Caboverdose

[Rockford]

I've either had a moment of brilliance or been true to my 'stupid' genes. I was thinking about more underhood stuff when i was overtaken by an incredible desire. Whether it's jealousy over 1/25th AMT kits or just modelling masochism i don't know but I decided that I could 'easily' make the cab tilt. If I eyed it correctly the hinge would slot right into place without disturbing the grille and work perfectly. I could even use the original cab mount to keep it in position while it set. 

I added two brackets to the cab, drilled as required. Then cut a piece of tube to mount to the chassis. Just a little groove filed into the front crossmember put it in the Goldilocks position. It's even hidden behind the grille!

The pivot point is just right, so right that I could leave the grille attached to the cab and just make a mount for the bumper. I could, but that wouldn't be right, the grille should stay on the radiator, so I'll have to cut the mounting plate out and build a radiator, which will create a clearance issue with the interior tub. Then I've got to finagle a shift island. My wooden Caterpillar won't cut the mustard now either so that will need restarting. I now have to decide whether I should cut the whole oil pan and transmission out of the chassis so I can build the engine properly and position it at the right angle, sloping backwards to improve the driveshaft angle. 

Why did I do it?

[Jürgen M.]

Well, work induces more work! 

Great idea with the tilting mechanism! I think the engine looks fine! 

If you know someone with a printer I could reduce my self designed ntc290 (at least it's similar to one) to 1/32 and send you the files!

Just an offer!

It's the one I put into my Pete 352 day cab! I know it's far from perfect but if it helps!

The radiator is shaped flat to fit the grille.

Edited December 28, 2024 by Jürgen M.

[Biggu]

Talk about raising the bar ….. it is posts like this with brilliant engineering, forethought and execution that pushes me to keep stepping out of my comfort box and try new things ….. a brilliant piece of work Steve, something I probably would have not thought of or tried…… and you make it look so easy …. A mark of a good modeller. Keep going mate, this is really cool

[Pete68]

Nice updates Steve keeps getting better. 

[Rockford]

Thanks lads, very kind comments from you all. 

Thanks for the offer Jürgen but I think I'll do it the painful way. 

Cut the front mount off the frame and the cab stayed aligned. First fear unfounded. Then cut the grille mount off the front of the doghouse.

Rigged up the grille in position and checked the clearance through the arc of of the tilt, the interior clashed at the driver's footwell. You can see the problem in this picture. Looks like Monogram used a bit of artistic licence on the interior. I had to cut a section out of the driver's footwell, slide it across and piece the gap it created at the top. Altered the floor to suit. 

Scratch built a radiator and attached the grille mounting plate to it. Put the cab back on and adjusted the fit while the glue was still wet. Perfect fit! Great the way I can see daylight around the doghouse and grille. 

Can't believe I've managed to pull it off! 

[Gary Chastain]

Well done

[BK9300]

Sure is a good feeling when it all comes out as planned!  Wonderful modifications, again in such tight space(s).

[Jürgen M.]

Did anyone doubt you'd make it? 

We all have full faith in your abilities!

[Biggu]

This is real modelling. ! Very well done. 

[Blue Monday]

This build just keeps getting better and better! Great modelling.

 

BM.

[Bronzekeg]

looks great Steve!

[slusher]

Great work , Steve!

[Jürgen M.]

One question Steve:

How will you keep the cab from tilting all the way over? 

That's one thing I've always been dealing with building cabovers. Some are stopped by the bumper or you can Rest the cab on the shifter. But that's not really the best way.

I admit I've been avoiding this problem. Thought of a sort of piston or something but there was never enough space!

[Rockford]

On 12/29/2024 at 8:30 PM, Jürgen M. said:

One question Steve:

How will you keep the cab from tilting all the way over? 

That's one thing I've always been dealing with building cabovers. Some are stopped by the bumper or you can Rest the cab on the shifter. But that's not really the best way.

I admit I've been avoiding this problem. Thought of a sort of piston or something but there was never enough space!

I'm not sure Jürgen, I'm considering that issue. I did consider a restraint from some sort of thread or wire buf it's stopping the thing getting wrapped around the detail of the chassis and snapping things off when you raise the cab. It's an ongoing thing I suppose, it'll have to get in the queue. 

[Jürgen M.]

I can imagine that it's not easy especially in an even smaller scale than 1/25.

I'll be following and I'm sure you'll find a brilliant solution! 

[Rockford]

I've done it again. I can't seem to help myself. Spent half an hour cutting the sump out of the chassis. Obviously took the transmission with it which means the driveshaft will require reworking. Kit of tidying up to be done. Fortunately the cab still sits perfectly in relation to the grille. 

[Blue Monday]

There will be more white than red on this kit by the time it is ready for paint! 👍

BM.

[Pete68]

Hang in there Steve looking great 

[BK9300]

Hopefully someone can come up with a source for some better engine/transmission choices for your scale of kits - that would be quite a treat!  More great mods going on!

[Biggu]

7 hours ago, BK9300 said:

Hopefully someone can come up with a source for some better engine/transmission choices for your scale of kits - that would be quite a treat!  More great mods going on!

I bet someone with a printer will pick that ball up. Can you imagine the details that could be possible ? 

[Rockford]

It's probably available now, Jurgen kindly offered, it's just so alien to me and out of my price range. 

Using the Caterpillar spares website I got dimensions for the cylinder head, and the oil pan, I had to project the other dimensions from that. The sump was too small in the kit, so I extended that with some offcuts. I got a photo of the timing cover from eBay and cut that out of an old piece of van trailer. Made the charge air cooler from square rod and added 0.75mm strip for the ribs. 

[Biggu]

Are you serious?? Scratch build a Cat? Talk about raising the bar ! You scratch building guys are taking your kits to another level ! This is exciting to watch come together. You guys have incredible talents and thanks for sharing your incredible talents. Looking forward to your next post Steve. 

[Pete68]

4 hours ago, Rockford said:

Using the Caterpillar spares website I got dimensions for the cylinder head, and the oil pan

Great idea Steve that’s the way they did it in the old days true craftsman ship my friend looks good so far. 

[BK9300]

Great watching your progress and problem solving - always liked watching the improvements add up on your builds!

[Jürgen M.]

Looks really cool, Steve! You really have to know lots about these engines to Scratch build them! You have my full respect!