I like building 6x6 solid axle vehicles and consider it a bit of a specialty in my little corner of the hobby. Pictured below are some of my previous 6x6 projects and some of their attributes. My goal is to build up a larger scale machine that incorporates all of the aspects that I like from previous projects all together. As of now the project is un-named. I'm sure something neat will float into mind eventually.
I have to warn everyone that this might be a slow build at times. I probably only have one or two nights a week to work and random parts of a weekend for the most part. I'll try to post weekly updates. Its a rather ambitious project which as some components going in separate revisions because I need to test/evaluate what the final choice will end up being.
Right now I don't have much to show for progress yet. I am still waiting for some raw materials, fasteners, and tools. Right now this is just a table with a pile of parts - basically three Raminator V2 front axles. I have to upgrade a bunch of my logistics and tool chain. For example I had to get myself a proper grease gun for the first time ever. I also need to get a larger base to convert my lathe to be able to handle the longer stock that I need to turn out things like suspension links, etc.
For reference this is one of my smaller trucks and how the chassis will look like to some level. I have started off by turning a bunch of smaller parts from aluminum and steel rounds that I will need to assemble the axle stanchions. Nothing fancy, so far its just spacers, conical washers, horizontal chassis braces, and other doodads.
While the chassis will seem ho-hum and not so innovative, other parts will be more interesting. One of these things is the use of an outrunner instead of an inrunner brushless motor. I am starting off with a 50cc equivalent to test out and if it works well, I will make the jump to a larger 100cc or 150cc equivalent depending on how well this motor holds up. The speed control is an old school, first-generation 170A unit that I am taking out of retirement. It may be missing features like LVCO, sensor support, and programming but will still work perfectly fine as an appetizer and to get a feel for how much additional power I will need for the next revision. I will need to remove this shaft and turn out something that inverts the motor output through the other side of the bell in 10mm 4130 steel.
The driveline will be similar in some ways to what I did with Pickle Time- which is a stupidly fun truck to drive. Instead of belts I will use double chain drive. This may take a little bit of time to get right, since I need to output power to the rear axle with an offset output since there is no pass-through support.
Take a closer look. Because of the 'free' gear reduction of an outrunner I can get away with the most minimal transmission setup ever!
I am aware of the limitations and drawbacks of using an exposed outrunner can for off-road, but I have some tricks up my sleeve to deal with motor protection. My driving style is also to treat my trucks like overgrown rally cars. They spend very little time in the air and more of their time tearing it up on hard pack dirt surfaces.
Thanks for reading!
I have to warn everyone that this might be a slow build at times. I probably only have one or two nights a week to work and random parts of a weekend for the most part. I'll try to post weekly updates. Its a rather ambitious project which as some components going in separate revisions because I need to test/evaluate what the final choice will end up being.
Right now I don't have much to show for progress yet. I am still waiting for some raw materials, fasteners, and tools. Right now this is just a table with a pile of parts - basically three Raminator V2 front axles. I have to upgrade a bunch of my logistics and tool chain. For example I had to get myself a proper grease gun for the first time ever. I also need to get a larger base to convert my lathe to be able to handle the longer stock that I need to turn out things like suspension links, etc.
For reference this is one of my smaller trucks and how the chassis will look like to some level. I have started off by turning a bunch of smaller parts from aluminum and steel rounds that I will need to assemble the axle stanchions. Nothing fancy, so far its just spacers, conical washers, horizontal chassis braces, and other doodads.
While the chassis will seem ho-hum and not so innovative, other parts will be more interesting. One of these things is the use of an outrunner instead of an inrunner brushless motor. I am starting off with a 50cc equivalent to test out and if it works well, I will make the jump to a larger 100cc or 150cc equivalent depending on how well this motor holds up. The speed control is an old school, first-generation 170A unit that I am taking out of retirement. It may be missing features like LVCO, sensor support, and programming but will still work perfectly fine as an appetizer and to get a feel for how much additional power I will need for the next revision. I will need to remove this shaft and turn out something that inverts the motor output through the other side of the bell in 10mm 4130 steel.
The driveline will be similar in some ways to what I did with Pickle Time- which is a stupidly fun truck to drive. Instead of belts I will use double chain drive. This may take a little bit of time to get right, since I need to output power to the rear axle with an offset output since there is no pass-through support.
Take a closer look. Because of the 'free' gear reduction of an outrunner I can get away with the most minimal transmission setup ever!
I am aware of the limitations and drawbacks of using an exposed outrunner can for off-road, but I have some tricks up my sleeve to deal with motor protection. My driving style is also to treat my trucks like overgrown rally cars. They spend very little time in the air and more of their time tearing it up on hard pack dirt surfaces.
Thanks for reading!