1:50 Dragline

[Rvjimd]

MM,

We are definitely on the same page. I enjoy the hobby because I like looking at it from the perspective of the real thing. I imagine how it would look and operate if it were found someplace for real.

The very first thing I noticed in the video is the double bridal. I might give that a try. Not sure if my bucket is quite the correct scale for that setup, but I think it would let it pivot more freely. It hangs up on the chains on the side of the bucket frequently.

I notice he never sets the bucket down completely as he starts bringing it in, is that to keep some tension on the hoist, or the way he is trying to get only material from the slope and not at the low point?

I've been standing here in the shop watching the rest of that video, reall mesmerizing. Sounds eerie. And looks like they might be on the moon.

I. Going to see if I have room to get another motor in there to turn the flywheel gear. It would look really COOL!

Thanks for the help!

Jim

[modelman]

Rvjimd-glad to here you are willing to learn and experiment. Draglines will soon be gone in this country and a lot of kids will grow up and never see one operate. The "double bridal"-I'm not sure what you mean unless it is the-2-drag cables coming off the drum. If so, some operators say the machine runs as stable with one cable as the ones with two. I think the smooth movements come from the operators hands and not the machine. As far as the bucket setting down I think each operator uses different techniques and in some cases they are working so far away maybe they cannot see well enough. Here is a great video made by 9W from inside the cab. You can see how far away they are working.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Pic...m4jfg&index=59
On some of the older machines with old controls they are not as responsive as the newer one. Notice on the right hand controller(hoist) how much he is moving the lever back and forth.

[Rvjimd]

That's interesting to watch. I couldn't figure out which was which for a while. Is he running swing with his feet then?

Jim

[modelman]

Yes-some of the newer draglines have all controls on the joy sticks but most of the older ones have swing pedals. I tried to find swing pedals for my dragline but gave up after searching for awhile. They are very hard to find. You really need to know someone who is tearing an old machine down for scrapping and let them get you the pedals.

[Rvjimd]

MM,

what can you tell me about two rope clam shell buckets?

I'm planning on a scratch built or possible another conversion for use as a barge unloader.

At first I thought, simple huh? But if the hoist is lifting the bucket how is the second rope managed so as not to go slack?

Jim

[modelman]

Rvjimd-If you are thinking of another project I guess you are hooked on this great hobby. But I'm sorry to say I know nothing about clamshell buckets or rigging. There is a guy on here that goes by "eef" who has an amazing clam shell crane and bucket and he seems to know how and why everything works. I am sure he would answer your questions. Here is a link to his build-
http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...ead.php?t=1619
A few pages in there are some good pictures of his clamshell bucket.

[Rvjimd]

Wow, that American Crane is NICE!

[Rvjimd]

I got the big gear in the right side of the cab turning. That's FIVE servos running the crane now. One of them is in the undercarriage.

http://youtu.be/y8jwaB151Gk

Jim

[RCKiwi]

I love seeing that big white gear spinning - gives it some real mechanical scale. Excellent!

[MattDk]

Looking super good.

Do have any close up pictures of your final setup?

/Mario

[modelman]

Rvjimd-I really like the latest video! That gear turning adds the final touch of realism. I would also like to see how you rearranged the machinery to get everything inside. Great job!! I agree with Jared-your drag chains look to be a little short.

[Rvjimd]

Ya, I plan on putting longer chains on it. The wife doesn't have much stuff like that in her jewelry box or I would have tried it by now. I was watching a few videos and noticed how they hang better with a bit longer chain.

I guess that is where the expression "how's it hangin?" comes from?

Jim

[kerst]

Originally Posted by Rvjimd

Ya, I plan on putting longer chains on it. The wife doesn't have much stuff like that in her jewelry box or I would have tried it by now. I was watching a few videos and noticed how they hang better with a bit longer chain.

I guess that is where the expression "how's it hangin?" comes from?

Jim

I found some interesting chains at Amazon. there is quite a bit of choice.
Have a look here:
http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Stee...3367581_b4_6_p
Great project! I also love seeing that big gear wheel turn!

Kerst

[Rvjimd]

Here are a few pictures of the servos inside the cab of my diecast conversion. The last refit included new mounting brackets for drag, house and pivot servos. I was able to stack the hoist and large gear servos in one bracket.





The battery sits there in the open spot. I am using a two cell 850 lipo. I had it out in the photo.



I busted off all the control stick during the mod. I saved them and need to glue them back in place


The brackets are made from brass stock and I simply used CA to glue the servos to the brackets. I scuffed the servos and brackets and get pretty good adhesion. They can still be popped free for maintenance.


Jim

[doodlebug]

Great job Jim! I like it!
Cheer's, Neil.

[MattDk]

Looks awsome, really like that you got everything fitted into the cabin, thanks for sharing.

A project like this might very well be on the winter project list

Mario

[Rvjimd]

I got a prototype clam bucket slapped together. No pulleys yet, haven't decided how to make them yet

I might have to remake the sides and include a fitting further out for the top tube attach points so it has a bit more advantage.

It might also need an open stop on the hinge point to keep from opening too far.







Jim

[modelman]

Your off to a nice start. I do know they run 2-3 part lines on the pulley systems. Once pulleys are installed I think the adjustment of you lines will control the opening. Not sure.

[Rvjimd]

I got the four new hopper barges finished and posted a video. It is all boat and no crane or loading so use your best judgement when deciding to watch it...

http://youtu.be/_RNmLntVfGs

Jim

[FlyingBeagle]

The new barges look great, I cant wait to see more videos of them loaded up giving the tug a good workout. I am still very impressed with your back yard and pond. How much maintenance does a pond like that require? I am in the planning phase for my back yard at my new house. I have about 1/2 an acre to deal with and have been considering a water feature, although probably not to the scale of yours.

Thanks again for sharing.