CMP Ford F-AT Quad...help?

[DaveW]

Originally Posted by Niels V

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/se...earchid=761216 have a look at Sylvains post he has restored at FGT cab 12

The link doesn't work for me.
And I tried searching the forum for "FGT cab 12" and got "nothing found".

[DaveW]

I will gladly post some build reports.

I started to assemble the Frame last night.
Basically the first draft

...this is how I work.
I design (the parts and assemblies) in my head and on the computer.
I will usually test build an uncoloured version to check fit, sizes, etc.
And then make necessary adjustments.
And then build it again, if needed.

Paper does not allow for compound curves and certain complicated shapes.
And unlike plastic model construction, you have to form and assemble the individual parts, before those can be fitted together to form larger assemblies and parts.
And the smaller things get, the more difficult all that becomes.

So, its all about stylizing objects and using artwork and surface details in place of molded features.
I also have to think about how another builder will assemble my model,
and I have to design with "kit" in mind.


Frame and Drivetrain (in paper) of Little Willie WW1 Tank


...
I generally research on the fly, thats why I get very demanding about finding the necessary research material as quickly as possible.
I hate to stop my design work...and I don't always have the option of working on a different area.

For example, right now, I want to complete the frame design and move on to the Axles, Diffs and Engine and Transmission.
But the frame cross members are a big question mark.
And I have been searching the web looking for photos of exposed chassis and frames.
Its tough wading through photos of Chevys, Fords and Morris' and trying to determine which is which! lol
Theres a definite difference between their components.

Anyway, I'll keep working at it, and post some pics when I have something to show.
Thanks for showing some interest.

[Niels V]

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...t=24736&page=2 this might work then, ans then look at his other threads

[DaveW]

Originally Posted by Niels V

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...t=24736&page=2 this might work then, ans then look at his other threads

Great!
A couple of things in there that might help me.
No chassis views unfortunately.

[Niels V]

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=27990 a bit of chassis here.
also here but a longer 60CWT,http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...highlight=ford
the FAT chassis is essentially a 15CWT with winch and beef up springs and the 4wd from the larger (if I am wrong please anyone correct)

[DaveW]

Neils...very helpful...thank you

[DaveW]

Can anyone help me with some photos of the Drive Transfer Case on the Gun Tractor?
It would be nice if it was the Tractor version, with the take-off shaft for the winch.
But even just the regular four-by-four transfer would help.
I'd love to see one out of the chassis, from multiple angles.
I am basically interested in the overall shape and design and how it's bracketed to the frame.

...
Sorry, for the lack of updates...
Work is continuing quite nicely on my 1/16 paper model.

Yes, I am aware that at the start of this thread, I said I was working on a 1/18 model.
I started out with the idea of doing a 1/24 scale kit, but found that some parts were too small.
Even though I stylize and simplify a lot of things, this kit was to be on par with my previous large scale builds.
And those are all 1/16 scale.

So, I gave up on the idea and went back to 1/16 scale!
The Gun Tractor isn't a large vehicle anyway, so the model will be under a foot long.

shhhh...I know...once the Limber and Gun trailer are added, the model will be 3 feet long! shhh.

Anyway...after a quick test of the basic body design, I switched over to the Frame and Chassis.
Its best to get all that sorted first and then figure out how to fit the Body.

Heres a few photos of construction so far.
(Axles are not yet installed...just placed (upside down! lol) for the photos)
Everything you see is 100% paper (cardstock)
Some things are stylized to make them more easily buildable (in paper).
Frame rails, for example, are straight in-line and boxed.

Keep in mind, I am designing on the fly and sometimes things get thrown out as the design changes,
but usually, I just keep modifying what I have already built.
So what you see may not be the final design.
At the same time, I am designing Parts for a retail kit, keeping track of the assembly,
creating Instruction pages with assembly diagrams, and more!

So, its a lot of slow work.
It can take months...often well more than a year to finish everything (before a retail kit is available).

Anyway, feel free to ask any questions.

[DaveW]

Just for fun, another photo update...

I test fitted the Axles again, along with the newly added Power Take Off.
In this case, its an adapted Axle/Differential used to drive the power winch/tow cable.

I need only to complete the Drive Transfer unit and then I can sort out all the driveshafts.

Engine and Transmission are still on hold until I decide what to do about Body, floor pan, and interior components.