 |
Intro
I have always liked semis and this was my first actual attempt to build one from an existing truck in real life. I got started from looking at some pictures of a truck I picked out and then began to work on some basic drawings. I then began work on the chassis and things fell into place after that. I redesigned the drive train a few times after I discovered that the weight of the finished cab was too much for the original design I installed for my first drive train. |
|
The
Chassis
The chassis was probably one of the hardest parts of the model because it would have to support the weight of the entire model, plus have the drive train and steering mechanism with in it. There are two main support beams that run the length of the body. From these beams come the smaller beams which widen the base on which the cab would be placed. |
 |
 |
The
Drive Train
The drive train is located entirely in the rear of the truck and is detachable from the rest of the chassis with the removal of four axles. The gear ratio from motor to wheel is 1:72. This is rather slow but provides the required strength to pull the full model and a loaded trailer. The axles each have their own differential, which allows for one side of wheels to stop turning while the other side continues to run. This is important because if one side was to get stuck, the other set of wheels would pull the truck out. The drive train is powered by two 4.5 volt motors. |
|
The Cab
The cab comprises most of the model. It is the major source of weight and appearance. The interior of the cab has a driver's seat and a passenger seat, each reclinable and having arm rests. The driver's seat faces a steering wheel and dash board. Behind the seats there is a sleeping area with grey walls and a gray floor. Underneath the cabin lies the receiver unit. At the front of the truck is the v8 engine, which is driven by a 9 volt motor, also located underneath the cabin. The hood of the truck can be lowered so the engine is exposed as well as giving access to the power supply. I tried to be as realistic as I could with the cab detail, so after the main building was done I added roof lights, antennae, and things like that. |
 |
| Control
The model is remotely controlled by a receiver that is located inside the truck. All motors were plugged into the 4x8 box which was plugged into a power supply, located underneath the engine. Functions of the truck could be controlled through a remote control once the power to the truck was trurned on. This eliminated the need for extra wires coming from the truck. This made the model relatively easy to move around. It also increased the distance allowed between the controller and the truck. I purchased the receiver and controller from an online store called HiTechnic Products. This system works great and will be used in my next model, the Caterpillar 375 Mass Excavator. |
Click here
to go back
my LEGO page.
