Link-Belt HC-218 Truck Crane

[cifenet]

I am speechless…  Not only the build itself is awesome, but the hinge assembly is top notch, the fit is as good as it can get.  

[redneckrigger]

Thank you.  The fit and finish will get much better as it approaches the finish line.  At the moment, actually, a lot of it needs filling, sanding and much attention.  But it’s getting there!

[bobthehobbyguy]

Glad to see you are back on this stunning project.

[redneckrigger]

10 hours ago, bobthehobbyguy said:

Glad to see you are back on this stunning project.

Thank you.  I’m glad too! Spent most of the last year totally on liquidating my business so we could retire.  And finally able to spend time traveling and building stuff! Hope to have more photos tomorrow.  

[redneckrigger]

Installed the carrier and operators cab doors, both rear side doors on the upper house, the rear sliding access doors on the house and all of the top covers. Added the outrigger control cabinets on both sides along with the outrigger hydraulic tank, and the hydraulic power pack for the counterweight removal system.  Added upper and carrier battery boxes. Added the upper exhaust and air cleaner.  Changed the bifold carrier engine cover to a one piece side hinge. It is all mocked together in these photos to check fit. And in the process of fitting it together I discovered that I misplaced the carrier radiator and presently have zero idea where it is! Oh well! Now have to fabricate the counterweight removal mechanism.  It’s coming along! Maybe the radiator will show up…….maybe not! EDIT....And ten minutes after I wrote the post……I found the radiator!

Edited yesterday at 01:36 AM by redneckrigger

[BK9300]

So much going here, and all scratch built - just amazing progress!

[Straightliner59]

The beauty is a beast! I just love this kind of fabrication.

[ShakyCraftsman]

 This is absolutely astounding! When you are done with this it should be in a museum for everyone to look at. Fantastic work on this, and thanks for the hinge information, it came in very handy on my Autocar build.

Ron G 

[Biggu]

There are not enough superlatives for this build. World class scratch building skills. Epic ! A massive tutorial in scratch skills. 

[titino]

Excellent scratch!!

[redneckrigger]

On 4/20/2025 at 7:44 AM, ShakyCraftsman said:

Hey Scott 

 I have the MicroMark hinge, I used it on my 1/16 Peterbilt, but its to big for 1/25 scale. I also have the Model Garage PE hinge, just didn't want to screw around with PE. Thanks for answering my question.

Ron G 

Yeah, the piano hinge on this build is a bit oversized, but it was all I could find at the time.  IF I find the time (doubtful) I will replace it with a home made one, but until then it will suffice.  

[ShakyCraftsman]

 Yeah, I tought it was a little big, but it looks okay on your build, doesn't stand out. If you look at my Autocar build I used the little hinges (forgot what #) to make a long piano hinge for my hoods center hinge. I then used two on each side for the side hinges, worked out perfectly. All this was inspired by you and your build.

Thanks Ron G 

[redneckrigger]

3 hours ago, ShakyCraftsman said:

 Yeah, I tought it was a little big, but it looks okay on your build, doesn't stand out. If you look at my Autocar build I used the little hinges (forgot what #) to make a long piano hinge for my hoods center hinge. I then used two on each side for the side hinges, worked out perfectly. All this was inspired by you and your build.

Thanks Ron G 

The big problem I always have doing a build like this from scratch is that I am never happy with some aspects of my work, whether it be from design or fit or finish. It's just a curse that adds a bunch of time to my builds as I so often go back and rework something to make it satisfy me. I am trying mightily to fight this "2 steps forward, 3 in reverse" issue, but it's hard to teach a really OLD dog new tricks! That hinge as well as about 15 other items are on my "do-over" list, that may or may not get done. I have SO much to do on this, (I hope I get it done in my lifetime), and every step I take, I find a tangent to go off on to add "just a few more details", so it's kind of a never ending spiral! But it's the most fun I've ever had when I get to building these things, as I can't remember that last out-of-the-box build I did!

Edited 18 hours ago by redneckrigger

[ShakyCraftsman]

Hey Tom

 I know exactly what you mean. No matter how good I do something it just doesn't meet my vision, to much of a perfectionist I guess.😆

 It can be a curse, but also a good thing, because it makes us better modelers. Keep up the outstanding work you are doing I definitely want to see this done.

Ron G 

[redneckrigger]

On 1/3/2025 at 10:47 PM, gotnitro? said:

You've gotta bring this beast to Spring Thaw again, always enjoy chatting builds w ya 

 

Yup, going out there Sunday, bringing the crane for the In Progress table. Looking forward to the show…… hope to see you there!