Tigercat 880E logger 1/48 scale

[François]

Hello everyone

I was asked to 3d model and print a pair of Tigercat logger with a custom arm at 1/48 scale. I wasn't given the green light yet but I decided to go ahead and start the project anyway. Worst case scenario, I'll have a couple of nice loggers to add to my collection. I'm not used to work at such small scale but this logger is a big machine so it will still be a good size model.

Here are a few shots of the 3d model

And a few of some of the printed parts

 

[François]

Printed the main body and cab, I'm just about ready to paint.

Here are a few shots of what it will look like. Naturally, every part will be painted separately.

 

[François]

I'm almost done with the 3d modeling of the barge on which sits the harvester. The Tigercat is being painted and assy will start soon.

Here's what I have to reproduce.



And here my 3d model so far. Everything was 3d modeled from just a few pictures



here are the telescopic boom parts, they are very intricate but came out of the printer looking very nice





And here are some pictures of the painted parts

 

[Donnie]

All I can say is wow!!!
I wish I had a 3D printer, but I have no idea what printer to buy and do not know how to use one.

 

[rshousha]

Nice work! I am really impressed with the railings. I didn't think a printer would keep them so nice and straight.

 

[François]

Thank you all!
Rick, it's all in the way the supports are placed. I'm learning new tricks every day.

 

[François]

Donnie, a printer is useless if you have nothing to print. The first thing to do is to learn how to use a modeling software which in itself can be somewhat daunting oooor, you could always farm out the design (wink wink) and print the parts yourself.

 

[MisterCA]

3D printing and modeling talent brings things to another level never seen. The possibilities seem endless. Details, Details, Details!

 

[François]

I'm still waiting on some info for the barge so in the meantime, I'm making good progress on the assembly of the harvester. It's a first for me to design, fabricate and assemble 2 of the same model at the same time. It's quite fun!

 

[François]

So both harvesters are done. Just need to make the cutting head that goes at the end of each arms. I also added some led lights on 1 of the 2.

 

[François]

I started to print the barge and it's a big piece to do! The platform is made out of 8 separate sections, 4 top and 4 bottom. Plus there's a ton of parts that will be added on to dress it up. I also added some lights at the end of the telescopic boom.

 

[Uwek]

How interesting! and a great execution
I am civil engineer, so I like CATs

 

[François]

I have the first barge all painted and ready for detailing and final assembly. I've also made 2 bunks (2 per barge). These are submerged steel structures that receive the trees once they are cut. From what I can see on the pictures I have, the bunks are just painted with red oxyde primer ( or something that looks like it) and are very rusty. So I primed mine with a red primer and will try to rust them up a bit.

Here are some pictures of the barge fabrication.

Painted bottom section



My version of the engine

And the real thing



Top deck accessories painted and ready for assembly



engines ready for assembly



A chain ratchet binder (that's a toothpick holding it)

Top deck painted, ready for detailing with black panel edger



And a few details





Top and bottom test fitted (the gap between the 2 is for the plexiglass

more details



The bunks fab



first pair primed and ready for rusting

Test fit of bunks and barge



A speaking peek at the end result

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Tubing and lines are fabulous work and details are out of this world at that scale.

 

[François]

Thanks Kurt
Did some assembly today. I think it will look pretty good!!

 

[Jwallkc]

Tell us more about these models... Were they commissioned? Where will they be displayed? Did you you work from actual plans? Are you a professional modeler?

 

[François]

Jwallkc, yes they were commissioned but I don't know where they will be displayed. I had a few pdf drawings for the barge and bunks but I mostly designed them from pictures. The Tigercat was all done from pictures I found on the net. I don't consider myself as a professional modeler, being a professional in something requiers many years of practice. But being a perfectionist, I usually make very nice and accurate models.

 

[François]

I 3d modeled printed and assembled the harvester head, that's the part that goes underwater and cuts the trees. Again, not much info, a few pictures, the owners manual and 1 dimension. I think it came out good.

 

[François]

Both models are done, next step is to install then on their respective plexiglass lake surface and finish installing all the accessories.



And some last minutes details

Chain ratchet binders

Bunks anchor cable

 

[François]

So, my part in this project is done. Tomorrow, I'll be tranfering it to the diorama guy. Here are some pictures showing a bit how everything came together.

The inner plexiglass with laser cut openings mounted in a temporary frame





Bottom half screwed in place





deflector installed



Both bunks in place



Top half screwed from underneath thru bottom and plexiglass thus locking the bunks in place





Tigercat glued onto the top surface



Firts chain ratchet binder installed



Both binder and cross braking cable installed at one end (same was installed at other end of Tigercat)

Tool boxes, front vent and front buoy installed





chain glued in place



Mast glued in place



And 3 retaining cables attached



Triton arm inserted thru plexiglass and glued in place (all pivots were also glued to eliminate any movement and rigidity the assembly)





And finally, the harvesting hand was installed after passing the cab lights wires thru



A few shots of the completed models





Hope you enjoyed following this build half as much as l enjoyed making it.