Thursday, May 1, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
LEGO Technic Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT) - Rubbish Bin Loader
This is an updated version of my rubbish bin loader attachment for my LEGO Technic Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT). As part of this build, the original tilt tray has been removed and replaced with a fixed rear tray, creating a more stable and functional platform for future upgrades. The tray sides have also been completely redesigned to better accommodate the rubbish loader mechanism. This new mounting standard will be used across all future attachments for consistency and compatibility.
Key Features:
Bin Loader from LEGO 42167: Adapted from the mechanism in set 42167, the loader has been modified for smoother operation and better integration with the truck chassis.
New PTO Drive System: Control is now mounted at the front of the tray and runs centrally down the body to provide a rear Power Take-Off (PTO). This powers the lifting mechanism for the rubbish bin, which is operated using the black gear at the front of the tray.
Independent Crusher Control: A rear-mounted crusher is integrated into the rubbish bin lifting body and is controlled separately using the black gear located at the top.
Secure Mounting System: The entire attachment slides onto the truck’s chassis and is locked in place at the front with a pair of pins. This ensures stability while still allowing for quick removal and swapping with other attachments.
LEGO Technic Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT) - Road Grader
This is a new attachment for my LEGO Technic Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT), this is a road grader attachment.
This is mounted to my multi-function lift and carry attachment point, which is the standard mounting system I use for all my attachments. It also features a "quick mount" system, where the grey 3L with black 2L lift arm is used to easily lock this in to position.Tuesday, April 29, 2025
LEGO Technic Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT) - Reel Mower
This is a new attachment for my LEGO Technic Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT), this is a reel mower attachment. As this is pulled along, the wheels make the blades turn.
This is mounted to my multi-function lift and carry attachment point, which is the standard mounting system I use for all my attachments. It also features a "quick mount" system, where the grey 3L with black 2L lift arm is used to easily lock this in to position.
Monday, April 28, 2025
Building a LEGO Technic Workshop with the Sussex Rolling Craft Cart
If you're deep into the world of LEGO Technic, like I am — building, modifying, and inventing new creations — you’ll know that organization is just as important as imagination. Parts get everywhere, projects stall because you can’t find a specific connector, and half-built models end up forgotten on crowded tables.
That's why I’m excited to share an awesome solution that’s made a real difference for my LEGO workspace: the Sussex Rolling Craft Cart from Spotlight (link).
Why the Sussex Rolling Craft Cart?
Originally designed for arts and crafts, the Sussex Rolling Craft Cart is actually perfect for organizing LEGO Technic parts and projects. Here’s why:
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Multiple Drawers for Sorting
The cart comes with a great mix of drawer sizes, which is a dream for sorting LEGO. Small pins, axles, and bushings can go in the narrow drawers. Larger beams, wheels, and motors fit nicely in the deeper ones. No more digging through a giant tub for one tiny part! I have also found that some of my previous dividers fit perfectly in the drawers. I have also added a timber divider to of the drawers. -
Smooth Mobility
It’s a rolling cart — and that makes a huge difference. If you build at a desk sometimes, a coffee table other times, or want to move your project into another room, you can just roll the entire cart along with you. Heavy bins or crates can’t compete. -
Compact but Spacious
The Sussex cart is a smart use of vertical space. It doesn’t take up a lot of room on the floor, but you still get lots of storage. Perfect for those of us who want a dedicated LEGO build zone without sacrificing half a room. -
Sturdy and Stylish
Let’s be honest — LEGO building can get intense. You need something that won't fall apart if you bump it. The Sussex cart holds up surprisingly well for the price, and the white finish looks clean and modern alongside any LEGO display.
How I Set It Up
Here’s how I organized mine for maximum building power:
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Top Drawers: Technic pins, connectors, axle pins, bushings (sorted by colour if you're feeling fancy)
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Middle Drawers: Liftarms and frames
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Bottom Drawers: Panels and wheels. The large drawer on the right is perfect to keep any works in process, if I need the top building area for other projects.
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Top Surface: Works perfectly as a build station! I keep my current project there with the instruction booklet and a small tray for loose parts if needed.
I also added small plastic dividers inside a few drawers to keep parts from shifting around — super helpful when you're searching for that one black 3L pin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a casual LEGO Technic builder or running a full MOC (My Own Creation) workshop at home, the Sussex Rolling Craft Cart is a seriously good investment. It keeps parts neat, projects moving, and creativity flowing.
Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about being able to roll your entire Technic collection to wherever inspiration strikes.
If you're tired of clutter slowing down your builds, give this cart a try — your future self (and your future masterpieces) will thank you, plus it has a high "wife approval factor" ;)
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT)
Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT) – Built for Tough Tasks and Modular Attachments
Welcome to the latest addition in my series of rugged off-road Lego Technic builds – the Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT). This truck is built not just to drive over tough terrain, but to do serious work, with features that make it both functional and adaptable.
Core Features
🔧 Hand of God Steering
At the top of the cab is a "Hand of God" control knob, giving precise manual control of the front wheels. This is ideal for tight manoeuvring or posing the model on rough terrain. It’s sturdy and responsive—great for play or display.
🚪 Opening Cabin Doors with Latches
Both cabin doors open and close with integrated latching mechanisms, providing a satisfying tactile feel and realistic function. It’s a small detail that adds a lot of character.
🏗️ Tilting Cabin
The entire cabin tilts forward, revealing the inner mechanics—a hallmark of utility truck design. This isn’t just for looks: it also makes the internals accessible for maintenance or modification.
🛠️ Straight-4 Engine
Under the tray lies a simple but effective straight 4-cylinder engine, powered by the left rear wheel. There's no differential, which simplifies the drive mechanism but still delivers satisfying mechanical action when the truck rolls.
🔄 Rear PTO Outputs
There are two Power Take-Off (PTO) outputs at the rear:
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One is driven directly from the rear wheel—useful for attachments that need to run while the truck is in motion.
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The other is connected to a side knob on the tray, giving manual control over driven accessories—perfect for stationary equipment.
The Off Road Utility Truck (ORUT) was built by drawing on several of my earlier MOCs and MODs. The foundation came from a few proven systems, but nearly every part of the model was reengineered and redesigned to work together in this new format. It wasn’t a simple remix—it’s a full rethink.
I specifically designed this truck to work with previous attachments I’ve built, and I’ll be modifying those to fit the new platform. The larger scale and longer wheelbase give me the freedom to explore new types of equipment in future builds—whether that’s agricultural tools, construction gear, or off-road expedition modules.
What’s Next?
With the ORUT as a strong base, I’m looking forward to designing modular attachments that mount cleanly onto the tray or connect via the PTO system. This platform opens up a ton of possibilities and will become my go-to for future utility builds.
Stay tuned for updates on the attachment system and new gear that will plug into the ORUT’s rugged frame!
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Review: Dodge Challenger — Alternate Build of LEGO Technic Set 42161
Design and Appearance:
The Challenger has a strong, aggressive look, staying true to the muscle car spirit. The lime green and black color scheme pops, giving it a bold, sporty vibe. The proportions are well-balanced for an alternate model, and the little details like the visible engine and racing stripes really elevate the visual appeal.
Size:
Length: 289mm
Width: 136mm
It’s a good size for a Technic car of this scale — not too big to be unwieldy but big enough to pack in satisfying functions.
Functions:
- Steering: Smooth steering with a special mount for a removable steering knob, adding flexibility depending on your preference.
- Working Steering Wheel: The internal steering wheel is also functional — a great touch for playability.
- Opening Doors: Both doors open, which adds realism and hands-on interaction.
- V8 Engine: Connected to the rear left wheel (as no diff in 42161)
Build Experience:
The model is cleanly designed and feels sturdy. The use of parts is clever, ensuring the structure stays strong without feeling overly complicated. Even though it's a C-model, it doesn’t feel like any corners were cut — it genuinely feels like a full, purposeful build.
Final Thoughts:
This Dodge Challenger is an excellent alternate model that delivers both on looks and functionality. It's a rewarding project if you already own 42161 and want a fresh, stylish build without needing extra parts. Highly recommended for Technic fans who love muscle cars!
Monday, April 14, 2025
MOC - LEGO Technic 42161 C-Model - Concept Race Truck
What is it?
This MOC (My Own Creation) is a stylized race truck, packed with functional features and attitude. It’s not based on a specific real-world truck, but rather a creative exercise in exploring what could be done within the parts limitations of a single Technic set. The end result is a low-slung, aggressive-looking concept that blends form and function with the vibrant lime green colour scheme of the base set.
Features
Despite the parts limitation, I managed to squeeze in quite a few satisfying features:
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Hand of God Steering – A functional and smooth steering system operated from a control knob at the top.
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Opening Cabin Doors with Latches – The doors swing open and are held securely shut with simple latch mechanisms.
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Tilting Cabin – The entire cabin tilts forward, revealing the detailed inner structure.
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Opening Engine Cover – Adds some playability and shows off the engine components.
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Straight-4 Engine – A compact inline four-cylinder engine sits under the cabin, driven by the rear left wheel—a nod to traditional Technic engine functionality.
Design Thoughts
Designing this race truck was genuinely a fun and rewarding process. Working within the constraints of a single set forces creative solutions—how to make parts do double duty, how to route linkages cleanly, and how to add detail without excess bulk. The lime green elements ended up working surprisingly well with the black and grey structural parts, giving the model a distinctive, sporty look.
There’s a unique satisfaction in creating a working model that feels complete, even when it comes from a limited palette. Every feature added felt like a small victory!
Final Thoughts
This Concept Race Truck is a great example of what’s possible with some creativity, patience, and a single LEGO Technic set. If you’ve got 42161 in your collection and are looking for a fresh build, I’d encourage you to give alternate models a try. Whether you follow someone else’s design or make your own, it’s a great way to get more value and fun out of your sets.
I may not have based this truck on a real-world vehicle, but it certainly feels like it could exist in some futuristic racing league. It was a blast to build, and even more satisfying to play with when finished.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
LEGO Technic 42203 - Attachment - Rubbish Bin Loader MK2
Key Features:
Bin Loader from LEGO 42167: Adapted from the mechanism in set 42167, the loader has been modified for smoother operation and better integration with the truck chassis.
New PTO Drive System: Control is now mounted at the front of the tray and runs centrally down the body to provide a rear Power Take-Off (PTO). This powers the lifting mechanism for the rubbish bin, which is operated using the black gear at the front of the tray.
Independent Crusher Control: A rear-mounted crusher is integrated into the rubbish bin lifting body and is controlled separately using the black gear located at the top.
Secure Mounting System: The entire attachment slides onto the truck’s chassis and is locked in place at the front with a pair of pins. This ensures stability while still allowing for quick removal and swapping with other attachments.
Next Steps:
This is just the beginning of my modular upgrade path for the 42203 truck. More attachments are in the works to expand its capabilities and transform it into a true multi-role vehicle.
LEGO Technic 42203 - Attachment - Reel Mower
This is mounted to my multi-function trailer, which will also be used for other attachments of this type going forward. The blue gear is used to control the raising and lowering of the road roller. It also features a "quick mount" system, where the grey 2L lift arm is used to easily lock this in to position.