1:8 Scale Grave Digger

[Paul4x4]

I finally managed to register to this forum, and my original plan was to do a build thread of the Digger here, but due to registration issues I had to post my progress to scale4x4 forum, and some of you might already know this build from there. But from now on, I'm going to keep this thread updated alongside with the scale4x4 thread

A quick catch-up for you who haven't seen the Digger before. It's based on Kyosho Mad Force drive line and Savage shocks. Rest is more or less scratch built or taken from various other models.

Here's how it started by printing a photo of 1:1 Digger down to scale I was aiming at, and tube bending and brazing has also begun.


With more tube added.


Test fit of the body. Mock-up engine also in it's place. Yes, this ain't no electric truck. Nitro all the way baby!


The chassis almost complete.


And here she is, finally on her axles.


Finished and sandblasted chassis waiting to get some green powder on it.


After coating.


With the body on.


Starting to look like something...


And this is how it looks like today. Still a lot of work to be done before this thing moves!


I have the front steering system currently in the making, but the progress is kinda slow these days, so be patient with this one!

[mrgrimm]

Amazing job, looks very good to me.

[tricked out clod]

Looks good so far. Are you going to use beefier links?

[NitroOutlaw]

just plain sick!

[birdman]

Beautiful build,Love the way this is turning out keep the updates coming!!

[Paul4x4]

Thank you guys!

Are you going to use beefier links?

Naturally, those are just M3 threaded rod. I have some very strong special aluminum bar that has almost same bending stiffness as steel, and that's what I'm planning on making the links from

[MiRatlhed]

Looks great! The digger frames really set themselves apart from the rest being green. Nice build man! Thanks for bringing it onto RCMT!

[hrforsale]

beasty!

[muppit]

nice build ware did you find the decals for the chassis

[Paul4x4]

nice build ware did you find the decals for the chassis

Thanks!

Those stickers are from Parma Monster Jam decal sheet.

[muppit]

thank you goto get me some

[Paul4x4]

Finally an major update!

I got my secret steering system done! Or at least it's working now. Still needs a lot of testing and adjusting done to it, but it's gonna work nicely!

Here's a little video I shot of the first steering test. Yeah, it's a wire steering! Bet you haven't seen one before

[Paul4x4]

Here's a fresh picture of the rig!


And I fabricated some sway bar arms too!

[brianpage]

man,this truck is awesome!!!!!!!!

[Paul4x4]

man,this truck is awesome!!!!!!!!

Thanks man!

Today I did some tire shaving and Dremeled some grooves to mimic the tire groover marks found in the real monster truck tires.


And a little Dremel action video!

[NewtoTrucks23]

What motor/engine and drivetrain are you planning to/already put in it?

[Paul4x4]

What motor/engine and drivetrain are you planning to/already put in it?

It's got Kyosho Mad Force drivetrain in it, and the engine is Axial .28 spec 2.

[blur85]

this is one awesome build i love how this thing turned out. you build those chassis often??

[Paul4x4]

this is one awesome build i love how this thing turned out. you build those chassis often??

Thanks!

Actually, this was my first and only attempt at making a tube chassis, so I can't say I build those very often!

[jason]

Thanks!

Actually, this was my first and only attempt at making a tube chassis, so I can't say I build those very often!

Your work makes you look like a seasoned pro! very nice!

I'm curious about the steering. have you got a chance to try it yet?