Mercedes SK 3553 heavy haul truck

[henrikw]

Hi guys!

This is my first ever Tamiya 1:14 truck, been wanting to build one for ages I traded to this LS 1838, decided to rebuild it, converting it into an 8*4 heavy haul truck, inspired by this fine truck from the Netherlands:

Decided that I wanted to share my building with you guys So far, I have installed new chassis rails, extra steering axle, longer driveshaft, raised the cabin 8 mm. have also started construction of the "tower" behind the cab. Here goes

The tiny original truck:

Will add more later

[henrikw]

More pics of the current status:

Chassis overview:

Added the second steering axle:

Shortend rails, and added the old bumper/rear end:

Getting closer...

The right "cooling tower":

Test fit:

Fins...

More fins!

Test fitting again:

This is about it for now

[BRELs]

nice work on the heavy haul so far

[henrikw]

nice work on the heavy haul so far

Thanks! There is still way more to come

[henrikw]

Had time to build more on the "turret"

[henrikw]

More updates!

Added 2 towerpro servo's yesterday and hoocked up the lights again. also added wide front wheels and tyres, great!

[henrikw]

I have made some new chassis rails, decided that I needed another 3-4 cm between the front axles. Here are some pictures from today

Starting get looong:

Behind:

The new rear end, bulky and square like it's real -life counterpart:

Real:

Underneath:

Servo mount bars made of brass, will add some 11mm long threaded standoff's to "lower" the servo so It will clear the motor:

Back (too much flash):

Side:

Right now I'm thinking of shortening the gearbox, since I only use 1.st gear, the other 2 are too fast, even with a 60Turn motor and small pinion installed.

Hope you all like it

[Skottoman]

That's awesome. I love your styrene work! Looks like it's coming together nicely!

Cheers,

Skottoman

[henrikw]

That's awesome. I love your styrene work! Looks like it's coming together nicely!

Cheers,

Skottoman

Thank you so much Skottoman I still have some styrene work left, so stay tuned for more! Have to construct some side cabinets and a few other details.

[henrikw]

A small update, had some time to work some metal tonight. Made some smll brass bars to hold the servo's. Soon I'll be able to take a small drive I have lowerd the servos using 10mm stand offs normally used for pcb.

From the top:

Rear steering servo, notice the short horn (To reduce steering compared to the front wheels)

Front steering servo:

Bottom view:

Turning:

Hope you like it

[henrikw]

I totally forgot to update this thread, shame on me! So here is a crazy picture heavy update for you to enjoy

I have constructed a seesaw type front suspension to give the front axles a bit more articulation:

Next thing I painted the whole chassis with grey automotive primer:

Gearbox and servos:

Also painted the wheels and planetary gear hubs:

Mounted with tires, wheels, hubs and rings:

More painting: (TS26 Pure White and TS39 Mica Red, used over all)

The cabin:

Adding a bit of detailing:

Constructed a new bumper:

Bars made from one of the "tree" frames, used Loctite Super Attact to glue the styreen sheet to the tamiya plastics, and UHU Plast Spezial to glue tamiya to tamiya:

A quick mount to see if things stil fit:

Primed and ready for some TS26:

Also constructing a matching "follow" car, can be seen in the background:

Hope you guys like it! I've spend a few nights so far

[Skottoman]

Looks great! Love that you painted so much of the chassis... The red/black details on the cab came out nicely as well.

Great looking, and unique truck!

[henrikw]

Thanks Skottoman

Here is the progress of tonight:

and, the last drops of red for this project:

[henrikw]

I could not resists... Had to mount it and paint some of th minor black details So here is a quick shot of the front of the truck as it looks now:

This is it for tonight, I promise

[lee1980]

How well does the black tamiya line paint you show in your pic work? still applied with a brash and steady hand?

[henrikw]

How well does the black tamiya line paint you show in your pic work? still applied with a brash and steady hand?

I find it to work fine, althogh made for smaller "cracks" that om this 1:14 model, it sometimes needs a 2nd coating. And yes, brush + steady hand I only use it for body line stuff.

[henrikw]

A quick update

A small update on the bumper, I have cut and trimmed some acrylic diamond plate to the upper part of the bumper. It's painted silver/aluminum with XF16. Here's a couple of pics Hope you like it!

[GreatDane]

Great looking hauler, Henrik :-)

I can see there is a bigger gap between the front tire and the fender of the truck in the later pictures vs the pictures in the opening post.

Did you raise the body on the chassis (by the bodymount) or did you raise the ground clearance?

Thanks!

[henrikw]

Great looking hauler, Henrik :-)

I can see there is a bigger gap between the front tire and the fender of the truck in the later pictures vs the pictures in the opening post.

Did you raise the body on the chassis (by the bodymount) or did you raise the ground clearance?

Thanks!

Thank you GreatDane I raised the bodymounts 8 mm. The rear one with 8mm standoffs for pcb, can be purchased at Brinck elektronik I simply drilled 2 new holes in the front bumper mounting plate, 8mm lower

The I did not wat to raise the ground clearance as this truck need to be able to pull standard trailers and stuff.

[lee1980]

I find it to work fine, althogh made for smaller "cracks" that om this 1:14 model, it sometimes needs a 2nd coating. And yes, brush + steady hand I only use it for body line stuff.

Thanks will try some along with a sharpie marker!