Maxxmasher's 6x6 MAN Camper Build!

[MAXXMASHER]

Starting to look like something, finally. Got some of the cab glued together. Still haven't done the front end panel as I'm still working that out. Need to be able to get the battery out of there somehow. Wasn't sure about how it was looking, but I'm liking it more as it's coming together. Still need to cut the link covers and strip it down to paint the frame. Kinda cold for painting right now as winter has made a return and it seems it will be around for a bit longer. Still playing around with paint schemes in my head, too. Lots to do!!

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[MAXXMASHER]

I am still making progress. Tonight's achievement was to get the upper part of the front of the cab cut out. I also figured a way to get it to sit nice and flush with the rest of the cab without any glue. I found some steel pieces bent at a 90 degree angle with holes on both sides. One end I trimmed down so as to fit underneath the windshield and not get in the way. I then drilled and countersunk tiny holes and attached to the front with tiny screws. In just the right spot in the floorboard, I mounted two earth magnets. I had to shim them slightly to get the panel to sit just right, and it seems to hold very well. I hadn't glued the top of the cab on yet, anticipating this job. Not sure if I will just yet, either, as I am contemplating some lighting too. I figure I can get all the lights in place and use a few connectors to make disassembly a little easier. Now I just have to cut a panel for the lower front of the rig. That will be mounted solidly. Gotta come up with a cool looking bumper, too. The roof of the front and rear sections will also get some racks on them. Not sure if I will use Plastruct or brass for these. Plastruct would be a lot easier, but the brass would look pretty cool....

Front panel. It will get some black trim and lexan windows.

Tabs in place. The big holes are kind of unnecessary, but they do self center on the magnets.

These magnets that mount with a screw are great! No more using glue to hold them on.

Inside view, sans roof.

I'll just put a piece of trim over these or something to hide the screw heads. Sit nice and flush.

Not looking too bad!

My only worry is the approach angle this thing might have.

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[THX_138]

Please be considerate and edit and reduce the size of your images past and present.

800 pixels wide and 600 pixels tall is the forum rule.
Anything under that is acceptable, they do not need to be exactly 800x600

Please correct sizing to help eliminate losing images

 

[MAXXMASHER]

OK. Sorry. I didn't know that.


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[MAXXMASHER]

Please be considerate and edit and reduce the size of your images past and present.



800 pixels wide and 600 pixels tall is the forum rule.

Anything under that is acceptable, they do not need to be exactly 800x600



Please correct sizing to help eliminate losing images

Hey, I was trying to do as you said, but when I go into edit and erase the link and re-select the picture, it just goes right in and now doesn't give me an option to size the picture. I would gladly edit every one, but it doesn't seem to work right. I didn't realize that it was making jumbo pictures, I just thought it was a clarity thing. When I look at my pictures (on my iPad) it just sizes it to the screen. Didn't realize that this was a problem. I will select a smaller size from now on. Been on here for ten years and never knew that....[emoji15]


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[MAXXMASHER]

Got a little bit more done this evening. Nothing too major. Got the bottom of the front of the cab permanently attached and cut a hole for a radiator. Gonna glue a piece on the inside painted silver and covered with mesh. Started thinking about putting in a driver. Should have worked this into my original design, but I think I can make it work. I got a driver figure in one of the model kits I got, and I think it will work out ok. Robbed a seat and some other stuff out of a Datsun model kit. Gonna use that body on my Orlandoo hunter, so the interior won't be needed. I also fabbed up a bumper for it. Thought I'd use it on the front, but didn't like how it looked. I'll use it on the rear.

Also did a little shopping. I got some solid Plastruct rod in the smallest size and I'll use that to simulate bolts holding on various panels. I also got some 1/8" square rod to build the roof racks, and also 1/8" round hollow tube to fabricate some cage action. I went all out and ordered a 100 pack of #11 exacto blades and some body putty to smooth out all the body panel joints.

This building with Plastruct is getting addicting. The more details I add, the more I want to add.

I should have made the windows a bit smaller. Once I add the trim, I think it'll be alright.

Took a lot of work to get this just right! My Dremel is proving to be invaluable. Using bits I've had for years for the first time.

I also modified my battery enclosure a bit. Wasn't quite thinking the first time around. Need the wires to go the other way, duh!

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[Fungi]

Looking good! Much better with smaller pictures.

 

[MAXXMASHER]

Got some more done, but now as I'm getting into the finer details, the finish line seems further and further away. I keep coming up with more ideas of stuff to add. I did get the driver 90% painted, but I figured if I was going to put him in there, there should be some semblance of an interior. I robbed a dashboard from a kit and added that and also made a removable cover for the battery holder. Covered that with some mini diamond plate, and I'll add some more trim to it. I got some body filler and loaded up the gaps in the pieces I have glued together so far. I had some old putty, but it was all dried up. While I was getting that, I also did some more shopping, and got 1/8th inch tubing, .060 solid rod, and some 1/8th inch square plastic tubes. My hundred pack of blades also showed up at my doorstep.

The drivers suit should give an indication of colors that will be used to trim the rig.

Battery cover. Doesn't look like much, but it'll do.

I also got some goodies from Danally! Two 100T & a 90T motor.

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[MAXXMASHER]

I took yesterday off from rig construction, but hit it hard today! Almost getting to the point where I could see some paint flying on the cab. I have been putting off gluing the roof on until I have the whole interior sorted out. I believe I'm just about there. The only thing left is to figure out exactly how I'm gonna mount it to the frame.

Got some detail done on the outside and in the cab. Just have to wait for my solid round rod to make some "rivets" on some panels. The rods should be here tomorrow. Found the right size on Amazon, so it will indeed be delivered on a Sunday.

I got my square tube in yesterday, so I set about making a roof rack, and it came out pretty good, I think. I also found a pretty cool bumper in my stash that was off a Peterbuilt rig I may use, too. Also added some interior bits and finished painting the driver and got him securely fastened in his seat.

Used a tiny little brush to finish this up!

The battery cover is held on with a bent piece of erector set that connects to an earth magnet in the back.

Seated at the helm...

The roof rack wasn't all that hard to make, just tedious cutting all the small pieces.

Once I placed it back on top, I realized that I goofed. I should have the shorter sections inside the longer ones. Luckily, the glue hadn't quite set, so I was able to switch that. I only have pics in this configuration as after re-gluing, I didn't wat to move it around and get it out of square. Looks better than this.

I also got the side panels made up and detailed a little.


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[MAXXMASHER]

Really getting close to painting the cab now. Still have figured just how to mount it on the frame just yet, but I will cross that hurdle tomorrow, I believe. Tonight's build session began with the cutting of what seemed like a thousand scale screw heads. I even had to devise a way to catch them as I cut. The first few went sailing into neverland until I put a backstop down. That being done, I painstakingly applied a pinhead of glue to each one and carefully set them in place with micro tweezers.

After all that, I found a passenger, still inside one of my recently discarded micro bodies. It is the 1/24th scale version of my dog, Walter. He always rides shotgun in all of my builds. Once he was secured, I set about masking off the inside. I found it easier to use some scrap plastic to cover the windows rather than use all tape. I did some final sanding to other joints that were previously glued, and also added some trim to cover up the screw heads on the front. Didn't use too much glue there, in case I have to take them out for some reason in the future. After that, I drilled out some holes for the front lights.

Also in my stash of model parts, I found a set of air horns, side mirrors and a grab rail that will be added after painting. Like I've said, the more detail I add, the more I want to add. Starting to look like something now. Still have to cut out the front window, and I'm gonna give a go of making wipers for it. I also found some crates that will be added to the roof. They were in the garage tool kit I got. Just have to assemble and paint. Those along with some jerry cans and a spare tire should fill the roof cargo area. On to some pics!

Sitting like a good boy!

Looking good with some detail and the roof rack readjusted.

I also drilled the holes for the LED's and test fitted the bezel holders. The large opening will have a silver piece covered with black mesh and glued on from the inside.

I hope I thought of everything, cause that roof will be permanent soon. More putty and sanding....

No work till 4pm tomorrow, so I stayed up pretty late. Hey, it's not even 5am yet!




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[MAXXMASHER]

Another night of work on the rig lasting till almost sunrise. Didn't get home from work until almost 2am. Headed straight to the basement to get at it. I threw some putty on the roof seams when I got up today, hoping it would dry in time to get some sanding in. It was (mostly) dry. Some of the thicker stuff was still setting up, and while I got most of it done, it left some pitting in areas. I decided to add a little more in a skim coat, and it should be ready for the final sand when I get off work.

I got the windshield "glass" cut out for the front windows and also made up some wipers for them. They won't look perfect, but they'll do. Gave them a coat of flat black. I also figured out a pretty good mounting system for the cab, opting to go with a couple of earth magnets for the job. I roughed up the corresponding area under the cab and glued a three inch section of steel to it. After mounting the magnets to the frame, I could just about pick up the whole rig by using their attractiveness to a piece of metal. So far so good.

A little more sanding, some final prep, and I think this part of the truck will be ready for paint! Then, its on to the box section of the rig. I have all the pieces cut, but they'll need some modifications to match the front part. I trimmed a little off the bottom of the cab AFTER I had already done the rear panels, but it shouldn't be too big of a deal. The real problem with the rear is that I need to have the floor affixed to the chassis, for mounting of all the electronics, but I need to be able to remove the box section to get at them. Working several concepts in my head.....

Nothing too exciting tonight. Just some pics of how the cab will be mounted.

These countersunk earth magnets are great!

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[MAXXMASHER]

Been a couple days since an update. Mostly been sanding and doing tedious stuff and prepping for paint. While not ideal, it is a little warmer tonight, so I got the cab pieces painted up. Sorry, it's not too exciting, just some primer and then a topcoat of satin white. I just couldn't visualize it any other color. The truck I'm emulating is white, and I found some great pinstripes in my stash of rc body decals. I'll be using the red, orange, and yellow stripes that come with the '79 F-150 HPI truck body. I have had two of them on my SCX, but never used them.

Anyways, the paint came out pretty good. Then, it was on to doing up some of the minor details of the interior that had to wait until the paint was done. I got the windshield "glass" in place along with the window netting. I also got a bunch of little details for the outside of the cab painted up in flat black. Gotta use the pin vise to drill some tiny holes for that stuff to sit nicely.

It's starting to come together. Not the greatest body in the history of scratch building, but I like it so far. Now I'm anxious to get the rear of the truck done. Or started, that is. Should be interesting. Still have to install the LED's in the front, too. This thing is going to be a pain when battery changes are required. I'm going to either have lots of slack in the leads to the lights or make them quick connect. Probably both, so I don't have to fish around in the cab to unhook them. Always a challenge to overcome....that's what makes all this so fun!

Primer applied to the removable face of the cab.

And on the cab. Connected some fishing line below the tape and hung from a rafter in the garage.

Same goes for the roof rack. Might end up painting this black, but not sure yet. Figured I'd do it up in case I do want it to be white to match the cab.

Safety first!

Window netting in place. Secured with RTV silicone.

Windshield came out looking good.

Looking like a rig!

Some of the details yet to go on.

Using the pinstripes seen here....

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[MAXXMASHER]

Didn't get a whole lot of basement time tonight. I did get a little done on the rig. Did a little detail painting done on some accessories and I installed the trim around the fender well, too. I also put on the side window trim, and got the windshield wipers on. I drilled some holes with the pin vise, chose not to permanently install the side mirrors for fear of damaging them whilst working on the truck. I think this rig will get some stacks, too. I have a set from a previous build, and it seems the more accessories I add, the better it looks. They were chrome, but have a coat of army drab on them. A little modification to them, and a coat of flat black, and they will look pretty good on there. That about it for today. The finish line is getting closer, but still seems like a long way off.....

Wipers don't look half bad...

Window and fender trim. Still toying with the idea of making fender wells, too.

3/4 shot. Gotta come up with some kind of bumper for this. The one off my old rig won't quite work. Shoulda thought out the light placement a little more. We'll see....

Looking like something....

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[MAXXMASHER]

Once again, work ran late, so I only got a little bit done. Off the next two days, so some good progress should be made. About the only things I accomplished were to get the stacks painted flat black and attach my modified army rig bumper. I also did some bending of tubular Plastruct to make a little guard around the radiator. Looks pretty good I guess, although I may have to trim a bit off of the bottom for approach clearance.

Stacks painted up...didn't put them on yet. Wanna wait until the glue dries on the bumper overnight.

Not too shabby.

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[MAXXMASHER]

Having the day off (& tomorrow), I got a fair amount done. I mounted the stacks on the cab and then turned my attention to the rear of this truck. My main dilemma, as I have been saying, is how to mount the box section sturdy enough to survive abuse, be removable, and still look decent. I think I came up with the solution.

I already had all the panels cut out, except for the floor. I'm going to mount the floor solidly to the frame and have 1" panels mounted to it that almost sit flush with the sides of the box compartment. On those panels, I mounted six of the earth magnets. They almost touch the sides, but not quite. I left just enough room for the metal strips that will be glued to the inside of the box walls.

This way I can mount all the electronics to the floor of the box and still be able to get at them. I also plan on adding reinforcing cross members to the inside of the box. The measurements on all this will be very crucial to keep the sides nice and straight.

One big problem is going to be getting all the lights hooked up, while still having the box easily removable. This light kit is designed for a 1/10th scale rc, so having extra long wires should help. I just think after going this far with it, lights would be that icing on the cake.

My PayPal account is getting light, and it just got a little lighter. For one thing, doing all this kind of stuff has me constantly searching for just the right screw & nut combo all the time. NO MORE! I just bought a 1500 piece mega pack hardware kit from Team KnK. 2mm & 3mm. I also by chance, came across a Hobby Gear 1/24th accessory pack that has a lot of cool stuff that will look great on the roof racks.

Should get a lot more done tomorrow, too. If it's not too sunny out, anyways. It's getting warmer out and my Harley is calling me! I'm sure I'll find the time to take care of both hobbies tomorrow!

Stacks mounted up...

The start of the inner supports that will hold the magnets. I used some extra 1/4" square Plastruct to give the plastic more to hold onto, and to also make sure the larger part would be square.

Getting the idea yet?

Magnetized!

Easier to visualize.

Starting to look like a truck!

Plenty of room for components.

Can you really have too many scale accessories? Some of this can go in my future scale garage, too.

Why I didn't buy one of these years ago is beyond me.....

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[cleanandserenesteve]

This is a awesome build! It looks very scale with those tires. Are you going to get a extra set of wheels that are a bit larger for better climbing?

 

[MAXXMASHER]

This is a awesome build! It looks very scale with those tires. Are you going to get a extra set of wheels that are a bit larger for better climbing?

Yeah, I've been considering a set of the RC4WD Rovers. I actually could probably get away with just a pair for now. I have a set of the much loved MiClaws on another rig. Those are mounted on a set of stock Losi wheels, so I could use those on the rear. I have a set of pristine stock wheels, but I'd have to see how they look before permanently installing them. Perhaps another four pack of RC4WD bead locks could be in my future.....

The rig wearing the MiClaws is pretty much a scratch build too. Losi running gear and a brass frame.

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[MAXXMASHER]

Tonight's session was all about prepping for gluing the rear box section. I checked and re-checked that everything should fit together perfectly and sanded all the joints. For some reason, I overlooked cutting out the rear panel for it. I noticed this error as I was laying it all out yesterday, so I ordered some more .060 Plastruct sheets. Should be here Friday. The one part that will be tricky is getting the steel pieces glued to the inside of the side panels in just the right spots. There are six mounting points, and they all have to be just right. One thing I did do in preparation of putting it all together was to glue some 1/4" square rod exactly on the same spots on both side panels. On these, four spans will connect the two sides halfway between the roof and where the magnets are. I figured a little extra rigidity wouldn't hurt. I also got the floor mounted perfectly on the frame, too. Everything seems to be lining up just right so far. Once the box is built, I can really get going on getting it to be a runner. Can't wait to get it built and get some paint on it, too!

Nothing too exciting; I think two bolts will hold it all in place. They are bolted through the shock mounts.

Everything laid out. Stinks that I have to wait until I get my shipment to start gluing. Not having the rear panel really makes it hard to keep it all straight. Growing third and fourth arms would help, too!

Just a pic with it facing the other direction for a change.

Coulda got more done today, but it was so nice out! I decided to enjoy one of my other hobbies.....

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[MAXXMASHER]

Duplicate post!

 

[MAXXMASHER]

Made some real progress on the rear box section tonight. I got all my steel tabs glued to the inside of the long box sections after measuring and re measuring the locations of them. I let those dry overnight under the tension of clamps. Tonight, I got them positioned where they needed to be and glued the cross members inside. Once sufficient time passed, I added the roof of the box. Really looking like a truck now!

I also got in my screw kit from Team KnK. Really nice. This will serve me for years to come, I'm sure. Checked some tracking numbers, and it looks like I should get both my scale accessories, and the much needed .060 sheets in the mail tomorrow. Just need to let tonight's work cure.

Tomorrow, I will cut the rear panel, glue that in place, and then glue in the two remaining front panels. Then, its on to sanding and painting. Still lots to do! Electronic sorting, frame painting, light rigging, and graphics all still need done. I also need to cut all the covers for the threaded links, as well. I am also hoping to get or make a dual motor plate, too. All this body work and fancy accessories are starting to add up in weight. We shall see.....

YES!!! Even through EBay, RPP hobby has ridiculous shipping speed! Ordered at 4am Monday morning, and it was at my door on Wednesday at 1pm. I don't know how they do it.

A tremendous amount of screws!

This is the breakdown....

Precise measuring going on here...

Clamped in place.

The gluing of the supports.

Keeping the roof as straight as possible.

An inside view.

Getting there!

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