Midland Belly Dump Trailer Build

[Aaron Corey]

Here's my lastest update

The front and rear "bumpers":

The hopper doors:

Next, I'll be taking the suspension from the AMT Fruehauf flatbed trailer and adapting it for this project...

[Harry P.]

Very nice scratchbuilding!

[Guest JamesDE]

Man that is way cool!

[Aaron Corey]

Thanks guys, I'm really having fun with this project.

Now I understand why the real trailers are built the way they are: Even though I'm mainly using 0.020" styrene (which is pretty flexible on its own), the fully assembled trailer body is surprisingly strong and stiff.

Aaron

[Jantrix]

Whoa, some cool work going on here. I don't usually check out the semi truck threads, but I'll be checking back on this one.

[lonebear43]

wow nice build, found a future project idea

[Aaron Corey]

I've assembled the suspension, and attached the frame rails to the bottom of the trailer. The suspension came from the AMT Fruehauf flatbed. The frame rails are 4 inch sections cut from the frame rails in the AMT kit.

[scale trucker]

not to pick but the boggie is backwards

[Aaron Corey]

Good catch with the backwards suspension, it was actually a deliberate decision on my part. When I was mocking up the rear suspension I discovered that I had to put the bogie on backwards in order to prevent the rear tires from interfering with the mudflaps.

Now that I look at the photo, I realize that could solve the issue by trimming the front of the suspension (the part that grips the frame rails) to allow it to sit further forward on the frame rails...

Aaron

[jekylljr]

Great work ! Cant wait for more pics ... rich try micro mark they have everything to do with scale building

[Truck parts]

That's one outstanding build. Looking forward to seeing it done.

[Aaron Corey]

Thanks for the great comments guys

I've fixed the suspension. Here's a mockup to see how everthing fits together:

Now, I just need to add a few more details (push block, air cylinders for the hopper doors, mudflaps etc.) and then it'll be time to paint.

[Aaron Corey]

I've also created the artwork for my decals. It's based on the actual paint scheme used by the manufacturer.

[Aaron Corey]

Now I've added the push block and mudflap brackets:

...and the air cylinders for the hopper doors:

Now I just need to paint and decal, and this thing will be done.

Edited May 18, 2012 by Aaron Corey

[Edsel-Dan]

I like this too

I may convert it to 1/32 scale.

I have a set of aluminum scale rulers from Murphey.

Murphey's Rule 3 has 1/25 & 1/43 scale

Murphey's original has 1/72 & 1/48

Rule 2 has 1/32 & 1/35. (have to find where I hid that one!!)

I ordered these several years ago from an ad in a model 'Enthusiast' magazine,

so I am not sure if they are still made.

[cdnmodman]

Awesome scratch build !!

Rick

[jacobus]

this is a craftmans work

superbuilding

[Ben]

Very cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see it all painted and decaled!

[hooknladderno1]

Aaron,

What an incredibly CLEAN build! Your work is nothing short of SUPERB! Look forward to your next update.

[Aaron Corey]

Thanks guys

Right now I'm waiting for an order of grey paint to arrive. I'm still debating whether to add extension boards around the top of the trailer - they're an option offered by the manufacturer.

Anyway, here's the paint/decal scheme I plan to go with:

[Aaron Corey]

Well, after taking a bit of a break I've finally completed this build. Here are a few shots:

[mackinac359]

Very nice !

Tim

[Ben]

Wow! That turned out really nice!!!!!!!!! That S series tractor looks perfect in front of it!

[lapazleo]

Fantastic!

[truckabilly]

Very nice scratch build.

Jarda