Westlake Publishing Forums

General Category => Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles => Topic started by: Ray Dunakin on August 18, 2010, 05:18:48 PM

Title: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ray Dunakin on August 18, 2010, 05:18:48 PM
During my recent Nevada trip I saw a lot of interesting old equipment. There were two Fordson-powered shovels that I especially liked. Someone like Gordon or Ken might find them of interest as a subject to model...

(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FFordson_Shovel_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6980%2FIMG_6980.jpg&hash=6422e66bc592ca5b382f6d3bcd564d1ebba9fffe)

(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FFordson_Shovel_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8062%2FIMG_8062.jpg&hash=545bba9910f30485416781f2b5d8acbdee190548)

There are more pics including a lot of detail close-ups, here:

http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Fordson_Shovel.html (http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Fordson_Shovel.html)

.

Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Craig_H on August 18, 2010, 06:15:44 PM
Ray,   That's a interesting looking shovel ;)   Craig
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: eTraxx on August 18, 2010, 06:28:23 PM
Just the weathering .. the beautiful rust (which looks more like gun browning) and the yellow is worth studying
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on August 19, 2010, 06:21:59 AM
DAMN!
We need to get a supply of those 1/16 tractors!
Have to look for some more McKinsey kits.
That is cool!
-Mj
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Chuck Doan on August 19, 2010, 08:43:39 AM
Thanks Ray!
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: chester on August 19, 2010, 04:08:27 PM
Very cool machines Ray thanks.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: NORCALLOGGER on August 19, 2010, 05:23:04 PM
Ray,
Thanks those are really cool.
I have seen Fordson tractors, and the tractors adapted to; road graders, locomotives, hoisting engines, construction elevator, various farm equipment and even a snow mobile  but this took me by total surprise.  Hmmm I have a 1:16 diecast Fordson and wanted another shovel, maybe.
Later
Rick
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ray Dunakin on August 23, 2010, 05:27:39 PM
I've been doing a little research on these things... the two I saw in Tonopah were made by Universal Power Shovel (formerly Wilford Power Shovel). Later the company switched to using McCormick-Deering engines.

Here's a brief YouTube video I found showing a restored shovel in operation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8-EKNSzQDY&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8-EKNSzQDY&feature=related)

Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on August 24, 2010, 06:44:52 AM
More details on the shovel operation would be helpful.
Looks like the drive is done through the axles, no biggie there.
I am "assuming" the bucket is operated off the PTO.
Must be some sort of complex system to operate the bucket, lift, and rotating.
I really would like to do one of these......
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ken Hamilton on August 27, 2010, 06:38:57 AM
This definitely has a great "WTF Factor" that would translate into a kool model.
Thanks for the pics, Ray.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Chuck Doan on August 27, 2010, 01:56:17 PM
I think Rio Grande Models make one in HO.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on September 01, 2010, 06:01:01 AM
I am going shopping for the Frodson tractor this week (NNGC)
I have a bucket and a winch.
I would appreciate any information that is available.

I need to find a good source for tracks, I'm guessing the military guys will have the best!
Just not sure what to look for.
II guess I will try the MIG forum for info........

-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: chester on September 01, 2010, 05:18:58 PM
Marty,
   From what I've observed, there's a big difference between military type tracks and construction crawler tracks. Of course if you're going to go with the shop built look, I guess anything goes.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: marc_reusser on September 04, 2010, 01:16:12 PM
Marty,

Responded to the track issue over on MIG....still getting around to the pics.

I think these tracks would be a cinch and no brainer for PAP.  (There is actually an Aussie mil. kit and aftermarket parts maker that uses PAP exclusively for their tracks and detail parts).

You would probably have to improvise, reverse engineer a bit on them.....first find the parts you will use for the road wheels, sprockets and return rollers...get them assmbled and aligned, the do some "interpreteation" to get the tracks to look like thoose in the photo, but fit into and over the roller components.


Marc
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on September 12, 2010, 11:51:43 AM
Well I got "fired up" and started this thing.
I had a casting of a bucket so thats what i started with.
Lots of little pieces in this thing, something like 25 pieces and then the NBW's....
Neat thing is the bottom "hatch" actually works!
I think up next is the boom to hang this dipstick on.
Scale is 1:48 (sorry Russ for not stating)
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: finescalerr on September 12, 2010, 12:59:50 PM
What scale, Marty? -- Russ
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Philip Smith on September 12, 2010, 05:17:47 PM
Marty,

That will be one hellified project with all those parts.
Nice start.
8)
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on September 20, 2010, 06:27:10 AM
Work continues on the shovel.
Lots of rivets (.020")
I just recently learned it was called a "Fundom"
The little brackets were a challenge, but after watching Gordon they turned out to be fun!
I dont think all the gears, pulleys and drums will be "fun" though.
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: TRAINS1941 on September 20, 2010, 06:45:25 AM
-MJ

Looks like some excellent work going on there.  Let's hope they don't lock you up before all the rivets are in place. ;D

Jerry
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: finescalerr on September 20, 2010, 11:41:20 AM
Satisfactory. -- Russ
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Malachi Constant on September 20, 2010, 03:21:12 PM
Can't think of what to say exactly ... keep staring at picture ... like it!  -- Dallas
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: JohnP on September 20, 2010, 07:00:40 PM
I like rivets. Hot bucked rivets. Yummy.

I like this shovel bucket arm too. What a great scratch project. Looks complex, maybe it is, but at least it is finite in extent. Very nicely planned and carried out.

John
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ray Dunakin on September 20, 2010, 08:10:03 PM
Too cool! What a fun project.

Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on September 21, 2010, 05:48:33 AM
Thanks guys!
Ray it is all your fault, you started this!
And thanks for the prototype pictures!
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Frederic Testard on September 21, 2010, 10:31:05 AM
Same opinion as Dallas. What a pleasure to simply watch all this detailed work, so well done. Thanks Marty for the pleasure you give us.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Scratchman on September 21, 2010, 12:37:23 PM
Marty, Nice work. Are you doing this model with only the photos from Ray and the photos and information you got from Gil? One thing the STYRENE stabilizer rods on the boom may give you problems down the road. I like using brass for this type of application.

Ray, You also gave me the shovel bug. I have been wanting to model some type of shovel for the last 45 years. Tonopah is 412 miles away from my home and if the weather is good I'm going out there for a better look on the first of October. I may take a look at the Keystone drilling machine that is in Ely also. Thanks for the great photos.

Gordon Birrell

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77318580@N00/     
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: NORCALLOGGER on September 21, 2010, 07:58:43 PM
Marty
Way to go!  I just got back to this thread and here you have a shovel half built ;) :)
Looking really great and I know you will have fun with it but I don't know how you
can build something that "tiny", I mean 1:48, really ;) :)

I will have to agree with Gordon on the Styrene rod.
Later
Rick
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ray Dunakin on September 21, 2010, 08:25:03 PM
Thanks, I'm just happy to know that my pics are inspiring some great models!
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on September 22, 2010, 05:58:35 AM
Thanks everyone!
You are right I wish I had started in 1/16 but that one is Gordon's!
May be Mr. Potato head will show some progress soon?
Snow has to be looming for Idaho.......

Yes Gordon, just going off Ray & Gil's pictures (and the ones Ken just sent to me).
Gill managed to have a ruler in some of his shots. Once I amass all of them in one place I can send you a disc.
If you do go to take pictures please bring a proper story stick, too hard to see the #'s on Gil's

I was worried about the styrene rod too, thanks for the heads up!
Not too late to change it, as you can see I have tried to connect as much as possible with the shafts removable (for now).

-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on September 27, 2010, 05:58:02 AM
Here is the progress for the week.
The mechanizim is quite a challenge, a lot of imagineering is going on.
Also having to make some compromises on some of the sizes.
The tractor will be in use so most of the color you see will be gone/covered.
I'm thinking of a industrial yellow for final color since that seems common.
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Chuck Doan on September 27, 2010, 01:11:51 PM
Progress looks good! THere is a lot going on with those things.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on October 04, 2010, 07:03:36 AM
Thanks Chuck!
Yes, all those shafts, clutches and gears are making me crazy! >:(
I have no idea how any one ever did the masters for the HO one! ???

Here is this weeks progress;
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: TRAINS1941 on October 04, 2010, 08:43:42 AM
Quote from: lab-dad on October 04, 2010, 07:03:36 AM

Yes, all those shafts, clutches and gears are making me crazy! >:(


Here is this weeks progress;
-Marty

WHAT DO MEAN MAKING YOU CRAZY YOU ARE CRAZY!!!  WE HAVE THE RESTRAINTS READY IF NEED BE ;D

Outside of that work is progressing nicely.  Excellent job so far.

Jerry
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Philip Smith on October 04, 2010, 09:51:20 AM
Nice!

philip
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Belg on October 04, 2010, 02:33:26 PM
Marty, seeing this thread for the first time. Really enjoy watching it come together and seeing how you break down the individual pieces. How do you plan on finishing this old and crusty like in the pics or in a little better condition?
I would love to see any of the other pics being circulated as well. Pat
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: finescalerr on October 04, 2010, 03:24:45 PM
I still can't believe you completed the Fordson to that level of adequacy over the weekend ... and also brought home a new puppy! -- Russ
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on October 05, 2010, 06:13:00 AM
Thanks guys!
Pat, no other pictures, what you see is what I got!

I am planning on an "in service" look so no on the crusty rusty look.
Something about 10-15 years old, so some nicks and rust but not broken down or worn out.

ssuR that was a whole weeks worth of effort!

-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: finescalerr on October 05, 2010, 01:29:24 PM
Excuses, excuses .... -- ssuR
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ray Dunakin on October 05, 2010, 04:29:57 PM
Looks great so far!
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on October 07, 2010, 05:34:12 AM
After yesterdays fiasco >:( >:( >:( I finally made some progress. ;D
I need to have the superstructure removable and fit tightly inside the frame.
I ended up deciding to use the control lever shafts as a structural piece.
At .010" the diagonal braces (and their orientation) would not work.
That meant having the links on before I installed the shafts permanently.
I also needed some very tiny pillow blocks.
Here is what I came up with;
.032" shaft inside of a .047" tube
Secured in place and NBW's with square washers.
Linkages and such will be installed on the links at a later point.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on October 18, 2010, 05:36:31 AM
Well sorry about the two week wait for an update but here it finally is!
I found Gordon's pictures of the underside of his shovel very valuable!
Also received my "cheater" treads as there are none in 1:48.
I am experimenting with using music wire for my cables, these wont sag!
I have .015" here, need to order some .080"
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: TRAINS1941 on October 18, 2010, 07:43:58 AM
-MJ

Beautiful work.  What else can one say!

Jerry
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Gordon Ferguson on October 18, 2010, 08:30:04 AM
Marty,

that looks just the part, a very impressive bit of scratch building.

I need to go back and read the whole thread again but just in case the answer is not there can you give a bit more detail about the tracks and did you scratch-build all the track supports, rollers , etc 
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: finescalerr on October 18, 2010, 12:22:53 PM
That belongs in an Industrial or Modelers' Annual ... even at this early stage. -- Russ
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ray Dunakin on October 18, 2010, 06:15:16 PM
Very nice, can't wait to see it painted!
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on October 19, 2010, 08:28:41 AM
Thanks guys!

Gordon, the tracks are store bought.

-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Chuck Doan on October 20, 2010, 07:00:22 AM
Its really coming together now. The tracks seem like a good size, nice find!
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ken Hamilton on October 21, 2010, 04:49:14 AM
This is WAY nice.
An unusual subject beautifully done. 
Great job so far.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on October 24, 2010, 01:36:42 PM
Getting close to paint.....maybe..
Too many rivets and those damn levers!
I am not crazy about the levers but nothing better I can do in this scale...
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Malachi Constant on October 24, 2010, 02:08:12 PM
Hi Marty --

That's looking DAMN good!  Admire your patience working with all those fiddly bits ... or maybe I'm just glad not to be there while the obscenities are flying.  ;D

Levers look fine to me ... for future projects, you might want to pick up a pack or two of these:
http://www.crowriverproducts.com/AA-O66_Lever%20Bank.htm

6 nice little white metal levers for $4.50 ... not a bad deal ... haven't actually used them yet, but have a set or two stashed for one of those occasions.

Cheers,
Dallas
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: TRAINS1941 on October 24, 2010, 03:16:25 PM
-MJ

Nice job.  Looks good to me.  Glad to see you have a lot more patience then me.
Looking forward to the next post!!

Jerry
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Frederic Testard on October 24, 2010, 03:54:30 PM
I love it, Marty. Eveything is perfectly neat.
One of the best hints a model is excellent is when it can be displayed this way, with no paint, and look so good.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ken Hamilton on October 28, 2010, 10:26:51 AM
Between you and Gordon, a lot of dirt is going to be moved.
Great job so far, Marty. 
Looking forward to seeing this in paint.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on October 28, 2010, 10:34:43 AM
Thanks guys!
Dallas hat would have been good info about two weeks ago,,,,,,,........

Dont think mine will move much dirt! a shotglass full would take several shovels full......that gives me an idea~
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on November 15, 2010, 05:01:06 AM
Some slow progress....
Weather has been too nice to be inside around here!
Base colors are down and the tractor has received it's paint job.
A few more details to add then I hope to do the paint job on the Fundom part.
Nothing is assembled here just placed, I plan on doing the paint job before final assembly......
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Scratchman on November 15, 2010, 06:55:31 AM
Looking good, Marty.

Gordon Birrell

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77318580@N00/
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: TRAINS1941 on November 15, 2010, 06:58:26 AM
Hey MJ!  Looking real good.

Jerry
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Mobilgas on November 15, 2010, 07:18:17 AM
Marty,    Very nice ;) cant wait to see the final finish and weathering.   Craig H
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on November 28, 2010, 08:56:46 AM
Here are the beginnings of color (zinc chromite yellow) figured that was an appropriate color yellow.
I couldn't find any Mary Kay Pink in acrylic.
No weather has been started yet and only the start to the other colors.
Been studying treads too...........
-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on November 28, 2010, 09:01:03 AM
another
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on November 28, 2010, 09:01:49 AM
another
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on November 28, 2010, 09:02:37 AM
last one
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: RoughboyModelworks on November 28, 2010, 09:37:41 AM
Looking very good Marty...

Paul
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Ray Dunakin on November 28, 2010, 12:15:11 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: eTraxx on November 28, 2010, 01:48:41 PM
Copacetic!!
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Mobilgas on November 28, 2010, 08:09:52 PM
 ;)
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Frederic Testard on November 29, 2010, 12:25:27 AM
Wonderful.
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: lab-dad on November 29, 2010, 04:53:17 AM
Thanks guys!
Glad we like it.
A little too yellow for me.
I am hoping to tone it down a little, shift it toward the orange a bit.
I'm thinking a filter, I am hoping Marc will help me out.

Craig, bitchin' sign, very appropriate from you! Thanks!

-Marty
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: TRAINS1941 on November 29, 2010, 04:55:34 AM
-MJ

Now that is just excellent!!! 

Jerry
Title: Re: Fordson shovels
Post by: Malachi Constant on November 29, 2010, 11:38:59 AM
Marty --

Great looking (and impressive) build!  Agree with your take on it being a bit too yellow ... so, looking forward to the next round of pix.

Cheers,
Dallas