Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Could you tell me where you got the motors and chain from? Thanks!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Motors and chain, sprockets too. I didn't shop around for price that much. I don't know if that was a good buy or not. Didn't look too bad I thought. http://www.robotmarketplace.com/prod...-218-1003.html
And thanks for the complements. I knew going into this a lot of work lay ahead. I didn't realize how much the detail work would involve. But it's fun-at least the tracks were fun,,, for about the first 5, then it got boaring.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Ok so now I know some things should be kept scale and some things can be cheated on. As I said before the stock I had on hand was about a 1/4" not tall enough for the main track carrier. And I skimped on the brass for the rollers. Between the two it really shows when both come together. :(. As you can see a lot of daylight between the two. If I had the rollers 1-1/8" and had the track body extend down another 1/4" things would be looking a lot better. I do have room to make the rollers a 1/8" on each side increasing diameter 1/4" for future tweaks. (Might even make them with the acetal instead of dropping the coin on the brass). As I said before this is my first build in something like this and a bit on the learning curve. I'm just not too efficient in guesstimating scale realism for purchasing stock. Once it affects the wallet I learn real quick!!!! Lol!! (Don't we all?) on the flip side the dozer blade arms will hide it all,, lol,,,,

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Cooper-since you are not building a scale model, don't worry about the small details. If you hadn't mentioned the small rollers I probably wouldn't have noticed. I think the grousers (being thick and tall) looks worse than the small rollers. But that's just me. Everyone has an opinion. Make the model to please YOU. Since you will spend hundreds of hours over this model you will know every little mistake that is made. Most people won't notice. I always said to look at a machine from a side-view and pick out a few features that stand out and try to make the model accurate to these features and you will have a good looking model. But remember, a model that looks great but doesn't work is useless. Try to make something that looks good but works GREAT!! You are doing good, keep at it.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Hey model man, thanks for the input. I agree with you about the final outcome to be a workhorse not a showpiece. What I'll be happy with in the end is if someone can just recognize it as being a larger d series cat dozer. If I can accomplish a realism to a d11 by say someone like my wife I'm right where I want to be!! (Although I would show her a pic of a d11 and a d3 :) , hopefully she sees it!!!! But yes I'm striving for a workhorse. Going to be used to build and maintain our 1/14 scale short course trophy truck racetrack in between races. Down at our Riverlot it started out as me and the neighbor playing in the sand by river-- that morphed into about 10 of us having several races per weekend and a full racetrack with guide rails, berms, jumps, seating for spectators, watering system,,ect,,,, as I look back I'm starting to realize my addiction,, ahh still in denial!!! Lol!!!

So you think the grousers look big? For me it's like the signature of a beast, thick and tall, big looking tracks. I think that comes from all the used equipment I've had and always wanting the new stuff but not being able to justify the $200k for new. I may trim the height down some but it's mainly going to be used in sandy/silty soil. And if anything looks like I'm heading in the wrong direction I'm always listening :)

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Cooper-your grousers may be okay. That is just the 1st. thing my eyes focus on when looking at your tracks. Right or wrong-I don't have a clue. I have never even seen a D11 in person. I just know they are HUGE!! As I said-build it like you want it and keep cranking out those parts.:D

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Cooper-I don't want to get your thread off topic but you talking about the r/c car track got me going for a trip down memory lane. Here is a track I built behind my house in about 1995. We formed a club and started having races once a month with 25-30 trucks coming every race. We would also have about 10 trucks every weekend to practice and play.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps6fdbd471.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...psaec12898.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps2966b541.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps4b071d51.jpg
If your track is close to this size you will need more than the D11 to maintain it. I used a cub cadet pulling a section harrow and a railroad cross-tie for leveling and a tiller to re-mix the dirt about once a month. It was fun but it was almost a full time job to keep the track in good shape. I would do it all again though because of the good memories.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

That's an awesome backyard track!!! This is the only pick I could find off hand, the track has grown and been modified since but at least you get an idea. It's for 1:14 scale trucks.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

A little better pic, and in my opinion a good build thread covers all aspects, like where the equipment is going to be working :lol:

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Oops

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Thanks for the comments-sorry I don't have a picture showing the entire track but you can get an idea of the size. Your track looks to be well kept and I can't help but notice the lake. I was thinking the way some people drove on my track that if they were on your track they would have surely wound up in the water. :eek: Your D11 should be right at home there.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Got some more done, i still have to machine in the details and round stuff but this gives an idea of the torsion bar.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Oops, darn iPad!!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Just a side shot, will start on the sprocket drive mounting and location.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Looking better with each picture!!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Sweet...great job!!!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Hi you are doing a great job look real good so far keep it up. Ed

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Got photobucket working
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps957cf699.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psda607ad8.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psbf32995b.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psbf32995b.jpg

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Still trying to figure out what to copy/paste

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psbf32995b.jpg

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Ok, got it figured out, img code. Lil'giant , finally got it figured out, should be hosting photos from now on. I'm technologically challenged when it comes to iPads, computers. And to think I'm the IT guy at work!!!! Lol!!! Small family business, but I do get employee of the month a couple times a year!!!!lol!!!! (Only have three on payroll, wife mom and me. ). :)

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Much better to see your handy work Cooper! :cool:

I aint no puter scholar either, I spent several hrs over a couple wks trying to get my latest printer/scanner to talk wireless with my laptop, ran it out of ink in a couple hrs with all the PDF's that had back up in that time, now I got to track down more ink cartridges... and I just got my 1st smartphone a few days ago, trying to figure out how to do more with it than just make a phone call. Technology forever changing...

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

So what kind of dumb phone did you buy?
Cheers, Neil.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps01d4ae20.jpg
Got these motors with a reduction gearbox. These were the alternative to the other bigger higher speed 116rpm motors that would require gearing down. Just got them in mail today and I believe these will be better suited. Will still have to install them off set but direct drive, not having to mess with chain and sprockets.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps66d2abb2.jpg
I pulled the gearboxes apart so I can make new shafts to suit my needs. I'm planning on using a locking pin in the 1/2" shaft with a flange nut on the end to secure the sprocket drive. Bronze bearing in the motor housing but what can I expect for fairly inexpensive motors with gearboxes. The rpm is 23 or 30 I forget without looking but think 23 will be fine. Right??? Not planning on full speed travel often and I always like to keep things like this slow and sturdy.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Hey thanks thuangs, no CNC, just hand cranking. A small mill and small lathe.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psc20bc078.jpg
And just got a 30" brake and shear to possibly do some of the flat metal stuff. :)
Hopefully these motors hold up. I'm still modifying the other motors I got just in case these don't work.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psf391c5ef.jpg
Set in the hubs or whatever they are, to keep some distance from tracks.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

These are the two pieces I have. If. I were to get another lathe I would try and get one with a variable speed function. Wouldn't have to change belts in between different operations.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4226545a.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psc59c0b8f.jpg
This lathe was the combo unit, I removed the milling attachment when I got the other mill.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psd2881b24.jpg
And this is the mill I have. Most of my stuff comes from grizzley. I'm about 15 min from the Pennsylvania distribution/show room store. So by not paying for shipping on heavy stuff it is a good purchase for me. Plus if anything breaks I can just drive up and get stuff. One of the best things I purchased was the digital read out for the mill. I'm working on getting one for the lathe, but I have been using a small mag scale for the main lathe operation.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Cooper-dozer is coming along nicely. You mentioned the bushings in the gear-motors. I think you will find that the bushings work better in the dirt than bearings. Dirt getting into bearings is a problem.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

You got a nice start there. I to have the Grizzly GO704 mill but mine is cnc and I also have the Grizzly GO602 lathe that is cnc well almost I got all the parts to do it just as soon as it warms up it to cold in the garage. Keep up the good work. Ed

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

This is shaping up nicely. You will have to bring it down to York in April to show off your progress.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

What and where in April?

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

York PA the fair grounds and it called Cabin Fever. Great time and they have an auction and a lot of nice things to buy. You can go on line Cabin Fever.com and see the dates. Ed

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psc7e44694.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...pscfea69cf.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps59a12dbf.jpg
Well I got talked into going with the wiper motors. More work to install them but they should be able to do a way better job. I got the gearing down to 37rpm with chain and sprockets. They are big! But if I recall someone said for a dozer put the biggest most powerful motors in it you can. Sounds good to me!!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Looking good!
Cheers, Neil.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Excellent work on the dozer....looks great!!!

I used that type of motor in my D11 dozer and they work well for this type of application....one thing to watch,the little grey bushing (looks like a socket head set screw on the end of the motor output shaft) will be the first thing to wear out.... it acts as the bushing for the worm shaft as well as a way to adjust the end play, it is put in at the factory with lock tite and is impossible to get out without damaging it, if and when it wears out make a replacement from brass or bronze...the grey bushing will last a long long time....but if the motor starts making a strange noise it will most likely be from it being worn out.

Keep up the nice work!!!

KP

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

This is just a somewhat protective cover for the sprocket, and it supports the shafts bearing on the final drive sprocket. I'm trying to make this beefy and not sure of what's to come in the future. That's why I've left some of the parts unfinished as I might need some for something els.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3a3e3102.jpg
Too bad my stupid cat doesn't like it!! He doesn't know but I'm going to run his little puffy tail over!!!
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3cff09f6.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...pse9cccd14.jpg
Boy what a P.I.T.A. getting the tracks bolted together. I made a master link similar to cats but I may switch to just a pin. And I need to remove one link. It was very hard for me to precisely measure for how many links and what tension spring, length of track carrage so I just ended up with what it is. Can remove a link and remove some material on carriage if needed. I would like to have as little of the track tensioner shaft out as possible.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Like the kitty picture! LOL! Looking good :D:D:D
Cheers, Neil.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Hey Neil, the kitty is my shop apprentice. Lol!!! Don't know why but it would sit on my lap while running any milling op, even the shop vac!!! Until the hose finds his tail!!! :).

Anyway, I'm starting into the driveline. I'm not too experienced with chain drives but I am going to incorporate some sort of mechanical tensioner. Also for the way this is set up to get the chain clearance of the motor mounting legs a idler/tensioner will have to be installed.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps897375b5.jpg
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps27b94677.jpg
Hope ya all don't mind, I like lots of pics, love to see what you all have tackled and the process of it. Always a learning curve for me as I've learned a lot in a short time by following several builds from this site!!!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Oh and what a disappointment of the Super Bowl. Go hawks, wife's from sattle. Would have like to had a lot more challenge.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Love how this build is coming along...those wiper motors should be pretty good and strong...if you geared them down from stock it should be a torque monster!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

They should be running at 37 rpm at full throttle. And I have a saber tooth ??amp duel controller. Going to be using a turnigy/ fly sky 9 channel radio. I forget what amp the esc is off hand but I know I have lots of headroom in the amps dep. the radio, electronics I will be needing lots of help setting that one up. But I do want to incorporate the left/right blade tilt function.