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Post by rnagle on Mar 20, 2015 15:08:57 GMT -8
This title "works" on many levels: The Michigan part is obvious - only place in North America where these creatures exist (even here in Ontario, Canada we don't get to run as many axles), madness has the obvious tie-in to spring season basketball "March madness", there is also the "Michigan Madman" E.J. Potter who drag raced some crazy contraptions, and really I must be mad to start another project. (If not I likely will be after prepping 46 tires and wheels  ) Found this photo in a book published by Wm K Walthers, well known model railroad supplier, titled "America's Driving Force: Modeling railroads and the automotive industry". Photo caption reads "Heavy steel coils ride special duty trailers at Detroit, December 1964. Extra axles spread out the weight to reduce wear on the highway. When this photo was taken, most coils were shipped uncovered". This was one of those photos that jumped off the page and said "Model project"!  I'm not sure what is more frightening, the idea of modeling this rig or the fact that I have located enough kits already in the stash to build it! |
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Post by dptydawg on Mar 21, 2015 4:31:15 GMT -8
the tractor is probably running a 534 gas with a 5 & 4 Tranny. They put a lot of faith into a single chain and tiedown back then. It should be a great project for you Rob
Carl
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Post by rnagle on Mar 21, 2015 7:06:19 GMT -8
I'd forgotten about many trucks using 2 sticks back then. Wondering if the 2 transmission setup AMT put in their Kenworth conventional kit would be an acceptable kitbash.
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rustymachine
CHOKER SETTER
Black smoke, blue skies.
Posts: 65
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Post by rustymachine on Mar 21, 2015 18:17:22 GMT -8
I think one would be hard pressed to get a compound transmission setup in a truck with that short of a wheelbase. It definitely doesn't look like it ever saw the north side of 50 mph with a load on.
Matt
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Post by rnagle on Mar 23, 2015 16:21:28 GMT -8
A good point about length of compound transmission. Being early 1960's vintage I wonder what other drivetrain options there would be? 16 speed as fitted to AMT's Diamond Reo? Looks like 2 drive hubs on tractor pictured so I presume it isn't the typical 5 speed/2 speed axle used under many lighter trucks.
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Post by slurrydog on Mar 23, 2015 17:50:50 GMT -8
That looks like a great subject to build. Hope you do build it and show lots of pics.
Dave
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 5:15:27 GMT -8
A lot of these type of trucks where i live rolling up and down Michigan ave madness is the word for it.
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Post by dptydawg on Mar 24, 2015 12:38:38 GMT -8
I think one would be hard pressed to get a compound transmission setup in a truck with that short of a wheelbase. It definitely doesn't look like it ever saw the north side of 50 mph with a load on. Matt Spacing shouldn't be a problem. Way back then I drove several different Tandem dumps and they all ran twin sticks. Their wheel bases were now longer Than a tandem tractor. The aux tranny was just tucked in close to the main, unlike the way AMT does the KW's. Carl |
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Post by dptydawg on Mar 24, 2015 16:10:36 GMT -8
I think one would be hard pressed to get a compound transmission setup in a truck with that short of a wheelbase. It definitely doesn't look like it ever saw the north side of 50 mph with a load on. Matt Spacing shouldn't be a problem. Way back then I drove several different Tandem dumps and they all ran twin sticks. Their wheel bases were now longer Than a tandem tractor. The aux tranny was just tucked in close to the main, unlike the way AMT does the KW's. Carl |
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Post by rnagle on Mar 27, 2015 15:05:35 GMT -8
Modelling time has been very limited so not anything to post a picture of however have started prepping AMT flatbed trailer kit platforms and dump trailer frames. By cutting top flange off dump trailer frame sections they will fit right into slots provided in trailer platforms. Near as I can tell rear trailer is slightly longer than lead (I count 1 more stake pocket) so have made one at 22', other at 24'.
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Post by rnagle on Apr 3, 2015 7:25:52 GMT -8
Madness is underway starting with lead trailer. Close spacing of dump trailer kit suspension axles works well for this application:  Flanges on bottom of floor beams added using .020 x .125 styrene strip. .080 rod braces from frame to outside edges of deck also added:  |
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Post by gatorincebu on Apr 3, 2015 15:11:39 GMT -8
Robert,
Nice use of the gravel bucket frames and suspensions. Back in the day I saw the second transmissions coupled very close to the main.
So close it looked like a big universal rather than a drive shaft!
Be Well
Gator
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Post by rnagle on Apr 17, 2015 16:19:54 GMT -8
All those wheels.......the very feature which makes this rig so "modelgenic" may also be the one that puts me over the edge.......  Kit air tank used with scratchbuilt brake valves. There are a lot of brake chambers/slack adjusters too!  Second kit's tridem suspension is start of converter dolly. Kit parts used for hitch on lead trailer as well.  |
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Post by dptydawg on Apr 18, 2015 4:18:26 GMT -8
Looking good Rob!
This project aught to drain your parts box of spare tires.
Carl
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Post by jimb on Apr 18, 2015 15:19:57 GMT -8
Great looking details on the trailer.
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