Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Awesome, J.D. I really like that rear bumper, the front bumper, and the new grille. Those are some great parts. Nothing like a bunch-o-lights to add realism to a model!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

That looks really sharp J.d. Just when I think you can't make this truck any cooler, you make it cooler. Are you running two 3mm lights in each lense? Keep up the great work!

Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Wired up the lights in the front bumper and mounted it tonight.... Also removed the plastic strips from the fuel tanks a couple days ago since they were bugging me. Pretty much complete now, will eventually make under cab and under sleeper lights but that will have to wait until i have the equipment to do so.

Hope all of you have enjoyed the build! Here are some pictures and a video. Once spring gets here I'll be sure to get pictures and video of the truck and trailer outside or maybe we should have a meet. :)

VIDEO:
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9cef2412.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5140aae1.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psda969487.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psf7d682e5.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps66679b06.jpg

Thanks for looking!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Looks really nice, J.D. I was wondering why the 20 LEDs in the rear bumper, even though you have just 10 lights back there. Did you just want more light, or is it for the brake and signal effects? Man, I'm diggin' that Servonaut system! Did you go with an SMX and M20+ ESC?

Great video too! If I had a truck like that, I'd be pretty proud. Just goes to show how a truck can evolve into a show stopper.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Looks even better on here JD!!! Awesome work! Im ready for another meet. And i know of a yard of dirt that will need to be moved into a garden this spring........ Hmmmmmm :) Just sayin....

Love the rear bar and how you wired it up looks sweet!!! Great job in it!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Thanks Nathan,

I did the 20 LED's so I could have the turn signals and hazard lights in the same bezel. I'm not a huge fan of having separate turn signals on the rear bumper. Yep, you got it, i have the SMX and M20+. I only run the M20+ for the lights though, because my motor is a brushless and the ESC isnt compatible with brushless.....

Thanks man,
I'm ready for another meet too, playing in the real dirt is way more fun than the rubber.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Thanks for answering those questions, J.D. So when your blinkers turn on, the other LEDs stay on constant, and the turn signal LEDs flash, but bright enough to be noticeable, over the regular tail lights? Are they brighter because they get more voltage, or did you use a different value resistor to dim the others down a bit? Just wondering, because I'd really like to pick up an M20+ and SMX for my truck.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Looks really good

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

You are correct, all 20 of the LED's have the same value resistors and receive the same voltage. I was unsure on the contrast of the blinker and running lights when I first started, but it shows up pretty well in the dark and is pretty noticeable. I feel like there is alot of disliking for the servonaut units for some reason, but I have been very pleased with the SMX and M20+. Alot of people like the simplicity of Tamiya's MFU since it has lights and sound all in one and because of the price, although I feel like it is limited on expandability. I think the hardest part of the M20+ is figuring out the resistors needed using ohms law, and with a small bit knowledge of electricity this is not hard at all. In my personal opinion, you cant go wrong with servonaut, there are plenty of features, many of which are adjustable and more than enough room to expand with lights for the truck and trailer. I think the extra money spent is well worth it.

Thanks!!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

I plan on trying one some day to see the difference. Next meet I want to run yours around to see the differences more..
But I agree the fact that the mfu Comes with a plug and play system is nice, but your right in expandability without buying a battleswitch to run extras...

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Thanks J.D. The only thing that has me on the fence is the M20+'s kind of unique throttle stick control. It's got a cruise control feature, which I'm not sure I like just yet. It's kind of cool, but kind of unusual too. Guess I'm just going to have to try it! I know Servonaut makes other ESCs that don't have the cruise control feature.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

I agree, I like neutral brake and not the cruise control. Maybe just a matter of what you are used to.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

There is a way to have expand ability with the MFU if you purchase a SS Tronix kit. They offer an aux board which plugs into the main. It has 2 relays which can handle up to 60 led each.

The SS kit cost me 230 Canadian and the aux board was 35 . So, for less than 300 bucks if your a MFU owner and don't want to switch systems for more light options, SS tronix will get you that.

I'm finally getting close to that stage of MFU install on Sue's truck. Ill post some pics of the SS kit this weekend.

Mario

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Sorry , I rechecked what it cost me. 210 for the kit which will set up a truck and one trailer. They also offer Servo boards which can run motors, servos etc.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

nice man those upgrades are sweet!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

I agree with everyone else the extras added to an already extremely nice setup:cool:

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

You have done an absolutely great job with this truck, it looks emaculate.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Well, it looks like I have to bring this thread back up....

Well as some of you know, my basement was flooded with about 3 feet of water two days before the Kansas show. I think we got about 20 inches of rain in 24 hours and the water had no where to go, except in. Just about everyone had some sort of flooding..... Along with all my tools floating across the basement, so were my models..... :( At that point I didn't care if I got shocked, I went wading into the mess and got all the high dollar stuff out of the water and put it in rice and kitty litter. Thankfully my 3D printer and my book of plans didn't get wet. Unfortunately, just about everything else got wet.... I'm still kicking my self for not bringing everything upstairs since I was leaving for the show the next day..... Someone must have been looking out for me, I only really lost my camera, everything else has worked so far :rolleyes::rolleyes: Here are some pictures of the havoc...

From where the water is on the steps there was another two steps below that.
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps24ba9458.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps281ee81a.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psa030d24d.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps90cd3ed8.jpg


I've spent the past few weeks trying to clean up the mess and Ive also been building a new work bench. I think I tripled the work area so I will definitely benefit from that. I was able to get back to building this weekend now that I have things back under control... I thought I would do a few things to the truck and dump trailer since I had it torn apart, so I have some things on order and have a couple things planned.

Here is the new work bench. The original work bench was only 7 ft long :eek:

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5c581676.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...pse63d5919.jpg


Here is the truck, in pieces... I opened up all the mechanical parts and cleaned and re-greased them. Now I'm just waiting on parts to arrive to begin rebuilding.

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2696bd1e.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psfa4f2431.jpg


Then the last update is on the trailer. I always thought the original "air ride" was a little sketchy so I replaced it. I also cleaned and painted the ScaleArt cylinder.

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...pscbceac0a.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps325c51dc.jpg

Here is the original trailer suspension. I didn't really trust them with 30+ pounds of dirt on them....

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7427a583.jpg

And lastly the cylinder :)



Thanks guys for looking! Hopefully I can finish this truck for good, third times the charm, right? ;)

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Where's the cylinder? ;)
Glad to see you made yourself more room to build and stuff!!! Looks great!
Cant wait to see the changes you make on the truck

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Lol Whoops! Here it is...

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2eed7c92.jpg

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Hello can I ask how long the dump trailer is ?

Justin

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

The dump bed is just a little shy of 24 inches :)

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Sorry to hear about the water damage...that sucks...i Love that trailer. I'm thinking of building a 24' 1/4 frame ...that's the norm used here in Chicago...


Keep,the pics coming!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Not much of an update, but a few picture to share. :D I got it to a roller two weeks ago and Ive been designing and testing new parts for it, so it has taken me a while. Went with all rc4wd scale bolts since I had everything apart too.

Here is the roller. Steve will have quite a list on this truck when its finished ;) tapered frame rails, cross memebers, wheels. I have a pair of tanks and air handlers but no pictures yet. Everything from Steve is gorgeous, second to none.

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...pscf8ea683.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psc70cf089.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps752bae7f.jpg

Printed out a mount for the fifth wheel:
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psf673b8b3.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps24cbd27e.jpg


I've been wanting some side marker lights for awhile now. I just didn't like how dark the side of the truck was.... so I started on these :) Now I just need another 28 bezels!!! :p;) Soon hopefully :) These still need to be sanded down because they are right out of the printer

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psafd3da82.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4df70a0b.jpg

Also needed to do something about how the tanks strapped to the truck because the stock way wasn't cutting it.... Gave a shot at Peterbilt style hangers and while they aren't perfect they should do the job well. Now I just have to wait on the other 3 that are printing

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps69dfac1e.jpg

Then I sucked it up and bought a pair of these..... I still cant believe I payed $112 for two drive shafts....

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2f58f71a.jpg

Let me know what you guys think. I invite all criticism!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

BAD A$$ :cop:

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

WOW!!! Your putting that printer to use! I this I have to agree with Russ on this one its BAD A$$!!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Totally Bad A$$! Lol

Love the real rig, and the little one more

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

That is sweet!! great job!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

JD , you know how much I love that truck and now to see what you've done is just amazing and perfect! What a beautiful rig dude!

So??..... How much have ya spent since announcing the truck as done now? Lol. jk :D

Great work with the printer. The possibilities are endless! What a great time to be in the hobby and see new tools like this:cool:

Mario

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Great job JD, can't wait to see it completed. Nice print work as well.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

I love all the progress. Also luv how you just print this and print that. I know IRS not that easy,glad all your schooling is paying off. Truck looks awesome

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Looking good JD! Another remake? Well worth it, I'd say!

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Great work J.D. Looks good.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Just bad to the bone.JD you keep raising the bar.great job.

Ed

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Thanks everybody for the comments!! :eek::D


Thanks Mario! Well, I thought she was done, but mother nature had other plans for the truck. Since I had to take it all apart anyway I figured what the ****, might as well add a few more goodies :D

Thanks Chris! I'm starting to think that my major goes hand in hand with this hobby :)

This remake wasn't planned, I swear! Thanks Nathan :cool:


Just a small update today. Spent the weekend making some mirrors. I couldn't stand the stock KH mirror mounts, so I got to looking at Peterbilt ones. I looked up the ScaleArt mirrors and couldn't bring myself to buy them and then wait almost a month to get them. My mirrors aren't anything special, but I spent $6 on supplies, so the price was right :p I think I'm going to make some new mirrors as well. I think if I polish some aluminum I can get close enough to a mirror finish. I'm going to give the smaller round mirror a shot too. I was wondering if I should try and get them chromed or just paint them to match the truck? We need some simple chroming options. I need to look at some real trucks to see if mine are too wide or not. Let me know what you guys think

This is what I based mine off of:

http://www.rigsofrods.com/images/imp.../mirrors-1.jpg

Took a few pictures of the building process....
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps903f7b85.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps93c4dfbf.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8be85cd4.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps02c0559a.jpg




http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps49bad5e8.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4b9c35f6.jpg

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Nicely done,maybe dress them up and have them chromed.Chrome masters is in Nashville and they would do them.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Beautiful! The mirror brackets look as good as anything I have ever seen! You might be surprised how good they will look just painted silver, or black (color matched to the visor), but chrome would be the best, I think! You just need to take your time and file or sand the joints smooth before sending them out.

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Thanks guys! I think I'm going to paint them black for now and probably go back later and get them chromed, that will be the plan at least!


Got around to designing the mirrors yesterday :) not much to show, still need to sand them down and polish some aluminum for the mirror effect

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psc2417f2d.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psc9bd1315.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...psc488d7f3.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps686dc438.jpg

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Great work so far my friend.Paying attention to details really makes the truck look that much better...those mirror brackets look like real brackets keep up the work :D

Re: Pete 379 Flat Top 48"
 

Nice work on the brackets JD. The pics are great, after seeing how you did it I think I might have to give it a try myself.:cool:
You are having way too much fun with that printer! Lol

Have you thought about adding marker lights in your new mirrors? I wanted to do that on Sue's truck but there's just not enough room in the stock Tamiya mirrors and I don't have any of those nano LEDs .

Keep us posted :cool:

Mario