This section needs a build thread - Modelik MAN box truck

[modelperry]

Now that I'm done with my sailing ship, I can get back to my roots a little bit. In the plastic world I build automotive almost exclusively. Lately I've been dabbling in different genres in the paper world and now its time to get back to my favorite type of subject.

I will now be building the Modelik 12/06 MAN LE 180C Box truck. I chose this one because it uses the same frame and powertrain as Modelik's Star aerial truck and I figured I could work out any bugs before I built the aerial version. I believe this is also the same basic kit as the Star military box truck that Modelik offers.

Here is a photo of the book cover.

Greg

[Tim Crowe]

Good luck with this build

I have noticed a complete lack of rigging with this model! - I can see a trend developing here

Tim

[modelperry]

Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I deliberately chose this one as there is no rigging or tracks!:twisted:

Greg

[Soaring]

Sweet! Can't wait to see some of your updates ;)

[David H]

Hey Greg,

Great choice. I have a new project just started, it's on the same lines but more wheels... However, I think yours will have more components and more detail.

D

[modelperry]

the last two evenings I've been working on the basic frame. Parts fit thus far has been good. The paper is glossy and the ink seems to be a little touchy so I've had a little bit more clean-up on the color that I thought I would have. All in all though I am pleased with these early results.

Greg

[modelperry]

Here is some more progress on the frame assembly. The springs are built and mounted in the first picture. I made a mistake that I did not catch until too late on these springs. There is no lamintation note on the main spring parts, so I incorrectly assumed that there was none. There are patterns for the laminated parts because the entire length of the springs are not laminated. Since I missed this step, I've made blocks to put between the axles and springs to make up for the difference and correct the ride height.

The second (out of focus) photo is of the completed front axle. The core styrene rod could have been a little bit longer than the pattern for it called for, but I got it to work.

The third photo is of the rear axle. What's there built up easily.

Greg

[Soaring]

Crazy good so far! The frame is so realistic!

[modelperry]

I began working on the wheels. The first wheel I built according to the drawings and parts provided. Most of the parts were to be butt glued to each other. The wheel came out OK, but I was not comfortable with the potential lack of strength so I decided to build one up with 1mm card inserts to support the tread and provide a better gluing surface for the sidewalls. I used the sidewalls to size the inserts. I think this is a better way to go so I will do the same with the rest of the wheels. The unsupported one will now become the spare.

Greg

[David H]

Cool, don't you sleep Greg?

I have have been building my Laiz tractor unit wheels too. Same issue so I used the patent "bobbin" method to make an oversized hub to which I will stick the printed parts(see Canon loading shovel thread). Quick. easy and strong.

D

[modelperry]

Sure I sleep. When the dogs, kids & wife let m....zzzzzzzzz.

[David H]

I wish I could sleep at the office it would be so much more efficient and leave more time for building.

And now to state the obvious The Patent Bobbin rendered in Sketch Up. Two discs and a tube, then recess one or two smaller discs inside the bobbin and attach to axle.

71864

71865

D

[modelperry]

Thanks for the suggestion. I think it is similar to what I am doing. I will keep this in mind for future wheels. I got plenty of projects in my stack with wheels! :mrgreen:I still think they are easier than tank treads.:twisted:

Greg

[modelperry]

Here are some photos of the wheels in a couple of different stages. Also the frame with the axles mounted and the frame with the various tanks and boxes hung. The axle placement is not well defined and I ended up trimming the U-shaped cross member to position the rear axle correctly. When I build the aerial truck version I will be moving this piece back on the frame so I don't have to repeat this mod. The spare tire mount build up was a little vague in the diagrams, I'm sure the Polish text explained things properly:rolleyes:, But I got it figured out.

Greg

[CK Styles]

Those wheels are very nice. Kudos!

[modelperry]

I have started on the engine. Here's the first picture of it.

Greg

[modelperry]

The engine is done and somewhat installed. Somewhat because I haven't glued it in place yet since the drive shafts are not installed!

A couple of issues to deal with on this engine:

You need to make a belt for the front of the engine. This is no problem, just use a thin strip of masking tape and paint it black.

Part 40a, which is the fan, is non-existent. I made a photocopy of the one in the aerial truck version which is printed with the aerial boom parts and not with the engine. Since this box truck is derived from the aerial truck, I can see how this error was made, although better "proof reading" on Modelik's part would have picked this up.

Here is the one "in focus" engine install picture I have right now.

Enjoy,

Greg

[milenio3]

My congratulations to you, Modelperry. This truck is looking very very good! Great job on the tires, and I can see you didn't sweat it... perfect!

[David H]

You are steaming ahead Greg!

I hope to get a couple of good sessions in over the weekend but if I finish the engine, I will be very, very amazed!

D

[modelperry]

I've been on vacation to Maine and haven't posted for awhile so here's the latest update.

the cab has been started. I'm through the floor, dashboard and seats. I'll be building the front bumper next and then back to the cab.

While on vacation, I built a GPM lighthouse. It was a nice 2 day project.

Greg

Here are photos, enjoy:

[milenio3]

Greg, I can see that you didn't paint the edges on all those pieces. Is that OK? I mean, are they suppose to go like that?

I ask because I'm used to paint ALL edges, no matter what.

[modelperry]

Some of the edges will get touched up. I do edge coloring as needed based on my eye. Some of the edges pop more for the camera than my eye. I do not color edges that are definitely going to be a mating surface for another piece.

Greg

[modelperry]

Progress has slowed due to personal stuff (Kid #1 going to college and a bunch of in-law crap my wife and I have to deal with).

Nevertheless here are some photos of the cab with sheet (metal) paper installed. (yes I already know about the edges - they will be attended to in a bit).

Some issues with this:

you can use the rear window opening of the interior wall as a template for making a clear window, but you cannot do the same for the front. The front window should be the same size as the outside dimensions of the trim ring that goes around it on the outside.

Also the rear interior wall is printed a bit off center, so the window opening and engine cutout do not match the outside wall piece and needs to be trimmed.

Greg

[modelperry]

Here are more cab pictures. Progress is still slow due to continuing in-law crap.

I took the front bumper off, trimmed the bumper mounts and reinstall it to move it closer to the cab. It didn't look right where it was. I probably could have moved it back some more, but it looks way better than before.

I think my axle spring reinforcement mistake from earlier on makes the truck sit too low compared to the prototype. But I think it looks kind of cool with its "in the weeds" look.

Next up is the cargo box. I have started the floor now. I've had to modify the torque box rails to clear one of the frame cross members at the front.

Sorry about the pdf photos. For whatever reason I couldn't get my jpeg files to download.

Greg

[Tim Crowe]

Great build! - I like the wheels

Tim

[modelperry]

Well, things are crazy here in my little portion of Pennsylvania. While I have been able to work on my truck, the craziness has affected my ability to post anything. The truck is actually done.

The build of the box went relatively smoothly. The only real issue that needs to be corrected when building the box is on the inside front wall. The inside wall is laminated onto cardboard and is actually 1mm too high to allow a proper fit of the floor. This means that you need to trim it by 1mm at the top before attaching it to the outside wall skin. I didn't catch this until afterwards and ended up carefully slicing 1mm from the bottom. The fit was good then, but the graphics did not line up with the side wall after installation.

The box door hinges and latches were a bit fiddly. They are supposed to be functional, but I'm afraid to try them out.

I really enjoyed this build and would recommend it to those with some experience.

Greg

[tomazs]

Awesome:eek: Great build :thumb:

[Tim Crowe]

Great build of a lovely model - Well done!

Tim

[David H]

Awesome stuff, and such speed!

I know that if i needed a truck building fast you would be the man for the job.

D

[modelperry]

Thanks for all the compliments. I have already started my next project. I will probably just show the finished project and include a short review of the kit I'm building now. It will be posted in the Aircraft Section.

Greg

[Soaring]

So, where's the paper? :)