And so starts my project

[DJ BlendeR]

So I finally have the time, materials, and thoughts all laid out before me to start my infamous Pebble Crawler. At first I tried to create one from a TYCO Canned Heat, but two wheel drive and lack of steering quickly booted that car out. I now have some axles yanked from a small 1:24ish toy RC car I found in germany. It is 4WD, and has enough room up front for a standard servo. Here are pics of those axles (http://community.webshots.com/album/75929247qoBYQj?913) I also have a pic with what I hope to achieve as far as articulation is concerned, the standard coke can... on its side. Today I bought some 3/16" metal doweling to construct suspension links and the outdrives. I also have a center punch, drill and tap to make way for the ball cups to screw into the links. Next on my list is some brass tubing to construct the frame, and 3/16" plastic sheets (some shelves my boss is planning to throw out). I also need to find the right gears for the motor to the drive shaft. I already have 3 bevel gears to change the rotation for the front driveshaft. Well that's all for now.

[wanabedriver]

sorry dude, but its already too big. check this out. (http://www.radiocontrolzone.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=126980) the truck is sitting on two MATCHBOXES. small enough?

[rx78gp03s]

nice.
good luck on ur project. looks good so far.
i'll have pics of my truck today!

[DJ BlendeR]

Dang that is one tiny truck there. Well, this won't be quite so small, but irregardless... It will prolly be big enough to sport some HPI Micro bodies.

I just picked up my brass tubing for the chassis, as well as the plastic to make the motor/servo mounts. I also picked up a bunch of pinion gears to make the gear train. If I did my math right, I should have an internal gear ratio of 1:37.5. I am going to run a stock motor (27turn) mounted in the center for even more torque. Tonight I am going to try and make the motor mount and test part of the gear train. I will get more pics by the end of the week hopefully, I don't have a digicam, but my friend is leniant on lending it to me.

[DJ BlendeR]

Well today was a big day, I have the motor plate drilled and the motor fitted. I also spent alot of time trying to get the gears right, because I realized right away my pinion combinations wouldn't give adequate clearance of the motor for the gearing that controls the front and rear drivelines. It still should have a fairly low gear ratio, in the mid 1:30's. I also drew out the tube frame and have started on one half of it. I have tapped the axles to mount studs for the links, and have figured out my link lengths.

I can't wait to show you guys the body for this thing, its just a regular chevy pickup, but I am mounting the ESC in the engine bay, with the cooling fins coming out the top of the hood. I looks really cool. Also, I will be able to seal off the ESC rather effectively for water travel :D

[rx78gp03s]

i see ur dilema man...
well only way u'll find outis to give it a try lol. the drive line should to the axle should spin the same way.
here's my update: my clod (http://www.radiocontrolzone.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=129330)

its done! well except for steering.
can't wait to see urs!

[DJ BlendeR]

ARGHHHH!!!! Today was a day of bad luck for sure. I didn't buy enough screws for the chassis yesterday, but even if I had, when I was drilling the holes for the ball studs, the drill bit grabbed some metal and twisted the chassis round and round, disassembling it partially. To add to that, when putting away the drill, I laid the chassis half next to me, and I knocked it on the ground, further shattering it. So, I am thinking about changing from tube from to the metal side plates that most people do... So...

rx7 On your clod project post you said you found the tools to cut the metal plates, what did you have to use? All I really have is a dremel, but I do have a diamond studded cutting wheel for it that I have been using for the brass tubing and steel rods for the cross members.

[DJ BlendeR]

After deliberating, or cussing under my breath really, I think I will rebuild the tube frame, maybe use more JB Weld this time around, but I might have to redo my motor mount, since the holes I had drilled for the gearing is too big for the 1/8 brass stock I picked up for the gears to sit on. So I might do the new motor mount out of metal, especially since I am worried about the plastic melting/warping from the motor's heat.

I'll see what I can get (re)done tonight and maybe I can get pics tomorrow or saturday... Man... I was hoping to get some pics showing you all the links and axles installed since I had what I needed to do just that...

[rx78gp03s]

i used a reciprocating saw.
yah it's kind of crud, but it worked. after that i used a file to file it down.
you probably don't have to use such power to make your side plates if thats what ur planning on. i was using 1/8th inch aluminum.
i suggest using 1/16th (about 2-3mm) sheet aluminum. it's about strong enough for your application plus u can cut it with a tin snips.

[DJ BlendeR]

The truck is progressing slowly but surely. I have widened the tires by adding spacers inside the hex mount, this has allowed for the links to be clear of hitting and rubbing the tires. I have the right side frame done, but while drilling the left, really marking the centers with my center punch, the left frame broke in a few spots, but that was my fault, since I had only applied JB weld to one side of the joints.

I still need to figure out the steering, since the way I was going to do it before, would have removed any spot to attach the shocks.

[rx78gp03s]

do it like a clod.
like my clod :)
http://members.shaw.ca/rx78gp02/clod/clod%20002s.jpg
if you need help man, i'm there for you.
i really want to see ur mini thing in action

[DJ BlendeR]

The thing about the steering that is giving me problems is the TIGHT space I have to work with. I only have standard size servos, and don't want to invest money in a mini servo, especially since the torque produced by standard ones will be just right. The servo is about as big as the entire front gearbox.also, the tires only rotate through about 30 degrees each way, so 60 degrees total, half of what a servo does, and so I want to attach a very small servo arm, to reduce its input, and therefore allow it to max out when the wheels have maxed out as well, another restriction, since my radio has no endpoint adjustments. if I can get the left side finished tomorrow, then I can probably get pics by wednesday. then I can finally give you guys some drooling material :D haha.

[DJ BlendeR]

Well, I got the steering solved, I actually mounted a stud through the crossmember that connects either axle carrier. Confusing, but I hope to get pics, if my friend ever returns my calls.

I also broke the tube frame again, this is really irritating, and not very reassuring for its strength come rock time, but then again, the frames broke only after sudden jolts, the first one from a drop to the floor, and teh second was using a center punch so I could drill through for my susp. links. I also found some sheet metal in my garage that I may use for not only mounting the motor, but also as extra strength around the frame. I promise pics are on the way, and in a few weeks I will be in San Diego, where I have access to a digital videocamera, so long as the truck drives :rolleyes: :D

[DJ BlendeR]

I had pics on the way!!! Till I broke it... I had both sides of the fame done, I had the links done and on the axles, I didn't have the crossbeams made, so I bought some wood doweling to make some temp ones, for pic purposes, and they kept breaking/stripping out, but I figured I'd hold it together by hand, but when I was connecting the links to the frame, the frame split apart, again. But when I was shopping for the doweling, I found some dirt cheap metal brackets, basically sheet metal with multiple holes in it. The sheet metal lines up almost perfectly with the original tube frame, so I am ditching that brass tubing for the metal, also, now that my trip to cali draws nearer, my dad reminded me he has a welder and some better tools/know how to get the job done, quicker then I have been going at it.

RX7, did you ever stop by home depot or lowes when you did your chassis? I saw a metal bracket that vormed a V like shape, with holes where they'd need to be for linkes, and a top shelf for electronics and everything. I know you have your's built, but the bracket was like $2 and probably only needs bracing, or could be used as a template. Just an idea if you want to rig something new up for that clod sometime.

[rx78gp03s]

when i built my chassis i didnt go to any supply stores. i just took any material i saw fit for my chassis and cutted it up. tube framed is very hard to construct.

as for a new chassis, not yet. hehe

[DJ BlendeR]

Tube frame is hard to construct. I figured it'd be easier for me though, with no access to cutting tools basically. I have since learned my lesson :D

[tl01boi]

Originally posted by rx78gp03s
do it like a clod.
like my clod :)
http://members.shaw.ca/rx78gp02/clod/clod%20002s.jpg
if you need help man, i'm there for you.
i really want to see ur mini thing in action

if you live in washington state i would race your with my tamiya juggernaut:p

[DJ BlendeR]

ALRIGHT! I finally got those pictures. http://community.webshots.com/album/75929247qoBYQj?234

Its the same link as above, but still. In the pictures you can see the links mounted to the rear axle, the servo mounted to the front axle, the metal brackets that I will use for side plates, the destroyed tube frame, and the Chevy pickup model that will be used for the body.

[Maxx_A_Million]

i wanna make a monster out of those little microsizers cars. . .

[draggerman11]

I also broke the tube frame again, this is really irritating, and not very reassuring for its strength come rock time, but then again, the frames broke only after sudden jolts, the first one from a drop to the floor, and teh second was using a center punch so I could drill through for my susp. links.

Why don't you just solder the tubes together instead of using epoxy?

[DJ BlendeR]

I'm pretty sure that sauder would be weaker than the epoxy. Everytime I use sauder and a little drips down onto the metal base or a table, it comes off pretty easily. I'll try it if the metal brackets don't work. I have been busy the last weekend, so I haven't gotten any work done on it. But I went to an awesome hardware shop, and have found some things I could probably use for the cross members, and some other ideas I have. Stay tuned

[AudiTT-Quattro]

Epoxy and soldering are both pretty weak.

Brazing, the only way to go in this case since it's probably a little too thin to weld.

[draggerman11]

A friend of mine made a chassis for his Stampede a few years back out of flat aluminum plate and copper tubing and soldered it together, and it was pretty strong.

You sure it's too weak?

[DJ BlendeR]

I've got the frame cut. I also found the perfect shocks. Click the link above and check out the side plate pics and shock pics. Or if someone could teach me how to put pics on here from Webshots, then I could show it to you all here.

Also, I am thinking about ditching a centrally mounted 540 motor. I saw some Speed 400 RC Plane motors at a hobby shop that I might mount on each axle, then wire them in parallel. Those will be picked up on saturday, along with a smaller servo. Check out pics again on sunday, and I should have the chassis assembled!:D

[DJ BlendeR]

After a 25min drive to the hardware store, I find out its closed, so no crossbeams for my truck. However, I felt bad about not getting the pics and wanted to whet my own interest, so I rigged up a temporary cross beam and hooked on suspension links. Click the link from my first post and check out page two. Also on there is my new body, that may be a show body, if weight becomes an issue, see as how it is metal. I am looking to be finished by the end of this week or middle of next week if nothing goes wrong.

[Blacken]

do this get a 60 watt soldering iron some rosin and some good 60/40 solder. scuff that brass with a file or sandpaper. take a napkin and take a little somin and rub it on. now heat up your brass with the iron. now apply a litle solder just to make a thin coat.. now put 2 piece together and melt that little bit of solder.. you car and a bit more solder to make the joint stonger. trust me this is alot easier than using jb once you get the hang of it

[DJ BlendeR]

I appreciate all your guys' opinions on the tube frame, but I have done away with it. Maybe in the future I will do one, and then I will try the sauder.

In fact, I have the frame built, cross beams and all. Check out this link here: http://community.webshots.com/album/80357711TuIjLC?736

I had to create a new album because I ran out of room in the first one, so the other links won't have the new pics. Lemme see if I can get one in here as well...

[DJ BlendeR]

whoaaaaa... how do I resize pics? Don't want your computers to explode.

[rx78gp03s]

nice chassis! i see that u used galvinize steel. looks pretty solid so far.

send da pics to me and i'll resize them for yah: rx78gp02_dendrobium@hotmail.com

[killer_d76]

:ö: looking good DJ BlendeR :cool:.. about soldering chassis parts?.. they work great! and pretty tough too , as for those easy to loose solder on the chassis, this parts are usually located on a high stress area of the chassis such as the motor mount or the suspension part.. what you can do here is add a brace for additional strength and support on that area.

here is the link of videos of my creations..

http://mini-zracer.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8384

i hope you like it ;)

-æ

[DJ BlendeR]

RX7, I thought there was a code within the img tag that allows it to be resized, otherwise if I resize the pics webshots won't give me a seperate link.

Killer- Your stuff is absolutely amazing. In fact, I was getting really ticked about my drivetrain and was considering emailing you to see if I cold order some axles from you, but then I got my own axles squared away. I can't wait to see your LandCruiser in action.

[killer_d76]

Originally posted by DJ BlendeR
I can't wait to see your LandCruiser in action.

:ö: Thanks DJ ;)... hey the 1/32 Land Cruiser is in there too!..just press page down a bit.. the title is "video of my 1/32 bruiser" ;)..

-æ

[DJ BlendeR]

Hey guys, I haven't dumped this project, I have just been really busy. Me and my dad have been working on his 72 Chevelle trying to get it tuned and running right. This has left little time to work on the truck, however, I do have the parts bought to finish the front suspension, and I have the motor mounted. Things to do hopefully tomorrow, is drill the holes to mount the gears for the transmission. I'd post a pic or two of the truck with the motor installed, but the camera is out of juice.

[DJ BlendeR]

OK guys, most of the geartrain is in place. I still need to affix the front and rear drivelines. Pics are now up. Only three new ones, but new ones none the less.

[rx78gp03s]

lookin good so far, especially the gear box. man i cna't make my own gear box... i just odnt have the patients to do it lol. well i tried once n it failed lol.
nice work keep it up. im' still hopin for yah

[DJ BlendeR]

Wow, its been a real long time since I have been here, sorry to anyone following this truck. I have been on yotatech and RC MT alot and not here. Here's the truck as of today.

First up is a size/wheel base comparison to what the original NewRay truck looked like, its on the right of course:

http://invis.free.anonymizer.com/http://community.webshots.com/s/image7/4/53/33/86145333MXBglC_ph.jpg

http://invis.free.anonymizer.com/http://community.webshots.com/s/image7/4/52/64/86145264TKObnY_ph.jpg

Here is maxxed articulation, about 75*, the shocks were binding up a bit, and need ball cups for ends, that will be corrected sometime this week with my next trip to the LHS:

http://invis.free.anonymizer.com/http://community.webshots.com/s/image7/4/51/58/86145158yDsoQe_ph.jpg

More pics are here: community.webshots.com/al...7711TuIjLC