Tlt Axled Dmg Crawler Build Thread

[ryanbored]

Hi guys and girls! Thought I would share my latest project with you. Thought I would have a crack at building my own crawler. I have had a couple of "trial" trucks (Hilift, CC-01, CR-01) but wanted a proper out and out, no holds barred crawler. I dont like the whole 'stick' design that are sucsessful, and have no intention of competing, so wanted it to still look a bit like a truck. That is untill I came across the DMG Aluminati. WOW! Proper pukka, kosher: awesome. A TLT was murdered, a gearbox ordered and various other bits to make this beastie up! TWINSET is now my cheif mechanic [he just doesn't know it yet ] as he has a lovely one in his showroom (envy and a credit card are dangerous things!). When everything arrived I realised I know nothing(!) So it sat for a couple of months and I considered selling it. Even asked Mr. Fixit Dready to build it for me.

"Stop being a girl" I thought. So here we go. Noob is in the house. Witnes all the blood, sweat and heartache that is a muppet with tools:

Table in the lounge taken over. Fiancee out.

Axles locked and finished:

Fiancee's back- So that's all for today. Feel free to comment and wish me luck. I have a sneaky suspicion I'll need it.

Couple of interesting finds;

1) Will glue from a hot glue gun keep my axles locked?

2) Will my 15 6Kg servo last?!

TTFN

Ryan

[BiggusDitchus]

Good start Ryan, about time you set about building something yourself , amazing the satisfaction you get from it. The DMG is a stunning looking chassis, I presume thats J4son's old one.

With regards to your 6kg servo I doubt its gonna cut the mustard, I had a hitec 645mg servo (rated at 9kg at 6v) and it wasnt up to the job of turning the steering on my crawler running weighted wheels (380g each). I have just upgraded to a Hitec 5955tg (24kg at 6v) although a little expensive for general use.. If I were you I would look for something like a hitec 645 or towerpro 995(if you want to go cheap and fairly cheerful)

I was tempted to make an offer for that chassis when you had it up for trade, unfortunately lack of funds was the decider.

[ryanbored]

Thanks mate- I'm just at the mock up stage really- See how everything goes together (or not as the case may be!). I'm planning 3 weeks from start to finish with the time I have available.

J4son is chassisless

[ryanbored]

Balls. Just noticed the posts have started to split where I screwed the servo mount down. Any ideas for a fix/ cure?

[igbandy]

Nice, it is about time you did something like this . The best way to learn is to knuckle down and experiment.

As for your diffs, I never use the dreaded hot glue. With the TLT axles (and most other Tamiya) is to take 1 of the 3 ickle gears off the diff spider and place it between the other 2 gears. And you then have a nice locked diff that is reversable but without all that mess from the hot glue.

[ryanbored]

Nice, it is about time you did something like this

LOL! Thanks- I think

Ok, it has come to light I need to order a load of parts (driveshafts I have are poop, and need new (shorter) links) so this may not get an update for a week or so whilst I get the parts from the States.

Whilst I'm at it I may as well get a transmission with disconnect

[igbandy]

It was meant as a compliment

The best way to learn is by doing stuff, yes you will be repeating

"whatamistakatoomaka"

But it all goes down as experience, and you will get more confident as time goes by.

[Wrc action]

As for your diffs, I never use the dreaded hot glue. With the TLT axles (and most other Tamiya) is to take 1 of the 3 ickle gears off the diff spider and place it between the other 2 gears. And you then have a nice locked diff that is reversable but without all that mess from the hot glue.

totally agreed, found my support truck diffs to be built like this, Now unlocked them with no problems and run perfectly.

Cheers

Ryck

[TWINSET]

need new (shorter) links) so this may not get an update for a week or so whilst I get the parts from the States.

Make your own fella;

DIY Links

With regards to the axle cases splitting, eventually you're gonna have to replace them however you repair them so for the time being, bolt them down at the back (under the servo, you have to drill the holes) and use them for as long as they last.

Line the front holes with superglue just to add some bite for the screws, and use M3 screws, not self-tappers

[ryanbored]

Oooh- I might try that. I think I have a pipe cutter somewhere [Rummage, rummage] How long are your links then?! (Eye to eye)

[TWINSET]

Oooh- I might try that. I think I have a pipe cutter somewhere [Rummage, rummage] How long are your links then?! (Eye to eye)

110mm front, 115mm rear

Your best bet though, is to make a wheelbase jig - 2 bits of timber/alu with 4mm holes drilled 12 1/2" apart

Not only will that keep it 'comp legal' but will also hold it all in place making it easier to take measurements for the top link length.

[ryanbored]

I will make one of those. I think I have some spare alloy from a suitcase sliding handle (!) that looked too good to throw away. I guess it that's the size they have to be then the jig will be fairly universal if I'm ever stupid enough to try this sort of thing again!

[Jonost24]

You could try sleeving the post with tube of some type. If you have a look in B&Q they do a decent range of ally and plastic tube. Might be worth a shot!!

[ryanbored]

Thanks mate- I need a trip to B&Q- Mmmmm new tools

[ryanbored]

Ok, So after a chat with a couple of members [thanks guys- you know who you are!] I made a jig, did all the measuring and started to put on the links I have. The ones I dont will be made after my little trip to B&Q yesterday!

[ryanbored]

Ok- another session tonight, and I have finished up with a rolling chassis. Well, it rolls if you push it...

Just need to fit the gearbox, drive shafts, steering, weight the wheels and sort the electronics, about 1/3rd of the way thru by my reconing. Note the different bottom link mounts on the chassis, the previous owner was a bit of a thug (hehe) and split the originals, so I sorted with some drilled and tapped 90 deg alu angle.

Those of you on the ball [!] will see I used bent links top and bottom at the back. To start with it's cos it's all I had and couln't be bothered to make my own tonight, but I think it looks pretty cool? Works well too...

Then we have the obligitory flexy-shot:

This is the first time I've tried a 'droop' set-up, so just playing about at the minute.

Any tips/ comments welcome guys,

Cheers

Ryan

[grizy]

Fill that glass and toast your good work.

Looking good.

Grizy

[caddy shack]

Looking good Rhianna, how many pints did you drink along the way.

cad

[ryanbored]

Looking good Rhianna, how many pints did you drink along the way.

cad

LOL! only about 3, but I'm a light-weight, so was chasing screws around the table towards the end!

[caddy shack]

you best get some practice in then for the stag night lol , ive not drunk in 4 years i bet or more so your 3 ahead of me

you done anymore?

cad

[ryanbored]

you best get some practice in then for the stag night lol , ive not drunk in 4 years i bet or more so your 3 ahead of me

you done anymore?

cad

4 years? No drink?! You a priest?!!!! Nope- Night off tonight. More on Thursday!

[caddy shack]

yes i bet its longer than that lol my middle name is j___ p___ so could be the old pope lol

once i hit 18 it never really botherd me lol and that was a good few years ago.

thursday you got some swag on route then .

cad

[ryanbored]

Nope. The missus has been whinging that "I love that stupid truck" More than her.

No.

Well, maybe sometimes

Thursday is my day off, and it's also when I'm expecting my new project in the post (or maybe today if I'm lucky) so everything might change!

[blakeatron]

Nope. The missus has been whinging that "I love that stupid truck" More than her.

No.

Well, maybe sometimes

Thursday is my day off, and it's also when I'm expecting my new project in the post (or maybe today if I'm lucky) so everything might change!

Thought you were selling projects???? Make your mind up woman!

I haven't got drunk in over a year, occasional glass of wine with a meal but thats it

[ryanbored]

Thought you were selling projects????

Yeah- I know. At the moment I'm eyeing up the CR-01 thinking it would make a good parts donor!