Link-Belt HC-218 Truck Crane

[Gary Chastain]

The joy of watching this build

[redneckrigger]

14 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

This is one of my favorite projects I've ever seen. Part of it, is that it reaches my childhood fascination with big construction equpiment. But, also, and moreso, it's just a fantastic bit of work! I assume it will need counterweight, if the boom's extended. What do you have in mind, for that?

Thanks for the great words. The boom is all styrene, so is ultra light, but still incredibly rigid. It is for static display only so it won't be posed with any loads on it. So, with the light boom, and static display only, no real heavy counterweights will be needed. The entire boom assembly weighs less than 3 ounces! Nevertheless, the counterweights will be made from Ren Shape material, which is heavy enough that the upper counterweight alone will most likely weigh more than the entire boom. Ren Shape is an awesome material that can be cut or milled to about anything, that was recommended to me from Charlie Rowley, probably the best modeler I have ever known. So, there is still lots more to do!

[redneckrigger]

On 9/26/2025 at 6:00 AM, Rockford said:

Happy anniversary! 🎉 

Thanks. Don't know how she put up with me for over 50 years. She has a bucket list as most do. One of the things was to see a Broadway musical, so we checked that off her list, twice! Had no idea that I would also enjoy it so much either! I f I knew how great it would be, it would have been on my list as well!

Edited September 27 by redneckrigger

[redneckrigger]

Here is an overview of where this project is right now.  This is all of the sub assemblies that are done so far.  There is a whole lot more to go, but it might be getting close to seeing a pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel!

[Biggu]

This is just so cool. Your scratch skills, precision building techniques and attention to accuracy and detail is off the clock. What a phenomenal build. I live every update and can't wait for more 

[Wolf]

Unfreakinbelievable!

Nuf said……..

Cheers,    
Wolf

[gotnitro?]

Hey Tom, you plan on hauling your crane down to the Fulton show next month? Hoping to see this again

[redneckrigger]

On 10/10/2025 at 1:03 AM, gotnitro? said:

Hey Tom, you plan on hauling your crane down to the Fulton show next month? Hoping to see this again

Good question…….. not quite sure what’s gonna transpire right now. Have been having headaches so doc sent me for CT scan which didn’t show anything for headaches but showed I had previously had two small strokes that I had no idea had happened. Then I had another one yesterday out hunting and my hunting buddy witnessed it.  So I am still in the people repair shop getting diagnostics run on the old man brain. Hoping for no long term deficit and that they can prevent the little ones from becoming big ones.  Hoping to be able to get back to the crane and building in general but that is a point in question right now!  Sure would like to come out there!

Edited October 20 by redneckrigger

[Straightliner59]

On 9/27/2025 at 1:46 PM, redneckrigger said:

Thanks for the great words. The boom is all styrene, so is ultra light, but still incredibly rigid. It is for static display only so it won't be posed with any loads on it. So, with the light boom, and static display only, no real heavy counterweights will be needed. The entire boom assembly weighs less than 3 ounces! Nevertheless, the counterweights will be made from Ren Shape material, which is heavy enough that the upper counterweight alone will most likely weigh more than the entire boom. Ren Shape is an awesome material that can be cut or milled to about anything, that was recommended to me from Charlie Rowley, probably the best modeler I have ever known. So, there is still lots more to do!

Thanks, Tom. I guess it hadn't dawned on me, just how light it would be. Makes perfect sense, though. This thing just gets better and better! Looks awesome, all laid out, like that. Hope your health stuff settles down, for you.

[gotnitro?]

Wow hope ya get your health sorted out, scary finding out about strokes. Good thing your buddy noticed something amiss 

[redneckrigger]

7 hours ago, gotnitro? said:

Wow hope ya get your health sorted out, scary finding out about strokes. Good thing your buddy noticed something amiss 

Yes sir. First time someone has witnessed one of these with me.  Happy he was there as I probably would have blown this one off as well. This too shall pass !

[redneckrigger]

On 10/20/2025 at 3:06 AM, gotnitro? said:

Wow hope ya get your health sorted out, scary finding out about strokes. Good thing your buddy noticed something amiss 

Got out of hospital yesterday. Feeling okay but do have a deficit with right side fine motor function, strength and balance. But, can still function not much differently than before.  Just have to watch my balance on stairs and uneven ground.  No big deal there as I’ve had to do that anyways due to my back issues.  So, new meds, and life’s adventure continues.  Old age is not for the timid or faint of heart.  Back to the modeling bench tonight…..after I get out of the woods!

[Gary Chastain]

8 hours ago, redneckrigger said:

Got out of hospital yesterday. Feeling okay but do have a deficit with right side fine motor function, strength and balance. But, can still function not much differently than before.  Just have to watch my balance on stairs and uneven ground.  No big deal there as I’ve had to do that anyways due to my back issues.  So, new meds, and life’s adventure continues.  Old age is not for the timid or faint of heart.  Back to the modeling bench tonight…..after I get out of the woods!

OMG, Tom, that is some tuff stuff to deal with, praying for ya, that bench is good therapy, be watching your builds. 

[redneckrigger]

1 hour ago, Gary Chastain said:

OMG, Tom, that is some tuff stuff to deal with, praying for ya, that bench is good therapy, be watching your builds. 

Thanks Gary….. this too shall pass, but it is just further proof that we all must be vigilant about our health!

[BK9300]

Glad to hear you were able to get back out to the woods - and always good to be out there with a buddy!  You've certainly got a positive attitude!

[redneckrigger]

21 hours ago, BK9300 said:

Glad to hear you were able to get back out to the woods - and always good to be out there with a buddy!  You've certainly got a positive attitude!

Thank you.....................now just have to get my dexterity with tiny pieces back in line! But this too shall transpire.

[David G.]

I'm still following along and I'm still tremendously impressed with your engineering and fabrication skills.

I'm also sorry to learn of your health challenges. I'm facing a few of my own as many of us in this community are. I'm glad to know that you're doing relatively well. Hang in there Tom.

David G. 

[Rockford]

I'm sorry to hear that you have been in hospital. Hopefully you get your mobility back fully and can get back to building. Sounds like they caught this one early so should have a good result. 

[Daverde]

Get well soon !! My mom used to say getting old isn’t for sissies!! Incredible build!

[redneckrigger]

To all who have given me good thoughts, I thank you. Yeah, this was a wake up call. The docs seem to have a good plan going forward. The aim is to try to keep the little ones from becoming a big stroke. So, different meds, salt free diet, (yuck), other dietary changes, weight loss, and it should be good. I am giving it a good go at it as the alternative sucks! I find my right handed self having some dexterity issues with fine tasks, (left side lower cerebellum damage results in right side deficits), as well as the balance issues. I can get out to my deerstand, but trying to fabricate and assemble small parts is proving to be a bit of a challenge. But, this too shall get better! Just put some time in tonight taking all of the winch drums out of the upper to start making the cable guards for them. It was ............................ok. Will I be setting time records? Not of the fast variety! But, this hobby is not about completing a build at least for me. It is about the joy of being able to partake in the build. And that joy is still being fulfilled. More updates to come soon! Thank you ALL for the good thoughts.

[ShakyCraftsman]

Take what ever time you need Tom, don't try to rush your recovery. That could lead to something bad. My son was 42 when he died of what we belive was a stroke. 😢🫤

Ron G 

[Gary Chastain]

Glad to hear there is a recovery plan Tom and I agree, most of us are not speed builders, we always build our best model until we start our next build as our skills evolve. I enjoy sitting in my hobby room and making stuff and dreaming up new projects and hanging out with you guys. Glad you are back and moving forward, be watching.