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Custom Caterpillar 988F Build Options · View
Dex
Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2020 12:18:13 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Hi gang,

My next project is underway, I'm turning an ERTL 988B into a 988F. Well, not much of the original 988B will be left, as I've been slowly learning just how inaccurate the base model actually is. The following videos are the start up until now. Basically, I'm building it all from scratch.

Workshop Overhaul and Project Start

The Build Begins

Building the Rear Frame

Starting the Front Frame

Finishing the Front Frame








I'll update this thread as the project rolls on!
leo-cat
Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2020 1:36:09 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 7/24/2007
Posts: 630
Location: Germany
Hi Dex.
So good to see some earthmoving stuff on here.
Great craftmanship you got going there. Thanks for sharing the project with us. Keep it coming!

Leo
Ironstef70
Posted: Friday, December 04, 2020 1:11:20 AM

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Joined: 6/27/2013
Posts: 937
Location: Quebec, Canada,
Wow, great project there Dex. I'll sure keep an eye on this one Wink

___________________________________________________
Playing with toys since 1970, now building them.
randy krieg
Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2020 10:43:47 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 6/14/2006
Posts: 762
Location: Arizona
Wow! Really enjoyed your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Dex
Posted: Friday, January 01, 2021 10:55:42 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Thanks for the kinds words gang!


New video up, Happy New Year!


Dex
Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2021 6:25:24 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Greetings

New video up.

Update covers the 'transmission' I CNC'd plus the rest of the driveline.






Mr. Scholz
Posted: Sunday, February 21, 2021 5:22:33 PM
Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 7/14/2008
Posts: 247
Location: Germany, CE
Hi Dex,

wheel loaders, especially the older types, offer so much chances to display an interesting driveline. That's one reason I like my CCM 988 log loader so much. And you catch it so well in your model, the drive shaft with the sliding part is just so nice. I really like how you made the transmission, too. Is this a resistance soldering unit you are uising?

I enjoy your videos so much. I have a much more basic set of tools as I am mostly building in Ho scale - but your videos give so good hints in for what to invest in next.

Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing,

Prost, Max
Dex
Posted: Monday, February 22, 2021 5:51:43 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member

Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Hi Max,

Thanks for kind words. Yes, I've finally joined the resistance soldering world, and I am glad I did. I'm using the probe and negative lead for the transmission mounts, and the tweezer attachment for the articulating hydraulic attachment point.

I've learned it's very beneficial to learn the manual, often inexpensive, methods first and build up to the more advanced tools. Takes longer, but it develops a solid foundation to build skills upon.
Gregg
Posted: Monday, February 22, 2021 10:15:45 PM
Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 8/12/2002
Posts: 855
Location: New York
As always, it is amazing the talent and patience you have. Really enjoy your videos, thanks for making and sharing them!
Mr. Scholz
Posted: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:30:27 PM
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member

Joined: 7/14/2008
Posts: 247
Location: Germany, CE
Hi Dex,

what you describe about learning skills, I only can second that. I have worked here in Germany in the metal aswell as in the wood trade - and our apprenticeship system works exactly like you said: Even when the goal is to work on a 5 axis CADCAM cutter, you start with a file in your hand. So that you can develop a feeling for what you are doing. I just stumbled upon this RSU thing on the YouTube channel by Paul Budzik and it really got me interested. The videos on YouTube are just great, because you can see how it is actually working. What is amazing about it, they say there is even a way of soldering white metal with brass parts. That is really something.

My soldering skills already improved when I bought a soldering torch like I have seen in your videos. I tin the parts with the electric iron and sweat-solder them together with the torch just as you have shown it. Very fast, clean and solid connections - a real improvement for little money.


Best regards,

Max
Dex
Posted: Thursday, July 15, 2021 12:05:37 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Hi Gang,

Sorry I've been neglecting this thread.

I've Finished scratch-building a new cab frame for the loader. and figured out how to attached it to the main frame. I'll create windows and moldings at the end of the build when I do all the tiny stuff.

(clicking the photos will link to the videos)





Rivera2171
Posted: Thursday, July 15, 2021 10:20:01 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 10/2/2018
Posts: 185
Location: Sparks, NV.
Excellent progress! Love the metal working skills!

👍
JTL
Posted: Friday, July 16, 2021 2:41:31 AM

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Joined: 9/14/2007
Posts: 664
Location: North Idaho
Besides kind of looking like a Caterpillar 988, how much of the original model is really left??!!

Looks good man.

Are you an enviromentist, or do you work for a living?
Dex
Posted: Friday, July 16, 2021 3:54:56 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member

Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
JTL wrote:
Besides kind of looking like a Caterpillar 988, how much of the original model is really left??!!

Looks good man.


At this point, not much! Pretty much everything is going to be scratch built. It was all just too low detail to be usable, plus the F model is geometrically different in many areas.
DOLPHIN
Posted: Saturday, July 17, 2021 2:45:18 PM
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Joined: 11/23/2002
Posts: 296
Location: CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA
There is in fact a casting difference between NZG 988B and 988F. This is a nice custom and conversion however expensive.
Dex
Posted: Sunday, July 18, 2021 12:15:04 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member

Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
DOLPHIN wrote:
There is in fact a casting difference between NZG 988B and 988F. This is a nice custom and conversion however expensive.


The NZG F is close, but I would have still needed to fix the cab, the engine enclosure, and a few more things including the under-sized tires. Honestly would have been the same amount of work. I'm a bit obsessed with accuracy Teeth
Dex
Posted: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 10:11:53 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member

Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Latest videos!





Building the ROPS






Making the F-generation fuel tank and hydro tank cover.








This project has been a marathon, I never expected it to be so complex! It's been fun though.
Dex
Posted: Sunday, January 30, 2022 4:49:55 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Latest video is up:


Finished all the new brass panels for the rear end of the model, plus the see-though 1:50 scale grills.


Dex
Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 10:55:08 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/12/2012
Posts: 484
Location: San Diego, California
Finished all the major components, over the last few weeks is completed the arms and the bucket. At this point, pretty much 90 percent of the model is scratch built. These are just pictures, no YT links.













Big pics, so apologies to any of you old codgers who still have your internet service delivered by mule 😋
Rivera2171
Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2022 9:47:06 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 10/2/2018
Posts: 185
Location: Sparks, NV.
Saw your video too. Super nice work.

👍
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