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Educraft Diversions Apollo Era Crawler Transporter - 1/144 Scale


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What a beautiful project. I, too, have one of these in my stash, so this is very exciting to watch. You mention that some card parts have a tendency to fray or delaminate as you work with them. I flatten or shape such annoyances as best I can and then touch them with thin CA on the end of a toothpick (helps if it has a very small knob of already hardened glue or paint on it). The card instantly absorbs the CA and turns rock hard. Also good for (Very Carefully) attaching card parts when you need them to be instantly set. Practice first, tho', as there's no going back.  But there are times when CA is a paper model lifesaver. 

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7 hours ago, SpacecraftGuy said:

What a beautiful project. I, too, have one of these in my stash, so this is very exciting to watch. You mention that some card parts have a tendency to fray or delaminate as you work with them. I flatten or shape such annoyances as best I can and then touch them with thin CA on the end of a toothpick (helps if it has a very small knob of already hardened glue or paint on it). The card instantly absorbs the CA and turns rock hard. Also good for (Very Carefully) attaching card parts when you need them to be instantly set. Practice first, tho', as there's no going back.  But there are times when CA is a paper model lifesaver. 

Thanks for the compliment and also for the CA tip. I will certainly be giving that a go. 

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Exterior & Interior Tractor Units

 

Here we go...Now starting on the tractor units, there are four exterior units . These have additional parts fitted. As shown, parts cut out, reverse scored and then  folded and glued in place. Typically, these parts are pressed flat overnight. For the exterior tracks separate tracks fitted.

 

image.png.4f98181e8b11be422552465baad2a997.png

 

Tractor side plates, right to left. The outline ready for cut out, next scored on reverse. Next step completion on cut to finish. Final final folds and the mounted onto finished truck. The smaller side plate is glued onto the larger one. This is straight forward following the  instructions.

 

image.png.ab7b6c8fdee965c14cb3929d4f25693b.png

 

Typical Steps Interior Tractors

 

A typical step during construction of parts. 1. Part selected, cut out. The reverse side is scored at this time with a biro

 

image.png.abc34f417100707213ce56885a484530.png

 

2. Cardboard templates drawn, cut out and then glued to the reverse of the part. This is for strength and to maintain shape.

 

image.png.3f3f411ba3c7151ba35144b8fa1f68ce.png

 

3. Tabs are folded to 90 degrees,  PVA glue is applied in stages with the parts folded and joined incrementally. As one stage is connected and dried, the next stage is progressed

 

image.png.e3c94c848ec53df9530614d152c18d65.png

 

4. End result of Interior Tractor.

 

image.png.53ee6fe89c025dbba9b58f08da643607.png

 

Exterior Tractors now complete, the tracks to the left are rough cut.

 

image.png.9b4007b94f07b04116908211fb9d68f9.png

 

Exterior Tractor Units

 

The exterior tractors have additional parts fitted to the outer faces. The separate tracks have to be reversed scored and then coloured to look like a rust colour. Normal coloured pencils were used for this.

 

image.png.7698c3eb32bfc43eba545ff19f56a6a9.png

 

The exterior tractors now complete, the tracks have to have individual spaces cut out. These are then folded over to produce the triangular cleats.

 

image.png.f71ce0df4ea9fbf5e5af2ec096c95eed.png

 

The tracks are cut out as rectangles first, then reversed coloured to a rust colour. Next is the reverse scoring with a biro, then the long process of cutting out the slots. Once done, colouring the slots and the folding and gluing. Three hours per track!

 

image.png.a21903626ce386bbdb130268b56a6683.png

 

image.png.321993b0be0796ec24a33da191cd90f4.png

 

image.png.464bd42a84ab0457b46b65268819df76.png

 

image.png.83d549312b00de5daf18cc5244cf12c3.png

 

image.png.9b0fc0f66c3437ce90b7958fef8b133c.png

 

Exterior Tractors & Tracks

 

The exterior tractors then have the tracks mounted, the lower area is marked and then glued in place. Working around as before in stages, the track is wrapped round the tractor unit. The final assembly can be seen on the right picture.

 

image.png.711c25730237b6fd4a549305f487d1f4.png

 

image.png.081abee6e2c37aa0cd0c0ae7a65b0011.png

 

Finished Exterior Tractor and Track Unit

 

image.png.0d457d831c57c67766a0908f723a54bd.png

 

Arial View of Interior and Exterior Tractors in situ.

 

image.png.342269afe2095e1dcc2ccdc7a74d9b85.png

 

Exterior Tractors & Tracks

 

All Tractor Units now completed, the units need 2mm x 20mm x 20mm Shims for the Tractor Driver sets. Shims are now affixed using Scotch Quick Dry glue.

 

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners

 

This is where the FUN starts, the most difficult stage! .Starting with Practice parts, then actual size. Profiles glued to 5mm balsa wood then cut out.  The substrate needs to be 6.0mm so a further 1.0mm sheet / card is added. The L shaped Spanners are the right thickness of 5mm substrate. The Steps below :-

 

image.png.f6eda6f25990bfc4693e524cda747aac.png

 

Practice prototype parts, the larger ones to examine the folding techniques. The smaller is the 1/144 scale part, the sides collapsed inwards

 

image.png.354155ec40ad954263103f02b0c03704.png

 

Solution : 5mm Balsa wood, these have the 16 profiles glued for the Driver sets & 8 profiles for the spanners. These will then be cut out to form the inner core for the supplied printed sheet parts to wrap around

 

image.png.395cc3be446fb5ea3365d57af6ffa8ac.png

 

All sixteen balsa wood substrates complete. Additional 1.0mm sheet required to bring width out the 6.0mm needed.

 

image.png.34f6e2e1087272eec55f9f53a0be93db.png

 

Substrates shown are a pair of Driver sets & one Spanner. These then put together form one unit.

 

image.png.51cdc67db6297fd1ee5cec94d1eea119.png

 

image.png.dc8be5b027767cd580f5c45a7db6a609.png

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners

 

These are really fiddley! the folding of these takes it to another level. The stages are Driver Scored, Cut Out, exposed edges coloured and folded. This then is wrapped round the substrate in stages as before to ensure fit and shape. The driver goes over the top as well as underneath and meets at the top  front of the part. Tricky! The next page outlines the steps and strategy adopted for this stage.

 

image.png.c2f2a00583b72f4ae9c1c18385eb941f.png

 

Tractor Driver Strategy & Steps 1 to 8

 

The overall strategy was to break these steps down into individual elements (this is the automotive background coming out). To complete one of these from start to finish takes around one hour and 50 minutes. Breaking this down into the individual elements not only reduces time overall, but the repetitive nature of the task makes it more proficient. So for example cutting one part out, then scoring, then folding prior to gluing and then finally gluing to the substrate takes the time. Not only that, by the time the second part is carried out, some techniques are lost. To increase speed and accuracy, all parts are cut out, then all parts are scored and so on sixteen times. This repetitive action creates increased technique and speed. The steps above describe each step in the glue stages to the substrate from 2 to 8.

 

image.png.68df7a93aa1fb29023385ec20ac0f9db.png

 

From Balsa core (Background) to completed Tractor Driver (Foreground)

 

image.png.fb1b4933b8af6a3301b9a03b397ba4c9.png

 

1. Part scored, cut out and exposed edges coloured.

 

image.png.13daa9bab913faa8580f8866ef354e28.png

 

2. Base glued to substrate, rear vertical and then first horizontal

 

image.png.93d0e7c51a0ab7c9fb5235b4a1af27eb.png

 

 3. The curve and slope next with recess, then upright

 

image.png.bd5ad7dea8be0c1b97792c153ccc9da1.png

 

4. Once glued in place, the horizontal is next followed by a vertical, the sides are pulled down to ensure the shape match.  The “ears” on two corners are next.

 

image.png.6f698a4078bd96ad6f5b814d58f13fdf.png


5. Underside front now glued following the curve underneath. The part then goes vertical, this is also glued and held whilst curing.

 

image.png.5e71dbe8b7b64c37149b6eae72dab360.png

 

6. The angled front is then placed and then horizontal. This part is the most exposed and will be seen with the distinctive brake discs on the front. The brake discs are positioned vertically.

 

image.png.7024a2736b349646af6aa7a85957b4da.png

 

7. One side is then glued and position in place.

 

image.png.37c83f5046e37fa70ce84015fb39de63.png

 

8. Finally the other side is glued and positioned and the finished result.

 

image.png.1e5ab7aefbe18dec1a063657d02daa5b.png

 

To finish, a drive shaft is installed.

 

The gluing is done as before in stages, making sure that the stage is in place and secured before moving to the next stage. To complete, a drive shaft is rolled and glued in place.

 

image.png.ace92ef54ab0211d2b1ac34e74cca68f.png

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners

 

These are the finished articles, the spanners as called in the kit goes between each Tractor Driver. Constructing the spanners are fairly straight forward after the tractor driver set.

 

Note : If there was access to a 3D printer, the tractor driver sets and Spanners would have been produced for this stage. This part of the adventure would be a lot easier!

 

image.png.162f3af77ceffc0137f12302e99df118.png

 

image.png.1f547b71bf61d68d350629235cdf0fa6.png

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners Assembly

 

These are the finished articles, the spanners as called in the kit goes between each Tractor Driver (in reality these are called Traction engines). Constructing the spanners are fairly straight forward after the tractor driver set. These units are kept as separate units,  Once fixed to the tractors, there is no possibility of geometry adjustment when the steering equipment is added. So at this point in the build, the tractor units, tractors are separate in preparation for the steering rod installation.

 

image.png.f926090a78e72a6061d7379729786dcf.png

 

All lined up ready to go, each pair of traction unit with Spanner in between.

 

image.png.0f3db992816867015027803135835728.png


First Pair unit constructed.

 

image.png.1f5bfb0aa2e5a154e676a07cb3712f81.png

 

All sets completed and left to dry.

 

Next : Steering Arms and Cable Racks....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Logan 5
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On 3/3/2023 at 5:17 PM, Logan 5 said:

Exterior & Interior Tractor Units

 

Here we go...Now starting on the tractor units, there are four exterior units . These have additional parts fitted. As shown, parts cut out, reverse scored and then  folded and glued in place. Typically, these parts are pressed flat overnight. For the exterior tracks separate tracks fitted.

 

image.png.4f98181e8b11be422552465baad2a997.png

 

Tractor side plates, right to left. The outline ready for cut out, next scored on reverse. Next step completion on cut to finish. Final final folds and the mounted onto finished truck. The smaller side plate is glued onto the larger one. This is straight forward following the  instructions.

 

image.png.ab7b6c8fdee965c14cb3929d4f25693b.png

 

Typical Steps Interior Tractors

 

A typical step during construction of parts. 1. Part selected, cut out. The reverse side is scored at this time with a biro

 

image.png.abc34f417100707213ce56885a484530.png

 

2. Cardboard templates drawn, cut out and then glued to the reverse of the part. This is for strength and to maintain shape.

 

image.png.3f3f411ba3c7151ba35144b8fa1f68ce.png

 

3. Tabs are folded to 90 degrees,  PVA glue is applied in stages with the parts folded and joined incrementally. As one stage is connected and dried, the next stage is progressed

 

image.png.e3c94c848ec53df9530614d152c18d65.png

 

4. End result of Interior Tractor.

 

image.png.53ee6fe89c025dbba9b58f08da643607.png

 

Exterior Tractors now complete, the tracks to the left are rough cut.

 

image.png.9b4007b94f07b04116908211fb9d68f9.png

 

Exterior Tractor Units

 

The exterior tractors have additional parts fitted to the outer faces. The separate tracks have to be reversed scored and then coloured to look like a rust colour. Normal coloured pencils were used for this.

 

image.png.7698c3eb32bfc43eba545ff19f56a6a9.png

 

The exterior tractors now complete, the tracks have to have individual spaces cut out. These are then folded over to produce the triangular cleats.

 

image.png.f71ce0df4ea9fbf5e5af2ec096c95eed.png

 

The tracks are cut out as rectangles first, then reversed coloured to a rust colour. Next is the reverse scoring with a biro, then the long process of cutting out the slots. Once done, colouring the slots and the folding and gluing. Three hours per track!

 

image.png.a21903626ce386bbdb130268b56a6683.png

 

image.png.321993b0be0796ec24a33da191cd90f4.png

 

image.png.464bd42a84ab0457b46b65268819df76.png

 

image.png.83d549312b00de5daf18cc5244cf12c3.png

 

image.png.9b0fc0f66c3437ce90b7958fef8b133c.png

 

Exterior Tractors & Tracks

 

The exterior tractors then have the tracks mounted, the lower area is marked and then glued in place. Working around as before in stages, the track is wrapped round the tractor unit. The final assembly can be seen on the right picture.

 

image.png.711c25730237b6fd4a549305f487d1f4.png

 

image.png.081abee6e2c37aa0cd0c0ae7a65b0011.png

 

Finished Exterior Tractor and Track Unit

 

image.png.0d457d831c57c67766a0908f723a54bd.png

 

Arial View of Interior and Exterior Tractors in situ.

 

image.png.342269afe2095e1dcc2ccdc7a74d9b85.png

 

Exterior Tractors & Tracks

 

All Tractor Units now completed, the units need 2mm x 20mm x 20mm Shims for the Tractor Driver sets. Shims are now affixed using Scotch Quick Dry glue.

 

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners

 

This is where the FUN starts, the most difficult stage! .Starting with Practice parts, then actual size. Profiles glued to 5mm balsa wood then cut out.  The substrate needs to be 6.0mm so a further 1.0mm sheet / card is added. The L shaped Spanners are the right thickness of 5mm substrate. The Steps below :-

 

image.png.f6eda6f25990bfc4693e524cda747aac.png

 

Practice prototype parts, the larger ones to examine the folding techniques. The smaller is the 1/144 scale part, the sides collapsed inwards

 

image.png.354155ec40ad954263103f02b0c03704.png

 

Solution : 5mm Balsa wood, these have the 16 profiles glued for the Driver sets & 8 profiles for the spanners. These will then be cut out to form the inner core for the supplied printed sheet parts to wrap around

 

image.png.395cc3be446fb5ea3365d57af6ffa8ac.png

 

All sixteen balsa wood substrates complete. Additional 1.0mm sheet required to bring width out the 6.0mm needed.

 

image.png.34f6e2e1087272eec55f9f53a0be93db.png

 

Substrates shown are a pair of Driver sets & one Spanner. These then put together form one unit.

 

image.png.51cdc67db6297fd1ee5cec94d1eea119.png

 

image.png.dc8be5b027767cd580f5c45a7db6a609.png

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners

 

These are really fiddley! the folding of these takes it to another level. The stages are Driver Scored, Cut Out, exposed edges coloured and folded. This then is wrapped round the substrate in stages as before to ensure fit and shape. The driver goes over the top as well as underneath and meets at the top  front of the part. Tricky! The next page outlines the steps and strategy adopted for this stage.

 

image.png.c2f2a00583b72f4ae9c1c18385eb941f.png

 

Tractor Driver Strategy & Steps 1 to 8

 

The overall strategy was to break these steps down into individual elements (this is the automotive background coming out). To complete one of these from start to finish takes around one hour and 50 minutes. Breaking this down into the individual elements not only reduces time overall, but the repetitive nature of the task makes it more proficient. So for example cutting one part out, then scoring, then folding prior to gluing and then finally gluing to the substrate takes the time. Not only that, by the time the second part is carried out, some techniques are lost. To increase speed and accuracy, all parts are cut out, then all parts are scored and so on sixteen times. This repetitive action creates increased technique and speed. The steps above describe each step in the glue stages to the substrate from 2 to 8.

 

image.png.68df7a93aa1fb29023385ec20ac0f9db.png

 

From Balsa core (Background) to completed Tractor Driver (Foreground)

 

image.png.fb1b4933b8af6a3301b9a03b397ba4c9.png

 

1. Part scored, cut out and exposed edges coloured.

 

image.png.13daa9bab913faa8580f8866ef354e28.png

 

2. Base glued to substrate, rear vertical and then first horizontal

 

image.png.93d0e7c51a0ab7c9fb5235b4a1af27eb.png

 

 3. The curve and slope next with recess, then upright

 

image.png.bd5ad7dea8be0c1b97792c153ccc9da1.png

 

4. Once glued in place, the horizontal is next followed by a vertical, the sides are pulled down to ensure the shape match.  The “ears” on two corners are next.

 

image.png.6f698a4078bd96ad6f5b814d58f13fdf.png


5. Underside front now glued following the curve underneath. The part then goes vertical, this is also glued and held whilst curing.

 

image.png.5e71dbe8b7b64c37149b6eae72dab360.png

 

6. The angled front is then placed and then horizontal. This part is the most exposed and will be seen with the distinctive brake discs on the front. The brake discs are positioned vertically.

 

image.png.7024a2736b349646af6aa7a85957b4da.png

 

7. One side is then glued and position in place.

 

image.png.37c83f5046e37fa70ce84015fb39de63.png

 

8. Finally the other side is glued and positioned and the finished result.

 

image.png.1e5ab7aefbe18dec1a063657d02daa5b.png

 

To finish, a drive shaft is installed.

 

The gluing is done as before in stages, making sure that the stage is in place and secured before moving to the next stage. To complete, a drive shaft is rolled and glued in place.

 

image.png.ace92ef54ab0211d2b1ac34e74cca68f.png

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners

 

These are the finished articles, the spanners as called in the kit goes between each Tractor Driver. Constructing the spanners are fairly straight forward after the tractor driver set.

 

Note : If there was access to a 3D printer, the tractor driver sets and Spanners would have been produced for this stage. This part of the adventure would be a lot easier!

 

image.png.162f3af77ceffc0137f12302e99df118.png

 

image.png.1f547b71bf61d68d350629235cdf0fa6.png

 

Tractor Driver Sets & Spanners Assembly

 

These are the finished articles, the spanners as called in the kit goes between each Tractor Driver (in reality these are called Traction engines). Constructing the spanners are fairly straight forward after the tractor driver set. These units are kept as separate units,  Once fixed to the tractors, there is no possibility of geometry adjustment when the steering equipment is added. So at this point in the build, the tractor units, tractors are separate in preparation for the steering rod installation.

 

image.png.f926090a78e72a6061d7379729786dcf.png

 

All lined up ready to go, each pair of traction unit with Spanner in between.

 

image.png.0f3db992816867015027803135835728.png


First Pair unit constructed.

 

image.png.1f5bfb0aa2e5a154e676a07cb3712f81.png

 

All sets completed and left to dry.

 

Next : Steering Arms and Cable Racks....

 

 

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9 minutes ago, Logan 5 said:

 

Next Up - Tractor Inboard Steering Arms

 

Larger prototype used for folding technique, after the tractor units these are a refreshing change. As before, cut out required shape, score on reverse (an empty biro was used for this which is still going with ink!). The edges are covered - coloured. Then fold into shape, these did not require balsa wood substrate.

 

image.png.3cc28edca7764831633385e050bc110b.png

 

image.png.38df3d4da9be2fd35e1f6c88803a5d02.png

 

Set with steering arm installed.

 

image.png.90ccc127fe535f165854b6a0ca435923.png

 

All sets with the steering arms installed

 

image.png.70d834e62d7806e2b6bcddf5389bbff5.png

 

All sets with the steering arms installed in the relative positions

 

image.png.a4b0e848b53b221fd8a2636809fa1cb4.png

 

Tractor Units & Steering Arm Units dry fitted into the relevant locations. These will remain dry fit until the steering cylinders are fitted for geometry

 

Cable Racks

 

These odd looking triangular racks containing the cables that go to the traction engines from the System cable tray that runs round the perimeter on the underside of the Crawler (this is fitted at a later stage).

 

image.png.c684af37d1750f044eb92fcb7e6cdb17.png

 

The parts are cut out, scored and edges coloured. The steering arm is marked out for the exact location for installation.

 

image.png.679ac3e9077067b0a80ebd0ea5cb9ad8.png

 

All eight units completed

 

image.png.282246d89a44854e3c06506c45e230c9.png

 

Dry fitted into final position

 

Tractor Inboard Steering Arms

 

After the Tractor units, these were also a breeze. Simple to fold, glue and attach. Balsa wood substrate also used for this.

 

image.png.8901cdddc8a6c51bfe8eb7d5e51c2a9f.png

 

 

image.png.fdfa092c3d6cbc5c024771e19b12608a.png

 

All four inner  Tractor Inboard Steering Arms complete.

 

Side Note : Supplementary Idea :   Launch Platform Hard Stand Pedestals

 

As thoughts start towards the Saturn V Launch Platform / LUT (The next build project after the Crawler), the idea of presenting the Launch Platform on the six hard stand pedestals (also known as mount mechanisms) surfaced. This would allow the Crawler Transporter to sit underneath and have the Launch Platform mounted on the six pedestals. Design, measurements have been done. These will be all scratch built.

 

image.png.d23547c383414c1e6fb58c79c4f75111.png

Source : NASA

 

The diagram above show the configuration at the time of the Saturn V at LC39A & LC39B. The Pedestals illustrated shows Type I (Centre Column and two smaller support legs). Type II (Centre Column and one support leg) and Type III (Centre Column only). The diagram also shows the Crawler Transporter location points on the Mobile Launcher (ML) and the Extensible Columns are near the  four corners of the Engine Chamber (This was to allow for the rebound forces during launch).

 

image.png.2814b71ddb1d1beb34485ddef4960c43.png

 

 Above : The main anatomy of the Type I Pedestal.

 

image.png.b55945418d1d1b3003eb0cb11222f9f1.png

(Source  NASA) Cross section of a Type I Pedestal

 

image.png.e82c98e7541e64edc2174f714f989d47.png

(Source : NASA) Side and Front Elevation of Hard Stand Pedestal

 

Next : Sub Chassis Steering Arms, Top Plate Cover (Roof) and Exhausts

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Hi Al,

 

I don't think it's possible to delete the double post directly. :gr_hail: You can only copy your last post into the double post as an update. :thumbsup:

 

Don't tell me you are thinking about first steps towards a Launch Pad Diorama ... up040577.gif

 

Edited by spaceman
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On 3/1/2023 at 1:03 AM, CaptKirk said:

Does this mean that we may be treated to another build thread soon?

Not very soon, that's for sure. Running out of time and space and seeing the incredible attention to detail that's going into this build - this is pretty daunting! I did get a start on it ages ago - the styrene frame is done -, but ground to a halt on the paper launch pad surface. Mine came in two pieces (10, 15 years ago?), and while they join perfectly, they're are two different color densities, and the difference is very noticeable. So the next step there would be to scan each half, combine and match the four or six scans it would take to fit my scanner, in photoshop, maybe change the colors a bit too - mine seems too bluey - and get it printed at a printers onto one single sheet. Someday?...  

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 3/9/2023 at 7:59 PM, spaceman said:

Hi Al,

 

I don't think it's possible to delete the double post directly. :gr_hail: You can only copy your last post into the double post as an update. :thumbsup:

 

Don't tell me you are thinking about first steps towards a Launch Pad Diorama ... up040577.gif

 

Hi Manfred,

 

When I did the Airfix 1/144 Scale Saturn V, I looked around. The ML/LUT was the obvious choice and the Educraft Diversions seemed challenging and based on the pictures pretty good. So the Saturn V on the ML / LUT would be a good enhancement and in your words Coool...

 

Whilst ordering this, I did notice there was a Crawler Transporter available. Well...Must Have!! These arrived together and I have never put anything together like this before. So The ML/LUT is 18 A3 Sheets and the Crawler Transporter is 10 sheets. So the Crawler was the first up as there is less sheets and get used to the techniques and build processes. So, I should end up with the Apollo 11 Saturn V. This mounted on the ML/LUT (I am looking at lighting) with The Crawler Transporter just leaving the ML/ LUT mounted on the six hard stand pedestals (Mount mechanisms). This all in a custom designed cabinet....it will take absolute ages...but the journey is the fun getting there....not the destination!

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Oh Dear.....Just posted and just had a Sever Error, that was a lot of work gone! So just the first step now...

 

Supplementary Idea :  Top Plate  (Design by Mischa Klement)

 

Research into the actual Crawler Top Cover configuration revealed a cross beam structure. The structure was then scaled down to 1/144 scale, the lines running from front to back were the marked and scored. The side to side beams were then marked out, the end strips at 1.5mm. The rest of the filler beams worked out at 4.0mm NOT ( I had calculated at 114 scale, not the 1/144 scale I needed, so the actual was 3.0 mm Oops). The position on the beams line up with the vertical tubes on both Side 2 & 4. This now constructed will be painted and weathered.

 

image.png.cb5bc46e6bc9394f7f31cedbf82bb755.png

 

The now correct scale Top Cover was marked and score d to produce the lines for forward and back (X)

 

image.png.2c3566a08af7bc8889f6f56d69b5105d.png

 

Once lines were scored, the side beams need to be dimensioned and cut. The end beams worked out to be 1.5mm  and the filler beams at 3.0mm at 144 scale. The side beams were affixed using Tamiya extra thin cement. After cutting off the 4.0 mm, you find that the Tamiya glues very well! 

 

image.png.19fba8154262a7be531972084980bce3.png

 

The finished article, this is then ready for paint (when the weather is better)

 

image.png.66888b2ee81e047c2ce501fe4acb14cd.png

 

Top Plate now placed onto the Crawler, note this is the 4.0 mm side beams, the next post will show the 3.0 mm and also the sub support chassis and Exhausts.  Have a good week and see you soon.

Edited by Logan 5
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3 hours ago, Logan 5 said:

Oh Dear.....Just posted and just had a Sever Error, that was a lot of work gone! 

 

When I make a long post I usually enter all the text and image hyperlinks in a text editor (notepad) and save/proof my work there before pasting it into a reply window in the forum software. 

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5 hours ago, habu2 said:

 

When I make a long post I usually enter all the text and image hyperlinks in a text editor (notepad) and save/proof my work there before pasting it into a reply window in the forum software. 

That is a very good back up plan, I will do thus in future. Thanks for the tip. 

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Hi Everyone,

 

A little short post today, the reworked Top Cover plate is shown in the picture below (Now 3.0 mm beams instead of the original 4.0mm).

It shows the old saying measure twice, cut once! This is also the case for the prototype walkway, incorrect scale. New material on order...

 

image.png.dd633df50ea484b5371966972985f2b3.png

 

Sub Chassis Steering Arms Install

 

The Sub Chassis steering arms were selected, cut out, scored, folded and glued. Once dry, the arms were installed using Scotch quick dry adhesive.  There is a notation in the instructions to bias these inboard away from the corresponding tractor set.

 

image.png.225fef317bdbdafbf336f500c06cbb26.png


Sub Chassis components cut out and folded.

 

image.png.9f1fb7aa11a74482ef9ef1d954b8dddb.png

 

All lined up ready to go

 

image.png.fcd9dafd8f1dbe40891133e66bfcf510.png

 

Sub Chassis located as per instructions – The strut leans away from its corresponding tractor set i.e. inboard.

 

image.png.7f9db32df3b7c8a302eeba1aea1e945c.png

 

All Sub Chassis steering arms now installed.

 

That's it for today...next up, the exhausts... Have a good week.

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Hi Everyone,

 

So the next step is the exhausts, had a bit of a dilemma with these. Not good to make and fold. So the following steps shows the work round.

 

 image.png.e229f08a06d9170e5ac5236be6aebce7.png

 

The original kit mufflers (exhausts), all the same size and not good regarding the pipes!

 

image.png.cfe37aa4e0423f4cf1dc23f17e96098d.png

 

In reality, there are two small exhausts and two large on the Apollo Era Crawler. These are replicated in the design of Mischa Klement, two small exhausts and two large. These are shaped from Balsa wood from using the David Maier exhaust end profile.

Once done the exhaust lengths were then shaped and cut to size as above.

 

image.png.f9a85065ac11f6c55e0369449d82a6d5.png

 

Next the exhaust pipes, these are also Balsa rod , cut at angles until the pipe work is formed.

A little production line on the go here!

 

image.png.eff430eb22d2ca5737a1799630200106.png

 

So work in progress, starting to join the pipes to the exhaust manifolds (Note : Error Here, I should have made sure that the exhaust end tail pipes were at 45 degrees instead of 90 degrees)A bit of remedial work done to get the correct 45 degree angle.

.

image.png.8c1e05bc89b3cb1fc9d888f8715e387b.png

 

Now all done, these were sprayed in Grey Primer, flatted down, sprayed again. Then finally flatted down and sprayed for a final third coat. The exhaust end tail pipe "black" done with a Sharpie Pen.

 

image.png.c38177293805c9bd98cdbb2bae14dddf.png

 

All now located in place, a better solution than the kit parts. These were glued in place using Gorilla Superglue (highly recommended).

 

The exhausts are not going anywhere.

 

We have almost caught up to the present day (2023) I have now to look to the walkways and stairs around the perimeter of the Crawler. I have also to do to the cable tray that goes round the lower parimeter of the crawler.

 

So until next time, have a good weekend....

 

Again, any thoughts, hints and tips always welcome.

 

Cheers Al

Edited by Logan 5
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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Everyone, 

 

It has been a while, April has been a busy month and continues to be also. So a brief intro into the start of the scratch build walkways.

I did not like the look of the paper version of the walkways and steps and so have opted for a scratch build styrene version.

The initial stage described below.

 

Supplementary Idea :  Scratch built Walkways and Stairs – Balsa Wood Build fixture

 

The build sequence of the Walkways, using Corner C as the prototype example. The Templates can be used for both sides, for example once the fixture is completed for the Corner C walkway. This can be reused for Corner A. This is the case for most of the walkways.

 

image.png.e61eca6202379c5826883916ff8caa61.png

 

A template was drawn and tested.

 

image.png.074107a3437be7b2339329a6c3ffd13b.png

 

The Template was then glued to a Balsa sheet creating a Fixture. 

 

image.png.332187bc711427047e095c42002682f3.png

 

And so construction of the first walkway. Using 1.5mm L Shape & 0.5mm strip, the components cut using the RP Toolz Mitre Cutter.

The parts are glued together using Tamiya Extra Thin cement. Note : The first attempt used incorrect scale of 2.0mm L Shape & 1.0mm Strip.

 

image.png.bb7c46ad5701cdcf812097e8eb35bf36.png

 

As the parts are added, it is dry fitted to the Crawler to ensure fit at regular intervals.

 

image.png.5a65dcfe70da32760747fac0489b1bfa.png

 

One Side done, moving onto the side that goes to Side 3. The Mitre tool is great for getting multiple parts exactly the same lengths.

 

image.png.9e4882c4a3682ab75399bb62bcc0c0f8.png

 

So this is the walkway complete for Corner C, the mesh is out of scale and working on a material that is to the correct scale.

The mesh in this case is holding the shape. This is an interference fit only. Next up will be the uprights and hand rails. 

Once the prototype has been "signed off" the other walkways should follow fairly quickly as the process has been established.

 

Until the next time...any hints and tips as always welcome, Have a good week....

 

 

 

Edited by Logan 5
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Hi Al,

 

here you can seen the real walkway mesh and determine the mesh size of a better suitable grid. 

 

jb0cnY.jpg

Source: nasatech.net

 

Maybe such a 40 Mesh stainless steel grid. up040577.gif

 

Myld4V.jpg

Source: mallametalica.es 

 

Edited by spaceman
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  • 4 weeks later...
8 hours ago, Youngtiger1 said:

Al, great work on the cat walk. Your extra work brings it all together. Paper catwalk looks good but your work brings it to another level. Just amazing!

Thanks Mike for the compliment. I am in full time employment so at the moment no spare time, hence the time delay. I have on order the correct size mesh for the walkway. Whilst the wait, I will post shortly the initial design and styrene cable tray that goes around the parameter of the lower Crawler. All the best Al 

Edited by Logan 5
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