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Been working on this little project as a side-line over the last few weeks.  Home life is crazy busy, work is manic and 99% of my other unfinished projects are waiting for warmer weather so I can start painting properly, but this is something that I can just sit and hack quietly at during lunchbreaks and on the odd spare evening.

It's a 1:16 toy-grade low loader made by Bruder.  For those not familiar, they're a very popular conversion for 1:14 low loaders because they're cheap, well detailed and easily extended.  My local trucking clubs have got a few custom trailers based on the Bruder chassis.

First thing is to extend the chassis so it's long enough to load a race truck onto, and still have space left for a pit garage.  I didn't want to go overboard in length because our club layouts can be quite tight but wanted enough to look proper.  Overall length is about the same as my 40' container trailer.

I didn't bother to photo every stage and I won't bother to document it either - if you want some good advice on extending a Bruder, this is the tutorial I used:

http://www.acbruderspares.co.uk/how-to-extend-a-low-loader-part-1-1.html

So far I've fitted a Bruder-to-Tamiya kingpin set from eBay, and extended the chassis...

IMG_20170117_195558366_zpsdviyzamj.jpg

and started filling in the floor with plasticard.  Another sheet is needed to level it off, then I'll have to work out how I'm going to finish it to look good.

IMG_20170201_183857213_zps7ezagtum.jpg

 

Today I ordered an OB-1 wireless trailer light system and a set of motorised support legs, so in theory I can hitch and unhitch without having to walk across the layout to unplug wires.  Fitting the motorised legs to the Bruder chassis might be interesting - I've never fitted a set before and don't really know how they work.  I was going to go with an SS-tronix wireless system which has an option to remotely control the support legs without using the bulky Tamiya setup, but unfortunately SS-tronix aren't currently taking new orders.  I don't think the OB-1 has the facility to control the support legs.

I'm heading home in a few minutes to get another bit of plasticard on the deck, that should level it off nicely.  I guess then I'll start thinking about a frame for the pit garage.

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Little bit more work at lunch - a very thin sheet of plasticard added to level off the load bed:

IMG_20170202_132858157_zpsfhmp05ke.jpg

and the TGS shell plonked in place for a rough idea of size:

IMG_20170202_133050809_zpsf9vxjtiq.jpg

 

Also ordered some A3 sheets of plasticard to build up the pit garage, although I probably don't want to start that until I've fitted the motorised legs.

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Cool. I thought about getting two of these (cutting the centre out of one to extend the other) but never got around to it. Either way I would like a transport trailer (lowboy, drop deck, etc) of some kind. Very keen to see what you do with yours :D

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So my motorised support leg kit arrived this weekend!  I'd ordered for delivery to work, it was something of a surprise to have it turn up at the front door (especially at the wife opened it thinking it was something I'd ordered for her :P ) 

Didn't get much free time to look at it but I managed to get everything bolted up to the rig late last night.  It'll be a few months before the race trailer is ready to hit the layout so I'm kind of wishing I'd bought two kits, then at least I could have a play with it on my container trailer!

No pics today as no real work was done on the trailer, will try to pick up where I left off mid-week once I've got the legs built.

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OK, so I've been busy looking after my new baby for the past few weeks, but I'm getting back in to RC stuff again as things are just starting to calm down a little :D

I've built the motorised support legs, nice little build and quite different from most Tamiya stuff.  Strange solution, though.  Seems odd that most of the mechanism is compact and simple and fits really neatly into standard Tamiya trailers, and then suddenly there's this huge lever mechanism that slaps onto the side of the trailer and won't fit a Euro truck unless you take the wheel arches off...

Anyway, fitting it to a Bruder chassis isn't the easiest thing I've ever done.  I removed the purpose-built kingpin designed for the Bruder chassis and installed one designed for a standard Tamiya trailer instead.  This means the mechanism should line up in the right place.

IMG_20170314_133117002_zpsatkokbyw.jpg

 

On a standard trailer, the switch box sits above the kingpin plate, between the chassis rails.  The Bruder chassis doesn't have rails, it has plastic ribs.  It'll have to have rails eventually otherwise it will probably snap in half.

IMG_20170314_134422721_zpsieluvwoh.jpg

 

Not the clearest photo, but this is the kingpin plate and switch box mocked in place.  Nothing permanently fitted yet.  The switch box will need reinforcing from above - at the moment only two screws hold the entire assembly onto the chassis.

IMG_20170314_134542780_zpsambum0fi.jpg

 

Actuation lever assembly just plonked in place here - I'll have to trim off those ribs with the Dremel.  These ribs were designed for a toy-grade trailer of a much shorter length carrying much lighter loads with no power.  I'm going to be carrying batteries, a TT01 chassis, a full box body with interior, and I'll be towing it with a Tamiya rig.  It's going to need some reinforcing once that main rib is removed!

IMG_20170314_134647121_zpsfor6mrl9.jpg

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Time for a little bit more this lunch.  Hacked a nice big hole in the chassis to mount the lever assembly for the motorised legs.

IMG_20170315_133919975_HDR_zpscx97eslh.j

 

Got a nice big flat space on the inside to add some reinforcing, which will be essential now I've hacked most of the plastic and ribs away for the lever assembly and switch box.

IMG_20170315_133955805_HDR_zpsicadgucf.j

 

Even more hacking to do next time, as I've still got to fit the legs themselves.  Hopefully they will fit nicely on all my new reinforcing.  I hope I have enough aluminium U-section left, otherwise I'll be waiting on yet another small delivery of parts :wacko:

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OK, so had a busy couple of weeks on the trailer, although I opted not to bombard you all with photos every day - here's the highlights of the build.

Using strips of alu L section from B&Q to make the top section:

IMG_20170321_134650982_zpsb6bphwsu.jpg

IMG_20170322_135306251_zps9ulchcgv.jpg

 

I used the top plate from by Hercules Hobby trailer as a template for a new top plate for the race trailer.  This has got all the holes in the right place for the lever assembly.

IMG_20170322_204036348_zpsktwsra3t.jpg

 

Brackets cut and (partially) drilled:

IMG_20170322_205609934_HDR_zpsptdccr11.j

 

Mocked together:

IMG_20170324_072225725_zpsgasr6x78.jpg

 

Lever assembly fits nicely:

IMG_20170324_072246848_HDR_zpsro3t1wps.j

 

Kingpin mounted, spacers cut to keep L-brackets at the right height:

IMG_20170327_132242569_zpsfgtcnu07.jpg

 

Assembled with the right countersunk screws for smooth operation:

IMG_20170327_133005639_zps9j0q9ysw.jpg

 

Test-mounted on rig to check for clearance issues and correct operation of support legs:

IMG_20170327_133725794_zpsnyi4onbr.jpg

IMG_20170327_133737242_zpsd8dpatd8.jpg

 

Today I cut some corner brackets to secure the whole thing onto the trailer base, having trouble with photobucket so on photos of that.  Surprisingly it took all of my 30 min lunch break just to cut two small brackets.

 

Tomorrow's job will be cutting the holes in the load bed floor for the support legs to go thru, and possibly measuring up for the final fitment of the legs.  I'll also need to cut down the metal bar that runs down the centre of the chassis, as the support leg motor will need to fit there, but I might not have time for that in a single 30 min break.

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UPDATES!  Been quietly working on this one in the background but had some issues with mobile phones and photobucket accounts and other nonsense, so haven't updated much.

Anyway, here's where we're at:

Alu bracket for the support legs removed and modified, trailer cut, legs fitted and everything reassembled

IMG_20170328_134933714_HDR_zpsywret5ea.j

IMG_20170330_133956148_HDR_zps6gju5qq7.j

IMG_20170404_184931045_zpsfjulu8ve.jpg

IMG_20170405_131337327_zpshm4dfrna.jpg

IMG_20170405_131337327_zpshm4dfrna.jpg

IMG_20170522_132908225_zps47gszpfx.jpg

 

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And starting work on the pit workshop.  For now I'm not bothering with an interior or with cut windows or working doors, I'll add the details with paint and decals.  Maybe later I'll add a scale interior to cover up the electronics, but it's too much for me to take on right now, I need to get some of these projects finished so I can clear some space in the workshop.

Side panels made from tough ABS sheet in A3 size.  I tried to glue it with regular modelling cement but couldn't get sufficient saturation over the large area; I tried solvent gel for gluing ABS water pipes which sort of worked but didn't dry too well.  Then I used some Evostick super adhesive stuff that I had left over from putting some wall panels up in my bathroom.  It's got amazing gap-filling properties and doesn't attack the ABS.  It sticks well but can be peeled off - which is fortunate as I managed to get the second sheet in the wrong place.

IMG_20170614_130030_zpsyq155x0k.jpg

IMG_20170614_130037_zpsvrdqmf6q.jpg

 

Spot the mistake - I forgot to cut out the seconds for the fifth wheel.  Sorted with a Dremel.

IMG_20170614_131713_zpstzxt1d5x.jpg

 

And tidied up with a power sander

IMG_20170614_132511_zps3fypjixh.jpg

 

Back panel glued in place with plastic cement, using styrene box section for rigidity

IMG_20170614_134445_zpsfhdyucll.jpg

IMG_20170614_134455_zps5kb3wgjr.jpg

 

Next plan - finish off the front, then add a hinged lid so I can get into the electrics.  Also have to add side panels down to the back and a load bed (not sure if I should use ply for a natural effect or ABS and try to decorate it like a steel load area).

Bluetooth light kit is nearby ready to install, will test-fit early on but probably leave final fitment until after paint.  I also have some nice trailer light lenses from Carson that should look good when fitted.  I still need to mount my behind-cab generator on the TGX chassis and fit the MFU-03 and bluetooth transmitter for the trailer lights.  Right now the thought of taking my truck apart to fit the generator is filling me with dread, I know it'll be a long job!

Then of course everything will need painting.  Such a lot to do, so little spare time!

:)

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Got a little more work done this week.  Added the front section.  Deliberately cut very slightly large in every angle so I have some meat to smooth back later.

IMG_20170615_134614_zpsi6sy6gil.jpg

IMG_20170615_134621_zps7onodhwv.jpg

IMG_20170620_133150_zpswy887xo7.jpg

IMG_20170620_133155_zpsv5clqkqz.jpg

 

It's really starting to take shape now.  Next plan is to reinforce all the corners with narrow styrene rod, which should also help to fill the gaps in the joins and give me something to smooth back to a nice finish.  Then I'll have to level off the top before adding styrene box all around, then fitting a hinged lid so I can get to the electronics when I need to.

Also the sides need building, along with a new deck for the truck to sit on.

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hello

        heres my go at bruder body on hahn racing truck,need to sort out bottom spoiler as cut short,i have cut a lot out to make lighter .i use solding iron to cut out.

20170628_223718[1].jpg

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Not had much time to work on the trailer this month (busy getting ready for the Revival) but managed to pick up the custom stickers for my TGS rig yesterday, so finally I could put it to bed.  Took me til 10:30 last night but was worth staying up late and skipping 90 minutes of video games to get this done.

Will get some better photos when I have time to take it out in the sunlight.

YDEGcJ7.jpg

hgfnya4.jpg

BFySDLv.jpg

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Updates :)

Work dried up in July owing to me totally not being ready for the Iconic Revival, to the extent that I was still masking shells for paint a week before the final race was due to take place.  I got back from the Revival with exactly 3 weeks to go before the BSMEE Model Exhibition in Bristol.  I didn't want to turn up once again with a plain container trailer and no container to go on it, so I figured I'd best get on and at least try to get this project looking presentable for the big day.  Something of a tall order it seems, with me pulling every spare lunchbreak to cut, hack, glue and sand this thing.

First task: build a roof to add some rigidity to the trailer.  Cut-out in the middle to allow access to electrics and batteries.  I'd originally considered a full interior but right now there isn't time (or skill) for that.

36345959441_6e231a6f01_k.jpgIMG_20170802_132329 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

36483197255_88069fb9e3_k.jpgIMG_20170802_134758 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

 

Then onto the side panels.  Annoyingly enough the sides are just a little too long to make out of one A3 sheet, and I didn't have enough sheet left to make them in sensible sized sections, but I think it'll look fine on the finished version.

36437174356_08b17fb868_k.jpgIMG_20170807_134406 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

36483198715_f6e9c1f81f_k.jpgIMG_20170808_131926 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

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Side panels not looking too bad considering I pretty much guessed the location of the arches, marked them with an aerosol lid, rough-cut them on a scroll saw and finished off with a half-round file and some sandpaper.  This has turned into a "whatever I can lay my hands on" project, especially when the styrene is too thick to do curves with a craft knife.

36483199605_eeab80b562_k.jpgIMG_20170809_133059 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

 

Added some thinner styrene sheet to the deck, as the original was looking a bit second-hand after all my drilling, screwing and filing.  I'm working to the theory that I'll never have to remove any of those screws...

36437178006_64629e326a_k.jpgIMG_20170809_134607 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

 

And the bit I was really afraid of - I hacked up the back of the trailer to install some Carson light pods.  I had no intention of making a new rear section for this trailer, so if I screw this up, I've got a lot more work to do.

36437179796_ebd03c639b_k.jpgIMG_20170809_201247 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

 

Today's work - giving everything a good going over with 800 grit wet-or-dry pending a coat of plastic primer tomorrow morning.  Yes, having come so far, we are now that close to getting some paint on!!

36483202045_3e1c664226_k.jpgIMG_20170810_134731 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

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Managed to throw some paint at it this AM.  First a light coat of Halfords plastic primer.

36360078071_6544d7aa10_k.jpg2017-08-11_09-54-16 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

Then, after 40 minutes under the halogen lamps, some Halfords satin black on the bed.  Also sprayed black underneath (hence the burnt-effect overspray around the bottom.  Will look a bit daft if there's still red showing through underneath when it's on the layout ;) 

36100352300_0f0aa49062_k.jpg2017-08-11_09-55-18 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

I let it sit for another 40 mins under the lamps so hopefully this will be cured enough by lunchtime to mask it over, re-prime the overspray and add some of the main colour around the body.

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Pretty busy week so far getting ready for the model expo this weekend.  Here's the latest updates.

Got up early yesterday morning to flat back the last coat of silver ready for the blue coat:

35796306613_a277f12f31_k.jpgIMG_20170815_062334 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

 

then in a moment of muppetry, I left it to dry on an upturned box and knocked it over.  Cracked the plastic in one corner and put some marks on the paint.  Fortunately most of the marks were where it would have the blue coat, and I was able to pull the broken section back into place.  It won't be that visible once it's painted.  I can fix it better later.

35796307193_6da5832025_k.jpgIMG_20170815_062358 by Max Ax, on Flickr

 

Blue coat added during yesterday's lunchbreak

36559503076_62f31eef3a_k.jpgIMG_20170815_130412 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

 

And this morning I pulled off all the masks to reveal a pretty reasonable paint job :D

35796308033_bc9ae3d97a_k.jpgIMG_20170816_082832 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

 

Support legs are now test-fitted (they're still not 100% level after a lot of re-drilling, but they're good enough for now).  Today's plan is to secure them properly, then start fitting the light lenses and the lighting kit.  I had originally intended to lacquer the trailer but my workshop is pretty dusty right now, and I'm really nervous of ruining a good paint job so close to the event.  I'll do the event, then try to de-dust my paint booth, then see about lacquering.  That'll give the paint time to cure properly, too.

Tonight's plan (provided the baby doesn't cause trouble I'm free to do as I please tonight :D ) is to fit the wireless transmitter to the MFU-03 in the cab, and try to fit a Carson steering link to get a bit more angle.  I often have to do 3-point turns just to get around bends on our layout, and the Bristol expo layout is very tight and very busy!

The other thing I need to do is re-read the MFU manual because I can't remember what all the transmitter commands do

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Got the MFU-03 all set up yesterday, then hooked up the OB1 wireless system.  That's a fairly impressive piece of kit!  Only major complaint about it is the switch is on top of the battery box, but the screw-fixed battery lid is on the bottom - so I can't servo-tape it to the inside of the trailer!  Would make so much more sense to have the switch on the side, not the top.  Although in the long run it would make sense to connect it all up to the support leg batteries.

Another issue: the front panel on the trailer is too long and covers where the plate fits, so the truck can't hitch / unhitch properly.  Daft mistake on my part!  Will have to cut / dremel it away carefully then paint over any damage.  It still operates well enough when it's connected, I just can't demo the support legs.

Here's some pics of the wiring and light lenses:

35819545783_3360fe89f0_k.jpgIMG_20170816_204448 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

35819549363_4b4e60f145_k.jpgIMG_20170816_210130 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

Still to do: sort out that issue on the front panel, fit my Carson wide angle steering link.  Missed lunch today due to being busy at work and my van being in the garage, so realistically only got 30 mins tomorrow to finish it.  But the wife is out on Sat arvo so I might steal a bit of time to finish it off then :D

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Plonked the TGS on the trailer this AM, just to see how it looks.

Pretty much spot-on, I think.  Although I might have to consider getting the trailer professionally painted so it can stand up to the shine of the lexan!

36475598032_8bef370df2_k.jpg2017-08-18_09-30-22 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

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5 hours ago, Mad Ax said:

Plonked the TGS on the trailer this AM, just to see how it looks.

Pretty much spot-on, I think.  Although I might have to consider getting the trailer professionally painted so it can stand up to the shine of the lexan!

36475598032_8bef370df2_k.jpg2017-08-18_09-30-22 by Mad Ax, on Flickr

i can see the reson for the thick silver stripe know. i was about to say it would look better i white. oh and get a can of 2k clear for the trailer i have used it on my merc truck and i am blowed away by the results and it only took 2 coats aswell i had no orange peel or i did'nt have to prep it either i just need to polish it 

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cool, I have some Halfords clear coat but a bit nervous about using it and ruining the finish.  Might have to look for a better quality clear coat, I'm not impressed with the latest paints from Halfords - used to be really good but the colour match on this is terrible, it's the same as the TGS is painted but they're clearly different shades.

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