I started this model end of the year 2000. This one was supposed to be more realistic (in the way it operates) and nicer looking than previous
attempts at a mid-size crane truck.
This crane uses ropes and pulleys to raise/lower the boom. The boom operation is powered by two
motors, same for the hook operation. Driving/sterring is done manually. Two motors
to raise/lower the stabilizer legs, and a motor to rotate the turntable.
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The base chassis. Stabilizer legs assembly and turntable motor can be seen (between the 2 rear axles). |
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The gearbox mechanism of the space shuttle is located in front of the rear axles.
Each of the four gears actually links to a stabilizer leg, so they operate independently. |
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This shows the length of the boom for travel mode. On top of the front stabilizer legs, you can see the two motors going into the gearbox. |
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The finished model. The air tanks on the side are for looks only. The rearmost axle is countersteered. |
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Top view of the crane truck and the accompanying trailer to carry the boom sections. Here the trailer is pulled by a heavy-duty pickup truck. |
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Stabilizers down; line up the boom with the trailer, and attach sections with cross pins. |
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Notice the yellow string hanging on the side; it attaches to the last section of the boom, to give better leverage. |
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Attaching boom section 2. You can see the axles (8 long) to secure the sections. |
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Attaching last section. You can see the string now attached. Now for the fun part: lifting the whole boom. |
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My four year old daughter standing under the five feet tall boom. |
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The yellow lever on the side switches the output of the motors between the boom and the hook operation (only one operates at a time). |
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The two blue technic bricks click in a cog wheel and prevent the boom and hook from falling down when they are not conected to the motors. |
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Top view shows the overhang of the turret. I have a few more pictures below. |
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