Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Tom,

I was not looking forward to today's thanks of making eight more roller,pin, spacers sets and then mounting them. But, today I tried the pneumatic drill for the small #50 drill for the mounting holes in the frame rails and it worked really good. So, I might add more. My big problem is the placement of them and interference from the rest of the frame.

Did you mean the tension looked too tight or something else on "suspension"?

I am elated at how well it worked out! I have been running it a lot today and can't wait to see how it "breaks in" and what trouble spots pop up.

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Awesome result on the tracks - simply, very realistic and they work a treat, with great scale operation. The chain drive was a good move - I think the o-ring drive set up would not have been able to transmit the sort of torque your unique track gear requires. I watched the digging vid too and was impressed - I wish I could find these sort of old retired workhorses over here in NZ to convert like this.
Nicely done I reckon and such a marvelous result without all the flashy gear.
Top marks!
Glenn

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Glenn,

Thank you very much! It is actually quite fun to dig and even more so now with the undercarriage !:D

The pulley and O rings was just my lazy initial test to see if it was actually gong to be a workable system, I already had the .25" steel roller chain, but the new plastic stuff became available and it is very easy to work with and seems up to the task. I also really like the fact that it should be a "weak" link in the system I case of over stress.

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Jim-I was just teasing you. A lot of people on here like to brag about how much suspension travel they have in there models and watching you crawl over that air hose made me see just how realistic this model worked. Watching it go over the hose and the blocks looks just like a real shovel moving. I know the rollers are your choice but this is a great model and you should be proud.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Tom,

Thanks for all your tips along the way, that helped me keep going!

I looked at the top rollers again and I think you are right, it sort of looks like it is missing something. The track pads are actually resting on the sprockets and chain at the top center. I'll ponder it a do something.;)

Jim,

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

I was kinda mesmerized watching those tracks roll over the blocks and hose. I think the chain is pretty realistic. Great job, Jim.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Jared,

I should give you a big Thank-You also! I couldn't have done it without all the good information from your thread!;)

Thanks to Steve for posting all the drawings of the BE In Jared's thread! I have some of them printed out and hanging
over the bench in the shop!;)

And, here is a link to 20 minutes of moving sand at the loading dock.

http://youtu.be/J_7SKGJWoV0

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Nice video jim-looks like the operator is getting back in the groove. You may have the drag chains mounted too high on the bucket. I think that is why it wants to tip over forward. Just some minor tweaks though. Looks like you are enjoying yourself and the tracks seem to be working perfect.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

I painted the undercarriage and made some other adjustments. Also put in a dirt ramp on the south end of the loading dock for the crane and trucks to get up and down.

http://youtu.be/tQO3R-t4RXk

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Very nice!

Kerst

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Kerst, thanks!

I ran the poor thing in the dirt and spun a set screw on one motor, so into the shop. Cleaned a bit and put a new set screw in. Then I took it back to the sand pile and it had a nice squeak and I hope I figured out my low audio volume so I recorded another short video. The squeak is classic! :p

http://youtu.be/wgfCpIFZDwE

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Looking better every day jim-That is a steep hill but your drive motors seem to have plenty of power. The bucket is working good also. Did you make a change or just better digging conditions. I wasn't expecting that ending. What a shock!!!!! :eek: The operator didn't have time to jump out so I guess a change of clothes is in order for him.:lol: I like the squeak also.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Made a new video today. The sand is really wet and a bit tough and sticks in the bucket a little. Toward the end I try to move but I had some sand jamming things up...

http://youtu.be/f4G3C7oiO1k

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Looks like some tough digging jim but the machine handled it really good. The model looks to be balanced well, do you have any ballast in the back end.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Tom,

Ya, there are two chunks of lead in the back along with two 3S lipo batteries. With the sand wet you can see the weight shift as I lift a full bucket.

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

for some reason BoobTube duplicated my cab view video, so naturally when I deleted the second one that indicated they had trouble uploading, they also deleted the primary video. So, I uploaded again.

If an Admin can/or would like to edit the post with that old link and use this new one, and delete this post that would be good, or not...

https://youtu.be/N-ctlSUP2lM

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

That is working beautifully. Now you can stop here on your way East and help me work on my control panel:D.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Steve, are you ready for next week? I think I got the wife convinced to come out with me again this year. It is about 12 hrs of driving and I wasn't looking forward to that on my own. See you in a week, we are planning to get there late afternoon Thursday.

Jim

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

I hope I'm ready. Still painting some stuff. Stop by here on your way through. PM me for contact info.

Re: Dragline Crawler Build
 

Build is coming along just great! Really nice work on those tinny rollers and track pads! Love the old shovel crawler system look!