Truck frames and suspensions

[steviesilver]

Anyone out there have any ideas suggestions on how to make frames or what you use for framwes and suspensions when building up resin cast cabs or whatever.

[skunk]

They are not too hard to scratchbuild if necessary, but it always seems the best to modify an existing frame from another truck to suit.

With the plethora of truck models available something suitable is bound to be readily available and mass-produced.

[cfesmire]

I like to use metal frames like those offered by Sheepscot. A variety of wheel bogies (front/rear suspensions, differentials) can be used like those from Alloy Forms for a more realistic underside. These bogies make it easy to use almost anyones wheels/tires. The Sheepscot frames are plenty long enough to accomodate long wheel bases/multiple axles and are pretty inexpensive.
When using premanufactured chassis (I like the Athearn, the undecorated KW W900 and Freightliners are also rather cheap) you are somewhat locked into a set wheel base unless you like lots of chopping and splicing.

[Alan]

Herpa did a lot of chassis kits. Don't know if they still do though.
I might need some in the future as I am looking into making some car transporter outfits.

[cfesmire]

The Herpa chassis are very nice, but again, you are locked into the number of axles and wheelbase. Also, the Herpa chassis have steps and engine to contend with when fitting a non-Herpa cab on them. That they have quarter fenders and mudflaps attached may be appealing to some. And yes, they are still available. One thing Herpa has done for truck modelling is to expand the number of accessories they offer almost on an annual basis.

[only87]

I agree with the Herpa ones (I believe AMW/AWM and Albedo are the same). But I also think they are the best ones for modelling a non-standard wheelbase because of their upper and under part system. Shortening is very simple: Shorten the upper part as you like and cut out an equally long piece from the under part a bit set back or forward. Glued together again the chassis will be very stabil. Herpa offered different types of axles and suspensions, like Hendrickson boogies, 1,2,3,4-wheel-drive and air suspension axles. On actual Herpa models this variety has gone a bit. But the Herpa standard system allows to build up even a 3-axle chassis with two front steering wheels like they were common in spain and italy for some time. Even steerability (is that good english?) is possible. Herpa offered many different kinds of wheels, but nearly 80% of the other common or small-series wheels fit, too. I think Herpa has the best choice in variations, if you include their older models.

[cfesmire]

Another manufacturer (that gets little attention on this message board BTW) of an excellent source for frame/chassis for trucks is Roco. The way they configure the rear wheel bogies allow the tires to sit properly even on irregular ground surfaces. Often their miltary wheels and tires look more prototypical for vintage vehicles. Mounting a resin cab on some frames can be frustrating since many are vintage vehicles and many of the added features that accompany Herpa chassis for instance (such as the aforementioned steps, quarter fenders etc.) are not compatible or are undesirable for specific eras. I try to stay with the most basic of chassis and add what I believe to be appropriate to the cab I have chosen. Roco also has a pretty good selection of accessories such as tiedown chain and chock kits and off road tires.

[skunk]

Roco does have some great stuff, not only for truck modelling, but it is a shame that they ended their civilian effforts. See quote about the Roco Michelin men on the "frontpage picture" page.

Apparently Roco also made sixties style aerodynamic wing mirrors that are now impossible to find.

[Lee]

For those wondering what spare parts are available from Herpa, here is their home page.
www.herpa.de/herpa_e.htm

Click on extra shop, then click on spare parts shop.

There are 166 sets of parts available for modeling.