Kenworth C500 with Cormach Crane (Falcon Industries Style)

[bonox]

ooh - now there's an offer you can't refuse saber

I see TLG+volvo+MB only better

[Saberwing40k]

Great work!

Is there any way we (Falcon Equipment) can contact you on this? Perhaps we can help by providing additional photos of the truck or details of the build?

Hmm, that sounds interesting. I actually have a proposal for you guys, specifically. But, I would like to do it through this site's PM system. The only thing on your end you would have to do is make ten good posts, and then I would be able to send you a message with an email address to contact me with. I am reluctant to post my email address publicly, as I am worried about spambots.

For everyone, I have not really made much progress do to a combo of builder's block (Like writer's block, but for builders.), and real life intervening. I've been rather busy starting a new job, but I hope to start this project up again soon.

[Saberwing40k]

3 years. 3 flippin years. Three years ago, I started work on a project, an ambitious project. This project was a Kenworth C500 Tridem-Tridem truck with a Cormach 23000A knuckle boom crane, as assembled by Falcon Industries of Canada.

I was planning on entering this in [TC6], but that fell thru. Then, I was planning to finish it, but I stopped. That was 3 years ago. But, I did not demolish the model. I just could not bring myself to disassemble it, but I also couldn't motivate myself to finish it. And so it sat, taunting me, through 3 years and 2 location moves. But now, 3 years and a thousand miles away, I have restarted the project. This model will be finished, and is probably going to be the be the best thing I have ever made.

Before I stopped building, I had actually done some additional work that I did not post, namely building the boom, and one of the rear outriggers.

Kenworth C500 old. by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Now, I have learned much in 3 years, and so I am going to rebuild much of the model, starting with the overly complex outriggers.I have built a new outrigger module, which I will show off tomorrow. For now, this is my announcement for a revived project.

P.S. As I alluded to earlier, I did have to move. Due to my dad losing his job, we both had to move from Colorado to Arizona, where we are staying with family. I hope we both find new jobs, and soon. On the plus side, moving forced me to pack up my collection, and now I have reorganized it. Now, I should build more.

 

 

Edited March 28, 2018 by Jim
Removed link to merged topic

[Aventador2004]

I remember this! Good to see progress.

[sirslayer]

Thats a big truck!! sweet!! 

[1gor]

That s a monster 

Just one question - I have never seen which scale is it built (1:18, 1:17...)? I'll keep my fingers crossed that both you and your dad find a decent job.

Edited March 19, 2018 by I_Igor

[Saberwing40k]

On 3/19/2018 at 12:26 AM, I_Igor said:

That s a monster 

Just one question - I have never seen which scale is it built (1:18, 1:17...)? I'll keep my fingers crossed that both you and your dad find a decent job.

Scale is unknown, I have not been able to find any information on Kenworth C500 wheel sizes, but based on information on similar trucks, it's about 1:17 scale.

 

Update:

Here are some quick and dirty pics of the new outrigger module, and some comparisons with the old one.

Old Vs. New 01 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Old and new. The old module is the one on the bottom. I chose to discard this module, as it is overly complex, and works poorly. It uses 4 mini linear actuators to extend and retract. However, this system is sloppy, and requires a massive geartrain to work. The new version uses a linkage system and a worm gear to extend both segments at the same time. I was actually inspired by working around towable boom lifts, as the ones JLG make use a linkage that would inspire mine.

This is the kind of lift in question. As the top segment is raised, the bottom scissor linkage is actuated, and raised as well. The linkage is kind of hard to see, unless you are up close, and seeing this movement is what inspired me to create the linkage in my outriggers.

Outrigger mechanisms by Saberwing007, on Flickr

This picture is the outrigger mechanism itself, with some structural parts not shown for clarity. The lime green drivetrain runs to a mini LA to lower the outrigger pads, using a mechanism modcopped from 42009. Getting the geartrain and the linkage in the middle to play nicely together was an ordeal, but I made it work. The linkage and worm gear are outlined in purple, and are used for extension. The linkage crosses over from the bottom link of one parallelogram, to the top link of the other, thus driving them in opposite directions. this will make more sense when I post a video.

Now, here are some pictures of the outrigger module IRL. The outriggers are mechanically linked in the middle, and run off of a common motor. The extension is the same as the old module, but the new set is overall somewhat narrower.

Outrigger Module 01 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

The reason I chose this type of outrigger setup is because of the fact that the real crane has a large outrigger span, with the front outriggers being 3 stage. Doing 3 stage anything in Lego is hard, and it would have been impossible to do at this scale. Having folding outriggers like this was the only way, and I think it actually looks good.

Outrigger Module 02 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

The center of the module is not complete, and I have not finalized the connections to the rest of the frame. The outriggers and all of the crane components will be on a sub frame that will be easily removable from the chassis of the truck. doing this will make assembly and testing much easier.

At this point, I don't know when the next update will be. I ran out of PF cables, so I had to order more, but that should not stall construction too much. Tentatively, I will have an update sometime this Saturday.

[1gor]

There are usually 2 tires used on Kenworth C500 -11R24,5 like on model that you chose for inspiration, or 42R21 like on this

http://www.motorstown.com/47455-kenworth-c500.html#gal_47455_kenworth-c500-08.jpg

 

[Saberwing40k]

Thank you for the information. Does not change the size calculations much, though.

[1gor]

3 hours ago, Saberwing40k said:

Thank you for the information. Does not change the size calculations much, though.

you're welcome. there is no need for resizing or recalculations...and Tumbler tires are perfect for 6 x 6 C500, but I don't know which attachment will be best for it...

Edited March 21, 2018 by I_Igor

[Lakop]

Look forward to it. I know what its like when you start something and really want to finish it but life gets in the way. Keep at it.

H

[Aventador2004]

I don't understand why you think you are alone on your creations, you got many replies.

It's great, keep working.

[offroadcreations]

Awesome outriggers! It's nice that even after 3 years you're still persisting with this model.

Edited March 30, 2018 by Offroadcreat1ons

[Jeroen Ottens]

I meant to react earlier to this awesome project, but things got in the way. That outrigger system is looking great (also from a mechanical/force guidance point of view). The weakest links could well be the mini-LA's you use, they can only handle so much force... Erik Leppen's solution with the small gearrack and the new wormgear would solve that (if that became a problem), but I don't know whether it would fit.

I'm looking forward to the next updates.

[Saberwing40k]

That awkward moment when you go almost a month without updating...

Oh well, here we go, an update.

Engine iterations. by Saberwing007, on Flickr

For this model, I have gone through a number of iterations for the fake engine I hope to put under the hood. the first version is entirely incorrect, being far too large. It looks cool, so I'm keeping it around for another project. Then I built a straight six, using the standard Lego components. At this point, I did a fit check, and the standard engine components result in an engine that is too big. So, I did some scale calculations, and it turns out brick built engines are a lot closer to correct scale. The first iteration of that was too small, so I spaced the cylinders out by half a stud, and that worked quite nicely. The final engine is driven by a separate M motor independent of the drivetrain, and features lots of details, including a fan. Funnily enough, the fan is driven off the back of the belt that ddrives the engine, much like a real fan belt. In this picture, the engine is not final. I'll do a picture of the final version in a later update.

Cab update 01 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Aside from the engine, I have made some modifications to the cab, adding the battery box, the chassis control Sbrick,  and a bunch of wiring. So much wiring. I also added working headlights, working turn signals with a trafficator, and a working steering wheel, as well as some bits of the interior. The trafficator was a real pain in the rear to cram in the sleeper section, due to all the wires.

Spaghetti by Saberwing007, on Flickr

I'm not kidding, those are the wires. It is a rather nice cable salad.

Cab update 2 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

I also added the headlight housings, and some bumper bits. I did not photograph the rat's nest of cables going to the lights themselves. Each side has 2 sets of PF led lights, one for the headlights, and one for the turn signals.

Cab update 3 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Also, the engine in the engine bay. It's probably going to come out again, I need to do some cable tidying.

Good progress, but I need to finish the rear bumper, the front fenders and cab, and then do a bunch of cable management. At that point, the chassis will be done, and it will be on to the crane and outriggers.

Also, I have some questions. Do you guys like these extensive technical writeups, or do you prefer more pictures? Also, what's the best time to post updates like this? Also, does anyone have some photography tips, or are my pictures of okay quality? @Erik Leppen, what do you do for pictures?

 

 

 

[Leonardo da Bricki]

I like both technical write-ups AND photos, so keep it up!

Anytime you can/want to is when to post an update. Even if it has been a month.

To assist with photos, you either need to have more/better light, and/or a pale background in order to showcase the model more effectively. If you look at your 1st and 2nd photos in the post above, can you see what I mean? The engines are clear and contrast well with the background, thus making them easy to see/study. Contrary to this, the truck disappears into the dark background like a stealth fighter. Bit of hyperbole, but I have that helps!

[1gor]

About engines, C500 usually uses 6 cylinder inline engine like Arocs or Volvo...so second from the left is the best solution. About photos @Leonardo da Bricki is right 

Edited May 1, 2018 by I_Igor

[Jeroen Ottens]

I like technical writeups with pictures. I think this post is a good balance between the two. Updates are dictated by you. More frequent updates will mean smaller steps, so the effort/gain ratio might skew towards too much effort. It really depends on personal taste/available time/need for feedback and only you can determine that balance.

The photos do need more light and it helps to have a more even background as well.

[Erik Leppen]

19 hours ago, Saberwing40k said:

Also, does anyone have some photography tips, or are my pictures of okay quality? @Erik Leppen, what do you do for pictures?

Not sure why you're asking me for photo tips, I don't know much about photography as a discipline, and I think many people here on the forums have much greater knowledge of that. All I can say is, please, let that daylight come in! Why are all the curtains (or how are they called) closed? Open them! If there's one thing you really have to have for good pictures, it's light.

But to answer your question what I do for pictures: well, firstly, the walls and desk in my room are white and the floor is light too. I just have a very light room, which helps a lot. It means most of the light coming in is reflected into all kinds of directions. Then, I clear the part of the table next to the window (maximum-daylight part of the room), so that everything is out of the way so the background is plain and doesn't detract. Also, I prefer not making pictures in the evening, I rather wait for the next day.

I just use a Samsung tablet to shoot the pics, and I do no editing (except cutting away empty space), so no rocket science there :)

(And yes, I really like that you take the time to explain what you do. That's what makes it interesting, IMO)

[Maaboo the Witch]

On an aesthetic note, I really like the use of panels from the Supersonic RC set. The dark metallic colour and stickers really lend themselves to a truck build. 

[Saberwing40k]

Okay, Update time! "But Saberwing, you went 2 months without posting an update." Yes yes I did. The awkward moment where you haven't updated in 2 months. However, I believe that it was Confucius who said,"It does not matter how slow you go, so long as you do not stop." Also, @Sariel has had plenty of projects he's worked on for years. And, I have had a few Real Life things slow me down, and a few things with the build. I ran into a nice builder's block wiring in the taillights, which was a real pain in the rear, and still isn't done. But! I do have some substantial structural work done. I have modified the rear outriggers, rebuilt the frame, and connected that to the front outriggers! It's only temporary, but it gives you an idea of how this is going to work.

Kenworth C500 Outriggers. by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Ignore the yellow beams, they're just there temporarily while I figure out the rest of the internals. The whole outrigger module with crane is going to be completely detachable, and not reliant on the truck frame. The outriggers extend really far, as you'll see later.

IMG_20180702_144022~01 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Side view of the outriggers. The small turntable makes them more reliable, while the two geartrains extend the outrigger (top), and lower the pad.(bottom) Figuring these out and getting them to interact with the frame was rather difficult.

Outrigger Internals. by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Internals. This also shows the linear actuators that spread the outriggers. I wanted to use a worm gear mechanism to do this, to sync with the front outriggers, but that proved unworkable. Instead, I'll be using a differential somewhere.

Outrigger Joint by Saberwing007, on Flickr

The joint that connects the outrigger leg to the frame. this was rather complex, because it has to be fairly stiff, and pass 2 functions through. There's only 1 function now, I haven't added the other one on this side. Getting this to work was an exercise in frustration, but we got there.

So Far So Good. by Saberwing007, on Flickr

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the outrigger subassembly on the truck. They're not connected yet, but will be.

Wingspan 1 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

Wingspan 2 by Saberwing007, on Flickr

The outriggers at full span. The span is 55 cm wide, and 41 long. That gives us a nice large support base.

Kenworth C500 Old Rear Outrigger by Saberwing007, on Flickr

The old version. These ones sat too high, and had a bad deployment mechanism. The outrigger itself is mostly unchanged, but the frame was scrapped. The new version is lower and stiffer, allowing the outriggers to sit at a correct height.

I'm sorry for the sporadic updates, but, you know, real life.

[Maaboo the Witch]

Woah, those outriggers are massive! This is really taking shape. 

[1gor]

This thing is really massive, I wonder how heavy will it end up