First build ,cat D11

[Fired up]

Looks very good can wait to see it in the dirt.

[doodlebug]

Originally Posted by Cooper

Don't ya hate it when you are all proud and excited that a plan comes together just to realize you $&@##% up??? Lol,,, the 4 holes in the pusher arms were not planned to show, measured and drilled/ countersunk bolts from other side. But forgot I had to take off material from the front side!!! Oh well maybe a little bondo when paint time comes. Going to start work on the blade and front radiator hood.

Don't sweat the little stuff! Its still an outstanding model
Cheer's, Neil.

[Cooper]

Starting on the blade. It would be so nice to make a straight pusher blade, I could just stick sides on and be done. But,,,,, I've got no experience in metal fabrication, so what fun would that be. These are the first two pieces of metal I have ever sheared or rolled. I'm planning on making the carry/dump blade with cutting edges. I don't think I'm going to get too detailed with all the bends but would like to make the ends somewhat realistic. My welding skills are,,,well we will have to see if I post any of them. . Lol!!! I weld like an old hit n miss engin, sometimes good and sometimes bad in the same bead.

I originally was using hard rubber grommets for the degree of movement in the blade arms. Had to go to hardware store this morning and found they have rod ends. I cut off the threads and ground to close to round then pressed them into the hole. They will definitely not be coming out. But now I have a nearly indestructible pivot point. And got some for the stabilizer bar too.

[Cooper]

Originally Posted by doodlebug

Don't sweat the little stuff! Its still an outstanding model
Cheer's, Neil.

Thanks, yea, by the time I'm done,,,,,,I'm sure I will be seeing a lot of places wher the camera doesn't take pics.

Damm,,, got to go plow more snow!!!!! I was born in Florida and need to get back to the sand and sun

[Cooper]

Originally Posted by ihbuilder

Looks good , will you have it pushing for cabin fever expo in April ? That's the closest show to me in York ,an hr and 15 min south of me . I'm going to try to get to the national pike shows in Brownsville , pa this year . All dirt shows for us

When and where, I would like very much to go. Cabin fever in Harrisburg? Let me know, thanks.

[9W Monighan]

Originally Posted by Cooper

When and where, I would like very much to go. Cabin fever in Harrisburg? Let me know, thanks.

Here is the link. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
http://www.cabinfeverexpo.com/index.html

[ihbuilder]

Originally Posted by Cooper

When and where, I would like very much to go. Cabin fever in Harrisburg? Let me know, thanks.

edit : Steve beat me to it

[doodlebug]

Just cut the sides of your blade out of poster board, to find the right shape, then you will have templates to make the rest of your blade.
Cheers, Neil.

[Cooper]

Figured I need to have some sort of internal support. Using 22guage steel. I figure I can weld onto the blade then together with a couple holes in the back plate. Then I will be able to have a few spots welded to the back as well. Will be able to hide them easily too.

Yes I will be doing that Neil, using the cardboard sheet for perishable templates will make things a lot easier for my right angle mind. Always have fits when installing cove moulding on slanted ceilings around corners!!!!

And I will definitely be trying to make some time for any shows in or around my area.

[Lil Giants]

Originally Posted by Cooper

And I will definitely be trying to make some time for any shows in or around my area.

There is a lot of them in your area throughout the yr, you are blessed!

[doodlebug]

Originally Posted by Cooper

Figured I need to have some sort of internal support. Using 22guage steel. I figure I can weld onto the blade then together with a couple holes in the back plate. Then I will be able to have a few spots welded to the back as well. Will be able to hide them easily too.

Yes I will be doing that Neil, using the cardboard sheet for perishable templates will make things a lot easier for my right angle mind. Always have fits when installing cove moulding on slanted ceilings around corners!!!!

And I will definitely be trying to make some time for any shows in or around my area.

Cool! you're ahead of me
Cheers, Neil.

[JAMMER]

Cabin Fever is in York PA not Harrisburg just thought I'd let you know. Ed

[Cooper]

Just remember , what you are about to see is from a professional metal welder/fabricator. Reality------my welding skills are a work in progress,,, first time welding on such thin material!! I have to trim the sides and build rock guard, cutting edges, mounting brackets but the big idea is done. Well it's definitely a carry blade.



I did get the internal bracing in and it really stiffened it up!!

I added a small strip of steel so I will have something to bolt cutting edges to.

[Cooper]

And the bottom side


Topside with tractor

[Cooper]

[Cooper]

Oh forgot two, and can anyone say bondo??? Lol.

[Cooper]

Got cutting edge and side edges on. I was going to have a scale bolt on cutting edge, but I decided to save some time and skip that. Now I have to grind welds down and have some automotive metal filler. I guess its like bondo but a little stronger? Maybe it's just a half gallon bucket do jb weld. Lol!! This should be able to have the final outcome pretty smooth and straight, I hope.

[Fired up]

Looking good. Keep up the great work

[Espeefan]

Boy, you first build guys really know how to show even the veterans up! The Cat D11 is looking very nice, and you are making excellent progress. Keep it up. I never get tired of watching builds like yours come together.

[Cooper]

So far this little piece has given me the most fits!!!! I'm not an engineer so I figure the mechanics of real machinery is working so use similar. I made this pivot block to where only one set screw will be needed and will be hidden. Gonna have to start thinking about hydros. Where do you guys get your bushings/ seals for piston rods and what size hose and fittings should I be getting? 1:14 scale.