Semi Build Input...

[Greatscott]

I have a couple of new builds I am working on in expand my 1/14 semi truck and equipment collection...

My next builds are based around the Bruner set below...

323287457_495578819377454_3923301728709539497_n by Scott O, on Flickr

The earthmover is an RC...

I am tackling the trailer first, making it compatible with my King Hauler. Between the parts I can buy along with what I can design and print, the conversion should not be that difficult.

The semi has me scratching my head a bit, and this is where I need some input. I am trying to make the build cost effective, but have some indecisiveness on which way to leap...

My first thought for the semi build was to find a King Hauler roller or slider, but that has turned out to be a very rare unicorn.

My next thought is to use a kit King Hauler, use the parts I want, and sell the rest, but I am not sure how cost effective that will be. The only parts I really want out of a KH are the frame rails, some of the supports, some of the suspension, and a few other odds and ends, everything else I'd try to sell.
• I am not crazy about the stock KH axles, and I would like this rig to be a 6x6.
• I no not like the stock KH transmission, given how old the design its, it is very cantankerous compared to today's standards. I plan on using a crawler 2-speed transmission, most likely out of a TRX4.

So, that just leaves the option of getting a frame and building everything up from scratch. The chassis braces, suspension mounts, body mounts, and servo mounts are all things I can design and print.

Has anyone done a build like this, ground up? If so, what are the pitfalls to look out for?

[ferp420]

thats a nice looking project

i just started a 1/8th scale semi build ive got as far as starting to build a frame and some cad work " the cardboard kind not computer kind "to get my dimentions right ive got a sheet of styrene and the glue just came in the mail but thats as far as my scale semi exsperiance goes

[OnTheTrail]

You may want to take a look at the axles from a Cross RC 6x6. Those are 1/12 but depending on the wheel offset you go with, you may be able to make those work. The pass-through bridge axle is the tough find for your project but maybe its worth looking at their axles.

[Gula]

Why not a TLT axle for up front, and pass through with the backside of the tlt housings

[Greatscott]

Originally Posted by Gula

Why not a TLT axle for up front, and pass through with the backside of the tlt housings

That is one of the ways I have been thinking about going if I used a KH kit as the base.

[Ross413]

How about a straight axle conversion on the TRX4 6x6 rear axle? Is that a through put axle?

[Greatscott]

Originally Posted by Ross413

How about a straight axle conversion on the TRX4 6x6 rear axle? Is that a through put axle?

That was actually my first idea. But, the axles are too wide for a 1/14 scale body.

[cooper_xl]

The HG P801 8x8 measures 218.5mm wide. The axles are available separately. How wide is your truck? Different offset on wheels might work