DUKW
 

I built the Dean's Marine semi kit of the DUKW, amphibious truck. The model is 1:10 scale. The basic kit consists of a fiberglass hull and main deck, resin and white metal fittings, diagram and some written instruction manuals. You have several options on the DUKW model: 2 wheel drive; 4 wheel drive; 6 wheel drive; and propellor drive. I elected to go with full 6 wheel drive and propellor drive. I also added working road and navigation lights. I chose to paint the DUKW in USCG colors.

Two 12V batteries provide the power. The wheel drive motor is connected to the drive shaft by a belt and pulley arrangement. The propellor motor has a standard u-joint. Robbe diffs were used to transmit power to the wheels. The wheels are 4" model airplane wheels.

Re: DUKW
 

Great work and attention to detail :cool:

The boat hook is a nice touch:cool::cool:

Re: DUKW
 

CG Bob that is a cool looking machine you have there, can we get some more pics of it.

Travis

Re: DUKW
 

The boat hook is mainly used to pull up the plywood cargo deck, so I can get to the batteries.

A Futaba 4 channel radio controls the model:
Left stick up/down = propellor
Left stick left/right = electronic switch for lights
Right stick up/down = wheels
Righ stick left/right = steering

These pictures show the front axle; prop and rudder; deck screen behind the drivers area; and under the main hood.

Re: DUKW
 

It really does work well in the water. Unfortunately all of the lakes near me have steep banks, so I can't drive intpoo or out of the water.

Re: DUKW
 

Thank's for sharing, neat project. Have you considered a small launching ramp with no-skid tape, like what they use on boat's & skate board's? Portable & homemade?
Later, Neil#2 aka doodlebug.

Re: DUKW
 

I have wanted one for years!

bottom line, how much from beginning to end do you figure you put into it? (not including paint)

Re: DUKW
 

I think the cost breakdown was something like this:
Basic DUKW kit - $500
6 wheel drive kit - $700
Propellor drive kit - $100
Vantec ESC's - $150
12V SLA batteries - $30
4" Robart wheels/tires - $45
Ram light kits - $35
Electronic switch - $40

Total = $1600

I built the model about 7 years, and posted some pictures at another site.

I got the kit and drive components from Loyalhanna Dockyard.

Re: DUKW
 

AWESOME, VERY RARE

Re: DUKW
 

Got some new tires and rims installed on the DUKW.

Re: DUKW
 

i was just wondering what it would take to modify the new wheels to look like WWII combat wheels?.....use plastic sheet ect?....


very nice model though,i may look into this myself..

Re: DUKW
 

It is possible to purchase wheels that look like the WWII ones from a few sites. Not cheap but...

Re: DUKW -Tyres
 

Hi guys.
Not sure if you're still on the forum, but RC4WD have the perfect DUKW tyres. What we used to call in the Army sand tyres.

I also got the wheels from them.

Cheers

Chas

Re: DUKW -Tyres
 

Is there a build thread for your DUKW?