The Beginning...

With the birth of our second son on March 20th 2014, I knew I was going to need to build something for him. At the time, the dozer was off getting painted and powder coated so I started thinking about what I would do next. As with the dozer, I don't really have a specific reason why  I want to build the things that I do. I just know what I want and that's about it.

So I'm pretty sure I've decided that I'm going to build in a 1/4 scale replica of a 785D mining truck. As with the dozer, I will model it after something that I can buy a die cast model of. This helps with scaling.

The Twenty Two is 1:16 scale. I built mini a little bigger than 1/2 scale.

The 785D is 1:50 scale. I plan to build mine in 1/4 scale.

I've worked on a rough model but I still have a long way to go before I start building anything.

Just like the dozer, it will be loosly based off of the 785D. The biggest differences in this truck will be how it is driven and where the driver will sit.

So far, I'm probably going to use a narrowed truck rear axle driven by a hydraulic motor. I will drive that with a hydrostatic pump like I did on the dozer. Only one pump and motor this time though. I like how smooth the pumps are and the fairly limited speed. I don't need multiple speeds on this. I will probably use a twin cylinder engine in the low 20hp range due to the increased size.

The tires are for a skid steer. I found some that have the right "look". They are about 30" in diameter which fits the 1/4 scale very well. At least according to my die cast model.

Before anyone asks, I'm already thinking of some safety issues. I will probably put a row of back up cameras pointed in a few directions so the driver can see all the way around. I'll also probably hang a bar behind the rear tires that is connected to a kill switch so he can't run over anything.

I have a lot of work to do on the model and some parts to collect but having a plan up front is going to help a lot like it did the last time. And I'm hoping that my older boy will want to start helping so I can teach him things.