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elderly
17th February 2011, 03:02 PM
For my next project I have decided to make a 1/12th scale road grader. I bought the plans direct from Gatto and although I had two wait about two and a half weeks they cost me about half what they would have if I had bought them from U-Build It.
The grader is just over 25inch long and 11 inch high. My first thoughts when I looked at the plans were WT# have I let myself in for. It is many times more complex than the stagecoach and the roadster.It looks to have more than five hundred components I have attached a pic of it and you can see the same grader on one of the photos Aussie attached to his post about models at Queenscliff.
My wife and I are going on a two week holiday in about eight days time so I don’t expect to get much done on it before then but what the heck it is going to be a long term project anyway. Below is a bit of the spiel that Gatto put out about it.
deep-treaded Wheels with Lugs, a detailed Engine. Transfer Case, & drive line. It's all there, from the full Frame, Sub-Frame, & Cradle Frame Assemblies, to the Ball Knuckles, Air Cleaner, Stack, Ladders, Grab Bars & simulated Rivets. OPERATIONAL PARTS include turning Circle Turret (toothed) with Cam, pivoting Blade, lifting Scarfire (Ripper) & Attachment Arm, unique pivoting & steering Wheels, Swivel Bar & Plates, 6 working Hydraulic Cylinders, hinged Tool Box, & even moving Control Levers.deep-treaded Wheels with Lugs, a detailed Engine. Transfer Case, & drive line. It's all there, from the full Frame, Sub-Frame, & Cradle Frame Assemblies, to the Ball Knuckles, Air Cleaner, Stack, Ladders, Grab Bars & simulated Rivets. OPERATIONAL PARTS include turning Circle Turret (toothed) with Cam, pivoting Blade, lifting Scarfire (Ripper) & Attachment Arm, unique pivoting & steering Wheels, Swivel Bar & Plates, 6 working Hydraulic Cylinders, hinged Tool Box, & even moving Control Levers.
Cheers Elderly

crowie
17th February 2011, 03:27 PM
G'Day Elderly,
I'm in for the ride.
If you do a similar job to the previous models,
it'll be a joy to watch your progress.
I saw the same or very similar on a USA woodworkers site
and am very looking forward to see how it was done.
Thank you in advance for the time and effort to do the WIP photos,
they're much appreciated by us with lesser skills.
Cheers.
Crowie

PS - have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable your holiday...

elderly
18th March 2011, 03:17 PM
I have decided to put my WIP on the road grader on this sub forum. On returning from holiday and seeing the response to the two threads on trains I don’t think anyone can argue that threads on this forum can’t be found. Almost ten thousand views on two threads. If we get behind this sub forum it could be quite successful and may become a forum in its own right. Just complaining will not get us anywhere.
I am making the grader mainly out of Jelutong. The components that are made from dowel will be Walnut and the tyres American Black Walnut
I have only one pic at this stage, as I said earlier this is going to be a long drawn out project and I will most likely have a break from time to time and do some smaller projects. The pic shows some of the components for the front frame.
Cheers Elderly

crowie
18th March 2011, 03:28 PM
Welcome back from holidays Elderly.
I hope you had a relaxing & enjoyable time away.
Thank you for deciding to do the WIP photos and posting of your "grader".
It really helps others of us to learn how it's done
and I for one very much appreciate the skill & workmanship of thoses who've been making toys a bit longer that I have.
Cheers, Crowie

specialist
18th March 2011, 06:45 PM
I'll keep a lookout, this is very interesting.

Robert

STAR
19th March 2011, 10:06 AM
I'll keep a lookout, this is very interesting.

Robert

-----------------
I will be watching too. Not into scale modeling. Too complex for this guy, but I like to make my toys a bit up from the basic block of wood cut out, so I am sure I will learn a lot of new techniques by just observing.

Pete

artme
19th March 2011, 12:16 PM
Elderly, I have been fascinated by graders for as long as I can remember. I can remember as a small boy watching them form the streets in town. I think what got my attention was the angles on the blade and the way the soil curled off it!

LLooking forward to this!!:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

STAR
19th March 2011, 12:48 PM
I am in front already. Elderley is using Jelutong. I purchased 3.6 mtrs x 30 cms x 50 mm of it for my carvings.

I am up to date and on the same page for now. My Toad is made from Jelutong.

Pete

Squirrel
19th March 2011, 04:45 PM
Elderly,

Don't be phased by the amount of parts, I have built this grader also and loved every part of it, including breaking parts and having to remake them. I will be watching your WIP with envy as my truck is in storage. I sold my house and workshop to build a bigger house and workshop but alas that has fell through. I was never patient enough to take photos at each stage.

Happy modeling,

Squirrel.

wheelinround
19th March 2011, 06:12 PM
:2tsup: so I can keep track of the track maker

elderly
20th March 2011, 03:22 PM
Thanks for your encouragement Squirrel. I saw your grader after I started mine it looks really good. Did you get it finished? I already know what you mean by broken parts. Broke one this afternoon.
Cheers Elderly.

elderly
20th March 2011, 03:24 PM
artme I can't say I have taken a lot of interest in graders until I decided to make this model. Now I have it makes being stuck at road works more interesting.
Cheers Elderly

elderly
20th March 2011, 03:44 PM
A few pics of the front frame assembly slowly progressing.
Cheers Elderly

Squirrel
20th March 2011, 06:08 PM
Yeah Elderly, I did get mine finished and was pretty puffed with it as well. You bring back memories of making the ring gear (I think that is what it was called) for the graters blade. I now have a rotary table for my mill/drill, I wish I had it back then. It would have been a lot easier and smother functioning. I'm sure you will know what I mean when you get to it. Keep up the pictures, they're great.

Squirrel

AlexHW
20th March 2011, 09:06 PM
Looking good, can't wait to see how this comes out! :D

STAR
20th March 2011, 10:38 PM
Besides the Jelutong Elderley is using the same miniature clamps that I use. Still on the same page.

Elderley, would it be possible to tell us or show how you cut and prepare the small pieces , sometimes it is the simple things that confuse me. Were they cut by hand or machine.

Plus, is there a reason you used Jelutong. I can see the advantages of it because of my carving, but for woodwork I don't think I would have considered it. But having said that seeing it will be a display, not a working toy, maybe it is an excellent choice. I will have to adjust my thinking for the choice of materialsfrom now on.

Pete

elderly
21st March 2011, 01:21 PM
Hi Star,
I start off by thicknessing the wood to just over the finished thickness and then make all of the straight cuts on my 4 inch proxxon table saw. If the parts are too small for this I cut them by hand using a razor saw. All external curved cuts I do on the band saw and for any apertures I use the scroll saw. I finish them off with different files and then hand sand them.
I choose Jelutong for a few reasons. Most architectural models are made from Jelutong as you know it is a close grained timber that is easy to work. I wanted to make the grader from a light wood and add some contrast with the walnut dowel components. I will also add contrast by making the seats in the cab from a different timber and maybe a couple of other components. The problem with it is that it is easily broken so each component must fit perfectly with the next any attempt to force pieces together will certainly result in having to make new ones. I hope this answers your questions.
Cheers Elderly

STAR
21st March 2011, 02:38 PM
Thanks Elderly.

I understand perfectly. We are still on the same page and I am keeping up. Even though I have just started to learn to carve it is surprising how i can fall back on my wood work to help overcome some problems.

Conversely I never thought that by learning to carve I can use that learning curve to help my woodwork. Does that make sense?

I have a retired pattern maker in my wood club and as you say that was their wood of choice.

Thanks.

artme
21st March 2011, 09:14 PM
Looking good Elderly!!!:):):)

Yonnee
21st March 2011, 11:58 PM
OK... subscribed. Done!! :2tsup:

Nice Elderly. As usual, love your work.

specialist
27th March 2011, 09:09 PM
very nice so far, too fiddly for me but fascinated all the same.

Robert

crowie
3rd April 2011, 09:16 PM
G'Day Elderly,
Haven't heard from in a couple weeks,
so thought I'd check up on you and how you're going with the Grader.
Cheers, Crowie

elderly
4th April 2011, 03:07 PM
Hi crowie,
I am afraid nothing is happening at the moment on the grader. I am having health problems and I have spent some time in hospital. I am at home now but I am still not fit to do anything on the grader or anything else. Hopefully I will be fully recovered in a couple of weeks and back into it. Thanks for your enquiry.
Cheers Elderly

crowie
4th April 2011, 03:57 PM
G'Day Elderly,
I thought something wasn't quite right, not hearing from you.
All the best for a full & speedie recovery.
Cheers, Crowie...

PS - Can't wait till you're well and the next WIP photos of the grader come through.

Yonnee
4th April 2011, 06:09 PM
:iagree::whs:

Hopefully nothing serious.

crowie
18th April 2011, 08:27 PM
Just a quick check in on you Elderly,
Hoping that your recovery is nearing, with a return to full health very soon plus some play in woodshop.
Cheers, Crowie

elderly
19th April 2011, 12:10 PM
Hi Crowie,
Thanks for your concern. I am just about back to normal and hope to get back to the roadster this weekend.
Cheers Elderly.

crowie
19th April 2011, 12:26 PM
Excellent news Elderly.
Don't over-do it.
Enjoy being well and of course, relax in your woodwork.
Cheers, Crowie

elderly
26th April 2011, 05:45 PM
I have finally gotten around to doing a bit more on my grader. The first pic shows the front frame assembly. The next one is the steering/differential assembly followed by the steering hydraulic cylinder. The following pic shows the cylinder sitting in place on the steering/differential assembly. The last three show the pieces sitting as they will be when assembled.
Cheers Elderly

crowie
26th April 2011, 08:16 PM
Well Elderly,
The untimely forced rest has'd done you any wrong.
The bits look very tricky but well made.
Well done.
Thanks for the WIP photos, much appreciated.
This machine is going to be something special.
Cheers, Crowie

elderly
2nd May 2011, 04:58 PM
This weekend I got a little more done on the grader. The first pic is the engine platform followed by a sub assy of the limited circle plate, rear differential and transmission. The next is the tandem covers and then the drive train axle fitted with slides. The last two pics are of a mock up assy of the parts shown.
Cheers Elderly

crowie
2nd May 2011, 08:53 PM
You have been busy Elderly,
Because WOW their sure are a lot of parts to be made.
Keep up the good work & great WIP photos.
Cheers, Crowie

elderly
4th May 2011, 12:32 PM
Thanks for your support crowie, it is appreciated.
Cheers Elderly

elderly
11th May 2011, 12:35 PM
Just a couple more pics of the grader. The first is a pic of the radiator shell and the other is the engine assemblie.
Cheers Elderly.

elderly
19th May 2011, 12:11 PM
The grader is continuing to progress slowly. Just a couple of pics one of the rear frame assy with a few parts fitted and the other of a test fit of the front and rear frames.
Cheers Elderly.

crowie
19th May 2011, 05:09 PM
You have great patiences Elderly.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the WIP photos,
Cheers, Crowie

Yonnee
19th May 2011, 09:31 PM
Wow!! It's coming along great.

LiliB
21st May 2011, 05:43 PM
Loving it all, Elderly. The jelutong is beautiful timber. Looks lovely when assembled with some contrast timber.I would have worried that it might be a little soft and a little easily bruised. I have only handled some in a short lived local community wood carving course that taught me nothing.

I know from David's work, that wood can be easily bruised and dented, and I'm forever tidying up his work spaces to ensure that tools and offcut bits etc don't damage the work in progress.

Keep it coming, looking forward to keeping an eye on the progress. You have wonderful skills. Your work is so crisp and accurate. Love it!!!

elderly
22nd May 2011, 01:00 PM
Hi LiliB,
Thank you for your kind comments. You are correct about the jelutong it is very easily marked bruised or broken. It is the first time I have worked with it and I would not use it again on such and intricate project.
Cheers Elderly.

crowie
7th June 2011, 05:05 PM
How you travelling Elderly,
Haven't seen any of the ubeaut grader lately.
Hoping all's well.
Cheers, crowie

elderly
7th June 2011, 05:14 PM
Hi Crowie,
Everything is fine, thanks for asking. I have a lot on at the moment and I have not had much time for the grader. I hope to get back to it soon.
Cheers Elderly.

elderly
14th July 2011, 04:27 PM
Finally got back to doing a bit on the grader. Just a few pics of my progress.
Cheers Elderly.

crowie
14th July 2011, 06:19 PM
G'Day Elderly,
Wow so much work, so much detail.
BUT you're doing a top job.
Cheers, crowie

AUSSIE
14th July 2011, 10:26 PM
Top Job there Elderly. Glad to see you back at it.:2tsup:

Byc
15th July 2011, 04:50 AM
It is coming along very well and of course top notch work.
I am starting a way simpler grade then yours. Maybe I'll get some picture soon.

elderly
25th July 2011, 04:45 PM
I have finally finished the rear section of my grader. Here are a few pics.

AUSSIE
25th July 2011, 05:23 PM
OH! What a Stunner Elderly.
And I must say equally good photos as well that show all the fine details.
Now I can't wait for the next installment

elderly
25th July 2011, 06:21 PM
Thanks Aussie. It will be a while until the next instalment my wife and I are off to Melbourne next weekend for our Granddaughters engagement party. We will spend a few days down there catching up with old friends and later in the month we are off to Canada and Alaska.
Cheers Elderly.

bj383ss
25th July 2011, 11:42 PM
Elderly,

Fantastic work. One question for you do you make your own dowels? I see you have several different sizes and species on this bad boy. I have a train I am going to start soon and it calls for several different sizes of dowel rod in walnut. I'm trying to figure out how to make my own in small sizes like 1/8" and 3/16".

Later,
Bret

AUSSIE
26th July 2011, 06:07 AM
I have a way that I make Dowels for my toys-
I have a small metal turning lathe that I fit a wood turning chuck too.I use metal cutting tooling and run my dowels down with this setup.
Another thing I use is a metal paint scraper with accurate sized holes drilled in it to suit the dowel sizes needed.I push the doweling through the holes for final size.I even use this for sizing toothpics used for wheel spokes etc.

Elderly,

Fantastic work. One question for you do you make your own dowels? I see you have several different sizes and species on this bad boy. I have a train I am going to start soon and it calls for several different sizes of dowel rod in walnut. I'm trying to figure out how to make my own in small sizes like 1/8" and 3/16".

Later,
Bret

wheelinround
26th July 2011, 10:22 AM
:o Elderly I am amazed at the progress :2tsup:

elderly
26th July 2011, 01:51 PM
Hi Bret,
Thanks for your comments. No I dont't make my own dowels I buy the walnut ones on line from Modellers Shipyard. Modeller's Shipyard - Products - Timber - Timber - Dowels - Round (http://www.modelshipyard.com.au/products.asp?id=134) they can be quite pricey because they have an handling charge so I buy a range of sizes in a reasonable quantity to keep the price down a bit.
I have another project in mind that calls for quite a range of dowells in different materials such as purple heart, maple etc. I will make them using the same method as Aussie has described. They are American plans and they say that these dowells are available at hardware stores. I don't know if this is the case in America.
I don't know if you have seen the thread on the dowell and tenon cutters reviewed on another thread the problem with these is that they are only available in limited sizes.
Cheers Elderly

elderly
26th July 2011, 01:52 PM
Thanks Wheelin.

munruben
26th July 2011, 06:59 PM
Excellent work, great detail. beautiful model.:2tsup::2tsup:

Byc
26th July 2011, 08:32 PM
Amazing work and attention to detail. I enjoy seeing your wip's

bj383ss
26th July 2011, 11:09 PM
Hello Elderly,

Thanks for the reply. We do have dowels available in hardware stores but only in oak, poplar, and sometimes maple. I have seen the dowel makers you talk about but as you say they only make down to a certain size. The price on these cutters with all attachements is the same as a small Lathe. I don't have a lathe yet so I have been trying to figure out how to make 1/8" dowels. 1/4" and up I can make on my router table with roundover bits.

When you make the scraper with an 1/8" hole what size is the piece of wood you start with, I would assume 1/8" square maybe. Anyways thanks for your reply.

Later,
Bret

crowie
28th July 2011, 01:36 PM
G'Day Elderly,
Truly inspirational, the attention to detail & fine craftsmanship is beautiful.
Thank you for the great WIP photos.
Cheers, crowie

Franczo
25th August 2011, 06:53 AM
amazing! :clap:... one question Elderly, what types of wood do you recommend for working with details?

thank you!

Byc
26th August 2011, 01:12 PM
Excellent workmanship. Such a joy to see your work.

elderly
4th November 2011, 04:30 PM
I have completed my grader except for the wheels. The wheels that are on there at the moment I made for another project, they are only on the grader for the time being. I am going to leave it for a while now and make something else. I have several things in mind but I have not been able to make up my mind which one to do next.
Cheers Elderly.

crowie
4th November 2011, 06:00 PM
Absolutely Brilliant Elderly........
Looks great, well done.
Also great photography; top presentation.
Cheers, crowie

elderly
6th November 2011, 10:50 AM
Thanks for your support Crowie.
Cheers Elderly

Yonnee
11th November 2011, 05:41 PM
Magic Elderly, just magic!!

elderly
12th November 2011, 10:15 AM
Thanks Yonnee,
Cheers Elderly.