my DUWK has no wheels as they are the stand when on water can't see them anyway

I was going to scratch build a dukw and used the polish card model as a template but the running gear proved to be too expensive.

I did opt for the deans marine kit and I built that.

Bit slow on land but works ok on the water.

Thanks JB, plenty to noodle on now!
Let me do some thinking and will advise what I arrive at.
Appreciate all your help
Rowen

Hi Guys - I visited the D Day Museum at Portsmouth this week and there is a DUKW on display there including amazing real footage of the landings. Well worth a visit if you are in the area. It gives real insight into the hardships and sacrifice the services went through on that day. Also not far away was the Tangmere Aviation Museum and in a display case there were two models of RAF Rescue Launches, HSL 2509 and HSL 2548 both built to a very high standard and detail. I wish I had more time to fully research these museums. Pete

Hi Rowen,

unfortunately I can't find the seller on Ali Exp I bought the truck tyres from, but they are 75mm diam x 45mm wide. There are numerous types of tyres for sale from different sellers, takes a bit of searching to find what you need. The through drive diffs I used, the front axle and the gear motor I used are pictured. The wheels you buy may need the appropriate hex drive nuts.

Lews' idea re the 6x6 truck models you may be able to convert, as you can get everything you need in one model, although some can be expensive. Cheaper ones (around NZ $100) are usually just toys, and small scale (1/32 1/24) with plastic bits.

Took me a lot of looking to find all the bits I wanted, and some of the sellers don't exist any more. You find something good, and go back 6 months later to buy more, and they've gone.

The parts pictured are still available (1/10 scale) but if you want 6x6, you will need the front diff instead of the axle like mine has. Hard to find a proper differential, as most are not differentials, just drive axles, (as mine are) and make steering difficult, (want to go straight). The 'diffs' I'm using are very robust with solid components, - mine are completely packed with grease and pressurised, (my mod)

You could go another way with internal drives and axles with seals with arms outside for support, and using a gear motor for each side (mixed with steering) to give a differential action, but you still need a front diff. Lots to think about, but a fun project.😁

JB

I have never seen a model dukw so would be really interested in your project 😉

The amphibians make great models!

I had a chance to ride on LARCs several times during my military service. (See my photos.) Fun to rid in one.

As for the DUKW, we had one in the local military museum (see my photo) until it closed when the owner died and his sons sold off the inventory (☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️).

Most military (armor) RC model vehicles including many RTRs are in 1/16 scale. There are many accessories (figures, guns, etc.) in that scale. Some of these cheap vehicles include six wheel drives which can be adapted for amphibious vehicles. (Just something to think about.)

When scratch building a model you are lucky here to have some plans to work from. There are plenty of photo available for the DUKW's which will get you the detail information not visible in the plans. You can also buy a kit model and gather info from that. Some of the kit suppliers have photos on line of the model as well as photos of the parts on sprues which also are useful.

Lew
Florida, USA

Thanks Roger,
At this stage do not know what I do not know!
Every little helps as I gather my thoughts.
Never heard it called a "Superdukw" before either. Nice closed cab version though.

Hi Rowen
Found this if it helps with your project

Hi JB,
Read your blog with interest, it seems could readily adapt the drivetrain to my DUKW plans.

Note we both use Tilkea model shop on Aliexpress and, as their products are competitively priced, would like to plan my model around them.
If this is the case what wheels, tyres and axles did you use, and what scale are they?

That scale may determine the scale of my model.
From the various accounts have read it seems the load capability is quite generous so a smaller scale that 12 might be better. Certainly be easier to move around.

Very much appreciate your guidance. Sorting out the running gear alone is going to be interesting!
Best
Rowen

Thanks JB.
Great suggestion, will read that blog again with interest.
My preference is the 6 wheel version anyway as climbed one one like that in my childhood.

Hi Rowen,

you might find some ideas from my 'Amphitruck' blog, re diffs, drives etc. Has the same landing problems Robin mentioned, having a 4x4 rear drive, but fine on shallow angles, boat ramps etc
6x6 would be the most effective drive.

JB

Hi Rowen
Some years ago I was contacted by a local RNLI supporter who had acquired a host of model boats for fundraising. There were many but included in the hoard were two Deans Marine DUKW's which I purchased with some other models for myself. Also managed to move on all the other models so the RNLI received some welcome funds.
I still have both models and intend to restore at some time. Included with the DUKW's were the information instructions and build manual as well as lots of other info all on A4 sheets. There are a lot but I can scan them and put on my dropbox account then share with you. Not sure if I have your e-mail address so please send me a pm if you wish me to share.
Attaching a couple of pics of the DUKW's for your info. I can provide better views as the pics were the models as first seen.
cheers
dave976

I made a 1:12 scale model DUKW many years ago (VERY many years ago!). All ply construction from drawings scaled up from details in a magazine.
Front wheel drive with steering via home built differential and universal joints. Propeller in the tunnel for water drive. Initial experiments showed that a rear wheel drive was useless when it came to driving out of water as the rear end floated when the front end was aground! Performed quite well with a 6V motor. Ample space for battery and radio gear under the tarp!

Thanks Jack, that is very helpful. The hull shape is simpler than imagined.
Rowen

you can rescale these

Roman.
Will follow this one.👍
I know that Deans Marine do a semi kit but not sure about plans.
Will have a look as I am sure will you.
Regards
Bill.

This sounds interesting, I’ll be watching your progress Rowen.