Link-Belt HC-218 Truck Crane

[redneckrigger]

On 12/22/2020 at 12:02 AM, Chariots of Fire said:

Here's an example of brass steering knuckles.  The long end fits into a tube that is within the axle.  Makes the whole thing quite strong.

Gonna have to give that a serious look! Though I dont solder anything other than copper tubing I may give it a go machining out of aluminum. 

[redneckrigger]

Giving this a try on the front steering.  Knuckles from an IHC COE and heavily reinforced tie rods and metal rod pivots and axles.  Still have to make the drag links, radius rods, steering cylinders and steering box, but I think it will work well. 

Edited December 28, 2020 by redneckrigger

[Chariots of Fire]

??  That's two thumbs up!  Looking real good!

[redneckrigger]

Gotta work on the linkages, so built a sort of rotisserie stand for the frame to hold it as I figure out the complicated linkage.  The intent is to have it work, though it is so complex that may just be a dream. 

[Straightliner59]

This is a very cool project. Enjoying watching it come together!

[redneckrigger]

Mockup of the steering linkages.  Still need to make the two hydraulic cylinders. Happy New Year to everyone!  

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Wow!! You really outdid yourself on that steering. Looks great!

[redneckrigger]

Steering linkage done with the cylinders.  First time I’ve ever made a twin steer let alone one that works. Kinda fiddly snd so forth but makes me happy!

 

Edited January 2, 2021 by redneckrigger

[redneckrigger]

Tried to attach a video of the linkage working in the previous post. Click on the arrow.  Hope it posted!

Edited January 2, 2021 by redneckrigger

[Mopar - D]

Tom both of the videos work and are awesome how you have been able to make all the parts work together. 

[signguy2108]

Amazing! I would have gotten disgusted and put it back in the closet by now, LOL

[Chariots of Fire]

That's pretty cool work!  The diagrams certainly were a great help in getting things in proportion but the actual work you put in is fantastic.  

[redneckrigger]

1 hour ago, Chariots of Fire said:

That's pretty cool work!  The diagrams certainly were a great help in getting things in proportion but the actual work you put in is fantastic.  

Thank you.  Having the real one to photograph sure helps too! Of course, count the number of bits and pieces involved, triple it, and you come maybe somewhat close to how many pieces I made before I got to this point!

[redneckrigger]

Front suspension and steering all done.   Radius rods added, suspension travel bumper stops added, steering cylinders and steering box in place, front of frame trimmed as per actual prototype.  On to the rear.......

[GLMFAA1]

Nice engineering

greg

[gotnitro?]

Wow Tom that steerable front end is fantastic!  The engineering alone is mind blowing and then make everything function..applause 

[redneckrigger]

Rear suspension done with radius arms installed and driveshaft from the creeper transmission in place. Suspension pivots just like front. Brake cans still need to be installed when piping is being done.  On to the cab.........

Edited January 3, 2021 by redneckrigger

[redneckrigger]

Off to the drawing board.........using measurements I took, factory diagrams, and the photos blown up to 1/25 scale and then measured, looking good!

[Chariots of Fire]

Craftsmanship, my man, Craftsmanship!  Love it!?️

[redneckrigger]

55 minutes ago, Chariots of Fire said:

Craftsmanship, my man, Craftsmanship!  Love it!?️

Thank you Charlie............................means a LOT to me coming from you! Some of the details are a little crude, but when done, painted and weathered, it will be fine.  I think I enjoy the research, engineering and design, and conversion of the real thing to 1/25 scale plastic than I enjoy actually completing the build. Every time I step outside my comfort zone, I learn from builders like you, and develop my own skills, which is no mean feat as we get older and our fingers get a mind of their own! Finally got out of the builders block I had going on, and am having a blast doing this now. Stay safe and healthy my friend!

[Straightliner59]

This is really impressive work! There's a certain satisfaction that comes with creating something from raw material, that I cannot imagine living without. This is inspirational, to me. Like Charles said, craftsmanship is a beautiful thing, and it's happening here, in spades! I will definitely be following this project.

[gotnitro?]

Gotta love when plans come together ! Thats a technique I really should employ , much better working from plans instead of crude quesstimation

[Chariots of Fire]

Tim Bongard, who some of you may know used a phrase many years ago.  He called it Imagineering.  That's what it takes in this miniature world of ours.  Creating something small to look like something much bigger and employing out-of-the-box ideas and methods to get it done.  I've learned much over the years and it has been a fun trip.  Tom has somewhat of an advantage in this department as he is familiar with a lot of different kinds of equipment and has some really good sources to work from.    Keep it up Tom!!

[redneckrigger]

5 hours ago, Chariots of Fire said:

Tim Bongard, who some of you may know used a phrase many years ago.  He called it Imagineering.  That's what it takes in this miniature world of ours.  Creating something small to look like something much bigger and employing out-of-the-box ideas and methods to get it done.  I've learned much over the years and it has been a fun trip.  Tom has somewhat of an advantage in this department as he is familiar with a lot of different kinds of equipment and has some really good sources to work from.    Keep it up Tom!!

Well said Charlie.  Yup, met Tim at a show many years ago and remember that term. And it is spot on.  If it has the “look”, it works!!!

[redneckrigger]

Instead of a ruler and a pad on my kitchen table, figured it was time to unearth the real drawing board! Seems like a lot of extra work but it sure helps to have blueprints to make the parts from.

 

 

 

Edited January 5, 2021 by redneckrigger