Link-Belt HC-218 Truck Crane

[Biggu]

This is SO cool................

[CRUSADER2]

This is going to be a real treat to watch and learn from, another great project on the way, you can always tell when models are going to look right, even at this stage it looks just right, looking forward to seeing this come together.

 

 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Looks great so far Tom!

[redneckrigger]

Have been totally tied up at the gun shop all summer with all that is going on........working harder than we ever have in these unprecedented times and uncharted waters.  Absolutely no time to do any building.   Teaching safety classes at night and falling asleep as soon as I get home.  Only good part is the addition of a new toy to the garage.....a 95 Corvette.   But no time to drive it!   Hoping soon to find time and energy to return to the bench.   

[kilrathy10]

Man... This thing is going to be HUGE!! I'm on the edge of my seat....

[Mopar - D]

Looking forward to seeing you back working on your crane. 

[redneckrigger]

FINALLY found the time and energy to get back to work on this build. Roughed in the front and rear suspensions and all of the crossmembers. Also roughed in the engine mounts and the creeper transmission and mount. Got down to take some photos of the real one as well. My gun shop is going crazy right now, and added to deer season, available time to work on this is about non existent.  Add that to a nasty bout of builder’s block and its sure been a while! Hope to keep it going now. Need to figure out tandem front axle steering next  

Edited December 16, 2020 by redneckrigger

[Mopar - D]

Tom I’m really glad to see you back working on this truck crane. Your frame is coming along nicely. 

[GLMFAA1]

Tandem steering should be easier than the steering on your last project. 4 tie rods: 90 degree wheel knuckle with tie rod left to right and then tie rod from front to back. You might get away with just three tie rods. The Revell Simba crash truck has tandem front steering.

greg

[redneckrigger]

Will check out my Simba kit.......THANKS!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Now that is a heavy duty frame!

[gotnitro?]

Very nice!  Love these tandem steering trucks 

[Chariots of Fire]

Hey, Tom can I make a suggestion:  Get either some aluminum or brass tubing, make two bearings for the walking beams and then slip the next size down tubing in as the connection between the two sides.  As you build, the weight is going to get more and more on the plastic rods you are using now and could in time deform or break.  I'm liking what I see for sure!

[gatorincebu]

 

 Tom,

        I like what you've done thus far. You know how we talked about this build . I Think you will get your groove back .

And in the end you will have another very impressive model.

 

   Be Well and Stay Safe

        Marc

        AKA Gator

[kilrathy10]

This beast is looking real nice... Too cool...

[redneckrigger]

On 12/17/2020 at 11:30 PM, Chariots of Fire said:

Hey, Tom can I make a suggestion:  Get either some aluminum or brass tubing, make two bearings for the walking beams and then slip the next size down tubing in as the connection between the two sides.  As you build, the weight is going to get more and more on the plastic rods you are using now and could in time deform or break.  I'm liking what I see for sure!

That’s a great idea Charlie..........will convert to metal axles and bushings shortly!!!!  Thanks!

Edited December 20, 2020 by redneckrigger

[redneckrigger]

Pretty much all of the frame is done, and all crossmembers are in with all of the rivets (166 of them), that hold it all together.  Lots of tiny bits!!! 

Edited December 20, 2020 by redneckrigger

[redneckrigger]

On 12/18/2020 at 3:44 AM, gatorincebu said:

 

 Tom,

        I like what you've done thus far. You know how we talked about this build . I Think you will get your groove back .

And in the end you will have another very impressive model.

 

   Be Well and Stay Safe

        Marc

        AKA Gator

Yeah, feels great to be back at the bench!!!! Thanks Gator, you and yours be safe as well!

[redneckrigger]

Steering knuckles in place.......Also got creative with the turntable for the upperworks. Using an old Boy Scout Compass with a few modifications!

Edited December 21, 2020 by redneckrigger

[Doug 1061]

Superb work so far.  I think we're all gonna learn something watching this come together.  Will be following this for sure.

[gotnitro?]

My fingers hurt just counting all those rivets !! Exceptional work detailing the frame rails , and cool trick w the compass face ..now the operator will always know which direction their facing lol

Edited December 21, 2020 by gotnitro?

[Chariots of Fire]

Tom:  Carry over the brass idea to your steering knuckles.  Strength will be needed there too.

[redneckrigger]

8 hours ago, Chariots of Fire said:

Tom:  Carry over the brass idea to your steering knuckles.  Strength will be needed there too.

Oh yeah.........gonna even look st machining the whole knuckle from aluminum.  What I have here may just be a test run to get the engineering correct. 

[redneckrigger]

10 hours ago, gotnitro? said:

My fingers hurt just counting all those rivets !! Exceptional work detailing the frame rails , and cool trick w the compass face ..now the operator will always know which direction their facing lol

The rivets are actually very close to an actual REAL rivet........  .030” holes drilled through frame and crossmembers etc, then a piece of .030” Evergreen rod glued in and trimmed off.  Works well enough to satisfy my worst critic.....me!

[Chariots of Fire]

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.