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-   -   6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck (http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/1-5-scale-rigs/578158-6x6-peterbilt-semi-truck.html)

Tommy R 01-17-2017 11:28 PM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
I was trying to decide how far I wanted to go to make this look like a Peterbilt. Well, I guess I decided. :mrgreen:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...IMG_7325-L.jpg

My string method for cutting styrene needs a little help, but whatever. :ror: At a minimum, I plan to fill in the front fenders to make them smooth and maybe go with this grill/light assembly. It's a bit pricey, but I like the look. Hmm.....I wonder how LEDs/wires would look with this setup?
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...%20%282%29.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...%20%281%29.jpg

What I now need to decide is if I want to just stop there or if I want to just replace the fenders altogether. I've never bought anything from Shapeways, but these look rather promising. Curious if this may be easier than filling in the headlights and marker light openings on top of the fenders.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...1459354305.png

STANG KILLA SS 01-18-2017 10:13 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
whats the second grill for?
my fear with 3d printing is always surface finish, but could always be sanded smooth. what does it take to buy the printed fenders? ive always thought shapeways seemed pricey for what you get.

Tommy R 01-18-2017 10:20 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by STANG KILLA SS (Post 5651811)
whats the second grill for?
my fear with 3d printing is always surface finish, but could always be sanded smooth. what does it take to buy the printed fenders? ive always thought shapeways seemed pricey for what you get.

Not sure (yet) on the second drill. There's a wire mesh behind the stock grill so maybe it gets sandwiched between the grills?

The Shapeways fenders are like $40, if I recall. Not cheap, but it would take me a few hours to fill/sand the headlight holes and marker light holes, plus these are more accurate to what a real Peterbilt fender would look like. So it could be worthwhile, depending on how they mount.

It looks like there's a couple mounting holes on the Shapeways fenders, but what would they attach to? With the old fenders cut away, you'd have to add some styrene to the hood sides. Or at least that's my best guess? :|

Tommy R 01-23-2017 12:18 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Didn't have much time to mess with the truck until this evening and when I did I decided to focus on my gear reduction and transfer case solution. First things first I looked into how the tranny is going to interfere with a front driveshaft. Obviously, that's definitely got to be addressed! :ror:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7341-XL.jpg

I think I've narrowed down my drivetrain choices to these:
1. Use an Axial 2.6:1 trans as a transfer case and possibly a 2:1 planetary gear reduction in front of the Tamiya transmission.
2. Use a planetary gear reduction (probably 2:1) and add a t-case like the 2.18:1 RC4WD Disruptor or the 2:1 t-case from wtbcar.com:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...S/TFCB01-S.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...-600x600-S.jpg

In either of these solutions, the stock Tamiya tranny needs to be raised up fairly substantially....for two reasons. As mentioned, the tranny will prevent a driveshaft from reaching the front axle, but the 2:1 planetary will hit the steering/shifting servos because it'll push the motor forward. My best guess shows a height of 15-20mm is needed. Here's a rough approximation of the height required:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7344-XL.jpg

The floor will need to be trimmed, but I'm okay with that. I can always just build a simple cover for it so the trans is hidden from sight. My first estimation of where it'll need to be cut (everything within the white markings).
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7343-XL.jpg

So before I order some standoffs I made some temporary 15mm spacers to see how that would work.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7346-XL.jpg

Driveshaft clearance should be okay with the trans raised 15mm, especially since the trans output will be fairly low.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7349-XL.jpg

Front view showing the height of the motor compared to the servo. It'll be reeeeally tight, but I can easily add a few more millimeters of spacers if need be.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7348-XL.jpg

Thinking this is what I'll need to cut away to accommodate the new trans height.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7351-XL.jpg

So now I need to decide what to do about the transfer case. I have an Axial trans so that's the cheapest solution. I'll just have to fab up a bracket for it. And it'll definitely get the outputs low enough to clear the stock trans. The wtbcar.com t-case looks like it would bolt in after drilling a couple holes so that'd be super easy, but it would cost me ~$50 and time to wait for shipping from (presumably) China. Not sure I'm patient enough to do that. Ha!

Tommy R 01-23-2017 10:19 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Axial transmission (all metal internals, of course) ready to be used for the new t-case. I just need to trim off the excess on the input shaft.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7353-XL.jpg

Itali83 01-23-2017 10:33 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Use what you already have. Love it. Like this build a lot. Keep up the good work.
Ben

chino63 01-23-2017 11:56 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
I did exactly that on the Mean Green 6x6, raised the transmission. I also used an Axial trans for the t-case. However, I wanted a more centered input so I cut the top of the Axial trans and flipped it so it would be centered. I used JB weld to reattach it.

If it will help you, here's the build thread: http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/1-9-s...green-6x6.html


Edit: I just remembered that I flipped the transmission upside down to keep the motor weigh lower.

chino63 01-23-2017 12:33 PM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Thought I posted earlier but i guess i didn't. Anyhow, good to see you building again and looking forward to seeing what you come up with!"thumbsup"

Tommy R 01-23-2017 02:16 PM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Thanks, Ben and Dean!

Dean, I've very familiar with Mean Green. It was the inspiration for me to want to build a 6x6 or 8x8 years ago! I'm excited to be building again. The comp side of scalers is less appealing to me these days what with the extremes people are going to make "scale" looking trucks. Building something like this is a breath of fresh air for me! "thumbsup"

Got the rear wheels in the mail today! Only issue is that I don't have a hex driver small enough to fit the nuts to secure the wheels to the hub. The Tamiya multi-tool is too short to reach down in there. I'm guessing it's a 4mm or 4.5mm hex? Anyone know for sure? FYI, these are Lesu wheels.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7357-XL.jpg

Tommy R 01-23-2017 10:26 PM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
So whichever transfer case I end up with, I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a gear reduction. Using an Axial trans/t-case and a 2:1 gear reduction unit (GRU) would get me to 5.2:1 reduction over a stock setup. That's pretty darn low, but not sure if it'd be TOO low. However, I can't locate any 2:1 GRUs. Closest I can find is a 3:1 unit. It's cheap so I went ahead and ordered it.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...1VgogKH36L.jpg

Doesn't look to add much length to the motor.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...1EU8tVKYkL.jpg

Now I'm thinking the Axial t-case may be too low so I may consider a unit with a little taller ratio like 2:1. I have several options. I'm open to suggestions from those of you who've geared down your trucks. Knowing I plan to take this thing offroad and pull reasonably heavy loads with it, what kind of overall gear reduction should I look for? 3:1? 5:1? 7:1? 8)

chino63 01-24-2017 12:29 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
I think the 3:1 might be a bit much unless you run a 1:1 t-case. I ran the stock transmission and a cobalt 7t combined with the axial transmission as the transfer case, I was able to pull a trailer with an iron small block cylinder head on it. I think the motor was a Holmes Cobalt 10t on 7.2v.

Tommy R 01-24-2017 07:48 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by chino63 (Post 5655056)
I think the 3:1 might be a bit much unless you run a 1:1 t-case. I ran the stock transmission and a cobalt 7t combined with the axial transmission as the transfer case, I was able to pull a trailer with an iron small block cylinder head on it. I think the motor was a Holmes Cobalt 10t on 7.2v.

Thanks, man, that's good to know! I sent a request to cancel my 3:1, but if it's too late that's okay. I'm sure I'll find a use for it eventually. ;-) So I guess it's time to move forward with the Axial t-case install. Jeez, it's been so long since I've done any RC fab work, I'm not sure I'll remember how to do it! :ror:

Tommy R 01-24-2017 12:38 PM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Today I picked up a 4mm hex driver and it allowed me to finally put together my new rear wheels Love 'em!
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7372-XL.jpg

Tommy R 01-25-2017 10:44 PM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Since the fenders are on the way, I decided that I may as well start on the one thing that I've been dreading......bodywork. I'm okay with styrene, but it's been awhile since I've done any detail work with the stuff. And in an effort to make it as easy as possible to replace the hood sides I wanted nice, square cuts and edges. Eventually, I decided to just jump on in and make it happen.

I decided to remove the fenders first to make it easier to cut by the cowl area. First I outlined the cut areas with a thin Sharpie marker. Then I used string to cut through the fenders and removed them.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7376-XL.jpg

Next I measured the styrene of the body to be .060" (1.5mm) thick so I used my calipers and scribed a line at the .060" mark. Applying black ink beforehand made it easier to see. Then I used the string method to cut along the line as carefully as I could. Came out rather clean! That's encouraging!
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7378-XL.jpg

Now with the fenders removed I was able to use my razor saw to get nice, straight lines along the cowl and the horizontal line near the top of the hood. Using a combination of sawing with the saw and scoring with the Xacto blade, I was eventually able to cut the sides out. Honestly, it went quite a bit smoother than I expected.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7379-XL.jpg

They look nice and square to me! Mocking up an uncut piece of styrene confirmed my suspicion: nice and square. Good stuff! :D
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7381-XL.jpg

An update on other components....

The front wheels and all the tires should arrive to the States any day now. The posts to raise the motor/trans will be here Saturday along with a bunch of hardware in my goal to replace as much Philips head hardware as possible! And I was able to cancel my order for the 3:1 reduction unit. Sweet! :)

I've got to pack for a camping/offroading trip this weekend so time is tight, but if I get some time I may try to bond the new, uncut hood sides to the KH. It still has a long way to go, but progress is progress!

XSRCdesign 01-26-2017 01:36 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Glad to see you building again. Dean's rig always had my interest and this one does too!

Interesting always cost me money...

Tommy R 01-26-2017 07:35 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by XSRCdesign (Post 5656326)
Glad to see you building again. Dean's rig always had my interest and this one does too!

Interesting always cost me money...

Thanks, man, I appreciate that. I was rather disinterested for a while, but happy to say my enthusiasm for building is returning. :)

chino63 01-26-2017 09:46 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Looking good Tommy, very nice work with the string saw. "thumbsup"

Where are you going wheeling? Our weekend trip to Death Valley was cancelled due to mud. :cry:

Tommy R 01-26-2017 10:02 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by chino63 (Post 5656478)
Looking good Tommy, very nice work with the string saw. "thumbsup"

Where are you going wheeling? Our weekend trip to Death Valley was cancelled due to mud. :cry:

Thanks, Dean! I literally believe it's been since 2009 since I used string to cut styrene. LOL! It was for the stretched TJ I built many, many moons ago.

Bummer about your trip! We're going to the Llano, Texas area. It's part of the central Texas "hill country" and we're lucky to have several offroad parks out that way. It's anywhere from a 1-2 hour drive from Austin, depending on where you go. This time we're headed to a small park that isn't always open to the public called Stillwater Ranch. I'll post up a link to pics when we get back. "thumbsup"

Tommy R 01-26-2017 10:07 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Tiny update...

Wanting this styrene work to be plenty stout I decided to take a couple minutes and build some plates and bonded them to the OEM plastic. This will give me a nice, flat surface(s) to attach the new hood sides and it will provide a lot more strength. I'll wait to get the fenders in before I bond the new hood sides. The reason being I want to make one side and trim it to fit the new fenders and then will use it to make a template so both sides are as symmetric as possible.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7383-XL.jpg

Passenger side cut and mocked up.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7384-XL.jpg

chino63 01-26-2017 11:54 AM

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt Semi Truck
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy R (Post 5656490)
Thanks, Dean! I literally believe it's been since 2009 since I used string to cut styrene. LOL! It was for the stretched TJ I built many, many moons ago.

Bummer about your trip! We're going to the Llano, Texas area. It's part of the central Texas "hill country" and we're lucky to have several offroad parks out that way. It's anywhere from a 1-2 hour drive from Austin, depending on where you go. This time we're headed to a small park that isn't always open to the public called Stillwater Ranch. I'll post up a link to pics when we get back. "thumbsup"

Cool, looking forward to pics from your trip. I've seen a few videos of wheeling in Texas. Looks pretty good to me. Some day, I'd like to take a trip with the FJ40 and check out that area.


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