DalaGStanator's Customs, Mods and Experiments

This mini front dumper was modelled after the AUSA-themed Bruder toy, but the actual tipper and colour scheme were inspired by Thwaites models due to their simpler shape and more iconic amber/yellow colour. While the rear turned out good with some nice detail (down to a knob on the steering wheel), the tipper is a little too basic and doesn't quite fit with the rest of it. Some real life examples have headlights that move with the tipper, so I chose to include them and they don't make it get stuck. In addition to being able to dump, it can also swivel left and right independent of its steering angle. It even tends to swivel automatically when the tread on one tyre makes contact with it. The rollover protection bar is a flexible cotton bud handle - which I previously used for a cancelled forklift I didn't like - with a pen refill tube dyed orange as a work light.



The all-wooden steering joint is made of three skill stick ends, which were clamped together to drill equal holes for a toothpick hinge. Painting the moving part added some more friction, making it feel nice and tight so it can't veer out of control.

One reason why I made one was because it formed the basis for two characters in Construction Site, a Jim Henson kids show that's like Bob the Builder without humans. Since I grew up with both shows and only BTB had merchandise, I plan to build the machines from CS in addition to generic equipment. Scooch won't be made from this dumper because it's too long and a bit more realistic than him.