Popular Post grob1234 Posted January 16, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted January 16, 2023 Hi all, Not sure if this fits here or is of interest or even if this is the best forum, but I'll give it a go. The main reason I wanted to document this is because there is so little out there about custom 1/14 trucks. I'll hopefully explain what I am doing and where I got the bits and pieces from. I have decided to convert the Tamiya Log truck to a 10x4 Tag Tridem. Using the kit as a basis, I'll be adding lots of features and lights and sound to make a unique model. As you can see, I have made a start on the chassis. I began by obtaining a set of 1m long Carson Frames. Using the stock Tamiya frame as a template, I used an automatic centre punch to punch a witness mark through one of the 3mm screw holes, in the correct place on the new frame rail. I drilled this to 2.5mm on the new frame, and then using a 3mm taper tap, created the thread. Having done this, I could now screw the Tamiya frame to the Carson frame, and drill or punch the remaining holes. I repeated the process onto the other Carson frame, using the other (drilled) Carson frame. This ensured that both custom frames were identical. I built up the front twin steering axles using kit parts, an additional Tamiya suspension set, and Lesu Q-9051 for the front axle, and Lesu Q-9052 for the 2nd steering axle. The difference between these two is that 9051 has a tilted king pin centre line, whereas 9052 is vertical. This means the wheels tilt when turned, in a realistic manner. Additionally the Lesu units allow for much more lock than standard Tamiya Euro steering setups. I have also used captive rod ends to reduce side play on the steering rods. I'll be using Lesu G-6020 for the twin steer mechanism. I built up the rear wheels as per Tamiya, however I'll be replacing the differentials with lockable versions, as well as the suspension arms with aluminium arms. I'm using Lesu W-2052 Volvo rear wheels with their S-1213 off road 22mm tyres. For the tag wheel, I'll use a super single. Anyway hope you like it, there should be lots more to come. Cheers Tom 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shergar Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 Keep it coming please! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddyroo Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 I second that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz! Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 I’m in. thats a good start to what sounds like a very nice project. definitely keep it going though, cant beat a good custom build thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted January 20, 2023 Author Share Posted January 20, 2023 Thank you for the encouragement so far. Got some more goodies over the last few days.... From Astec models: DMW trailer hitch and servo, plus a push rod of the wrong size! From Elite Models Online: 2 x Lesu Diff Lock axles, 1:3.1 ratio, different to Tamiyas 1:2.67, but still compatible with the Tamiya rear double suspension set up. Aluminium suspension arms, chassis crossbeam, and through drive unit. I'll need this as the gap between the motor and the rear axle is too big - a scale 5000mm!! From KK Truck Store: Rear lift/steer axle, triple and single fenders, front double servo mount From RC Bearings: Bearing kit for a standard 4x2 truck, a few screws and shims and a connector Finished off the gearbox, which is stock, except for replacing all the bearings and using a Carson venom motor to instead of the 35t Tamiya offering. In the next few days I can start laying out the rest of the chassis, which is exciting! I will have to wait a little while to get it running though. Steve at Elite Models has some Lesu super single hubs on order for me, but they wont arrive til the end of feb. Cheers Tom 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shergar Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 Looking good so far, just some idle thoughts 🤠 (and you would have to mount the gearbox back maybe 50mm) but you could slip one of these in series to lower the gear ratio? https://www.injora.com/products/metal-1-3-ratio-reducer-planetary-gearbox-transmission-box-for-axial-scx10?_pos=8&_sid=73fd91a17&_ss=r https://www.elitemodelsonline.co.uk/Cars/By-Manufacturer/Lesu/Axles-Suspension-Drivetrain/94480-/Lesu-114-Planetary-Reduction-Gearbox-141 I have a 14:1 for my next project waiting, only I have started building something else 😁 I will add I found the Carson motors variable (even though the truck world swear by them) and I used a Holmes 540 crawler motor in place, very tractable, they are all satin black too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted January 27, 2023 Author Share Posted January 27, 2023 On 20/01/2023 at 21:52, Shergar said: Looking good so far, just some idle thoughts 🤠 (and you would have to mount the gearbox back maybe 50mm) but you could slip one of these in series to lower the gear ratio? https://www.injora.com/products/metal-1-3-ratio-reducer-planetary-gearbox-transmission-box-for-axial-scx10?_pos=8&_sid=73fd91a17&_ss=r https://www.elitemodelsonline.co.uk/Cars/By-Manufacturer/Lesu/Axles-Suspension-Drivetrain/94480-/Lesu-114-Planetary-Reduction-Gearbox-141 I have a 14:1 for my next project waiting, only I have started building something else 😁 I will add I found the Carson motors variable (even though the truck world swear by them) and I used a Holmes 540 crawler motor in place, very tractable, they are all satin black too. Hello I had previously considered a reduction gearbox, however, with the 80T motor, I find that gives me the speed I require, especially with the 3 speed Tamiya. I'll also be using the Beier SFR1 speed controller which I'll use to modify acceleration profiles and so on. No problems so far with the motor - I used an unbranded 80T in my last truck and its been fine... they're probably all made in the same factory! Cheers Tom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shergar Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 I’ve found the cheapies better than the Carson! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share Posted March 11, 2023 Time for a little update. I finally finished mocking up the frame and completed the drilling. Sprayed satin black, and now construction proper can begin! Custom rear servo (15kg) mount (made out of soldered brass) for KK truck store lift/steer tag axle: Underside of the rear steer axle with steering servo (15kg) using Tamiya kit mount: Front steering servo (20kg) and gear shift servo (15kg) mounted on KK truck store mount. Mid chassis showing mounts for the micro servos which will control the rear tow hook mechanism, and the diff lock mechanisms. Also showing is Lesu F-5008 Transmission Through Drive block, mounted on Lesu L-1003 chassis cross member. And finally an overall view of the chassis so far. It's about 85cm long, which translates to a truck that's about 11.5m long at 1:13.6 - about as long as any single chassis truck gets, so should be quite impressive! Got lots more goodies coming up! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted March 13, 2023 Author Share Posted March 13, 2023 More goodies have arrived - all from Astec models. Especially happy with the DMW Dropside truck bed at 555mm long it allows plenty of space for stuff and the crane. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shergar Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 I have looked at those beds before, whats the quality like? They seem fairly priced though. Keep up the good work 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted March 14, 2023 Author Share Posted March 14, 2023 14 hours ago, Shergar said: I have looked at those beds before, whats the quality like? They seem fairly priced though. Keep up the good work 👍 I like it. Milled from solid Aluminium, comes with fixing frame rails. Nice hinges and catches on the drop doors. I just had to drill another set of holes in the frames to line up with the Tamiya fixings, but its no drama. Overall I'm pleased with it 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share Posted March 18, 2023 Yet more stuff to go on! 3 lesu CVD driveshafts. If anyone is interested the min/max measurements of these are face of flange to face of flange. 2.5kg micro servo, a little more powerful than the usual micro servos to operate the diff lock mechanism. Lesu W-2008-A wheel hubs. These have the really wide look I am after and were ordered in specially by Steve at elite models. Lesu H-1304 rear bumper which even comes with instructions and marker lights! I can now continue with the chassis and maybe even fit the wheels! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 Continuing with the build. Front steering set up complete. All angles 90 degrees which is a vast improvement on the standard Tamiya setup, with direct connection to servo. Captive rod ends used throughout to minimise slop. Lesu Twin steer setup: (note, I have had to remove the dampers to get this to fit, but they did very little in all honesty. Rear lift/steer mechanism: Lesu lockable diff axles with Lesu CVD driveshafts in place. Tow hitch and diff lock servos, as well as the through drive shaft. Larger view of mid chassis: Almost ready for some 'lectrics! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormbringer Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Its starting to look quite complicated but really liking it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 3 hours ago, Stormbringer said: Its starting to look quite complicated but really liking it Cheers! Yes, it'll get a lot more complicated when the speed controller and lighting goes in. Getting heavy as well... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormbringer Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 I bet it is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shergar Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Looking lovely so far 👍 Those Lesu propshaft are quite nice, quick heads up I did have to threadlock the grub screws in my ones after a few runs. Looking forward to the next instalment ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grob1234 Posted March 29, 2023 Author Share Posted March 29, 2023 15 hours ago, Shergar said: Looking lovely so far 👍 Those Lesu propshaft are quite nice, quick heads up I did have to threadlock the grub screws in my ones after a few runs. Looking forward to the next instalment ! Thanks for the tip. I haven't threadlocked those ones as they seemed really tight when going in, so I'll keep an eye on them. Just ordered all the Beier/Servonaut stuff from Germany which will make it come to life. Wallet not coming to life! Couldn't resist putting some of the rear deck on and the shiny wheel arches (not fully in place yet, a couple of minor adjustments needed). 88cm long now, absolute beast. Got a lot of custom fabrication to create the side panels etc, but we will get there. Long long way to go.... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormbringer Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 really starting to take shape now mate 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shergar Posted July 28, 2023 Share Posted July 28, 2023 @grob1234 Any updates on the project? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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