MoAZ 546P Tractor with scraper bed

[modelperry]

Wheel hubs and tires.

This is where things get wonky.

The front wheel hubs assemble ok but the number of bolt heads provided for details is half of what is needed. Sliced plastruct hex rod to the rescue.

Then there are the tires...

I started building just the front ones but decided to do the rear ones to get them all done. Front and rear tire assemblies have different part numbers but their build is identical. Not sure why numbering was done as it was. Not very efficient.

The inner structure discs, three for each tire, are called out for .5mm lamination. This is not really thick enough.

The center disc is too large for the base tread strip, even when cut to just inside the line. Additional trimming is necessary.

Adding the inner rim piece and outer structure discs must then be done before bending the outer tread strip outside edges to meet the outer discs to get a proper set to the tread's curved profile. Its all cumbersome and messy.

Side walls would benefit from an additional inner structure ring to keep their curve consistent.

I think, in hindsight, these tires would lend themselves better to the tire methods used by Kevin Stephens in his infamous Dragon Wagon build.

Then there are the chevron pattern tread blocks. Each block is two pieces. Lots of cutting folding and gluing here. Too much like individual tank treads...

After all that, the tires did come together. I had to paint them though to improve appearance. I used Rustoleum 2X slate (flat finish) and then weathered the "rubber" parts with a Tamiya weathering kit A. Rims were painted Vallejo black grey to better match the wheel hubs.

Greg

[Runkle]

WOW! Excellent treatment to the tires, they look like rubber.

[whulsey]

Greg, tires are excellent. Plastruct hex rods - one of the great modeling inventions.

[cp1963]

Impressive work!! I need to take some lessons from you. I'll definitely be following this build.

[kriszme]

How lucky you are there are only four wheels...

[LuPa]

Great model, the wheels are great!

[modelperry]

It's been a long time since I updated this thread, so look out, here comes an onslought of photos.

I've been mired in small details and intricate assemblies and have been once again shirking my forum responsibilities.

Thankfully, issues have been minor as fit of parts has been excellent in general.

First up, the fenders, cab, hood and radiator....

[Vermin_King]

Looking good. What type of plastic did you use for the windshield?

[modelperry]

Now the pictorial documentation for the engine assembly through exhaust.
Radiator hoses were replaced with wire insulation for improved appearance...

[modelperry]

The air cleaner parts are missing from the original publication. I emailed Orel about them and promptly received a response with a download link for these parts. Both colored and white parts were provided in the link. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE OREL!!!!

Pump, transmission and PTO assemblies are next...