Woohoo! Just got my truck driving license!

[DHC6twinotter]

Hey all,

Sorry I haven't been on here much lately. I've been going to truck driving school for the past couple of months, and the place I stayed at didn't have any working internet.

Last Friday, I graduated from an accredited truck driver certification program offered at a community college near here. I graduated number one in the class, and the CDL examiner that gave me the road test said I had the lowest score she had ever seen (they use a reverse grading structure, so a low score is good).

It was a fun 8 weeks, but I didn't think I would ever get the hang of the transmissions. I still need to work on my downshifts, but I'm pretty happy overall.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/DH6twinotter/IMG_0815.jpg

The 10-speed Volvo pictured above was my favorite truck. The truck needed to be shifted fast (100 RPM drop on the upshifts), which I was worried about at first, but it turns out I can shift this truck better than the other trucks with a 200 and 300 RPM drop.

The blue truck in the background is an older 13-speed GMC-White/Volvo that we drove as well. The AC was broke, but the truck had an awesome sounding turbo and exhaust brake, which we all enjoyed thoroughly.

We also had a couple of Macks that were used on the obstacle course. Both were day cabs, with one having a single drive axle, and the other having two drive axle. We used 48' trailers on all trucks.

I also went ahead and worked on some endorsements, and I now have tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples, and passenger endorsements.

I'd like to work out on the oil fields in Texas or Louisiana, but we'll see what happens.

Anyways, just thought I'd share what I've been up to the last few months.

[Seanz0rz]

Congrats! Well earned!

[4x4mike]

Great Dan! Sounds like it can be a lot of fun.

How about the oil boom in the Dakotas? I hear there is a lot of work but I'm thinking it could be very competitive and cut throat.

[paddlenbike]

and the CDL examiner that gave me the road test said I had the lowest score she had ever seen (they use a reverse grading structure, so a low score is good).



How many points do you get if you hit a person versus, say, a bridge overpass?

Congratulations! I have tried double clutching a number of times and it has never ended well.

[Kryptoroxx]

Congratulations! A CDL is a great backup or primary career. America would not survive without truck shipping

How many points do you get if you hit a person versus, say, a bridge overpass?

Congratulations! I have tried double clutching a number of times and it has never ended well.
If you get a ticket it's very easy to lose your license. Anything with a person has max penalty jail time written all over it. I would rather hit the bridge.

Double clutching doesn't really apply to synchronized gears imo the way it does with loaded trucks.

I don't use the clutch at all unless it's getting everything moving. However if you muck it up its hard to get back in gear without stopping. That being said with practice it's really hard to muck it up unless you're doing something stupid like an upshift on an uphill.

[DHC6twinotter]

Congrats! Well earned!

Thanks, Sean!


Great Dan! Sounds like it can be a lot of fun.

How about the oil boom in the Dakotas? I hear there is a lot of work but I'm thinking it could be very competitive and cut throat.

I've thought about the Dakotas, but I'd like to avoid it this winter while I'm still learning how to drive. Cost of living in the western part of North Dakota is amongst the highest in the nation right now, and I'd like to work somewhere not quite as expensive. When I was up that way a couple years ago, I met a guy who was leaving Watford City because he couldn't find housing. I'd be open to working in the Dakotas, but there are other places I'd prefer.


How many points do you get if you hit a person versus, say, a bridge overpass?

Congratulations! I have tried double clutching a number of times and it has never ended well.

LOL…if the person was a celebrity: 200 points. Guy with sagging pants: 100 points. Cute girl, old person, or child: 0 points. If the bridge was less than 15 feet with no clearance sign: 100 points. With a clearance sign: 50 points. If I get stuck under bridge and can get out by dumping airbags: 0 points.

Seriously though, she gave me 5 points. 3 for grinding gears, 1 for dragging the trailer wheels across a stop bar on a left turn, and 1 point for not checking for red light runners while shifting gears through an intersection. I scored 2 points on the pre-trip inspection test, and 0 on the CDL backing tests.

The double clutching was difficult for me at first, but once I memorized the shift patterns and drop/rev RPMs for each truck, it wasn't too bad. Trying to do math on the fly while doing everything else was probably the hardest part, and I still need to work on this for my downshifts. For example, the red Volvo above has a 300 RPM rev on a single downshift, so when the truck slows down and the tach gets down to 1300, I've got to clutch it into neutral, rev it to 1600 (1300+300=1600), then clutch it into the next lowest gear. Sometimes the tach might get to 900, then I've got to rev it to 1200. That's assuming flat ground, and if on a hill, the rev needs to be adjusted. I found skip-shifting (downshifting more than 1 gear) to be a bit easier, and we just had to match RPMs to speed. For example, that red Volvo would go into 5th gear (gear we used for making right turns) at 20mph and 1800 RPMs. 7th gear is what we used on clover leafs, and it would go in at 30mph and 1700 RPMs. Each of our trucks had a different set of numbers, and the hardest part for me was remembering what those numbers were and doing the proper math with everything else going on.

Funny thing is, several months ago, I applied for a CAD/GIS job at a power company in Washington state. They called me today and want to do a phone interview on Wednesday. It's going to be funny if I land this job and never set foot in another truck…lol. Go figure.

[DHC6twinotter]

Congratulations! A CDL is a great backup or primary career. America would not survive without truck shipping

Thanks! It's great to have a CDL in my wallet, especially as a backup. I would prefer not to make this a life-long career, but I'd like to drive for a few years and save as much as I can. Maybe start investing in real-estate or something after a few years driving trucks.



If you get a ticket it's very easy to lose your license. Anything with a person has max penalty jail time written all over it. I would rather hit the bridge.

I'd much rather hit a bridge as well. Many of these trucking companies will fire drivers for an accident, even if the driver is not at fault. If the company determines the accident was preventable, the driver may be gone.



I don't use the clutch at all unless it's getting everything moving. However if you muck it up its hard to get back in gear without stopping. That being said with practice it's really hard to muck it up unless you're doing something stupid like an upshift on an uphill.

I haven't tried floating my shifts yet (school wouldn't let us), but once I get working for a company, I'll probably float my shifts unless the company specifically tells me to double clutch.

We used a 1300-1800 RPM operating range on all our trucks, so if I missed an upshift on level ground, I'd just drop it down to 1300 and it goes right in. I missed a few upshifts going downhill, and it took me a bit longer to be able to recover from those. I missed an upshift on an up hill on-ramp while doing a solo run, and I was able to recover by reverting to my skip-shift numbers. I was trying to go from 6th to 7th, but I missed 7th and my speed was dropping since I was going up hill. The skip-shift numbers on this truck were 1700 RPMs at 30 mph, and since I was at about 24mph, I revved it to 1100 and it went right in to 7th (we figure 100 RPMs less for every 1 mph less than what the skip shift info is….or 600rpm less in this case). I felt smart for figuring that one out…lol. 2200 RPMs into 5th gear would have also worked, except for the truck is governed at 2100.

Anyway, I've got a lot to learn, but it's been fun. I'm looking forward to some time on the road.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Great job bud! Congratulations!

If you think you might like to do some OTR driving, and see more of the US that just the oilfields, give me a ring. Always on the lookout for good drivers!

[Seanz0rz]

Lexi says congratulations!

Hopefully if you get a cross country trip it takes you to Ontario or even better, the loading dock at my work!

Good luck on the GIS gig too! Take whatever path feels best, both have the potential to be rewarding. Very proud of you!

[DHC6twinotter]

Thanks Chris! I didn't realize you were working for a trucking company now. I'm open to anything, and there are a couple local companies (OTR, regional, and local) out here that I'm looking into as well. What's the name of the company you work for?

Sean, some of these companies will let me ask for loads to certain areas. Not all are like this, but if I get into a company like this, I'll definitely ask for a few loads out your way.

[04 Rocko Taco]

I've been with US Xpress based out of our headquarters in Chattanooga for about 3.5 years now.

[Kryptoroxx]

Thanks! It's great to have a CDL in my wallet, especially as a backup. I would prefer not to make this a life-long career, but I'd like to drive for a few years and save as much as I can. Maybe start investing in real-estate or something after a few years driving trucks.



I'd much rather hit a bridge as well. Many of these trucking companies will fire drivers for an accident, even if the driver is not at fault. If the company determines the accident was preventable, the driver may be gone.



I haven't tried floating my shifts yet (school wouldn't let us), but once I get working for a company, I'll probably float my shifts unless the company specifically tells me to double clutch.

We used a 1300-1800 RPM operating range on all our trucks, so if I missed an upshift on level ground, I'd just drop it down to 1300 and it goes right in. I missed a few upshifts going downhill, and it took me a bit longer to be able to recover from those. I missed an upshift on an up hill on-ramp while doing a solo run, and I was able to recover by reverting to my skip-shift numbers. I was trying to go from 6th to 7th, but I missed 7th and my speed was dropping since I was going up hill. The skip-shift numbers on this truck were 1700 RPMs at 30 mph, and since I was at about 24mph, I revved it to 1100 and it went right in to 7th (we figure 100 RPMs less for every 1 mph less than what the skip shift info is….or 600rpm less in this case). I felt smart for figuring that one out…lol. 2200 RPMs into 5th gear would have also worked, except for the truck is governed at 2100.

Anyway, I've got a lot to learn, but it's been fun. I'm looking forward to some time on the road.

I had a bit of a time learning the double clutching because of 7 years or so of owning a 5spd. There were a lot of guys that were doing better than I because of my bad habits. Downshifting took a minute to figure out how to do it smoothly as well.

My experience so far is 11 years of hauling heavy equipment for the Marines. My main reason for picking up a CDL is because it's the only thing that really translated directly as a certification to the civilian world. Right now I still don't know whether I will get to stay in past this downsizing so hopefully I don't have to use my CDL but I know I can support my family with it easily.

My rig has always been an automatic but with truck and trailer its over 75ft of rolling stock with a 50 ton limit. Here's a couple pics of them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logistics_Vehicle_System but the only thing my trucks can't skip is a fuel stop. It's somewhere in the lower than 5 mpg range lol.

[DHC6twinotter]

Yeah, my 4Runner is a 5spd as well, and I got confused a few times in the truck. Sometimes in the 10-speed truck, when I wanted to go into 5th, I'd end up trying to grind my way into 4th instead. 5th in my 4runner is the same spot as 4th on the 10-speeds. Most of that was earlier on in the program, and I've got a better hang of it now. OTOH, I find myself getting in my 4runner and trying to put in reverse by going up and to the left, like the trucks. Doesn't work…lol.

Those LVSs are pretty neat, although I'm not sure I've ever seen one. Are those mostly used by the Marines? I used to see a lot of the HEMTTs when I worked on an Army base.

[DHC6twinotter]

I'll try not to be like this goofball:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ8WKscGo8I

[Seanz0rz]

Please don't be that guy! I was expecting yankety sax to be playing.

[Kryptoroxx]

...Those LVSs are pretty neat, although I'm not sure I've ever seen one. Are those mostly used by the Marines? I used to see a lot of the HEMTTs when I worked on an Army base.

Marines are the only ones to have the Lvs. I liked the hemtt but what I wanted to get my grubby hands on was the HETT. Those things are sweet lookin and the cab is comfy too.

[DHC6twinotter]

Governmentliquidations.com had some HETTs for sale last time I looked. They were older models with 550hp engines, iirc. Not sure what the power output of the newer ones are, but 550 doesn't seem like a lot for what those things pull. Probably geared pretty low.

Was the articulation joint on the LVS synchronized with the steering axles, or did you have separate controls for the articulation joint? How was the driveshaft connected when the power unit was attached? They are interesting vehicles, and I've always wondered how they worked.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Be like this guy Dan!

http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/watch/truck-pulls-super-tight-u-turn/vi-BB1qdmz

[DHC6twinotter]

That's awesome, Chris! That guy knows his truck well.

I enjoyed all our backing tests, and that was probably my favorite part of the whole class. The school I went to had their own set of backup tests that were more difficult than the backup tests required for the CDL. One of the school tests required us to jack-knife the truck while backing. That same test also required us to drive through a 9'-6" wide (trailer is 8'-6" wide) by 100' long alley, stop within 6 inches of a line on the ground, then reverse through the same alley, with about 6" to play with on either side.

Another backing test we had was a zig-zag to the right that required us to reverse to the right, then back left and straighten out into an alley (about 12' wide, iirc) and stop within 12" of a barricade at the rear. Reversing to the right is reversing into the blind side, and it's difficult to see the rear of the trailer when it's going off too far to the right. This part of the exercise has to be by feel, and blind side backing is something that we want to avoid as much as possible when driving out in the real world.

I had a blast out on our training field, and I'm thinking I'd like to maybe participate in some truck rodeos someday. I'm no where near good enough for that, but it's something I'd like to aspire towards.

But who knows, I may land this job in WA and never drive a truck again….lol.

[Kryptoroxx]

Governmentliquidations.com had some HETTs for sale last time I looked. They were older models with 550hp engines, iirc. Not sure what the power output of the newer ones are, but 550 doesn't seem like a lot for what those things pull. Probably geared pretty low.

Was the articulation joint on the LVS synchronized with the steering axles, or did you have separate controls for the articulation joint? How was the driveshaft connected when the power unit was attached? They are interesting vehicles, and I've always wondered how they worked.

The articulation was tied to the steering axle and the funny thing was they had a nitrogen shock (about 3' long) to soften the force when steering. Often this would go out and new drivers would be tossed from the truck after shutting it off when it would shimmy once more while the pressure drained from the hydro system.

Driveshaft was sent through a carrier bearing to a huge u joint that had two pieces (so you could separate the power unit from the rear Cargo unit. My section and I were able to swap power units in 2 hours provided nothing was wrong with the couplers.

There were lots of good and bad things about the old ones. The turning radius was amazing for such a large vehicle. It was under 20' for all configurations. You could also dry steer it and pick a new line in mud or deep sand. It was 8x8 with lockers and had massive torque from a turbocharged and blown detroit diesel v8. However a civic dx could still beat it off the line and in top speed lol.

Bad things about them were the electrical, which was insanely complex, and the fact that you had to drive them like you stole them....otherwise they would break on you. Everything you had for that vehicle weighed a metric ton including the snatch block for the 60k winch. Cheater bars were required for almost everything. Even the spare tire had its own crane. You sat in front of the engine but only by a couple inches so your hearing suffered a little. The lights were about as good as using a candle to drive with and the ride.....well whiplash was part of the experience.

This was when being a 3533 was an art form. Sadly they deleted my job field in 2009 iirc. The replacement vehicle is very different but a definite improvement.

[DHC6twinotter]

Well, by now I think most of you know I landed this job in Washington, so it doesn't look like I'll be driving trucks anytime soon. No complaints from me…lol. New job pays pretty well, excellent benefits, 3 weeks vacation after my first year, and I'm back on the west coast. All of which is much better than just about any trucking jobs around here.

Kryptoroxx, did the steering on the rear axle of the power unit disable itself to make steering easier when disconnected from the cargo unit? Sorry about all my specific questions about it. I know I haven't posted as much on here since you joined, but the guys on here will tell you that I'm a big LEGO fan, and this sounds like something I'd like to build a remote control version of.

[paddlenbike]

It's news to me, congrats! What type of job will you be doing?

[Kryptoroxx]

Well, by now I think most of you know I landed this job in Washington, so it doesn't look like I'll be driving trucks anytime soon. No complaints from me…lol. New job pays pretty well, excellent benefits, 3 weeks vacation after my first year, and I'm back on the west coast. All of which is much better than just about any trucking jobs around here.

Kryptoroxx, did the steering on the rear axle of the power unit disable itself to make steering easier when disconnected from the cargo unit? Sorry about all my specific questions about it. I know I haven't posted as much on here since you joined, but the guys on here will tell you that I'm a big LEGO fan, and this sounds like something I'd like to build a remote control version of.

Congrats!!

actually no it didn't. For driving around with just the mk48 (front half) you were supposed to install this steering block however it wasn't really needed. The hydraulic steering still worked. The rear axles didn't turn technically but the hinge in the middle was controlled by the hydraulic steering. The front two axles turned a little but not much. I would say 70/30 hydraulic to actual turning of wheels. The hydro winch was one of my favorites. 60k of pulling power!!! I did some serious damage with that thing. We had a snatch block for it that weighed 85lbs. Cable was 2 inches of steel cable.

I don't mind. It helps me remember all the great fun and mistakes I had driving that truck. I love Legos too!! I sadly don't have the time (or the cash really) to get the sets I would love to have but I would quickly run out of room to put the Lego projects anyway.

[DHC6twinotter]

It's news to me, congrats! What type of job will you be doing?

I'm moving to Eastsound, WA, which is out on the San Juan Islands. I'll be a utilities planner for the local power company out there. The company serves the San Juan Islands, so my job will probably include lots of seaplane and ferry riding. I will finally be able to use the GIS and CAD skills that I went to school for, so I'm happy.

I'm thinking about starting one or two side gigs while I'm out there, so my CDL may eventually come in handy.


Congrats!!

actually no it didn't. For driving around with just the mk48 (front half) you were supposed to install this steering block however it wasn't really needed. The hydraulic steering still worked. The rear axles didn't turn technically but the hinge in the middle was controlled by the hydraulic steering. The front two axles turned a little but not much. I would say 70/30 hydraulic to actual turning of wheels. The hydro winch was one of my favorites. 60k of pulling power!!! I did some serious damage with that thing. We had a snatch block for it that weighed 85lbs. Cable was 2 inches of steel cable.

I don't mind. It helps me remember all the great fun and mistakes I had driving that truck. I love Legos too!! I sadly don't have the time (or the cash really) to get the sets I would love to have but I would quickly run out of room to put the Lego projects anyway.

Interesting. I'm not sure I totally understand, but I'll have to revisit your post when I have more time and not busy packing.

I have no more space for my LEGO stuff, and it's scattered all over. My collection is so disorganized that it's getting to the point where it just makes it harder to build anything. I will most likely end up renting a house in WA (very few apartments out there), so I should have quite a bit more space. Yay!

[Kryptoroxx]

I'm moving to Eastsound, WA, which is out on the San Juan Islands. I'll be a utilities planner for the local power company out there. The company serves the San Juan Islands, so my job will probably include lots of seaplane and ferry riding. I will finally be able to use the GIS and CAD skills that I went to school for, so I'm happy.

I'm thinking about starting one or two side gigs while I'm out there, so my CDL may eventually come in handy.



Interesting. I'm not sure I totally understand, but I'll have to revisit your post when I have more time and not busy packing.

I have no more space for my LEGO stuff, and it's scattered all over. My collection is so disorganized that it's getting to the point where it just makes it harder to build anything. I will most likely end up renting a house in WA (very few apartments out there), so I should have quite a bit more space. Yay!
I've been up in the San Juan islands area and man you're in for a treat. Beautiful country and I truly mean that. A lot of ferry time will be involved. It's kind of refreshing to do the ferry as you have time to kill. It makes you take time out of your day to relax a little. Also forces you to package all of your errands in trips because sometimes ferry time can be well over an hour.

As for clarification on the steering the mk48 has all the steering components on it to reduce hydraulic lines which need connectors. The stinger swings on the 48 via hydraulic cylinders. The rear half bolts directly to the stinger and that's how the majority of the steering is done.

[4x4mike]

Beautiful area Dan. Are you able to keep a vehicle while on the islands? It doesn't appear you'd be racking up the miles but leaving it on the other side of the country would be hard to do.

[paddlenbike]

Dan, you lucky bast*rd. Sounds like my dream job, in my dream place. I go to the San Juans every year and it is simply stunning up there.

[DHC6twinotter]

I've been up in the San Juan islands area and man you're in for a treat. Beautiful country and I truly mean that. A lot of ferry time will be involved. It's kind of refreshing to do the ferry as you have time to kill. It makes you take time out of your day to relax a little. Also forces you to package all of your errands in trips because sometimes ferry time can be well over an hour.

I was out there last week for an in-person interview, and the ferry ride was awesome. I'm sure it will get old after a while, especially having to arrive to the ferry landing really early on the weekends and summer. Once I get settle in, I plan on going back to mainland about once a month for supplies, and I'll probably coordinate that with the Seattle LEGO group meetings.


As for clarification on the steering the mk48 has all the steering components on it to reduce hydraulic lines which need connectors. The stinger swings on the 48 via hydraulic cylinders. The rear half bolts directly to the stinger and that's how the majority of the steering is done.

Thanks for the clarification. Do both axles on the 48 steer when the rear half is disconnected? I guess I'm trying to figure out how the 48 steers while driving around by itself. It seems like the rear axle on the 48 would have to be locked out or something, otherwise the 48 would just be sorta crabbing instead of steering. I dunno.


Beautiful area Dan. Are you able to keep a vehicle while on the islands? It doesn't appear you'd be racking up the miles but leaving it on the other side of the country would be hard to do.

Yeah, I'm bringing the 4Runner. I'll be pulling a 5x8 u-haul trailer when I move out there. The island is about 50 square miles, iirc, so I probably won't be racking up too many miles. The drive to the ferry landing is about 25 minutes from town, and driving from one tip of the island to the other would probably take close to an hour. I'd like to find a place within a 10 or 15 minutes drive to work, but I would really like to be able to just bike to work instead.


Dan, you lucky bast*rd. Sounds like my dream job, in my dream place. I go to the San Juans every year and it is simply stunning up there.

Well cool! I hope to have a guest room setup once I get a place, so if you like, there's a free place for you all to stay next time you go. I think they are still hiring for a few other positions.

Long-term rentals are hard to find out there, but I'm looking at a 3br/2ba house with a nice view of Eastbound bay. Price isn't bad, but something lower would be better. Once I get through my 6 month probationary period, I'd probably start looking to buy a house, or maybe build my own.

I'm going to miss my Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Papa Johns; but at least I can get my fast food fix whenever I go back to mainland.

I'd like to maybe buy a sea kayak, and I've been wondering if there is any kite-surfing out there. Kite-surfing always looked like fun to me, and it seems like the protected bays and windy conditions there would work well for it. Maybe it's too windy…I dunno.

Sorry, I'm rambling on here...

[Kryptoroxx]

The 48 steers like crap when it is by itself and it is very very slow. You have to engage the transfer case lock otherwise you will never go anywhere since the rear cargo unit is not connected. The first axle turns and then the second axle kinda just leans and drags. The "trailer" is held in turn by hydraulic arms forcing it to stay in a turn or stay straight while backing.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/pqwmKU.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/expqwmKUj)

The hydro arms are MASSIVE. I believe they are the same size as on a John Deere 10k front loader and there are two of them.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/iCIzqW.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/idiCIzqWj)

When driving this thing by itself you have to engage the front suspension lock otherwise the stinger (which has to weigh 2000 by itself will slam on the ground and you will have a section leader (me) or the MT chief jumping down your throat. It's a pain to lift it back up.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/feGjQj.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p1feGjQjj)

Just a much better pic of the 48 by itself. The guides slide into the rear unit and then you connect all the little odds and ends including a 1.5" hydro hose (cussing helps....a lot of it)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/4IMJgS.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/f04IMJgSj)
On top is a Detroit v8 diesel that is turbocharged with a blower. If either go out you know immediately. Your speed goes from slow.....to riding lawnmower slow. Also note the thin metal that is known as the cab. It is a very loud environment. I was almost deaf when I picked up Sergeant but since then almost all of my hearing has returned.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/nYxo9h.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/iqnYxo9hj)
It's the only picture I have of the rear unit. You can see where everything kinda slides together and then bolts up.
They are starting to sell these off for about 6k apiece. If you can keep them rolling they are extremely powerful but hopefully you aren't on the 395 where gas is scare. It gets 3mpg empty. It gets gallons to the mile when it's loaded lol.

Hope this helps. I know it sounded like straight Japanese when I was trying to just explain it.

[DHC6twinotter]

Thanks for the pics! It took me long enough, but I get it now…lol. Awesome truck.

[Kryptoroxx]

Thanks for the pics! It took me long enough, but I get it now…lol. Awesome truck.
It was a fun truck to drive even with how slow it was.

If you decide to make an rc version I would love to see pics.

[DHC6twinotter]

Yeah, I'll see if I can build a LEGO RC version of one of these. I was planning to build an Oshkosh MMRS wrecker, but I'll see if I can build one of these truck first. I have a few other projects to finish before I get to this. All the motors will have to be in the power unit, and the coupling system is going to be the challenging part of the build. I'd like to see if I can build 2, maybe 3 trailers.

I have a LEGO thread floating around here somewhere, so I'll post a video and pictures to that once I'm done.

[Kryptoroxx]

I was actually looking at my set of Legos trying to decide if I could make a 4runner the other day.

[paddlenbike]

This is only loosely related to this conversation but when I read about an rc version it made me remember these youtube videos where the guy made his own 3rd gen chassis. The videos are cool; everything is scaled to look life-sized.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkl-_1Bwgcs

[Kryptoroxx]

This is only loosely related to this conversation but when I read about an rc version it made me remember these youtube videos where the guy made his own 3rd gen chassis. The videos are cool; everything is scaled to look life-sized.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkl-_1Bwgcs
Always wanted to make a scale like that. I have an older kyosho 777sp2 and it's still fun to drag out and run now and again. The scale rc stuff is pretty neat imo.

[DHC6twinotter]

Made it to Eastsound yesterday. I found a two bedroom duplex, and it's not bad. It's a bit on the small side, but it should work great for now. Best thing about it is the month-to-month lease. Once my 6 month probationary period at work is up, I'll be looking for a house or cabin to rent, or maybe buy.

The drive went well, and the 4Runner pulled the trailer great! Both the trailer and 4Runner were packed to the roof. Definitely slow on the hills, but I just pretended I was driving my 2nd gen. Never dropped below 55 on the hills and had to put it in 3rd maybe a dozen times (mostly in WA and OR). The most difficult part of the drive was between Ogallala, NE, and Laramie, WY. It's a gradual uphill climb the entire way, plus I had a strong headwind through most of it. I spent more time in 4th gear than I did 5th. That wasn't fun.

Anyway, I'm here now, and I start work on the 15th. I stopped by work today to take care of the power for my rental, and one of the ladies who interviewed me noticed that I was there and introduced me to everyone. Looks like a great place to work, and they've got work stacked up for me already....lol.

[4x4mike]

Glad to hear you made it there with everything and in one piece. Sounds like things are already going pretty smooth.

Once you unpack the camera you better start taking some pics and post up.

[Seanz0rz]

Yay! Message Lexi your mailing address!

[paddlenbike]

Congrats Dan, glad the drive out went smoothly. As you well know, I spend time up there every year and absolutely love the San Juans. Most of my experience is with the various harbors since we travel by boat (like Friday Harbor where the customs dock is located), but the islands are all beautiful with lots of outdoor opportunities. If I lived there I would hike, paddleboard and kayak every day.

Roche Harbor on San Juan Island seems to attract the richest of the rich--you can go down to the docs and walk onto $8M yachts, if you like that sort of thing. (I like anything with an engine and it seems you do too.)

82-foot Ocean Alexander with crab livewell. Note the 2,000 gallon fuel capacity. Diesel was $5/gal at the dock last year, so do the math on that fillup.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--zqG0zL6weU/VFm0Pcmc81I/AAAAAAAAbAk/Aao1y7PgG34/s800/DSC_1563.JPG

My electric car maxes out at 240V, 27 amps to charge. Shorepower for this yacht requires FOUR 50 amp NEMA 14-50 services!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cVfYcPZIT_M/VFm0iX0qxcI/AAAAAAAAbCo/iae4D365dew/s800/DSC_1580.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2HeCG4IwJjk/VFmzuKO4iZI/AAAAAAAAa88/d_0EWklP1ew/s800/DSC_1528.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bHmtfMlaXcg/VFm0Tp9MqZI/AAAAAAAAbBE/7KvM4bm7KEM/s800/DSC_1568.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QazgIlvqkVk/VFm0YLgamqI/AAAAAAAAbBk/crZ-V4u7hJU/s800/DSC_1572.JPG

Modest galley:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZ1GSeCgJBc/VFmz4VD04uI/AAAAAAAAa-E/CBtm_YudtZU/s800/DSC_1542.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlxuIsG2Ifw/VFm0aRAUyCI/AAAAAAAAbB0/mOBbaVS7r1g/s800/DSC_1574.JPG

Roche Harbor itself is pretty nice too:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5m5fwek4C4o/VFm0x7GG9FI/AAAAAAAAbEI/6e0PsdsQpL4/s800/DSC_1592.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VOgF-YAx9oI/VFm1AGc2FmI/AAAAAAAAbFc/t_hhunGC4U4/s800/DSC_1604.JPG

You should start an island living blog so us landlubbers can live vicariously.

[DHC6twinotter]

That's awesome! I haven't been to any of the other islands yet, but my job will cover all of the San Juan Islands (including those that don't have regular ferry service), so I'm sure I'll get to see more. I'll have to check out those yachts. Looks awesome!

I'll definitely be taking more pictures, but I've come to the conclusion that I'm not a huge fan of my 18-135 lens. I love the range, but images aren't nearly as sharp as my nifty-fifty lens (cheap but really good 50mm prime that Canon makes). I may work on upgrading my camera once I get all my other household stuff squared away (need to buy some furniture, TV, etc).

Sean will do! I'll have to look up my zip code...lol.

[paddlenbike]

If you haven't had the float plane experience yet, you must do that too.

My go-to lens is a Nikon 18-200; it is the one on my camera most of the time. My favorite lens is a 10-24 wide angle. That lens puts so much foreground and sky in my photos that they look like they are coming from a full frame camera. But you can't beat the cost and clarity of a fixed 35 or 50mm.

[Kryptoroxx]

Seems you guys know a lot more about cameras than I do lol.

Glad to hear you're out there and doing well. Maybe you can make your 4runner amphibious. I remember that episode off the British Top Gear lol

[paddlenbike]

You'll get to see lots of sweet island cars too. Rusty, no shocks, no exhaust. Love it.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wZ6HsgjXXQ8/VIdxUSftgiI/AAAAAAAAwrM/PUKTr3m-lyQ/s800/DSC_1230.JPG

Lots of Mitsubishi Delica 4WDs and Toyota Master Ace Surf Super Touring vans with the awesome Sky Lite Roof package. I caught one in the wild here:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Jp1k5ZlDuk/VIdvYjoFNpI/AAAAAAAAwrA/CnQ5x7OCeu0/s800/IMG_1891.JPG

[DHC6twinotter]

Most of the cars I've seen so far are older and a bit beat-up. I did see an Audi A5 and a Land Rover a couple days ago, but that was about it as far as nice cars go. I just got back from lunch at a little pizza place here, and one of the waitresses I was chatting with mentioned that the nicer cars usually only come out in the summer, and she said they have some really nice classic cars in the area. The VW Syncro buses seem pretty popular out here, and I spotted a 4wd Tercel yesterday.

As far as cameras go, I'm leaning towards a Canon 70D. The prices are coming down a bit, and as much as I would like a full-frame camera like the 6D or 5D, I don't want to spend that kind of money on a camera. I'd like a wider angle lens too, and Canon has a new 10-18mm that has pretty good reviews, plus it's only $300. The new 16-35mm L lens is supposed to be one of the best wide angle Canon lenses to come out, but I dunno that I want to spend $800 for a lens (which is cheap for an L lens). I kinda want something wider than a 16mm anyways, so I dunno. The 10-18 might be the way to go for now, plus a better zoom lens for the eagle and whale watching out here.

A float plane ride is definitely on my to-do list here. I may have to take one for work every now and then, but I suspect most of my island hoping will be by WA ferries or private ferry services. There are at least 2, maybe 3, float plane bases on Orcas Island, but it seems the paved runway gets a bit more traffic, at least during the winter. Kenmore Air offers a flight from Orcas Island to Boeing Field (where the 737s are assembled), then a free 15 minute shuttle to SEA. They use wheeled planes for that route, and mostly piston and turbine powered Cessna Caravans, AFAIK. I'm going to try to get on at least one radial Beaver while I'm out here. My apartment is right behind the airport, so I get to hear the planes taking off. That's like music to my ears, but I haven't heard any radials yet. FedEx has a turbine Caravan that comes into the island once or twice a day.

On a completely unrelated note, the library here has two unisex bathrooms (I think). That confused me at first, but I looked all around for a gender specific sign, but didn't spot any. I went into one of them, but there was no urinal, so I hope I didn't miss a sign somewhere. I'll have another look on my way out tonight.

[Kryptoroxx]

I used to own a turbo diesel 4wd delica. Awesome vehicle. Kinda miss having it. It got decent gas mileage and how many 8 passenger vans can you rotate the middle seat up against the wall.