Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Scifi and Fantasy => Topic started by: LemonJello on February 10, 2020, 09:52:12 AM

Title: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 10, 2020, 09:52:12 AM
Finally back at the bench and getting something done other than moving piles of parts and collected junk from one spot to another.

Here are the first photos of the construction of the LHI Rover Project, with a little help from our Quality Control Officer, Gunther:

Primary modules mated together
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514054347_61753e7be2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irotjc)

Roomy interior for those long survey/exploration missions
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514054302_c161c6b837_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irotiq)

First of two drive units nearing completion
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514053917_aae10b3654_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irotbM)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Kerick on February 10, 2020, 12:37:16 PM
That’s going to be a monster! Cool!
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: taiidantomcat on February 10, 2020, 03:12:46 PM
Oh this is intriguing!!  8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: sletch on February 10, 2020, 11:45:32 PM
That’s going to be a monster! Cool!
That's for sure  :icon_surprised: !!!
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Frank3k on February 11, 2020, 12:58:23 AM
A modern Antarctic Cruiser? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Snow_Cruiser)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 11, 2020, 02:06:41 AM
A modern Antarctic Cruiser? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Snow_Cruiser)

One of many inspirations, to be sure.

**Updated** 2nd drive unit complete.  Mock up for sizing purposes.  Gunther is 1/35...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49519008711_507593702c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irPS5g)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on February 11, 2020, 03:25:21 PM
A little on the small side but it looks like it could be a "Homeworld" inspired build, too. :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Kerick on February 11, 2020, 08:00:38 PM
The giant nails give it a look I can’t quite put my finger on.  :o   >:D
What are you glueing those boxes together with? I’m sure they are not polystyrene.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Frank3k on February 12, 2020, 03:04:49 AM
Where did you get the blue boxes? They might be handy as cases for electronics.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: jcf on February 12, 2020, 05:15:18 AM
Where did you get the blue boxes? They might be handy as cases for electronics.

Carlon PVC 3-gang Zip Box, available at Home Depot, Lowe's etc.

https://carlonsales.com/techinfo/brochures/electrical/Zip%20Boxes_2B1.pdf
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: finsrin on February 12, 2020, 05:31:27 AM
Creative unusual and coming together fine.  :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on February 12, 2020, 06:35:58 AM
So "Skid Steering" for this vehicle? 
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Robomog on February 12, 2020, 06:49:15 AM
Wooooo this is looking good !

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: taiidantomcat on February 12, 2020, 12:09:48 PM
It just gets better!! :-*
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Robomog on February 12, 2020, 03:57:12 PM
Just out of interest, where did you source the wheels ?

They look impressive already  ;D

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 12, 2020, 10:20:28 PM
I'll try to catch up on answering questions.  I'm actually writing out a datasheet as I go, just as a little thought experiment.

The blue boxes making up the habitat/living space are as JCF noted, gang boxes picked up at Lowe's for less than $3 each. The nails may or may not stay in place as the build progresses.

It will be 8 wheel drive, 8 wheel steering with the wheel hubs containing the electric drive motors.  Power can be shared between wheels of a drive unit, or between drive units as needed.

I actually bolted the two gang boxes together with a pair of 1/4" bolts I had laying around.  The plastic seems to take Testors liquid cement ok. I do need to get some CA, just in case...

A majority of the parts, including the wheels, to be used on this project are sourced from a pair of 1/25 AMT Monster Truck kits I had picked up a long time ago. 

Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: jcf on February 13, 2020, 02:48:51 AM
 :smiley: :smiley:

The PVC will glue with various solvent glues, I've used the medium body Testor's in the black container
with the metal point applicator tube, also Plastruct Plastic Weld which works really well, PVC plumbing
"cement" will also work, it's thick but can be thinned with MEK. MEK also works.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 13, 2020, 02:55:55 AM
I have all three of those: Testors, Plastic Weld and MEK.  I wanted to add some copper wires and when I went to use my CA, it had hardened in the tube.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: jcf on February 13, 2020, 05:24:56 AM
BTW Tamiya does not work.

Generally I hate CA, however I’ve been getting really good results with
the brush on CA for fingernails. I also keep all CA in the fridge, as it
stays usable for a much longer period of time.
 :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 17, 2020, 09:40:05 PM
Gunther says it's time for an update. 

Details on drive units:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49547187848_27472e7b66_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iujhKs)

Head-on view:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49547187778_6176c2b78e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iujhJf)

Where we stand right now:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49547684241_507ac80f49_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iumQiX)

Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: finsrin on February 18, 2020, 07:00:47 AM
Captures "heavy duty industrial" look big time.  Look forward to next step.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on February 18, 2020, 07:33:53 AM
 :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Kerick on February 18, 2020, 08:31:59 AM
Where might this beast be roving around? Moon, Mars, one of those new planets that keep popping up these days?
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Frank3k on February 18, 2020, 01:20:22 PM
That does look like a big airlock!
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on February 18, 2020, 05:46:10 PM
That does look like a big airlock!

Is that anything like "Oh, my! What a big airlock you have!"? ??? ;)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 18, 2020, 10:42:03 PM
From the LemonJello Heavy Industries sales brouchure:

The LHI Rover Program aims to offer an entire line of wheeled vehicles to suit the full spectrum of potential environments your deep space exploratory mission could require. With the simple addition of modular components, you can tailor this rover's capabilities to the emerging situation.

I see this vehicle (as so far assembled) as the base-line setup - dual (port/starboard) airlocks at the midships location are also the main ingress/egress ports in more human-friendly atmospheres.  If you need added radiation shielding, there's a kit for that. Self defense systems to deal with aggressive flora or fauna? Kit for that.

Next steps are sensors/communications and deciding on location and quantity of manipulator arms.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Frank3k on February 19, 2020, 08:11:42 AM
I can see it in The Expanse universe. Good sized airlocks are always handy when you want to airlock someone. No fuss, no muss.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 19, 2020, 10:13:19 AM
Update time.

Most of the detail bits are on the sides.  The front and back are still to be done.  Then it's on to the roof.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49555161217_b076293cfc_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iv29Xk)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49554425803_52494fc5e8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iuXokM)

Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on February 19, 2020, 10:22:36 AM
 :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 24, 2020, 10:00:07 AM
Just one update photo.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49577227912_e1f4573b9f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwYfBA)

That's the rear done.  Moving on to the front next.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: finsrin on February 24, 2020, 10:26:06 AM
Heavy duty and purposeful, whatever that might be.....
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on February 24, 2020, 09:27:50 PM
This is really looking good! 8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on February 25, 2020, 10:56:40 PM
Heavy duty and purposeful, whatever that might be.....

According to the assembly team, that is the life support system for the rover crew spaces mounted at the standard rear location.

I forgot the winch that's supposed to be there.  One each front and back.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: apophenia on February 27, 2020, 04:14:28 AM
Very nice  :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Dr. YoKai on February 29, 2020, 07:10:53 AM
Looks good!
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on March 09, 2020, 03:15:40 AM
Overdue for an update.

Winches ready for installation:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49636219967_8996157002_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iCbATZ)

Exploratory Science Sensor Package:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49635944011_ac468f457b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iCabS8)

The ESSP is a customizable, integrated sensor system.  This model/version has LIDAR, ground penetrating radar, multi-spectrum light scanners, lifeform scanners, biochemical samplers, mass spectrometers, laser mapping and radiation detectors.  It will be mounted to the nose of the rover. 

Work is moving forward on the communications suite now, under Gunther's watchful eye.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: taiidantomcat on March 09, 2020, 03:29:35 AM
Great job on the winches and the sensor array is brilliant. I'm always having to remind myself to look at shapes not what my brain says it is.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Robomog on March 09, 2020, 03:35:21 AM
Oh wow, your detailing skills are incredible.  :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on March 09, 2020, 04:09:06 AM
Ben said it first, great work on the winches and sensor package.  Trying to figure out what the parts were before being repurposed though is the real challenge.  :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on March 12, 2020, 09:12:05 AM
Quality Control Officer Gunther stopped by the assembly building today. He's not impressed with progress.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49650085471_8245f6bbb1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iDpECp)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on March 17, 2020, 09:40:12 AM
Update!

First version of cargo crane (fully extended):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49668260647_55f0158b92_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iF1Ptv)

Improved second version (fully extended):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49667433858_f085c4c97b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEWzGw)

Retracted:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49668260562_25513f543e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iF1Ps3)

Primary Communications Dish:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49668260452_f0d5fbf543_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iF1Pq9)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on March 17, 2020, 12:15:33 PM
 :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Buzzbomb on March 17, 2020, 12:35:15 PM
Magnificent work
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on March 20, 2020, 09:11:17 AM
Some assembly work completed.  The Exploratory Science Sensor Package has been mounted to the front of the rover.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49678279022_1107a5dec7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iFUaA7)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49677996981_f813f2a2c3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iFSHKk)



Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Kerick on March 20, 2020, 09:16:28 AM
Your add ons look great! Awesome scratch building!
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: finsrin on March 20, 2020, 09:42:30 AM
Everything is seriously heavy duty.  Winches are cool.  8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on March 20, 2020, 11:55:14 AM
Coming along great! :smiley:

Looks rugged & survivable! 8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Buzzbomb on March 20, 2020, 12:36:06 PM
Wow.. loving this.
I have a build from last century of a remotely similar design. I got an unnatural urge to go and redo it.

Keep it up 8) 8)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on March 30, 2020, 09:11:46 AM
Update:
Gunther has the stafff of Life Model Decoys working their regular shift here at LemonJello Heavy Industries.  There may be a few minor bits-n-bobs to add, but I think it's ready to go to the Paint Barn.

Starboard/Right Side:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49714100438_d91cbc4bc7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iK4L3J)

Port/Left Side:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49714955737_c2274d9892_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iK99ig)

And a couple 3/4 "glamour shots"
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49714955842_a6fe3f471f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iK99k5)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49714640641_822ca63c3d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iK7wCz)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: elmayerle on March 30, 2020, 10:08:11 AM
Looking good from here.
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on March 30, 2020, 02:25:46 PM
Primer should bring it together nicely. :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on April 05, 2020, 07:13:41 AM
Primer on 95% of the rover.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49736711892_db1bd09d82_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iM4DDo)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49735841628_d6720307b5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iLZbWQ)

Now on to final paint. Any color suggestions?
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on April 05, 2020, 10:30:17 AM
A subtle dusting of something reddish to suggest red clay perhaps? :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Kerick on April 05, 2020, 11:01:34 AM
I suggest white with lots of dust!
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Old Wombat on April 05, 2020, 05:50:18 PM
An exploration/prospecting vehicle, so Hi-Vis. Either white or yellow, with orange bits & bands. ;)
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: LemonJello on April 13, 2020, 07:03:03 AM
Single progress photo. Just painting the details and final assembly to go. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49767160957_ab0a6d90cd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iPKH6g)

Some of the white primer came off with the masking. 
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: finsrin on April 13, 2020, 09:05:28 AM
Fascinating even if don't know "exactly" what it is.  :smiley:
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: taiidantomcat on April 16, 2020, 10:09:57 PM
 :-* :-* :-* :-*

I always loose some paint with the masks.

Its tradition
Title: Re: LemonJello Heavy Industries Rover Project
Post by: Gingie on April 18, 2020, 10:06:42 AM
Inspired! Love it!