chromed or something? Or is it just reflecting the chrome plating from the deck plates? The cab roof turned out super nice. This is one of the nicest Knight Hauler builds I've seen on the forum.

[dabears]

Thanks dabears, yes and yes, I used both dremel and sanding. One thing I learned was using very small diameter solder for electrical wiring and a water soluable flux is great with virtually no clean up needed. It holds fine for something like this.

Your right that combo works perfect! I got my stack rack built yesterday! Thanks fir the tip

[TRUCKMAKER]

Holy cow, Kent, your truck looks really sweet. I like the headache rack too! Did you get it chromed or something? Or is it just reflecting the chrome plating from the deck plates? The cab roof turned out super nice. This is one of the nicest Knight Hauler builds I've seen on the forum.

Hi Nathan, Thanks again for the nice comments and support!:D The racks got 2 coats of Dupi-Color metal etching primer, 2-3 coats automotive primer and about 4 coats of Dupli-Color chrome paint. I still have some work to do on the roof before final paint.:(

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0025.jpg

Your right that combo works perfect! I got my stack rack built yesterday! Thanks fir the tip

Hi dabears, Your very welcome anytime! The only thing is, now we need pictures of the stack rack!:cool:

[dabears]

Its on my thread of my truck "Stretched Globeliner" :)

[Espeefan]

Chrome in a can? Wow. That's a really good finish, for being a spray paint! Thanks for sharing Kent.

[SWAGGER]

God this thing has really turned into a work of art. I'm surprised how well rattle can paint can look so much like real chrome!

[TRUCKMAKER]

God this thing has really turned into a work of art. I'm surprised how well rattle can paint can look so much like real chrome!

Thanks Swagger, I was actually surprised how far chrome in a can has come!

[pumptech]

Just like the can says perfect match ,awesome build on this rig ,look forward to seeing how you do the cab detail.:D

[nenard]

Awsome rattle can finish. Looks realalistic without too much shine.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Just like the can says perfect match ,awesome build on this rig ,look forward to seeing how you do the cab detail.:D

Thanks pumptech, keep watching I'll get to it shortly.

Awsome rattle can finish. Looks realalistic without too much shine.

Yes its the best I've found to date!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Decided to go to PFB'S House meet Memorial weekend to meet everybody and didn't want to go without something to drive so Friday morning I started with the chassis and axles. The cab had one color, light blue. I taped and sprayed the dark blue then went to work taking the radio gear and motor out of my Axial Scorpion. Built the chassis up, installed the electronics, untaped and dressed the cab. About 10:30 pm I decided it was as far as it was going to get and packed up to head off at 5 am. Had a great time! Now I get to reverse the process and actually finish the project (after I get my daughter through graduation).
Picked up and HPI 1:7 GRU and a 55T motor/crawler esc combo which should be here Monday. Still haven't got a radio but I'll run the Axial pistol grip for a while.

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0028.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0185.jpg
The truck hooked to Dabears 53' flat bed, can you say L O N G!

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/KnightKrawler2.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/KnightKrawler.jpg

I've got to thank Dabears and YoungGunz for the pictures of my truck on the forum I took pictures of everything else but mine!:rolleyes::rolleyes::D:D

[dabears]

I can send you the others I have later if you want?

[Diesel Demond]

that is a very nice knight hauler just redid mine also gonna post pic soon! funny i almost went with that same color shceme

[spudd]

your body work is great.all the corners and rounded parts or spot on. great job!!!!!!!!!!

[TRUCKMAKER]

I can send you the others I have later if you want?

Thanks Aaron, But you posted alot of them already, thanks. Right now I'm having major issues downloading and uploading so theres not alot I could do with them. I need some of that Hi-speed Comcast internet. :p:p:p:D:D

that is a very nice knight hauler just redid mine also gonna post pic soon! funny i almost went with that same color shceme

Thanks for the comment Diesel Demond. I used the colors on a 1/25th AMT
W900 when I was a youngster, my daughters favorite color on a vehicle is blue so I thought I'd give it a try again.

your body work is great.all the corners and rounded parts or spot on. great job!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks spudd, it was my first shot at body work since I was a kid bashin' truck kits, I have never been able to build something from a kit without changing it up somehow! We were discussing the paint at PFB's and I told them I used 3 types of masking tape to see what worked the best. Travis brought up your post about 3M Fine Line, I had read that the night before throwing it together to go play. I doubt I'll find it here in town, will probably have to to drive about 45 minutes to get some, but I will definently have some before I do it again, thanks for that info!;);):D

[TRUCKMAKER]

Well I finally got it back on the table. Took it all back apart to paint the chassis and continue working on the lift axle.:)

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0045.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0044.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0043.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0042.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0041.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0046.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0048.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0049.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0047.jpg

More to come, Thanks for looking!

[dabears]

Chassis looks great!! Love that color of Blue! I bet that color really looks good out in the sun!! Cant wait to see more progress!! What did you use for your lift axle?

[plow jockey]

Nice tri axle. I really like that blue. Thats a sweet lift axle! Can't wait for more updates.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Chassis looks great!! Love that color of Blue! I bet that color really looks good out in the sun!! Cant wait to see more progress!! What did you use for your lift axle?

Thanks Aaron, the chassis will get another coat of blue and a coat of clear. The lift axle is a trailer axle that I cut the center out of just inboard of the inner most bearings/bushings. The center was replaced with 2 pieces of brass tube which the trailer axle sections slide into. I formed a u shaped piece of brass and soldered between the tubes. Then I formed a truss out of brass and soldered it across the top of the u and the tubes. Covered the rough edges with a little filler and primed it. I need to clean it up a bit and top coat it.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Nice tri axle. I really like that blue. Thats a sweet lift axle! Can't wait for more updates.

Thanks Plow Jockey, the paint is Rustoleum Metalic Colbalt Blue.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Well the Knight Krawler has all its own electronics now so I can put my crawler back together:rolleyes:. So since I'm recovering from surgery I had the day after Christmas and have got to the point of being able to walk down the stairs to my shop in the basement, I have plenty of time to build! (3 more weeks till I go back to work:D)
I got the lift axle finished and operating, eventually I will put a digital servo in it so I can program it to get a more prototypical lift speed. Right now its a Hitec MG 645, If anybody knows how I can slow it down I'd appreciate the info, I'm using a aux switch on an AirTronics RDS8000.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUpyghe-nXo

I got the HPI 7:1 GRU and 55T motor mounted and the shift linkage adjusted. Still have a few thing to do before I test run the chassis. Enough typing here's a bunch of pictures.:D:p:D:p

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0056.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0431.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0428.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0062.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0063.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0061.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0429.jpg

Thanks for looking
Kent

[glorydays24]

You have come a long way on this.:D:):cool: The lift axle looks good the way you made it, and I agree with everyone else, that is a pretty blue.:D:D:D

Big John

[BRICKNICK]

Sweet set up, I cant wait to see this baby all together.

[FlyingBeagle]

The chassis looks fantastic.

Does the lift axle have any suspension movement to it in the down position, or is it solid? I was just thinking if it is, you may have problems with bumps takiing the weight off of the drive axles and causing you to get stuck? I know in real life the lift axles are raised in rough terrain to prevent this, I just didnt know if yours was so solidly mounted to the servo that it may cause problems on relatively small bumps.

[Espeefan]

Looking good Kent. The chassis sure looks nice with that paint on it! Is that an aluminum transmission case, or the stock one painted silver? That's a nice touch. A little bling to constrast the paint.

[TRUCKMAKER]

You have come a long way on this.:D:):cool: The lift axle looks good the way you made it, and I agree with everyone else, that is a pretty blue.:D:D:D

Big John

Thanks Big John, The blue really looks good after a couple coats of high gloss clear! Give cindy our Love and Prayers!

Sweet set up, I cant wait to see this baby all together.

Hi BRICKNICK, I'd like to see it done too but I keep coming up with little things to add to it which sets final assembly back not to mention final paint which I need at least 50 deg. to do. One of these days!

The chassis looks fantastic.

Does the lift axle have any suspension movement to it in the down position, or is it solid? I was just thinking if it is, you may have problems with bumps takiing the weight off of the drive axles and causing you to get stuck? I know in real life the lift axles are raised in rough terrain to prevent this, I just didnt know if yours was so solidly mounted to the servo that it may cause problems on relatively small bumps.

Flying Beagle, Thanks for that wake up call!:o I made sure the axle suspension worked well, and that the servo was mounted in the frame and everything looked good with no interferrence to anything, set the radio up and everything worked! I was happy until I read your post and thought DUH! that won't work. So here is the simple fix. I changed servo arms and slotted it which allows fro full travel up and down.

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0435.jpg

Looking good Kent. The chassis sure looks nice with that paint on it! Is that an aluminum transmission case, or the stock one painted silver? That's a nice touch. A little bling to constrast the paint.

Thanks Nathan, the tranny case is stock, painted with the same paint I used on the headache rack (picture posted earlier in the build). I was going for the DD15 look which all the new detroits are silver.

Thanks for looking and the comments everybody!

[uk trucker]

Hi Kent,
Looking good, to answer your question about lift speed, here in the UK you can buy servo slowers that fit between the receiver and servo, I have used one from here before
http://www.fast-lad.co.uk/store/product_info.php?products_id=9380

[TRUCKMAKER]

Hi Michael,
Thanks for the link I think I'll have to give that a try! I tried to do some paint work and it didn't turn out. Looks like I'll have to redo the cab, probably go with a single color.

[rc_farmer]

Hey Ken, this is a very sharp looking build.....i really like that lift axle setup, care to elaborate on the build technique?:D

I have used this servo-slower and it works really good (4-7v)

http://search2.hobby-lobby.com/psearch/svc/search.php?uid=2&q=servo+slow+down+modul

[TRUCKMAKER]

Hey Ken, this is a very sharp looking build.....i really like that lift axle setup, care to elaborate on the build technique?:D

I have used this servo-slower and it works really good (4-7v)

http://search2.hobby-lobby.com/psearch/svc/search.php?uid=2&q=servo+slow+down+modul

Thanks for the link and comments RC farmer. If you scroll up towards the top of this page to post #67 I tried to explain it to Dabears. If you have any more questions or I can clarify anything let me know!

[rc_farmer]

Thanks for the link and comments RC farmer. If you scroll up towards the top of this page to post #67 I tried to explain it to Dabears. If you have any more questions or I can clarify anything let me know!

Hey thanks, i guess i was looking more at the pics than actually reading.:D

[TRUCKMAKER]

Not a problem, pictures are always more fun than reading!:D:D

[TRUCKMAKER]

This what happens when you share your hobby at work with an Exec. from Daimler Trucks, they paint a 1:1 in your colors and scheme and put it on the cover of the new calendar!!

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/IMG_0603_zps5e90b453.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/1C79D2F2-945C-4607-B2B3-4135A01FF260_zpskpggyic8.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/AC14FCF9-31A0-403D-8D11-9B3F9ACDF8E5_zps2nxydjiv.jpg

[Roundabout]

BIG THUMB UP !!!!!!

[Bo Wallen]

Wonderfull............The 1/1 guys goes looking at the model-builder Not the other way around. Congratulation to you. Well done.

[Lil Giants]

Congratulations Kent, must make you feel proud. :cool:

[TRUCKMAKER]

BIG THUMB UP !!!!!!

Wonderfull............The 1/1 guys goes looking at the model-builder Not the other way around. Congratulation to you. Well done.

Congratulations Kent, must make you feel proud. :cool:

Thanks for the comments guys, When I go back to work after the first I'm going to try and get more pictures of that truck, it didn't make it inside the calander as most of the cover trucks don't.:D

[FabOne]

This is GREAT Kent!

-Terry