Popular Post Whiskymack Posted January 31, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted January 31, 2020 My current most advanced model project is the DM800 and tri axle East dump from the Steven Siegel movie 'Fire Down Below'. The trailer has a tarp arm and tarp roller which looks like it is motorized. I wondered if anyone can tell me how it works. Is the roller driven by a chain from the motor and would the motor be electric or air driven? Pics of real thing and model attached. FIRE_DOWN_BELOW_D4 - 00hr 51min 11sec.bmp FIRE_DOWN_BELOW_D4 - 00hr 50min 31sec.bmp FIRE_DOWN_BELOW_D4 - 00hr 50min 40sec.bmp 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 99% of the time power tarp is an electric motor connected directly to the tarp bar. the arms have springs on them to pull the arms back to cover the load. Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted February 2, 2020 Share Posted February 2, 2020 Pretty cool I started putting one together around 20 years ago still partially done in the box In the closet yours is a lot further along ....nice work...bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Horse Posted February 2, 2020 Share Posted February 2, 2020 Nice-what brand kit is that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskymack Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Pictures of trailer. The DM started out as an ERTL kit with an AMT R model cab and scratch built long frame. Regarding the tarp, it does look like the motor is mounted down on or above then leftside treadplate platform at the front of the trailer and is connected to the tarp roller by either a belt or chain with a guard over it. It would seem more logical to have the motor on the tarp bar but this must be the 1% that didn't so I'll make it this way. Still wondering if the drive would have been a chain or belt. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 All tarps i see are chain driven. A belt would slip when wet. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 electric to chain. 800 looking good. mid '70's I had three DM 800's models on display at mack dealer in ct. since being on this site seeing interest in models I pulled couple of 800s out of storage. trip from ct to tenn took it's toll. DM800 cut/stretched made into wrecker. hopefully will repair and figure how to post pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff M Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 I agree with the chain drive for the tarp. Can't wait to see the finished product! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 mostly here chain drive tarp is on transfer trailers with walking floor. dump trailers all have motor direct to tarp shaft, and springs to pull the twin tarp bars back just like dump trucks use. Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskymack Posted February 19, 2020 Author Share Posted February 19, 2020 On 2/18/2020 at 2:52 AM, mechohaulic said: electric to chain. 800 looking good. mid '70's I had three DM 800's models on display at mack dealer in ct. since being on this site seeing interest in models I pulled couple of 800s out of storage. trip from ct to tenn took it's toll. DM800 cut/stretched made into wrecker. hopefully will repair and figure how to post pictures. 22 hours ago, Jeff M said: I agree with the chain drive for the tarp. Can't wait to see the finished product! Chain drive it will be. Both DM and trailer have progressed quite a bit since I took those pictures. Nearly ready for paint. Would like to see pictures of your DM's, mechohaulic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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