Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build [Archive]

Espeefan

08-29-2010, 11:38 PM

No doubt some members here will probably remember seeing this build before. It's been on other forums, and it's still not complete, even after all the time that has passed.

I started building this truck a few years ago, and it was my first Wedico purchase. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into at that point. The build started off well enough, but I slowly ran into a bit of a 'creative builder's block'. To explain that further, there were certain things about the Wedico Peterbilt that I wanted to change and problems that I wanted to correct. Yes, you are hearing me right, they aren't perfect models! Some things would be easy to fix, some not so easy. I assembled the truck as far as I could, and then decided I needed to come up with some solutions to my problems, if I was to truly be happy with the model.

Here's a quick summary of the build, in the earlier days. Many things have already changed, so this is a story of evolution.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicochassisand3speedtransassembly.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicochassisrearangle.jpg

Starts with a bare frame and a 3 speed transmission. In the rear, the chassis already has a change from stock. Wedico trucks come with individual leaf spring suspensions, for each axle, which is not the greatest of set-ups. I immediately swapped that out for an aftermarket suspension, produced by Osswald.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/OsswaldModellbauleafsprings.jpg

Osswald walking beam spring packs.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/OsswaldModellbauwalkingbeammountcas.jpg

Close up of the rear walking beam suspension mount.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoandyouthought4linkswereforcra.jpg

Spring packs and the 4 links for the axles.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoaxle4linked.jpg

Tandem drive axles, with the 4 links installed, and ready to be installed onto the chassis.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoOsswaldrearsuspensiontopangle.jpg

Put it all together and this is what you get.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoOsswaldsuspensionside.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoreartandemaxles.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicotandemandOsswaldflex.jpg

Great performance and a nice scale look to boot.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoprofessionalchassiaandaxles.jpg

About the same time, I bolted up the front axle. I had planned from the beginning to make the truck a 6x6. The front Wedico leaf springs would later be swapped out for Osswald's front suspension too.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoaluminumreardualsandhubs.jpg

Then it was time for some wheels!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Aluminumgoodness2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Rimfasteners.jpg

It can never be to scale!

Claus

08-29-2010, 11:42 PM

Wow Nathan, did not know you were going for a 6X6. Nice! Keep going.

Espeefan

08-29-2010, 11:53 PM

To continue on.....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicotiretreads.jpg

Different flavors of tires. Dual driven tires, super singles, and steering.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoliftaxledownposition.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Liftaxleboltedupunderside.jpg

In going for the heavy hauler look, I wanted a lift axle. Wedico offered one, so I picked it up. Unfortunately, I was a bit let down by it. The travel of the lift axle was horrible, to say the least. There was enough travel to raise the wheels, but the downward travel was very poor. Once lowered, there was no travel left in reserve and the rubber barely met the road. Ultimately, I ditched this set up for something better.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoPeteaxleupsideview2.jpg

I bought the Peterbilt 359 cab, in it's raw state, as I wanted to do a paint job of my own, rather then be stuck with the single color powder coat. I've seen a lot of the powder coat paint jobs show some pretty serious orange peal too.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoPeterbiltaboveangle.jpg

At this point, I realized the look of the truck was heading in the right direction, but I wasn't to satisified just yet. I hated the ride height of the truck. Especially that huge gap between the front fender and the tire. Something that all Wedico trucks suffer from, but even more so with the driven steer axle.

I also hated the lift axle being so close to the first tandem drive axle. It just looked cramped. After talking about the problem with a few fellow RC truckers, I decided I would push the rear drive axles back.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Pushingthetandemaxlesback.jpg

It made a huge difference!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicorelocatedreartandems.jpg

Espeefan

08-30-2010, 12:03 AM

Thanks Claus. Continuing on with the truck....

I received the Osswald front suspension for the truck, and it helped reduce some of the fender gap. I thought I could live with it, but later I would decide to lower the truck even more.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/OsswaldfrontspringsmountedtoWedicoa.jpg

The Osswald spring packs - flat.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicowithOsswaldfrontendinplace.jpg

Installed with the front drive axle.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicocabforwardOsswald.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoOsswaldangle.jpg

A little better ride height, but still not as good as I hoped for, as you'll see later.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicofendermockup.jpg

The next big idea I came up with for my truck was to fab up my own single, half round fenders. I made a tutorial on a couple different websites, when I got a lot of people asking me how I did them. These days, I see them popping up more and more, which is cool. They turned out to be really easy to make.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Topviewfendermockup.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Handmadefenders.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Fullsideviewwithhandmadefenders.jpg

I was starting to feel a little better about my progress. The look was improving. Still not quite perfect, but getting there.

Espeefan

08-30-2010, 12:22 AM

Now the Peterbilt 359 steps do match the steps that Wedico provides in the kit. Kind of. Wedico's steps are lacking some detail, and what I really wanted were some nicer looking steps. Something more along the lines of the Peterbilt 379 steps. I planned to get some machined out of aluminum, but to test the look and fit, for sizing, I mocked some up with styrene.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Petecabskirt2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicodriverssidestep.jpg

Driver's side.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Petecabskirt.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicopassengersidestep.jpg

Passenger side.

At the present, I still have not finalized any arrangements to have the steps machined from aluminum, but I do have some drawings made up. Now I have second guessed myself though, as I have started to consider the posibility of mounting the fuel tanks under the cab instead. Going for that vocational Peterbilt heavy haul look. We'll see!

About this time, I was getting frustrated with with truck. A little. Two major things, though they may not seem major, were really bugging me. The fender gap, and my Wedico lift axle. It took me a while to come up with a solution for both.

For closing up the fender gap, I had tried a few different ideas. Running fewer springs, getting rid of the driven front axle (something I really, really didn't want to do), and I even considered lowering the cab and hood. The biggest problem was that the stock hood hinge point interfered with the front suspension hanger. The two simply could not share the same space together.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicohoodhinge.jpg

This is a photo with the old leaf pack, but the mounts are still in the same locations.

Very briefly I thought I would try running the standard steer axle, but with some modifications. I milled the blocks off of the top of the axle, which helped a lot, but I just couldn't give up the driven front axle.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/MilledWedicofrontaxle.jpg

You can see the mill marks. The blocks used to be there!

Finally, I decided if I wanted to correct this problem, the best thing to do would be to make some custom parts!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicojunkvsmachined.jpg

I made a new hood mount for the chassis, which would drop the hood about 5/16" lower. At first I planned to combine the hood mount with the suspension hanger, but space was a problem.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoGrillloweringbracket.jpg

Instead, I moved the spring hanger back and away from it's original location, and the hood mount sits in the spring hanger's old home.

Espeefan

08-30-2010, 12:36 AM

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicogrillloweredmountmockupnewsuspensionhanger.j pg

Combined together, the hood's hinge point, just barely clears.

Since I moved the spring hanger back torwards the cab, I had to make a new spring! The original ones were now to long.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/MandrelformakingWedicosprings.jpg

I bought some brass sheet, which happened to match the thickness of the original Osswald springs, but I had to figure out how I could bend some nice eyes on the ends of the springs. I wanted them to be uniform, and the best way I could think to do that, was to make a tool.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Springeyeletinprocess.jpg

I tried a test piece and it worked out great!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/MakingnewspringsfortheWedico.jpg

After a little trial and error, I figured out the total length of the brass spring I needed, and how much it would shorten, given me wrapping the eyelets on the ends. I then made up two new, shorter springs, and milled the holes for the axle bolts.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicorearandpeekaboowindows.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicolowrider6x6.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wediconewlook.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicorearlevellookingforward.jpg

Then the moment of truth! The new front end suspension, installed with the driven front axle! The fender gap, greatly improved! I was really happy with the results.

Espeefan

08-30-2010, 12:51 AM

With a good solution found for one problem, I turned my attention to the next. The lift axle. I had this spare steering axle laying around, and it looked like it would make a nice lift axle. As a bonus, I figured maybe I could even make it a self steering lift axle. The knuckles were already there....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoliftaxlelinked.jpg

What I ended up doing was narrowing the stock steering axle down quite a bit. I milled a center section right out of the axle and bolted it back together. I had some spare 4 links laying around, which I used to locate the axle and allow it to have way more travel and float then the old set-up. Rock crawler guys will now just how great 4 link suspensions are.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoliftaxlelinked2.jpg

In order to locate the lift axle, I machined an upper 4 link mount for it out of aluminum. The mount is captured between the axle halves and it's very strong.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicomydesignliftaxlelotsoftravel.jpg

Plenty of downward travel - more then I really need. My driveshaft will limit that some, once it is installed.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicowithmyliftaxlearticulating.jpg

Good articulation, for those off road treks too!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoliftaxleliftedtemp.jpg

Raised up. Lots of clearance, if I do need the room as well.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedico4linkedliftaxle.jpg

And down.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicobetterstance.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoliftedaxleaboutwhatitwilllooklike.jpg

Couple more photos, from the side and angle.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoliftaxle4linked.jpg

One from above. Yet to come is a lift mechanism of some sort. I'm going to go with a really simple design. Hopefully something as simple as a cable and winch system, or maybe just a servo to raise and lower the axle. I'd like to do air bags, but I'm afraid they would limit the travel and articulation. We run these scale trucks in a non-scale world, and expect them to handle some pretty tough obsticles at times.

Claus

08-30-2010, 01:09 AM

Very nice clean build, you have talent for sure.

ddc333

08-30-2010, 07:41 AM

Some great solutions to the problems you found and corrected

cummingsman29

08-30-2010, 07:48 AM

The mods your doing Look good so far, can't wait to see it done!

Losiassociated

08-30-2010, 07:54 AM

Holy WOW!!!
Thats all I can say.

JAMMER

08-30-2010, 09:42 AM

Nathan very good you are doing an excellent job keep up the good work.Ed

skl1cent

08-30-2010, 10:12 AM

very nice truck :)

Brian in PA

08-30-2010, 10:16 AM

Whata great build and nice pics!

Brian

Espeefan

08-30-2010, 12:14 PM

Thank you guys. It means a lot to me to see your comments! Especially knowing the level of quality builds on this forum, and the company I am in. I hope I can reach that bar and make the grade. :D Thanks again.

sneaky-pete

08-30-2010, 02:42 PM

This is my favorite Wedico,the level of detail makes this an art piece!:eek:

Snochaser

08-30-2010, 09:00 PM

Sweet I love this build. I really like the heavy haul trucks.

Tamiya Cowboy

08-30-2010, 10:30 PM

Your truck and Wades truck are the best looking wedico's out there that is for sure they are great looking trucks.

SmallHaul

08-30-2010, 10:35 PM

Wow! Amazing work!

What will it weigh when it is complete?

Espeefan

08-31-2010, 12:09 PM

Troy and Snochaser, thanks!

Paul, thanks also! I haven't seen much of Wade these days. I know he joined the forum though. I really like his Peterbilt too. Did he ever get it out of primer? I'm kind of hoping one day I'll be able to make one of the meets you Central Plains guys host. Sure would be cool.

SmallHaul, thanks. No idea what the truck will weigh when it's done. Hopefully it will have some good heft to it. There are a lot more parts I want to add, and much of them will be (hopefully) machined aluminum pieces.

Rogue

08-31-2010, 12:47 PM

Nathan my friend, what can I say?

This truck is absolutely beautiful, even un-finished. Your attention to detail, along with your fab skills, is amazing. I have still yet to figure out how you narrowed that axle tho. I'm only seeing one seam on it. Care to share?

Espeefan

08-31-2010, 01:26 PM

Thanks Rick! I really appreciate that. Here are the details on the lift axle mods.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Howitworksliftaxle.jpg

What I did was mill two notches or 'steps' into the center section of the axle. I did not cut the axle in half, but rather milled a notch on one side, flipped the axle and milled a second notch. Where the notches met in the middle, the axle became two pieces. Once the halves are over lapped, the axle is effectively narrowed.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Howitworksliftaxle2.jpg

I drilled some holes through the modified center section, and tapped the lower holes for some 3mm screws. When assembled, the two 'stepped halves' of the axle seat against each other, and the 3mm screws just keep the halves solid.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Howitworksliftaxle3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Howitworksliftaxle4.jpg

Now what I didn't think about was how I would make an upper link mount, and how I would secure that to the axle as well. Originally I thought I'd bolt a mount to the top or bottom of the axle, but I wanted to keep it really clean looking. So I went back and milled the center keyway into both axle halves. Then I machined the 4 link mount to match the keyway. When it's all assembled, the mount is totally captured in all directions and it's solid as can be, even though the screws do not pass through it. The whole assembly is 'lightly' press fit together and very strong.

Hope this gives you some ideas! If you have any questions, let me know!

ihbuilder

08-31-2010, 04:10 PM

I like it Nathan ;) I just may have to get a wedico front for the next steerable I do ;) when I made mine I didn't have the mill yet :(

Espeefan

08-31-2010, 06:35 PM

Hey thanks Steve. You know, I was thinking this idea would work just as well with a Tamiya steer axle too. They are pretty similar to the Wedico steer axle. No reason why it couldn't be done also! :D

Rogue

08-31-2010, 06:44 PM

Nathan my friend, what can I say?

This truck is absolutely beautiful, even un-finished. Your attention to detail, along with your fab skills, is amazing.

Do I really need to say it again?:D

Thanks for the inside look at this. Should be a bombproof design.

P.S. Your photo skills are just as impressive as your building skills. It really makes it a pleasure to watch your updates.

ihbuilder

08-31-2010, 07:23 PM

Nathan , the tamiya axle does not have the center drop like the wedico thats why I did what I did on my Paystar . It came out alright just need better links .

Diesel Demond

08-31-2010, 08:26 PM

i just cant beleive the skill in this hobby. its a fun build to watch, plus great pictures and explanations.

JAMMER

09-01-2010, 08:37 AM

Nathan wonderful job the way you sandwich that together. I had to take a second look look because I was looking for a plate but after taking a second look I see were you have one side of the axle milled so it's is the top for the other side good thinking. Ed

tc1cat

09-01-2010, 09:15 AM

Just found this build. WOW!! Your attention to detail is amazing! What do you have planned for it next?

Espeefan

09-01-2010, 11:15 AM

Do I really need to say it again?

Thanks for the inside look at this. Should be a bombproof design.

P.S. Your photo skills are just as impressive as your building skills. It really makes it a pleasure to watch your updates.

Rick, my friend, thanks. I appreciate that. I do enjoy taking pictures as well, but not as much as building trucks. I can't wait to share some really good pictures of the truck, when completed, sitting in a more natural setting. Hopefully it will make some people do a double take. I'm not a professional photographer, but I am learning.

Nathan , the tamiya axle does not have the center drop like the wedico thats why I did what I did on my Paystar . It came out alright just need better links .

Steve, it's been a long time since I had a Tamiya. I thought they also used a drop axle. My mistake. If you are looking for some better links, I'd suggest you buy some Traxxas rod ends, with balls inserted, and then simply use some thread rod, with a sleeve to make the link itself. Or just cut some small round bar to the correct length on your lathe, drill and tap the end for 3mm set screws, and then thread the Traxxas rod ends onto that. I used to make all kinds of 4 links for my RC monster trucks that way. They are beefy, look good, are very functional, and aren't all that expensive. I think your lift axle turned out well. Now that you have a mill though, and those skills of your's, I bet you could machine your own drop axle! :D

i just cant beleive the skill in this hobby. its a fun build to watch, plus great pictures and explanations.

You and me both! A lot of highly talented guys on this forum and I can just sit for hours drooling over the work.

Nathan wonderful job the way you sandwich that together. I had to take a second look look because I was looking for a plate but after taking a second look I see were you have one side of the axle milled so it's is the top for the other side good thinking. Ed

Ed, thank you. Yes, I managed to make the lift axle look almost like a solid piece. If it wasn't for the seams, which can barely be seen, it would look like a factory axle. Once painted, it probably will look factory.

Just found this build. WOW!! Your attention to detail is amazing! What do you have planned for it next?

Thanks! I have a lot of ideas just bouncing around inside my head! I don't always make the fastest progress, but updates will come little by little. I am thinking about ditching the Wedico transmission for a planetary gearmotor, and an RC4WD transfer case. My friend Rick, aka Rogue, turned me onto these gearmotors. I think I will give it a shot. I also want to make this truck as scale and realistic as possible, so there is a lot of detail to add, and a lot of custom machined parts I would like to do up! I guess I'm pushing myself to reach the bar that has already been set high by so many other guys on this forum!

ihbuilder

09-01-2010, 12:05 PM

yea I got the hole link assm from traxxas . as for machining my own ,thou shalt not jest :D with the mill the parts are endless :D actually after the paystar is done I'll be on my equipment . I been itching to start a couple and a gp38 in 1;14 ;) 1st of all finish the pay scrapers :rolleyes:

sparkycuda

09-01-2010, 12:19 PM

A very detailed chassis! Really enjoy your workmanship, but especially the innovative ways to address problems or changes you want to make. Looking forward to seeing more!

Ken

Tamiya Cowboy

09-02-2010, 07:46 PM

WOW Nate this is going to be a great looking truck it is as close to perfect as you can get with the details.. I am not a wedico guy but man what a nice rig.

mog

09-02-2010, 11:30 PM

wow that's really nice got any idea what your going to do for paint you seam to have every thing els figger out.

bucshott

09-03-2010, 12:48 AM

Very impressive.

Espeefan

10-17-2010, 08:56 PM

Very impressive.

Thanks Rick!

Yep TC, you said it, one very impressive model, well done mate.
Sandy

Tim, thanks for the kind words. If it turns out half as detailed as your trucks have, it will be good.

wow that's really nice got any idea what your going to do for paint you seam to have every thing els figger out.

Thanks Mog. I'm not real sure on the color yet. And not quite everything is figured out yet. There is a lot of thought to put into this truck yet, and I'm actually engineering and machining what I need, on the fly. But I am taking my time, so I do a lot of thinking along the way. My mind is usually thinking two steps ahead of what my hands are doing. :D

WOW Nate this is going to be a great looking truck it is as close to perfect as you can get with the details.. I am not a wedico guy but man what a nice rig.

Thanks Paul! It means a lot to me, since you are one of the top builders here. And most ambitious!

A very detailed chassis! Really enjoy your workmanship, but especially the innovative ways to address problems or changes you want to make. Looking forward to seeing more!

Ken

Thanks Ken! More updates coming soon!

Espeefan

10-17-2010, 09:24 PM

Okay fellas, I have been working slowly on putting together a new drivetrain for the Peterbilt. I have no problem with the Wedico 3 speed, but space is tight on this model, and I'd like to have more room for other features. Thanks go out to my friend Rick, who introduced me to the compact and tough as nails Banebots planetary gearboxes. He was one of the first guys to use one on a truck and it looked perfect for my intentions! I'm giving up a 3 speed transmission for a single speed that is stronger and smaller, which is a big help. I really want to keep the interior of the cab, and the Banebots gearbox, with a standard 540 motor will entirely fit beneath the cab floor.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/BanebotsNovak55T.jpg

Can't say I've ever heard of anyone tearing up a Wedico 3 speed in a truck application, but they have had some failures in the heavier Wedico 966G Cat. If we take a peak inside, just because I like seeing how things work, we can see some plastic gears and a belt drive reduction.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedico3speedinternals.jpg

Other then the plastic gears and the belt, everything else does look pretty beefy, but for now, the trans is being pushed off to the side for this....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/BanebotsWedico6x6driveline.jpg

I've got a Novak 55 turn motor, mounted to the Banebots P60 planetary box. It's running a 20:1 reduction and feeds my new transfer case, from RC4WD. I did the math for calculating the gearing and I should end up with the truck being about as fast as it would be in 2nd gear, if I used the 3 speed trans. If I run a little more then 12 volts, I should pick up a little more speed, or I can always swap the motor to a 45 turn. Something I couldn't do with the Wedico trans, as you are stuck running a Buhler motor, wether or not you like it. Can't change the pinion gears either, at least not without some custom machining.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Banebotsmodifiedshaft.jpg

I did have to turn down the output shaft on the planetary box. As it comes, it's about .5" in diameter! Huge. I turned it down to a more common 5mm size and milled a flat on the shaft for the set screw to grab.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Banebotsturnedoutputshaft.jpg

Here's a picture of the internals. This is only one stage of reduction. The 20:1 box uses two stages, but this is what it looks like. Just add another stage of planetary gears behind the other, and you'll have it. You can also see the shaft I turned down more clearly. It was huge! The bearings that support it are also monsters. It was intended for robots, so it can take some serious load.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Banebotsplanetaryinternals.jpg

Another picture, showing how it goes together.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/RC4WDtransfercase.jpg

Finally, one shot of the RC4WD transfer case I will be using. It's a 1:1 ratio, so it provides no reduction, but it looks really scale, and cool. Intended for scale rock crawlers or trail trucks, but it will be right at home inside the Wedico. I just need to machine up some mounting brackets for both the transfer case and the planetary gearbox, and I'll be all set.

Tamiya Cowboy

10-17-2010, 09:53 PM

Wow love the eye candy them killers are works of art.. Very nice build Nate..

Rogue

10-17-2010, 10:14 PM

Once again Nathan, i'm humbled by your work. How can I possibly step away from this hobby, when I have someone like you to keep my sights set on?

Killer looking combination you put together.

Espeefan

10-17-2010, 10:26 PM

Thank Paul. Yes, the Killer Transfer case is a beaut. I can't wait to get mounted between the frame rails. :D And maybe, just maybe, actually drive the chassis around! lol

Rick, I'm glad you decided to keep your Wedico. :D If I can somehow inspire you to keep at it, then I am only returning the favor you did me. If it wasn't for you sharing the Banebot gearboxes, I wouldn't have as cool of a ride here, now would I? Apparently we both keep putting each other's trucks in the cross hairs. :D

Claus

10-18-2010, 02:52 AM

Nathan you give new meaning to the word perfectionist.

tc1cat

10-18-2010, 07:51 AM

Thanks for showing the new tranny system. I have one of the transfer cases' in my Studebaker. Only problem I have found with it is its tolerences. Shafts have way too much 'play' in them. Other than that they are very heavy duty like your gear reduction.
Can't wait to see your Pete completed.

tamiya_trucker

10-18-2010, 06:58 PM

Wow Nathan you still working on this? lol looking good tho, i think both our projects are taking a little to long compared to other one here! That tranny combo looks bullet proof, i really like it.

Espeefan

10-23-2010, 08:55 PM

Well I’ll be dammed I can see C510 Kenny road train stamped all over that, & I didn’t even ask for it, Thanks Mate HA HA
Bloody marvellous bit of work you have there Nathan
Tim

Hi Tim. Yes, if you are looking for a rugged transmission for your C510, this would be a great option. There are quite a few different ratios avilable too. I've got a 3:1 reduction in my axles also, so I choose the 2 stage planetary with a 20:1 reduction. It runs really smooth and makes the motor a torque monster! I test ran this combo on 7.2 volts, and I couldn't even make the motor groan, no matter how little throttle I gave it, and no matter how hard I tried to grab the output shaft with my fingers. I don't think you could stall this combo out, in a truck application. On 12 volts plus, it's going to be unstoppable!

Nathan you give new meaning to the word perfectionist.

Thank you Craig. Just trying to build the best truck I can! :D

Thanks for showing the new tranny system. I have one of the transfer cases' in my Studebaker. Only problem I have found with it is its tolerences. Shafts have way too much 'play' in them. Other than that they are very heavy duty like your gear reduction.
Can't wait to see your Pete completed.

tc1cat, I'm curious if by 'play' you mean shaft run-out. As in not turning true and straight? Or do you mean shaft end play, or float? I don't notice any run-out with the shafts. They look straight and true, but once I get some power going through it, and get the u-joints hooked up, then I'll really know.

Wow Nathan you still working on this? lol looking good tho, i think both our projects are taking a little to long compared to other one here! That tranny combo looks bullet proof, i really like it.

Thanks Kyle! Yes, this is turning out to be a life long project, almost! I hope that my work ethic is not rubbing off on you too! You used to crank Aeromax trucks like crazy, till you started the 6x6 boom truck. But, good things are worth the wait, no doubt! If I could only stay off this forum, and avoid looking at what everyone else is building, maybe I'd stand a chance of actually getting some work done on my Wedico! And speaking of that.....

I was able to machine up a new chassis cross member. Since deciding to revamp the drivetrain of my truck, I was in need of way to mount up the new transmission. I also needed a way to mount my cab, after lowering it for the new stance. This is what I came up with.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicomachinedtransplate.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicomachinedtransplate2.jpg

I designed it to fit perfectly between the chassis frame rails. I still need to drill and tap some holes to secure it to the frame rails, but it's a press fit into place and I haven't yet decided it's finally resting place. I may slide it fore or aft, just as soon as I get some mounts made up for the transfer case next. Driveshaft length will determine the final position, but it will be hidden completely by the cab.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoaddingtheplanetaryplate.jpg

And then the transmission and motor mount to the cross member, like so...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoBanebotsinchassis.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoBanebotsplanetarygearboxmount.jpg

View from the underside...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoBanebotsplateinchassisclose.jpg

And one from the side of the chassis. Once the fuel tanks are on, it will be almost impossible to see, except if the truck is upside down.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoBanebotmountingplate.jpg

The transfer case will find it's home just forward of the lift axle.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/WedicoBanebotsplateinchassis.jpg

That's all for now guys. Let me know what you think! :D

Rogue

10-23-2010, 09:05 PM

Nathan,

You never seize to make me feel absolutely stupid in some of my designs.

Once again, you have raised the bar. :o

Tamiya Cowboy

10-23-2010, 09:45 PM

What a very clean and perfect job you do one your parts I am very impressed nice work Nate..

Brian in PA

10-23-2010, 09:52 PM

Nathan that truck is so pretty it's gonna be a shame to paint it!!

Brian

fhhhstix

10-23-2010, 10:07 PM

Great truck Nathan :cool: I guess I never paid much atention to wedico's but there have been some realy nice ones show up here on the board. Keep up the good work.

Travis

Claus

10-23-2010, 10:12 PM

Nathan is your new signature a sign of things to come? Don't take this wrong but I already miss the tractors.

Stylin n profilin

10-23-2010, 10:24 PM

Just mind blowing Nate....A true masterpeice at its best....Great job....:cool:

heavy_duty

10-23-2010, 11:24 PM

Great job.I am enjoying every step.You are the man.;)

Ed

Dreamweaver

10-23-2010, 11:32 PM

WOW.. Great job Nathan.. The one problem I have with seeing artisans like you at work is it makes me feel like my stuff is crap!!!

Fortunately I thrive on that stuff... There is no such word as "Good Enough" in my book..

Again great job. Keep going.. it makes my build better...

-Mike

Espeefan

10-24-2010, 06:20 PM

Nathan,

You never seize to make me feel absolutely stupid in some of my designs.

Once again, you have raised the bar. :o

Thank you Rick. I appreciate that.

What a very clean and perfect job you do on your parts I am very impressed nice work Nate..

Thanks Paul. Machining up these custom parts is learning process. A couple years ago, I wouldn't have thought I could do it. It's a mind over matter thing. I have still have a lot more parts to make!

Nathan that truck is so pretty it's gonna be a shame to paint it!!

Brian

Hi Brian, thanks. Believe it or not, painting is my weak point! It will be a chore to paint this rig! :D

Great truck Nathan :cool: I guess I never paid much atention to wedico's but there have been some realy nice ones show up here on the board. Keep up the good work.

Travis

Thanks Travis. Wedico trucks are nice, but kind of expensive, and unfortunately, not without their flaws. :D For what a guy has to pay to build one, they should assemble themselves and be perfect.

Nathan is your new signature a sign of things to come? Don't take this wrong but I already miss the tractors.

Craig, maybe a sign of things to come. I do want a dump trailer very badly, but I'll always have something for haulin' red tractors around. :D Less the flames paint.

Just mind blowing Nate....A true masterpeice at its best....Great job....:cool:

Thanks John, for the kind words!

Great job.I am enjoying every step.You are the man.;)

Ed

I appreciate that Ed! Thanks.

WOW.. Great job Nathan.. The one problem I have with seeing artisans like you at work is it makes me feel like my stuff is crap!!!

Fortunately I thrive on that stuff... There is no such word as "Good Enough" in my book..

Again great job. Keep going.. it makes my build better...

-Mike

Hi Mike. I used to feel like that too. The great thing about sharing a project for all to see is that we can all learn something new. I'm a bit of a perfectionist too, so I know what you mean about 'good enough' and 'perfect' :D I always pull a lot of inspiration from all the great builds I see. It's what pushes me to get this truck done.

Espeefan

10-26-2010, 12:33 PM

Hi guys, I've been on a bit of a roll lately, and I whipped up some transfer case mounts for the Wedico! Now I have a nice way to mount up the t-case and I can continue working on the rest of the driveline. There isn't much left to do, but get the driveshaft lengths figured out, and figure out the permanent mounting location of the trans.

Here is a picture of the transfer case and it's new mounts.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicogetstransfercase.jpg

I'm still sliding things around in the chassis, but the transfer case is practically guarenteed to be sitting where it is in these pictures. I just need to drill some holes through the frame rails and bolt her up!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicotransfercaseinchassis.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicotransfercaseinchassis2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicotransfercaseinchassis3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicotransfercaseinchassis5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicotransfercaseinchassis4.jpg

Things are starting to come together, and space is getting tight! I still need a way to operate my lift axle and I was thinking of using a servo, but it will take a little creativity to fit one in now, and it will most likely require some more custom machined parts! That's all for now. Thanks for looking.

pugs

10-26-2010, 12:50 PM

Looking good!

tc1cat

10-26-2010, 01:02 PM

Nice and neat mounting!

JAMMER

10-26-2010, 01:05 PM

Nathan that is some very nice work. Ed

RAIDERS

10-26-2010, 01:22 PM

very nice work cant wait to see it done!!!

9W Monighan

10-26-2010, 02:35 PM

Very nice build. I'm not in to trucks just yet but really enjoyed all of your excellent closeups. This gives me more insight into what I'd be up against if I were to build one of these trucks. Do you have the overall weight yet? Or did I miss that in all the replies?

Claus

10-26-2010, 02:38 PM

I like how you whip thing up. Nice work Nathan.

Stylin n profilin

10-27-2010, 01:37 PM

Just awesome Nate..This thing looks like it will handel anything you put on it....WOW!!!:D

bucshott

10-28-2010, 11:36 PM

Looking superb! nice machine work. tooking forward in seeing more up dates

Losiassociated

10-29-2010, 04:17 AM

Looks real good keep it coming.

Espeefan

10-29-2010, 12:51 PM

Looking good!

Nice and neat mounting!

Nathan that is some very nice work. Ed

very nice work cant wait to see it done!!!

I like how you whip thing up. Nice work Nathan.

Just awesome Nate..This thing looks like it will handel anything you put on it....WOW!!!:D

Looking superb! nice machine work. tooking forward in seeing more up dates

Looks real good keep it coming.

Thanks pugs, tc1cat, Ed, Raiders, Craig, John, Rick, and Losiassociated! I really appreciate the replies. It's encouraging to keep at this build and get it done! :D

Very nice build. I'm not in to trucks just yet but really enjoyed all of your excellent closeups. This gives me more insight into what I'd be up against if I were to build one of these trucks. Do you have the overall weight yet? Or did I miss that in all the replies?

Monighan, thanks! I just weighed the truck, but used a bathroom scale and myself, so it's not the most accurate of readings. It's all I have! I was curious to know myself also. The rolling chassis, as you see it in the photos, including axles, the transmission, motor, transfer case, axles, rims, and tires, came out to be about 6 pounds. That's not super heavy, but there is still more to add to the model. I'm going to guess and say it will be about 8 or 9 pounds when done. 10 pounds might be a stretch. I hope to add a lot more machined aluminum parts yet. Front and rear bumpers, fuel tank mounts, steps, a weather tight headache rack, and maybe some sort of sliding 5th wheel. I was also thinking of having a hydraulic pump (wet kit) on board, but I will wait to see if I have the room. These day cabs are a challenge. Fitting 5 pounds of goods into a 4 pound sack! :D Plus I really want to have a full cab interior yet. Not sure if that's possible.

I haven't shown these pictures here yet, but earlier in the build I was mocking up some possible ideas for the truck. Because this is a day cab I thought I might try machining up an aluminum weather tight headache rack for this truck. I built a quick and dirty styrene version, just to see how it might look on the Peterbilt.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoheadacherack3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoheadacherack.jpg

I am actually shooting for something like this, of the 1:1 version.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/TLWoodscabinet84x67.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/CoolheadacherackonPete.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoheadacherackbatteries.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicoheadacherackbatteryholder.jpg

If I hollow out the headache rack, I will be able to stash a couple mini-battery packs inside it, and maybe have a little extra room for other small electronics. The space will be extremely useful for a build like this, being tight on space. If I am lucky, I will also be able to keep the room open, under the hood, for something like....oh a scale diesel engine, radiator, and intercooler. :D

dirtpusher9

10-29-2010, 01:22 PM

Nathan, I just went through your truck build, and MAN, it looks good and should be as stout as the real thing. Keep the up the good work.

Claus

10-29-2010, 02:05 PM

I think your build will encourage the sales of Wedico trucks. Even wher you discuss the down falls you show excellent solutions. Have you thought about selling some of your parts like your hood hinge/ front spring hanger?

Tamiya Cowboy

10-29-2010, 10:31 PM

Nate you are doing a great job on the truck keep up the great work..

Snochaser

10-29-2010, 10:46 PM

Looks sharp. Amazing machine work.

-Ben

Espeefan

10-30-2010, 12:45 AM

Nathan, I just went through your truck build, and MAN, it looks good and should be as stout as the real thing. Keep the up the good work.

Thanks Dirtpusher! I appreciate your opinion, especially after knowing the skill level you are at with your builds!

I think your build will encourage the sales of Wedico trucks. Even when you discuss the down falls you show excellent solutions. Have you thought about selling some of your parts like your hood hinge/ front spring hanger?

Craig, hard to say! The biggest downfall of the Wedicos is the cost. I wouldn't mind machining parts someday, but right now, everything I make is done during off hours at work, and my access to the mill and lathe are somewhat limited. If I buy a mill of my own, maybe that will change, but for now, I'm still figuring things out for this truck, as I go. When this one is complete, I plan to take a break from building trucks, and try a trailer or two. I'd still like to do one more Wedico - a large car with a sleeper, but that will be later, and hopefully I'll be able to knock that build out a lot faster. This heavy hauler being a bit of a test bed for me.

Nate you are doing a great job on the truck keep up the great work..

Looks sharp. Amazing machine work.

-Ben

Thanks Ben and Paul, for the kind words! :D

Tamiya Cowboy

11-07-2010, 09:57 AM

Nate were is the new picks they dont look as good over on scale..

Espeefan

11-07-2010, 04:31 PM

Paul, the new photos I posted on my thread at Scale 4x4 are actually pictures I have already posted here. :D I've been neglecting Scale 4x4, now that I hang out here a lot more. I was just bringing that thread on Scale 4x4 up to date, so it matches this one. So the new pics over there, are old pics over here. :D Make sense?

Otherwise, no new progress since the last update. I've been working with a friend of mine, on designing and machining up some fuel tank mounting brackets for my truck. I really, really hate the way Wedico expects you to mount the fuel tanks to the chassis. Basically just a strap, wrapped around the tank, and screwed to the frame rail. There is no bracket at all. Pretty ugly.

Claus

11-07-2010, 05:35 PM

ihbuilder

11-07-2010, 07:41 PM

Ah Claus they look pretty but still not right . I know what you mean nate I didn't like the tamiyas either . Here's a pic of what I did

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/ihbuilder/5900i14.jpg

I made them close to what I have on my 1:1

Espeefan

11-07-2010, 11:33 PM

Nathan I have RCdamper fuel tank brackets on my King, not sure if they will work on a Wedico but I'm using PMD tanks on my King so they might. They do look alot better than Tamiya brackets. Might not be what you want either.

Thanks Craig. Those are definitely a nice option for the Tamiya trucks, but Wedicos use a c-channel frame rail that is not the same height. So I would have some gaps where those brackets slide over the top and bottom of the chassis frame rails. Still, I appreciate the suggestion! :D

Ah Claus they look pretty but still not right . I know what you mean nate I didn't like the tamiyas either . Here's a pic of what I did. I made them close to what I have on my 1:1

Thanks Steve. Peterbilt seems to have one of the more elaborate tank mounts out of all truck manufactures, so I'm afraid a total custom machined part is the only thing that will make me happy. I've enlisted the help of a friend, who has far greater machinist skills then I do, to help me come up with something better. We've been working on the design together, and while it's not going to be 100% accurate, it should be very nice. There are always practical limits to what you can design, and what can actually be machined. :D

bucshott

11-07-2010, 11:58 PM

Espeefan

11-08-2010, 12:20 AM

Nice cab gaurd/tool box. puting the battries in there. do you thank it might make it top heavy?
I know what you mean about your fuel tank mounts. I had to make mine to look like kenworth ones. yours will look good

Thanks Rick! It could get a little top heavy, but I don't know if it will be a big concern. It's got a fair deal of weight down low too, and we know the scale rigs don't exactly break any speed records, so I think it will be safe to drive in normal applications. :D The drom/toolbox will be pretty heavy by itself. The plan is to machine it out of aluminum, but it will be mostly hollow. The battery packs aren't to bad for weight. They are about 1/3 the size of a standard sub-C pack and pretty light, but it all adds up. If all else fails, I'll just stick the battery packs under the hood, although I don't want to give up the possibilities of sticking a scale diesel engine in there, just yet. :D The 1:1 trucks don't exactly corner like a sports car either.

bucshott

11-08-2010, 12:42 AM

True that, thy are not a sporst car. scale or 1:1 some thank thy were at one time and lost.

JAMMER

11-08-2010, 07:19 AM

Nathan lets face it you need Scale Art tank straps. Ed:cool:

Espeefan

11-08-2010, 11:27 AM

Hi Ed. Yes, I've seen Scale Art's fuel tank mounts too. To be honest, they aren't any more accurate then what Wedico offers for mounting solutions. I'm looking for something that looks more realistic.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/ScaleArttankstraps.jpg

Scale Art's tank mounts for the Wedico.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Tankstraps.jpg

The 1:1 Peterbilt tank mounts and straps.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/tankbrackets.jpg

Might be a tall order, but hopefully I end up with a halfway decent facsimile.

ihbuilder

11-08-2010, 12:01 PM

JAMMER

11-08-2010, 02:11 PM

actually if you added the top hanger to the scale art it would me exactly like the real thing. Just take the one in the picture and turn it upside down part of the upper bracket is there just make it long. Ed

Marcel74

11-26-2010, 01:57 PM

Very nice modified Wedico Peterbild. i milled also the frontaxle by my Scania ;)

I optimised my Osswald Pendulum Spring because of the Frame high.

Befor
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5381/1500ie5.jpg

after
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/1801/132kl2.jpg

Espeefan

11-26-2010, 04:30 PM

Thank you Marcel. My truck also sits a little high in the rear, now that the front end is lowered. I also have the same Osswald rear suspension that you used. Do you have any more photos of how you optimized the rear of your truck?

tracksntreadslou

11-27-2010, 01:51 PM

Hey nate that truck is really coming togather...really like the idea of the rack with the batteries and it looks great ...awsome build ...gona keep my eye on this one

kamyoncu

11-30-2010, 11:00 AM

I read all topic it is really perfect truck and very good information source about wedico and osswald frame and chasis operations. Tons of thanks for pictures

Marcel74

11-30-2010, 04:00 PM

Hi

Sorry for the late Answer. I made new Holder ;) .

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/9185/1102mc9.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/4707/126aj4.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2673/134rv4.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2544/157bv0.jpg

TINY-TRUCKER

11-30-2010, 06:50 PM

man the truck so far look`s great, the work you have put in so far is one of if not the best i have seen for some time, remember all good thing take time.
keep up the great work on it
cheers paul
tiny trucker

Tamiya Cowboy

11-30-2010, 07:42 PM

Your perfect scale parts are killing me Nate nice work!

Espeefan

12-01-2010, 12:05 AM

Hey nate that truck is really coming togather...really like the idea of the rack with the batteries and it looks great ...awsome build ...gona keep my eye on this one

Thanks Lou!

I read all topic it is really perfect truck and very good information source about wedico and osswald frame and chasis operations. Tons of thanks for pictures

You are very welcome kamyoncu! I don't mind sharing any and all information in this hobby with others who enjoy building trucks like me.

Your perfect scale parts are killing me Nate nice work!

Paul, actually you were looking at Marcel's handy work there. I cannot take credit for it. I had asked him a question about his rear suspension, and those are his photos, not mine! He's definitely done some great work too. You've seen his thread here - http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=893 A beautifully modified Wedico chassis too.

man the truck so far look`s great, the work you have put in so far is one of if not the best i have seen for some time, remember all good thing take time.
keep up the great work on it
cheers paul
tiny trucker

Thanks Paul. I always like hearing people's comments.

Hi

Sorry for the late Answer. I made new Holder ;) .

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/9185/1102mc9.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/4707/126aj4.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2673/134rv4.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2544/157bv0.jpg

Marcel, thank you very much! I never considered machining a whole new bracket up, as you did. You did a great job with that. I also really, really like that rear cross member you made, for the chassis. That is beautiful. Hope I can also make one for my own truck. Thanks again! Mind if I ask where you got your scale hex hardware?

JAMMER

12-01-2010, 09:30 AM

Nathan very nice machine work. Keep this up and you would have wasted the money you spent to buy the Osswald suspension. Ed

Bigrigger

12-04-2010, 08:23 PM

Wow Nate, when you say "slow" you really mean SLOW! lol Just kidding, it looks great, so incredibly realistic!:D

Roadmasters

12-12-2011, 06:14 PM

Any updated on this engineering marvel (atleast in my eyes) What kind of mill are you using, manual or CNC? I really like your drive train setup, if i ever do a daycab pete i think i will be using it.

Espeefan

12-13-2011, 02:31 AM

Hi Arioch,

Unfortunately, I have no updates to share yet. Not on the truck anyway. I have, however, purchased my own benchtop milling machine now. It's not as big as the Bridgeport I was using, at work, in my free time, but for the smaller sized parts I want, I think (hope) it will be useful. I'm working on getting it all set-up at the moment. I would like to have it running by Jan. 2012. This build might make it back to the main burner soon enough. I was relocated, at work, to a different facility, so I lost access to the Bridgeport mill, and I got tired of waiting for a chance to continue with this build, so I pulled the trigger on my own mini-mill instead. It has proven to be a significant investment, but it should pay for itself, if I can get it all dialed in. Everything I made, was with a manual mill. CNC would be nice, but I'm not ready for that yet. I have found some CNC conversion kits for my new mill. Maybe for the future.

Snowman

12-13-2011, 11:52 AM

Espeefan

02-19-2012, 03:03 AM

Just read through this thread again for a recap. You got the stance perfect Nathan, looks so much better without all that air between the wheel and the fender on the front. Have you begun to make the steps? Far be it from me to say anything but I can't help but think your styrene prototypes are perhaps a little too wide. From all the pictures I've seen, the steps are not as wide as the doors they sit under. It might just be my eyes though!
Can't wait to see this fully functional, it reminds me of the 1/50 sword heavy haul 379 I have.

Nick, thanks so much for the kind words. I have not started on the cab steps yet, and yes, I think you are right. My styrene mock-ups are long. I will correct this when I make some from metal, although these days I am leaning more toward the idea of mounting my fuel tanks beneath the cab, and so loosing the battery box steps altogether. I like the look the fuel tanks with steps give. Has a more heavy haul look to it. Oddly enough, when I first found the Sword 379 Peterbilts, I was thinking to myself, 'that's the look I'm after' so you are not far off with your comment.

Anyway, guys, I have a small update. I am finally able to blow some dust off this old thread and breath some new life back into it. My progress was pretty much stalled, as I needed parts, but had to no way to make them. So I broke down and picked up new benchtop milling machine. This should get me back on track!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/Mini%20Mill/Thenewminimill.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/Mini%20Mill/NewminimillandDRO.jpg

The very first part I finished up, for the Wedico, was this new front cross member. I hated the original very much. It's almost impossible to assemble, as you need to bolt the 2mm screws together, with nuts on the back. Problem is the front member is so small and tight, you just can't more then one finger behind it. As much as I've taken this chassis apart, and reassembled it, I figured it was time to improve what I see as a weak and flawed part.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wedicocrossmemberoldvsnew.jpg

The original is on the table. The replacement, on the chassis. From a stamped piece, to a solid billet aluminum replacement.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wediconewcrossmember3.jpg

I drilled and tapped twenty 2mm blind holes, for all the fixxings, which keeps the inside nice and clean looking.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wediconewfrontcrossmember.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wediconewcrossmember4.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wediconewfrontcrossmemberwithaxlebackon.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/Espeefan/New%20Wedico%20Peterbilt%20build/Wediconewcrossmemberclearancenotch.jpg

Bolted the axle back on, this time with no nuts, and it went about 1,000 times easier then before. Because my suspension was dropped, and my hood and cab dropped, my new front cross member will also let me drop my bumper. Just need to shoot some holes through it, and that is the purpose of the lower hanging front face. So things are getting back to business, finally. Now, if I can just keep it up!

ihbuilder

02-19-2012, 07:58 AM

wow , Nate ,looks good ;) Nothing like having the right tools to do what you want and how you want :D

Brian in PA

02-19-2012, 09:45 AM

Man i want one of those! Nice work Nathan!

Espeefan

02-19-2012, 04:19 PM

Man i want one of those! Nice work Nathan!

Thanks Brian. Means a lot.

wow , Nate ,looks good ;) Nothing like having the right tools to do what you want and how you want :D

Steve, thanks! Hey, when you get around to it, I need some Vortex breathers for this thing, now that it's back on the work bench. :D From a guy who really knows how to machine. I'm just a novice.

ihbuilder

02-19-2012, 04:52 PM

I don't machine like some of the other guys here :o you only see the good part :eek: not the hrs of fustration , for instance , you spend hrs manually doing 1 op on the lathe only to get screwed up in secounds on the mill :mad: I realized friday that the coaxial indicator I got is total crap same with the digital caliper after a few hubs (days worth of lathe work ) bearing bores where off . :mad: now I'm going to make a different setup jig much like a pallet system .

A/C I'll try to run them this week with rc channel hubs I have to run ( same stock )

Espeefan

02-19-2012, 05:28 PM

Steve, we are all just human beings, prone to make a few mistakes. The path you take, and the stumbles along the way are not nearly as important as the end results. I've seen your projects. You make good stuff. If I could make my own breathers like you do, I would.

By the way, I'm after the 379 style breathers, so no rubber tube holes needed!

Claus

02-20-2012, 01:47 AM

The Wedico witch all others are judged, humbled and wished they were.

pumptech

02-20-2012, 07:00 PM

Wow !! Nathan ,what a build,just looked over the thread,you have some very good build skills,awesome build so far.look forward to seeing the end result :D:):)

CorbettTrailers

02-20-2012, 08:26 PM

Great build I can't wait for more. I love all the aluminum. Very clean look. I'm speechless.

Azorean

02-21-2012, 08:36 AM

Cant wait to see more of this truck...

Amazing.

Espeefan

03-18-2012, 05:35 PM

Thanks for the kind words, guys. I appreciate it! It keeps me going. So how about an update?

The weather has been unusually warm, so it's hard to spend time inside, working on the Wedico. We hit 79 degrees today, and it's not even April yet. Normally, even in April, there is still snow on the ground, with some 30 degree temps, but it already feels like summer. Anyhow, I was having a hard time finding the movitation to work on the Wedico, but I pushed on, and got some back. Nothing like machining up some parts, and seeing some form of progress take shape. That was enough to get me going again, and I really hope to get this truck finished by the end of the year?!? Ha, we'll see.

So one thing I have been wanting to do is build some aluminum tool box steps for the truck, like these -

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/aluminumsteptoolbox.jpg

Here is what I've got so far -

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/ToolboxesforWedico.jpg

There going to go on the truck something like this -

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/ToolboxstepsforWedico3.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/ToolboxstepsforWedico2.jpg

I intend to run the fuel tanks under the cab, instead of the more typical place, behind the cab. I've got a plan for making some nice tank saddles and tank steps, but first, I want to finish these tool boxes.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/toolboxestoptreadplates.jpg

Now the really fun part is I intend to make the steps and tread plates for these tool boxes, and see through. I had fun drilling out 57 holes, per top tread plate. I haven't even gotten to the actual steps yet! I am in need of some small screws, to bolt it all together. I'm thinking 0-80 screws. They are a little smaller then the 2mm screws I have been using. Bolting everything together will be a little tedious, but it's the only way I'll have the detail of individual pieces, made into a complete tool box. It should be fun!

ihbuilder

03-18-2012, 05:42 PM

looks good Nate ;) I don't think you have enough chips laying around yet :p

Izzy

03-18-2012, 06:55 PM

very nice machining indeed. well thought out and good planning too i'd say.

Chris

Tamiya Cowboy

03-18-2012, 07:43 PM

Them are going to be very nice finished.. First class work as always nice job.

Espeefan

03-18-2012, 10:25 PM

looks good Nate ;) I don't think you have enough chips laying around yet :p

Thanks Steve. Yeah, I have a lot of chips to make, before I'm caught up with you, but so far, I'm not doing to bad, considering my mill is smaller.

very nice machining indeed. well thought out and good planning too i'd say.

Chris

Thanks Chris. I appreciate the comment, considering your engineerng, and fabrication skills.

Them are going to be very nice finished.. First class work as always nice job.

Thanks Paul. I hope they turn out as nice as I picture them in my head.

Here are a couple more photos. I finished off the top tread plates tonight. I ordered some 0-80 screws, and thought I'd have to wait till I got them, so I could drill the last two holes and counter sunk relief for the screw heads to size. Instead, I found the specs for the head diameter and height online. I was able to go ahead and punch the last couple holes into the plates. The heads of the screws should sit flush or slightly below the tread plates, so it will look clean.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Toptreadplates1.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Toptreadplates2.jpg

Definitely a labor of love! 59 holes a piece. Now to get the steps on the front, which thankfully will have a few less holes. The tread plates are going to be narrower, but scale. Hmmm, wonder if I should make a deck plate for my truck, and drill all the holes for them too?

ihbuilder

03-18-2012, 11:22 PM

those are sweet Nate . careful now ;) machining can get addictive . I have more then most here :o , but it's not enough :eek: I need a good BP for the stuff I don't need to put in the VMC . I dislike electronic hand wheels , no feel :eek:

Dreamweaver

03-19-2012, 12:55 AM

Lookin SWEET Nate

Claus

03-19-2012, 01:34 AM

Unbelievable Nathan! Looks like you drilled all of those holes perfectly without the use of a jig?

plow jockey

03-19-2012, 04:54 AM

Incredible as always.Those boxes are the real deal. great job!!!

Espeefan

03-19-2012, 05:49 AM

Incredible as always.Those boxes are the real deal. great job!!!

Thanks plow jockey.

Unbelievable Nathan! Looks like you drilled all of those holes perfectly without the use of a jig?

Thanks Craig. No jigs used for the holes. I just did the math and planned out the pattern. The digital read outs on my mill let me achieve the accuracy of the pattern, although it was still very time consuming.

Lookin SWEET Nate

Thank you Mike.

Are my eyes deceiving me!!, dam its good to see back again building parts for the “slow motion Peterbilt” Nat, well done Mate.
Tim

Thanks Tim, and yes I know. It's about time I get back on this, right?

those are sweet Nate . careful now ;) machining can get addictive . I have more then most here :o , but it's not enough :eek: I need a good BP for the stuff I don't need to put in the VMC . I dislike electronic hand wheels , no feel :eek:

It's snowballed a little, Steve. I find it very easy to keep spending money on tooling, but I won't be getting a new machine until I wear this one out, or until I build a workshop for something bigger. Still, I'm very pleased with this machine. It wasn't perfect out of the crate, and took me a while to dial in, but it's totally worth it. Thanks for watching the progress.

tc1cat

03-19-2012, 07:02 AM

Espeefan

03-19-2012, 08:36 AM

Very nice start on a great project! If you want to go even smaller than the 0-80 machine screws you might want to try www.scalehardware.com He has nuts and bolts down to .5mm. He also has taps for that size. I have only had the nerve to try 1 hole in .5mm. Came out OK but very nerve racking as it was the final detail on the part.

Hi Lynn. Thanks for checking out my work. Yes, I've looked at Scale Hardware's website a few times. Like you, I'm a little nervous about tapping something smaller then an 0-80 thread! I've done a lot of 2mm threaded holes now, but that's .078" diameter, roughly. 0-80 is smaller yet, at about .050". But .5mm at .0196"? Yikes! I'd be really worried about snapping the tap, if I just looked at it wrong. Though 0-80 screws are still a little large for what I want to do, I think I can accept that, since the idea of breaking off a tap, and ruining a part that I have a lot of time stuck into machining, is a poor trade off! Guess we'll see. I should have the 0-80 screws and taps I ordered, tomorrow.

Forging ahead! I got two more tread plates for the steps done this morning.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Moretoolboxsteps.jpg

Here's another photo, that shows how I hope to tie the steps to the boxes. I've got some step side members machined, that will pretty much bolt together, like the 1:1 steps will. These are not finished parts yet. The front edge (lip) will be milled off completely, at an angle, to match the 1:1 steps. In the next stage of machining, they'll be finished. Sometimes you have plan how you are going to hold onto such small parts, for each step of the machining process. They are oversized right now, but will get trimmed down to size soon enough. The top step will be slightly narrower then the bottom step and the side members will be angled to meet the top step. One just has to look at the 1:1 prototype photo I posted to see what I mean.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Moretoolboxsteps2.jpg

sparkycuda

03-19-2012, 10:43 AM

MoRockN

03-19-2012, 12:32 PM

My head hurts from the coolness of this project..... My GOD what an outstanding looking RIG this is!!

Espeefan

03-20-2012, 05:15 AM

Nathan, the step plates look really great. A lot of drilling but sure adds a bunch to the detail. If the 0-80 is a bit large, maybe 00-90? I use this size a lot on brass, aluminum and styrene. Not really a problem, in my experience. Just take your time. I've had the best luck by holding both the work and the tap in my hands. Seems that both "move" together, as opposed to having the work stationary in a bench vise. I've never used a tapping block or fixture - perhaps they would be helpful. Keep up the good work!

Ken

Thanks Ken. My order for the 0-80 screws should arrive sometime this afternoon. Just doing the math and sizing things up, they might still be a little on the big side, at least for bolting the steps to the side members. I'll have to see, once everything is in my hands. Good to know about the 00-90 screws and taps not being as fragile as I was thinking they might be. I guess they really aren't a ton smaller. Just a little. About .010 to .011" difference in diameter. They might end up being the hot ticket though.

My head hurts from the coolness of this project..... My GOD what an outstanding looking RIG this is!!

Thanks MoRockN. Hopefully I can keep the standard going. I have a lot of other detailed parts to make yet.

TRUCKMAKER

03-20-2012, 10:00 AM

Espeefan

03-20-2012, 10:15 AM

WOW :eek::eek: Nathan nice router work!;), and what? no jigs or templates to boot! Must be that calibrated eye!:p:p:p. All seriouness aside, it looks very good and I can't wait to see it move a little faster, I mean done! Just one thing I'd like to see some one do is put rubber fender extensions on the front fenders when running super singles. Ok enough of my 2 cents.:rolleyes::D Keep up the great progress!:cool:

Thank you Kent. Actually, I don't own a router either, otherwise maybe..... :D I don't think anyone wants to see this project done more then I do. I've been working on it for such a long time now, but I've gained some momentum back. I just have to keep it rolling. I'm doing a little every day, when I can, but more so on weekends. That's when I seem to have the most time to play with things. Funny you mention the rubber fender extensions, because it is on the list of things to do, but that list is quite long at the moment! Maybe what I need, to put the pressure on me, is a feline supervisor, like you have! :D

SWAGGER

03-21-2012, 12:43 PM

Holy ..........those steps are out of this world!! Watching eagerly.

Espeefan

03-22-2012, 08:30 AM

Holy ..........those steps are out of this world!! Watching eagerly.

Thanks Swagger. The tool boxes are coming along nicely. I'm a bit surprised at how well they are turning out, actually. I had a vision in my head and it's becoming a reality. I am really getting into this machining!

So, a small update. I've been finding the time before work each day to do a little more on the boxes. The last two days I've been working on the steps, which will bolt up to the tool boxes. The side members are all done! It was a tedious process to machine such small parts. I did run with the 0-80 screws, which seem about perfect for the task of holding things together. I'm glad I didn't go smaller. I think these are the smallest I would want to try and use for a build like this. They are so tiny! Drilling and tapping went without a hitch. I also milled the side members and gave them the proper angle on their face, to match the 1:1 boxes. These little buggers are really taking the time to make. I think I have 15 hours of work in them.

Pictures of the last couple days of work.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Stepsalmostdone.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Stepsalmostdone2.jpg

I think I'm on a machining high right now! Still more to do. I need to make the tool box doors themselves, and drill and tap a few more holes to bolt the steps to the boxes. Also, the top tread plate is still not bolted down either. This should be a simple job, after accomplishing today's work.

rcguyfarms

03-22-2012, 11:35 AM

Nice work and attention to detail.

ihbuilder

03-22-2012, 03:55 PM

great job nate :eek: "I think I'm on a machining high right now!" It doesn't take long does it :D

Roadmasters

03-22-2012, 04:52 PM

Those steps look outstanding. Why not countersink the screws though?

Tamiya Cowboy

03-22-2012, 05:09 PM

WOW! Very nice for sure.. Probie on the real ones some brands have alum rivets in the areas that he has the screws.. I like the look it is a nice touch..

TRUCKMAKER

03-22-2012, 05:12 PM

Turned out real nice Nathan, those screws look good!

Espeefan

03-22-2012, 08:32 PM

Nice work and attention to detail.

Thanks Scott. I appreciate that.

great job nate :eek: "I think I'm on a machining high right now!" It doesn't take long does it :D

No, Steve, really all it takes is to have some success with the things a guy wants to machine, and when they turn out good, it makes a guy feel good.

Those steps look outstanding. Why not countersink the screws though?

Thanks Archie. Yeah, I'm on the fence about counter sinking the screws. I really wanted to do it, but the material is quite thin at the edge. Only about .0625" room there, and the flat heads I wanted to use would have hung over the edge, which is no good. I can still counter sink the heads of these socket head screws, but there will be .007" or so meat left, which isn't much. Not sure if I'll do it. I want to polish the parts, and a .007" lip would probably tear out on me, ruining the part. I could counter sink the holes after polishing though. We'll see. The real steps have bolts or rivets that show as well, although they are not quite as pronounced. Sometimes you have to compromise. I still think the steps look good. Once on the truck, the screws might be less noticable and I wouldn't have to worry about it. The heads look bigger right now because there is nothing else to compare them too. The small 2mm screws used everywhere else on the chassis are huge compared to these.

WOW! Very nice for sure.. Probie on the real ones some brands have alum rivets in the areas that he has the screws.. I like the look it is a nice touch..

Thanks Paul. I'm kind of liking the screws too, but I'll make a decision once these are done and on the truck.

Turned out real nice Nathan, those screws look good!

Thanks Kent. Almost finished with these things. Then it's onto the the next set of parts. Some nicer fuel tank saddles, if I am capable!

Cossett

03-23-2012, 04:56 PM

Nathan those are the best steps i've seen great job the only thing missing are one slam locks:D

Espeefan

03-23-2012, 08:49 PM

Nathan those are the best steps i've seen great job the only thing missing are one slam locks:D

Thanks Tracy. I'm actually working on the doors with lock details. Have to see what I can up with. These aren't quite finished yet.

Snowman

03-30-2012, 06:31 AM

Stepside

03-30-2012, 04:39 PM

Youre wasting no time breaking in that mill!! Love the custom parts, looking forward to seeing more.

How will they mount?

Thanks Archie. :eek::D that's too funny! Its actually Arioch, but I like Archie;)

dabears

03-30-2012, 04:50 PM

WOW love the steps!!

Espeefan

03-31-2012, 08:09 AM

Nathan, this build is the boom daddy. Those steps look great and are totally unique. I'm impatient to see the finished article.
Have you considered half counter sinking the screws? They wouldn't stick out so much and there would still be enough material for it all to be secure. You could even mill the protruding part of the screw off at a later date. Just a hare-brained idea.

Hey, thanks Nick. I appreciate the comments. Yes, I've been looking at different ideas to counter sink or remove part of the screw heads as well. I've got a few different options. We'll see how it goes. I'll make a decision based on how they look on the truck, mounted up. I may find that I need not worry about it all that much. The screws might just blend in and disappear. I always appreciate the construstive criticism!

Youre wasting no time breaking in that mill!! Love the custom parts, looking forward to seeing more.

How will they mount?

Thanks Rod. Speaking of breaking in the mill, the spindle bearings needed to changed out middle of this week! I wore them out already, I guess! Actually, from new, the lower bearing had this small click in it, which got worse the more I ran the mill. I installed some high quality bearings, and now the mill runs quieter and smoother then it did from new. It's amazing the difference they make. The original bearings were garbage, but I can't complain. I knew I was buying a cheap China mill.

Anyway, the tool boxes will mount up pretty readily, from the rear. I think I'm just going to drill and tap some holes and bolt them to the frame rails. Easy and clean. The screws will be hidden!

:eek::D that's too funny! Its actually Arioch, but I like Archie;)

Argh! Arioch, I apologize! I'm not good with names! No harm intended!

WOW love the steps!!

Thank you dabears. I think da steps are pretty cool too. :D

Okay fellas, I've got just a small update here. This will be all for the weekend edition. I'm needing to order up some more end mills and a little more material, but I did get a start on designing and machining up a couple extra mystery parts for the Wedico. I won't say what they are yet. They are in a pretty raw state. For a hint, there are two parts per plate. :D

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/MysterypartforWedico.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/MysteryWedicoparts.jpg

The smart guys will probably figure it out! Any guesses?

SWAGGER

03-31-2012, 08:46 AM

A flux capacitor?

Claus

03-31-2012, 09:34 AM

I bet I'm close!
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/TD%2025/9109998_2.jpg

Vanisle

03-31-2012, 09:41 AM

The steps look amazing! It's amazing how much work can go into one part. I have broken off small taps and drills and it is not fun. I understand about being fearful of breaking off a tap. Although somewhat larger than a small tap, I recently broke a 1/8 carbide end mill off and was able to "drill" it out with an expensive OmegaDrill tap drill. It worked great. Unlike the last time I drilled to drill out a broken tap where I ended up trying various other drills and endmills that only resulted in making them dull.

doodlebug

03-31-2012, 04:59 PM

Espeefan

03-31-2012, 08:09 PM

A flux capacitor?

I'm a big fan of Back To The Future, so I appreciate the humor, but I don't think this truck will hit 88mph. :D

I bet I'm close!

If you are thinking what I am thinking, quite!

The steps look amazing! It's amazing how much work can go into one part. I have broken off small taps and drills and it is not fun. I understand about being fearful of breaking off a tap. Although somewhat larger than a small tap, I recently broke a 1/8 carbide end mill off and was able to "drill" it out with an expensive OmegaDrill tap drill. It worked great. Unlike the last time I drilled to drill out a broken tap where I ended up trying various other drills and endmills that only resulted in making them dull.

Thank you Vanisle. I admire your work too, so your comment means something to me. I've never heard of Omegadrills before. Very cool. I've yet to break a tap, thankfully. I don't know that there is an Omegadrill small enough for the sizes I have been using. How small do these 7 piece sets go? Might actually be handy for some of the work I do at my day job.

Thank's Richard, didn't know they existed:D:D:D http://omegadrill.com/

Cheer's, Neil.

Thanks for sharing the link! Definitely worth a look.

Espeefan

03-31-2012, 08:14 PM

Okay, here's a hint on the mystery parts.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Themysterypartshint.jpg

Just sizing it up. :D

TRUCKMAKER

03-31-2012, 08:23 PM

TANK SUPPORTS!?

Vanisle

03-31-2012, 10:00 PM

I guessed tank fuel supports .. in my head.

Re the Omega Drill, I was amazed at how well the Omega Drill worked. I first flattened the top of the broken endmill with an expensive endmill purpose made for it and then used the Omega Drill. It didn't drill through the endmill like butter but it went through without too much difficulty. I bought it from MSC for about $20 and it is well worth it. I thought about buying the set but in the end did not. I believe the smallest size is 5/64. This may not be small enough for some broken off taps (because the ones that break tend to be smaller than that) but at least you could drill them out, fill with JB Weld and re-dril/tap which is better than leaving a broken tap in your part.

Gotta love a DRO for nice even spacing. You have a DRO PROS or am I remembering wrong? I had one on my Grizzly G0704 but sold it with the mill. Actually it was a new replacement because I had a problem with the readout. I have an Anilam Wizard 1000 now and love it (bought it for something like 55% off at Enco last year).

Espeefan

03-31-2012, 11:01 PM

TANK SUPPORTS!?

Yup, that's what they are....supposed to be! These things are going to be a little harder to machine for a newbie, like myself!

I guessed tank fuel supports .. in my head.

Re the Omega Drill, I was amazed at how well the Omega Drill worked. I first flattened the top of the broken endmill with an expensive endmill purpose made for it and then used the Omega Drill. It didn't drill through the endmill like butter but it went through without too much difficulty. I bought it from MSC for about $20 and it is well worth it. I thought about buying the set but in the end did not. I believe the smallest size is 5/64. This may not be small enough for some broken off taps (because the ones that break tend to be smaller than that) but at least you could drill them out, fill with JB Weld and re-dril/tap which is better than leaving a broken tap in your part.

Gotta love a DRO for nice even spacing. You have a DRO PROS or am I remembering wrong? I had one on my Grizzly G0704 but sold it with the mill. Actually it was a new replacement because I had a problem with the readout. I have an Anilam Wizard 1000 now and love it (bought it for something like 55% off at Enco last year).

That's good information, Vanisle. Yes, I do have the DRO PROS on my mill. It's the 3M model. It's extremely handy! I couldn't imagine machining without it now that I have it. It's a great unit and a huge time saver. It has some features I wouldn't mind trying out, but so far have not. It's able to calculate hole patterns and do arcs, both on the x/y axis, and on the z. It basically tells you were to put your end mill in steps, so you get a radius. I thought that was pretty neat, for a manual mill application!

Brian in PA

04-01-2012, 04:17 AM

Great update Nathan! The boxes look awesome! Will they open??:D:D:p

Dairyland Trucker

04-06-2012, 03:36 PM

Now I would have to say excellnt craftsmenship on this build...the attention to detail is just plain sick...I am a very detailed oriented builder and collector and the way you have gone with the detail is just plainly off the hook and I love it looks awesome.

Espeefan

04-06-2012, 07:18 PM

Great update Nathan! The boxes look awesome! Will they open??:D:D:p

Thank you Brian. Opening tool boxes would be sweet, but I don't think I will be attempting that yet! Then I would need straps and binders to put inside? :D

Now I would have to say excellnt craftsmenship on this build...the attention to detail is just plain sick...I am a very detailed oriented builder and collector and the way you have gone with the detail is just plainly off the hook and I love it looks awesome.

Thanks Dairyland Trucker. Good to see another rare WI guy here. Where abouts are you located in the state?

Dairyland Trucker

04-06-2012, 07:21 PM

SE corner just east of Lake Geneva

JAKEBRAKE

04-07-2012, 03:43 AM

Espeefan those steps are over the top!!! I think your doing it right. The build is the best part of the hobby, your never done adding things. Great job, maybe you can give me some pointers....

calm n sedated

04-15-2012, 12:28 PM

Nathan, it's been a long time! Great to see your still trying to complete this truck sometime this decade! You still into those crazy helocopters? Later, Greg

BTW, speak about all the old timers' coming out of the wood work..........JAKEBRAKE!!! nice to ya too Lee.

Espeefan

04-19-2012, 08:38 AM

SE corner just east of Lake Geneva

Wow, that's way south of where I am at, but it's always nice to see another member, from WI, on the forum. There aren't to many of us.

Espeefan those steps are over the top!!! I think your doing it right. The build is the best part of the hobby, your never done adding things. Great job, maybe you can give me some pointers....

Lee, thank you for the kind comment. I know your work, and I don't think I really need to give you any pointers! Your trailers through the years have been incredible. At one time you and I had been in contact, as I was looking forward to your progress with your 1/16 scale lowboy trailers you were designing. I think you had done up a few 1/14 scale trailers, but I wanted a 1/16 scale trailer for my Wedico. I don't know if you ever pursued making them.

Nathan, it's been a long time! Great to see your still trying to complete this truck sometime this decade! You still into those crazy helocopters? Later, Greg

BTW, speak about all the old timers' coming out of the wood work..........JAKEBRAKE!!! nice to ya too Lee.

Greg, long time no see! Good to see you back. Yes, I'm still struggling to finish this dang truck! I sold my helicopter to put the funds and time into the Wedico and my mill. I miss my helicopter a little, but I can always buy another someday. Right now I'd rather have a Peterbilt.

Espeefan

04-19-2012, 09:00 AM

Okay guys, a small update for those who have been following along!

As I mentioned in some earlier posts, I was totally dissatisfied with stock fuel tank mounting methods that Wedico uses. I also didn't like the aftermarket solutions any better! So I've been working on making something up to better suit my needs and wants. It's been a trial, but I am making some headway!

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/Petetanksaddlesandsteps.jpg

Here are some Peterbilt tank saddles, which I tried to loosely base my design after. I took some rough measurements of a real tank saddle, and a few photos. I realized, while researching, that there are at least 3 different types of Peterbilt tank saddles, so I kind of combined the features I liked, and doing the best I could, with the limits of my skills, and my mill, I came up with this.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/customtanksaddle1.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/customtanksaddle3.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/customtanksaddle4.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/customtanksaddle5.jpg

The saddle hasn't been cut free from the bar stock yet, but you can see what it will look like. I have to machine the other side yet, and then I'll separate the two saddles, but it gives you a good idea of where things are headed. This first saddle was more less a test piece. I have to see if I can duplicate it at least 4 more times! Thanks for looking!

Brian in PA

04-19-2012, 09:41 AM

Nathan I'm speechless!!!:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: those are awesome Great attention to detail.

Stylin n profilin

04-19-2012, 09:50 AM

CRAP!! Now you know Nathan we are going have them in Tamiya scale now!!:eek::eek::D:D:D Fire up your mill:D:D:p :p

dabears

04-19-2012, 09:59 AM

I would totally buy some of those! :) that's looking really good so far! It amazes me what you guys can make with your machines! Can't wait to see the finished result of those tank holders! Keep up the good work

doodlebug

04-19-2012, 11:50 AM

Nice job Nathan, another homerun!
Cheer's, Neil.

ihbuilder

04-19-2012, 12:03 PM

Nate , I knew you could ;) they look great :) . now watch these guys :eek: :eek::eek::eek: :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Claus

04-19-2012, 12:15 PM

Unbelievable!!

Snowman

04-19-2012, 01:35 PM

The hours you must have spent crafting that, can't put a price on it. Great work!

SWAGGER

04-19-2012, 03:43 PM

Holy crap!! Sick skills....it's very clear that you put some major time and effort in there and the result? Art.

B-Train Hauler

04-19-2012, 07:09 PM

Wow! Very impressive :eek::eek: Great job! Can't wait to see next step ;)

Espeefan

04-20-2012, 08:58 PM

Nathan I'm speechless!!!:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: those are awesome Great attention to detail.

Thanks Brian! I'm kind of a detail nut job. :D Glad you like them.

CRAP!! Now you know Nathan we are going have them in Tamiya scale now!!:eek::eek::D:D:D Fire up your mill:D:D:p :p

Thanks John! I'm not sure about making these for the aftermarket. These things are by far the most time consuming parts I've been working on. I'm afraid if I did produce them for everyone, they'd be way to expensive, after all the time put into them.

I would totally buy some of those! :) that's looking really good so far! It amazes me what you guys can make with your machines! Can't wait to see the finished result of those tank holders! Keep up the good work

Thanks dabears! I'm looking forward to seeing these saddles done too! Then I can move onto the next set of custom parts.

Nice job Nathan, another homerun!
Cheer's, Neil.

Thanks Neil!

Nate , I knew you could ;) they look great :) . now watch these guys :eek: :eek::eek::eek: :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Thanks Steve. Still more to go yet, but I'm pretty happy with the results so far!

Unbelievable!!

Craig, thanks buddy!

The hours you must have spent crafting that, can't put a price on it. Great work!

Nick, thanks for the kind words!

Holy crap!! Sick skills....it's very clear that you put some major time and effort in there and the result? Art.

Thanks SWAGGER! I don't even want to think about the total time invested, but it is a labor of love, so I haven't been keeping track.

Wow! Very impressive :eek::eek: Great job! Can't wait to see next step ;)

Thank you B-Train Hauler! I can't wait either. Seems like a long road to completion yet!

DuelTruckDriver

05-04-2012, 11:57 PM

RAIDERS

05-05-2012, 12:38 AM

Nice job.....

Diesel Demond

05-05-2012, 12:28 PM

wish i could just whip up some tank brackets. very accurate looks good !

Espeefan

12-03-2012, 09:29 AM

Whew, it's been a while since I've had something new to share on the build. I've had a little more time to play with my mill, so I continued the work on the fuel tank saddles. These parts have been a great challenge to me. After making my share of mistakes, I've finally got a set of 4 that match, and are nice enough to use on my truck. These aren't quite done yet, but very close. Some minor machining is still necessary, but it's all the easier stuff from here on out. Usually the mistakes were stupid errors, but I'm glad to have gotten past all that! Anyway, to keep the build alive, here some photos.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/tomuchwork.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/modelingafueltanksaddle2.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/fueltanksaddletrialpiece.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p631/espeefan4449/More%20of%20the%20Wedico%20build%20Part%202/all4tanksaddlesalmostdone.jpg

One trial part for practice is milled out completely. I've got start working on ideas for the tank straps now. I have some good ideas, but I just need to see how they work out. I thought I would try making the straps out of brass strips, rolling an end, soldering it, and putting a t slot with a piece of threaded rod through it, so I could replicate the real method used on 1:1 tank straps, to tighten them up to the tank saddles. Seems easy enough. I have never soldered brass, so that will be new. If I use brass, I will either have to get the parts chromed, or paint them. I'm leaning more torward the paint, with a polished tank. I've seen it both ways.

ihbuilder

12-03-2012, 09:45 AM

:eek: good Job on the mounts Nate :cool: Craig is gonna need a set you know :rolleyes:

Claus

12-03-2012, 09:49 AM

Man Nathan, your build is just awesome! When I look at your truck it makes me think mine should go out in the trash.

JAMMER

12-03-2012, 11:27 AM

Great job Nathan but if I may make a suggestion, for straps why don't you get some thin stainless and do like you wanted to do with the brass only with the stainless and then silver solder the ends it would be stronger. Ed

doodlebug

12-03-2012, 06:11 PM

Hey Nathan go to youtube, lot's videos there, maybe this on will help? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4bUd8tl7-Y

Cheer's, Neil.

Espeefan

12-03-2012, 08:21 PM

:eek: good Job on the mounts Nate :cool: Craig is gonna need a set you know :rolleyes:

Thanks Steve. Coming from you, that means a lot! I'd love to make parts for everyone else, including Craig, but I need to get better at this machining stuff before I go into production.

Man Nathan, your build is just awesome! When I look at your truck it makes me think mine should go out in the trash.

Thanks Craig. Don't sell yourself short. Your truck is coming along really well. You'll have a really sweet ride, when it's done too. Probably before mine!

Great job Nathan but if I may make a suggestion, for straps why don't you get some thin stainless and do like you wanted to do with the brass only with the stainless and then silver solder the ends it would be stronger. Ed

Thanks Ed. I didn't know it was possible to silver solder stainless. If it works, I'll give it try.

Hey Nathan go to youtube, lot's videos there, maybe this on will help? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4bUd8tl7-Y

Cheer's, Neil.

Neil, thanks. Believe it or not, before I made my post this afternoon, I was watching that exact video! Doesn't look to hard, does it?