ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Gave in to the ScaleART addiction and ordered a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 with a 3-axle half pipe trailer to go with it. This one will be white on a red frame. Same for the trailer.

The MAN will have ScaleART's 6-hole trilex wheels and their version of the air suspension. Both chosen to satisfy my curiosity on those bits. There also will be some other bits and pieces that are not part of the standard package.

Here goes. As usual the boxes were very well packed in peanuts

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswrkxvktl.jpg

After cleaning out the packing material the parts for the TGX

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0713m2mp.jpg

And cab

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps08koycmh.jpg

Started on the frame today.

The parts in the top right corner are actually for the heavy duty truck, but I kind of liked having it on this one too.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1wdyepdy.jpg

Started on the cross brace for the frame.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pseselbcd4.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps52hu17mz.jpg

A fiddly exercise in patience to get the nuts on the bolts.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psazydrqx3.jpg

One of these knipex cutters is rather useful to trim the bolts.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0rldoydr.jpg

And done ...

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pszjhws6bz.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1a34743j.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pstub0w6d6.jpg

That's how far I got ... remembered just in time that I am using diamond plate fenders on this one, so have to figure out the position of the rear light support before I can assemble the rest of the frame.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Subscribing to this thread and really looking forward to the progress.

Fine project and a good addition to your arocs ;)

Br,
Tom

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Subscribed as well Rakthi
Another great build on the way

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Stephan, congratulations on getting your new ScaleArt truck. I'm also looking forward to the progress. My kit is still in Germany :-)

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Tom, crisis time, well starting to look that progress is not going to be too smooth. Which makes for a more interesting build of course :)

Hi Chris, guess you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of your kit!

+++++++++++++++++++

Before bolting the frame together I checked the position of the fenders.

Mhmm rear support supposed to go in the 7th hole from the back, but frame rail only has 5 holes ... Guess I might have to drill one myself. Will deal with it when we get to it.

Since the positioning of the fender determines the position of the rear light holders I might as well go ahead. Can always unbolt stuff.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjtfv4lpg.jpg

So we continue with the frame. The cross brace is held on with 4 bolts and te top 2 also hold the rails where the 5th wheel will attach too. There are a further 3 bolts in that rail. The position of the parts is easily determined too.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8b99ql3s.jpg

Easiest to first attach the 3 bolts of the rail

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pskjy7phfz.jpg

Then the cross brace

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pss5tdfqy3.jpg

After doing the other side

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqtvs5uy1.jpg

Next up is the simple assembly of the "heavy hauler" end piece

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psh33vi8ye.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2cmkcc4u.jpg

Followed by the fiddly fitting of small bolts in hard to reach places to combine these 3 parts.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psajcvu9ee.jpg

The holes in the stainless steel parts do line up perfectly, but they are very tight fit for the bolts. So ran a 1/16" bit through them. Made a world of difference. Still fiddly but at least didn't have to "force" them through.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxw1uqd28.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4azzsi3p.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pslc6cb3yj.jpg

And that red circle above ... bummer ... the "heavy hauler" end piece is not compatible with the air suspension (see below) ... so either I take it back off or I slice a bit off to give room to the airbag. I'd prefer to cut it down a bit, but don't have the equipment for it ... head scratching time.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psk8hpkgjd.jpg

The circle on the drawing is where I will have to drill 2 2mm holes on both sides of the frame. No holes foreseen in the cross brace.

And I though the tractor part of this build was going to be easy - what I get for trying to be different. ;)

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

To see how much I would have to grind off the heavy hauler end piece I did a quick and dirty photoshop to visualise if it would be do-able.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0efzbtwn.jpg

Looks like close to half has to go. Wouldn't look to good. So I'll take if off and use it as an excuse for a future project - an Actros SLT comes to mind ;)

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswgdqtqiw.jpg

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Took the better part an hour to remove the part and re-assemble.

As per manual I left the middle one open. Am 99.99% sure that is where the fender support will go. Haven't shortened the bolts yet until I know where the rear light support will go.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psby9zwknq.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psoaklwkms.jpg

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Drilled the 2 mm holes in the cross brace for the suspension.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pssfhwiniu.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswvk1zldr.jpg

Did a trial install to determine how the rear fender and rear lights are going to fit.

The center support is another one of those nicely detailed bits that will sadly be mostly hidden after install.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psprae70nd.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pscn1ldyvp.jpg

It goes here, in the center of the 2 rear axles right above the axle support

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psuo9bcunu.jpg

2 M2 nuts are used as spacer.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfqlrxzey.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pskog7gebp.jpg

Fender will attach to the center support with 4 bolts (circled the little holes because they are hard to see)

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pseaobdhaq.jpg

The other supports and attachment parts

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqheuwtxe.jpg

Temporarily installed

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psnlmr4q8p.jpg

Next is the rear lights.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps95rt7l9o.jpg

This is the way the support is to go. But not enough room. The clamps holding the fender to the support are in the way.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqtxasvsm.jpg

Could swap left and right side, that seems to work, but then the rear lights stick out behind the frame and will be easily damaged.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6rzqv9q3.jpg

Other solution would be to attach lights directly to the fender. Ideally they should go higher and above the fold.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxzmdtbul.jpg

That is probably the best solution. Just have to figure out how to do it.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Finally found some time to do some more.

Figured I start with the air suspension.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pscixopssm.jpg

The "don't know how you call this" bits that will bolt on to the axle and then to the 2 air springs.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3gle7j4d.jpg

Took one of the air springs apart to see what it consists off.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psikwbejdf.jpg

Before I bolted them onto the chassis, I shortened the little bolts. I didn't touch the ones in the back yet.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqpgul8ff.jpg

First thing to go on is the axle support which is included in the package. Supposed to be bolted on with M2x4 philips screws. I found those a bit on the short side. I prefer the bolt to stick out a bit from the nut, so I replaced the philips screws with M2x5 ones I had left over from the AROCS build.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pskslddmps.jpg

This container contains all the nuts, bolts, screws etc left over from the AROCS. ScaleART is generous in supplying fasteners.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psx1cua2zk.jpg

First one installed where I had to drill out the cross brace. Hardest one to get the screws in. (M2x5)

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0s6kxjck.jpg

The cross brace needs to be pushed as high up as possible to fit the heads of the M2 Philips screws

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjgdzv55e.jpg

The air spring only fits one way to the frame rail.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswesmletb.jpg

One side done

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqs4kdsel.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psj8b8i1wt.jpg

Both sides.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psn7c9rryu.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxeg3iuog.jpg

More to come

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

first the tipper now this. wow you love the abuse!!!
great fun to watch for sure

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi bigford, wouldn't call it abuse really. Since I sold the bike and the Defender, putting this together kind of keeps me sane.

With all the non-standard parts on this one I can look forward to plenty of "abuse" :rolleyes: ;)

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Did a trial fit of the rear axle. Noticed they made an update.

They removed the ugly philips screw that held the clamp for the bowden cable

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psiulh8vlv.jpg

Here a pic of the older version:

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pstcodjapp.jpg

The other side with the updated way to hold the bowden cable

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjqr7bv4j.jpg

The previous version:

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pskptnjyws.jpg

The axle gets attached to the axle supports

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psd9chyvys.jpg

Those installed, remove the nuts from the bottom of the air suspension

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmdxgeepa.jpg

And bolt in place with the previously removed nuts

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psvts0egov.jpg

And here we will need to do a small adaptation to be able to lock the differential. As you can see the attachment point hits the air suspension. This is pointed out in the documentation.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrs0uhcag.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psagwqxzil.jpg

Will be for another time.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Did the front axle suspension.

Also an upgraded item. It now comes painted black (is still brass) and the spacers between the leaf springs have become longer, making the whole a more sturdy. The guides for the bowden cable (not used here) are now also part of the plate and no longer separate.

Updated set:

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0ot2fird.jpg

Previous set:

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7liqxfwd.jpg

Assembling the suspension. The parts are twisted out of the plate. Before assembling I smoothened the parts where they were attached to the plate.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrh5ocpg0.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbysibibr.jpg

Attaching the rear support

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxa11ecve.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psk6lqradm.jpg

Used the wrong nuts here. Replaced them with the right ones later.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9wcavydz.jpg

First attach front support to frame followed by the rest of this assembly.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psay2r19oz.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psgdwm4d96.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbx65av1d.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psdywewbir.jpg

Left over parts

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psvxqwcqel.jpg

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Found the time to trim the bowden cable attachment points on the rear axles.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psyrulzaa7.jpg

I drilled a 1.5mm hole too. I figure it will give me more options to attach the bowden cable later on.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psc8fiyevz.jpg

Both axles installed and no longer touching the air suspension where I trimmed the attachment point.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psefedic2y.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrhm0mzq1.jpg

Because I have a driven axle for the front suspension, I had to remove the screws I installed to mount the spacer.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psqgdr8kl6.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbapzh9bp.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psrkdi7jgt.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0obc2vtc.jpg

I have not used Loctite yet. Due to the air suspension, the whole thing will have to come apart again later for painting.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Stephan,

congratulation to you for your new kit! - As I can see you've already startet. And there are already some of your adjustments - that´s fine! - I´ll follow your build.

It´s nice to see that ScaleART always improves their products! ;)

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Christain... yes started it, but taking it slowly and not really following the manual this time and am trying to figure out myself where and how things will fit. More fun that way.

Is indeed interesting to notice the upgrades/changes they made over the past year. The front suspension sure is stiffer than the one on the Arocs, might consider upgrading that one later on.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Hi Stephan,

that sounds very interesting! Yes, I believe, you'll have much more fun this way. - So, I'll stay tuned.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Finishing the rear suspension. Not too detailed because it is very similar to the Arocs.

First the "A" frames that hold the axles in place.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pss6diwamg.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psxq9chlg5.jpg

When looking at the picture to decide which ones to post here, I discovered I made an error :rolleyes: The "A" frames should be attached through the holes marked with an arrow. Now I have them were the center support for the rear fenders is supposed to go - DUH

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psenlhgrqi.jpg

Here is a difference with the regular suspension. The "A" frame is easier to attach to the axle. They only use a tube instead of the more complicated attachment of the leaf suspension. This probably because the air suspension is way stiffer and has less movement.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psujs9px6z.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswudwvf2i.jpg

Next up is the track rods.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psjmaiy6xs.jpg

A bit of contradiction in the attached assembly sheet:

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pspp7zne6g.jpg

So first tried the 53 mm ... as you can see way to long. Would really torque the axles on the rubber parts

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psw1qeolz8.jpg

Also tried the recommended 49mm but at that length it still pushes the axles too hard. Ended up with 47mm

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psmakirpu8.jpg

A perfect fit for all 4 positions.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psufu9wect.jpg

The powder coating on the balljoints was too thick and made inserting them in the covering tube practically impossible. Reaming out the tube was a no go. The 3.5mm bit too small and the 4mm too big. So clamped a long M2 bolt in the drill and it as a lathe together with some files and sand paper to get rid of the powder coating.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfa0dnzom.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pss6oqhl9k.jpg

After that no problems and soon everything bolted together.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psvcaifej3.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswwzwhibk.jpg

Now just have to reposition the two "A" frames in the right position.

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Fixed the attachment of the "A" frame.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psskjmx2bx.jpg

Installed the rod tying both front wheels together.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1ghrrxmg.jpg

The rod is supposed to go on top (on bottom here because upside down), but the new way of fixing the bowden cable gets in the way and limits the steering angle

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7hv8xslr.jpg

Decided to bolt it on the underside so the rod does not touch the clamp of the bowden cable.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9pdzawku.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psgbv8v9n2.jpg

Re: ScaleART - Assembling a MAN TGX/XL 6x6 tractor & Trailer
 

Haven't had much time lately, so not much progress.

Did the Trilex rims for one of the rear axles today.

Here all the parts in order of assembly. All the parts are made of machined aluminium, the red bit is a cast piece.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...sqeezbuab.jpeg

The inside hub, front and back

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfr7sprmp.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5lrux2ek.jpg

One of the tow rims. There is a ridge on one side on both of them.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pskfodynbj.jpg

The part that goes between the two rims. The "teeth" fit into the cast piece.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psj1flthxz.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psj7txnfiy.jpg

Cast piece, front and back

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3wssjs0f.jpg

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4gsnnv0d.jpg

Assembling the parts. The cast bit goes into one of the rims until it is firmly pressed against the before mentioned ridge.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psbthuqsqr.jpg

The distance piece goes on next with the "teeth" fitting into the cast piece.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psfagj5ukd.jpg

Next the second rim is placed ridge down on top of this and the inside hub is dropped in. The inside hub fits just so with the thicker parts of the distance ring where the "teeth" are. This way the holes for the bolts line up. The inside hub has threaded holes.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9xfqotrs.jpg

Bolts in place and test fit on axle - Note: the bolts provided are M2x4.5. I will replace them at a later time with M2x8 or M2x10 model bolts. The M2x4.5 only have 2-3 threads in the inner hub. Doesn't take much force to strip the threads either. (Found out the hard way)

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...pswmtij5h9.jpg

Tyres in place - sorry about the cat hairs on the pictures, had "help"

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psolbepxvd.jpg

And mounted on axle with the hubcap in place (hubcap has a small rubber ring to hold it in). Still need to paint the hubcap red and insert the little M1 bolts. Also thinking of painting the rims red too ...

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psttnq6rvf.jpg