Starting in March 2020, I began a large stream project to model a comprehensive, highly-detailed Caterpillar 434E backhoe. Please watch the first stream (first 3 minutes of abridged version at least) for an overview.
It's a straight-forward project of building a complex model over an extended period of time. The spin on the project is that I want your help to accomplish it! If I build some parts and you build some parts, we will finish this thing much quicker. Plus the contribution format will include reviews, the potential of having your piece(s) assimilated into the final model. Not to mention large quantities of XP are at stake 🤑
NOTE: This is an involved project reserved for Citizen members.
The general idea is that I kickoff stages of the project via live stream, which is typically once per month. For the time in between streams, you choose a piece of the backhoe and apply what you learned from the stream to that piece. For example, the first stream covered initial block out. So between stream 1 and stream 2, your job is to pick a piece and block it out.
This is the repeating protocol for each Assignment Period (between-streams):
I will reply to this thread after each stream with a [big] assignment post denoted by a 📣 emoji in the title. There I will clarify instructions about each Assignment Period.
We will centralize our collaborative communication between the streams and this thread. Ask any and all questions pertaining to the Backhoe project here.
Hey @adrian2301. I posted the file back to you down below. Sorry, it's buried down a ways now since this topic is ever growing.
Um..... I think Adrian SHOULD do the engine that way. Who's to say we should stop his awesomeness? If he's going to model the engine then he's going to go all the way! lol
Nothing less than 100% for the next stream @adrian2301 . We're counting on you!
Yeah.... can't make the next live stream.
Just kidding, wouldn't miss it.
So that means I failed, I'm on about 0.1% if that's 100%.
Rita, my heroin!
Peter Varga 
rationalrats is also looking to help where he can. He is in the collaboration chat also.
This is my last post til I return....wait...I'm addicted to this place. I'll be checking in when I can, I hope to be here for the livestream.
Y'all have fun!
@adrian2301 blanchsb ppfbourassa Sure if you all submit one file with all your parts I'm fine with that. Reminds me that I need to reassess file management in this latter stage of the production.
Back by popular demand: another "how I dunnit" video for our crew. Kent asked me to cover how I made a couple of parts using the array and curve modifiers: dynamic zip ties, and hose protective springs that don't deform around tight bends!............but mainly zip ties.
Sit back with some cookies for this one and be on the lookout for the Easter egg. I hope y'all enjoy!
undiscovered I said I would rope you into this collaboration thread! As a group we're nearly finished with the exterior of the backhoe model. This is "phase 1" and "phase 2" will be the interior of the cab which should commence very soon (possibly after next week's stream).
If interested you should definitely join for phase 2!
Welcome to the DOG Pound undiscovered
Omar will get you your DOG tags here shortly
Ok, here's the link to my finished part. Everything properly named in the outliner and finished.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nc7P0RQ3lAdfU4bSq2YwdZDZqd9wYUHo?usp=sharing
I can definitely say that I have learned a lot during this live stream journey. This is probably the most instructive project I have done and a great introductory into hard surface modeling. Thanks @theluthier for guiding us along.
Well said blanchsb , I can honestly say I also have learnt so much from the live stream, but also from everyone involved, especially those who have put the time and effort into posting video tutorials, and for the guidance and support in the DOG pound.
So true! Actually, I completely forgot that we have had gold nuggets from most members of the team.
It is great learning all around. I have learned quite a bit from looking at how others modeled certain things, now that I stop to think about it.
And the side-bar tutorials too! 
spikeyxxx and his “never make a tire without this” video!
Being on a team like this has felt way different than modeling on my own. Lot’s of fun interactions and I have to say I have gotten to know a lot of people who I have looked up to on the course.
Oh, that reminds me: ppfbourassa and @adrian2301 how are things coming on our combined hydraulics projects? We will want to work together this week to get our combined file submitted.
I am almost done with the modeling portion of my assembly and am ready to do a final collab before submission for a final fit check on my end. I should be ready for that by end of day today or tomorrow at latest.
