160H Cat grader

[kerry]

Hello guys, In the past I had tried to build a grader model using the guide lines or references from a fellow modeler and it didn't turn out like I wanted. The size of the tires and the overall dimensions were just off and I wasn't happy with the way it was going so I scratched the whole thing and restarted with my own ideas and with the help and support of a local Cat dealer was able to take some great reference pictures and measurements and started my 160H Grader. As I said I took the measurements along with the pictures and with the assistance of a CAD program, converted the measurements to 1/25th scale and finally it was ready for the move to the table. I started first with the front axle and after I had worked on this before I had a good idea on how it went together







This one shows it at about 90% as I need to add some more detail to it but it turned out well





Next was the frame as I call it and that wasn't too hard only the angles. But I think they are pretty close.







and with the front axle, it's coming along...




Next came the engine/trans. carriage. This one is mostly drawn up from a techs sheet the Cat dealer had and I think I got it pretty close. There are some details I still need to work out but that will be later















Now to add the drives and again this comes from the techs sheet and some measurements and the photos. Like the other part it still is going to get some details added later







and the drive links now






Well now I move on to the cab construction, I thought I had some pictures with the supports for the cab but I guess I didn't get any...maybe I can get those later for ya but here is the beginning of the cab





and as more pieces are made






and as most of us are, I couldn't wait to see what it is going to look like with the cab on so here the cab is just sitting on so I can get a feel of what or where I need to adjust











Well, that's about as far as I got so far other than some small pieces and I'm currently working on the doors and the glass for the windows. If anyone has any ideas or special technics or tips of any kind, I would really like to know them. The galss for these windows are really tough to get right and I'm wondering if there is a better way. But thanks for looking and I will keep this a running things as I make more progress with it..thanks again

Keep it Real
Kerry

[Deleted]

A pretty cool model subject and i must say great start wow that is one rugged front axle the details are really crisp and clean.

[gatorincebu]

Wooo hooo! You go Kerry! Wow talk about a project. This is going to be cool.
A 16H is a pretty good sized grader. What are you doing for the wheels and tires?


Be Well
Gator

[kerry]

Hi Gator, I decided on this one for a few reasons, #1 is that it's local (can get all the support material I need) #2 it's a medium size machine (the size I was looking for) #3 it's the right type on machine I wanted and should be a lot of fun making a scale model out of. The staff at the Cat. dealer/repair shop here is all excited and wants to see it when finished. Pretty cool deal I think but what I did with this one is I went out to the machine and took measurements and the tires and wheels were one of the first things I had to get right. I found that if you get that right then the rest will follow. So after the measurements were had, I converted to scale and took those measurements and went to Dakota Toys in South Dakota's web site and chose the correct tires for it...simple...they have almost any size and shape tractor tire you could imagine. The wheel's, I have to deal with but the tires for me was the main focus. I'm much farther along on this as the pictures show but I'm trying to figure out how to post them....
Keep it real
Kerry

[gatorincebu]

Kerry,
I guess I confused the number system. Or I am getting old. either way your project sounds like a good one.
I agree about the wheels and tires, I had a wheel from an old Tonka toy and had Rick cast up a bunch of them. Along with some other wheels before I left the states. I have a couple of big scratch build projects in mind.
OH yea . glad to see you back at the bench and here as well. For the new format. Well we all bitched like crazy at first. but now I am kinda getting used to it. The only thing I haven't done is try to post any pictures.

Be Well
Gator

[kerry]

Gator I sent William a message on that and he got me squared away as you can tell with more of the pictures. I did get away from here I admit but I will NEVER leave the table...love it too much...it's my drug or something...I gotta have it..and I am going to make a better effort to stay here and spend more time here. You guys have been really great with me and not fired me. I appreciate it and it is home for me and I have missed it.

[dptydawg]

I love what you are doing here. Its always been on my to do list to build a road grader. I find that for multi-pane windows it is sometimes easier to sandwich a solid sheet of clear between 2 sets of framing. It seems to give the structure some additional strength and is less fiddly that fitting glass into frames.
Excellent work so far

Carl

[gatorincebu]

Nov 19, 2013 12:28:25 GMT -8 dptydawg said:

I love what you are doing here. Its always been on my to do list to build a road grader. I find that for multi-pane windows it is sometimes easier to sandwich a solid sheet of clear between 2 sets of framing. It seems to give the structure some additional strength and is less fiddly that fitting glass into frames.
Excellent work so far

Carl

I would have to agree with Carl. The sandwich approach sound to be the best route fpr glazing the cab.
Is this going to be a new version with the centralized control sticks? I know many of the older grader
operators really hated the new control layout.
What you have done so far looks very good!


Be Well
Gator

[ap40rocktruck]

Kerry,
Spot on construction! Super cool subject matter, do you plan on a fully detailed engine & transmission? There is so much potential for ridiculous details of all the controls & levers!

Ap40

[Muleskinner]

Now this is looking great. I am glad we could get you squared on posting the photos. I have always had a soft spot for graders and this is going to look great when completed.

[pacifictrucker]

now thats just darn super congrats......

[darkness21]

The build is coming along nicely the possibilities are endless for details fantastic work very clean

[swamp rat]

i am liking this..gonna be a bad grader when finished..

[kerry]

Thanks guys, I have hit a snag with it and that snag is time..lol..can't get the time to work on it but I think I am going to try that tip your suggested Carl. The problem I have is that the glass sits flush with the sides of the cab meaning the glass and cab members are the same. Still haven't worked out the details of it yet but it's a start. Another problem I see down the road is going to be the blade. Been thinking about it and haven't really got a plan for it yet either. But that's what it's all about and one reason I love this hobby.
Keep it Real
Kerry

[slurrydog]

Looking really good Kerry, keep at it. Cannot wait til you finish it.
Dave