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 15 hours ago 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