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Sunday, March 31, 2024

MOD - LEGO Technic 42151 C Model - Pickup Truck


Recently I have built the C model Pickup Truck of LEGO technic set 42151, this was designed by "ErikGS", the instructions for this C Model can be found on Rebrickable.

After building this, I was very impressed with the model and design but I saw a few areas where it could be improved, this was mostly due to some parts only being held in by one connector, such as the doors, around the engine bay and some other areas such as the top of the roof and the dashboard not staying together very well, given was a C model and only used the parts from set 42151, this was understandable.

I have spent some time recently "modding" this C model and making some changes. This uses a number of other parts, meaning it is no longer a "proper" C model. I have listed the changes below.

Front End Redesign.


Bonnet has been swapped around and now opens, this allows the engine to be seen in operation. I also installed a stay to keep this open.


The rear of the engine bay also had a stay installed, to provide some extra support.


The cabin has been redesigned and has had some extra beams installed to provide more strength.


A number of parts have been swapped to yellow, to give it a set of yellow strips from the front to the back.


The rear tray has been improved, with side sports bars installed and some changes to the rear of the cabin and tailgate.



Finally, I swapped over the wheels to ones in black and with a different tread profile, which I feels better suits this vehicle.



Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Review - LEGO Technic 42164 C Model Telehandler

The LEGO Technic 42164 C Model Telehandler, which was designed by "artemisovsky" brings construction excitement to life in the palm of your hands. With its intricate design and attention to detail, this set offers an engaging building experience for both novice builders and seasoned enthusiasts. Let's delve into what makes this telehandler stand out:

Design and Build Quality:
The design of the 42164 Telehandler is impeccable, capturing the essence of its real-life counterpart with remarkable accuracy. From its sleek exterior to its intricate mechanical components, every detail is meticulously crafted. The build quality is top-notch, with sturdy construction ensuring durability during play.

Features:
One of the standout features of this set is its four-wheel steering system, controlled by a knob located at the rear. This innovation allows for precise maneuverability, enhancing the play experience. Additionally, the telehandler's arm is fully functional, capable of lifting and lowering loads with ease. The adjustable forks add another layer of realism, allowing builders to customize their handling experience.

Playability:
The playability of the 42164 Telehandler is where it truly shines. Whether navigating through imaginary construction sites or engaging in creative scenarios, the set offers endless possibilities for fun and exploration. The inclusion of movable parts adds to its interactive nature, encouraging imaginative play.

Educational Value:
Beyond its entertainment value, this LEGO Technic set also provides educational benefits. Building the telehandler enhances fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, it offers insights into engineering principles, introducing young builders to concepts such as mechanical linkages and steering mechanisms.

Value for Money:
Considering its intricate design, functional features, and educational potential, the LEGO Technic 42164 Telehandler offers excellent value for money. Its versatility ensures long-lasting enjoyment, making it a worthy addition to any LEGO collection. At only $20aud, it is worth buying this set, just to be able to build the C model.

Conclusion:
In summary, the LEGO Technic 42164 Telehandler is a triumph of design and engineering. With its realistic features, engaging playability, and educational value, it captivates builders of all ages. Whether you're a construction enthusiast or a LEGO aficionado, this set promises hours of entertainment and creativity. Get ready to embark on an exciting building adventure with the 42164 Telehandler!





Sunday, March 24, 2024

Review - LEGO Technic 42151 C Model - Pickup Truck

The LEGO Technic 42151 C Model Pickup Truck stands as a testament to the creativity and engineering prowess of LEGO Technic enthusiasts. As a fan of the Technic line, I was very excited to receive this set for my birthday and while my normal process is to build the official A model first and then move on to C models, in this case I wanted to build this C model first. I can confidently say it exceeded my expectations in almost every aspect.

One of the standout features of this model is its hand of God (HOG) steering mechanism. Controlling the truck with precision and ease, this steering system allows for seamless manoeuvrability, ensuring that navigating through any terrain is a joyous experience. The attention to detail in implementing this functionality is truly commendable, adding an extra layer of realism to the overall build.

The heart of this Pickup Truck lies in its meticulously crafted V8 engine, ingeniously connected to one of the rear wheels. This engineering marvel not only adds authenticity to the design but also offers a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a real-life pickup truck. Witnessing the gears and pistons in action as the engine propels the vehicle forward is a sight to behold, highlighting LEGO technic enthusiasts commitment to providing immersive and educational building experiences, both for C models and mocs.

Furthermore, the inclusion of an opening tailgate adds another dimension of realism to the model. Whether loading cargo or simply admiring the intricate interior details, this feature enhances the playability and authenticity of the Pickup Truck, making it a standout addition to any LEGO Technic collection.

Beyond its functional aspects, the aesthetics of the Pickup Truck are equally impressive. From its sleek exterior design to its detailed interior cabin, every aspect of the model exudes craftsmanship and attention to detail. The colour scheme is vibrant yet realistic, capturing the essence of a classic pickup truck while incorporating modern design elements.

While I was very impressed with the end result, the build process has a few minor issues, which caused me some level of frustration during the 185 step build process:
- In a couple of spots the instructions were not very clear on where parts where meant to go, in one case I put a part aside and it was 22 steps later that I could see where it was meant to go. Going back to the original step, there was no way I could have told from that step where it was meant to go.
- Some steps might have 6 parts, 5 go on the rear and 1 might go on the front, this makes finding where they need to go challenging at times.
- A few steps require placing axels in beam holes but nothing connects / holds them in place until 2 or 3 steps later. More than once I "lost" parts as they had fallen off.
- Two areas don't seem to be connected very well and they fall off easily, this the middle part of the dashboard and and top part of the roof.

In conclusion, the LEGO Technic 42151 C Model Pickup Truck is a triumph of engineering and design. With its hand of God steering, V8 engine, and realistic features such as the opening tailgate, this model offers an engaging and immersive building experience for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. Whether displayed proudly on a shelf or engaged in imaginative play, this Pickup Truck is sure to captivate and inspire builders for years to come.

With the left over parts, I am planning on making some mods and changes to improve this C model.











About Me

I have been involved in the LEGO Technic hobby since 1988, when I received set 8832 as a birthday present. Over the last 36 years, I have been involved in many aspects of the LEGO Technic hobby, including running the first two "Brixhibitions" in Launceston in 2013 and 2014.

My focus is now on the small - medium size sets, building both official sets, C models and also my own MOCS and MODS.

This is a photo of my building area.





Friday, March 22, 2024

LEGO Technic 42167 C Model Review: Flatbed Truck - An Ingenious Creation

The LEGO Technic 42167 C Model Flatbed Truck is a remarkable testament to the creative ingenuity of LEGO enthusiasts. As a secondary model derived from the pieces of the original set, this flatbed truck showcases the endless possibilities within the LEGO Technic universe.

Design:
The design of the Flatbed Truck is impressively sleek and functional. Utilizing the pieces from the 42167 set, the creator has managed to construct a fully-functional flatbed truck with intricate details that closely mimic a real-life counterpart. From the sturdy chassis to the carefully crafted flatbed, every aspect of the design exudes craftsmanship and attention to detail. The hand of god steering works very well and the knob on each side of the tray controls this fnction.

Functionality:
What sets this model apart is its functionality. Despite being a secondary creation, the flatbed truck features several moving parts that add to its playability. The flatbed itself is fully functional, equipped with a tilting mechanism that allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo. The steering mechanism, enhances the truck's manoeuvrability, making it a joy to play with.

Detailing:
Detailing is where this model truly shines. The creator has paid meticulous attention to even the smallest details, resulting in a truck that looks remarkably realistic. Every element has been carefully crafted to capture the essence of a real flatbed truck. The inclusion of additional features such as side mirrors and a detailed interior further adds to the model's charm.

Build Experience:
Building the Flatbed Truck is a rewarding experience in itself. The instructions provided are clear and easy to follow, allowing builders of all skill levels to recreate the model with ease. The construction process is both engaging and educational, offering insights into the mechanics behind real-life vehicles.

Overall Impressions:
The LEGO Technic 42167 C Model Flatbed Truck is a triumph of creativity and engineering. Its impressive design, functionality, and attention to detail make it a standout addition to any LEGO Technic collection. Whether you're a seasoned LEGO enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Technic, this model is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and inspiration.








Friday, March 15, 2024

LEGO Technic Multi-Function Off-Road Truck (MFORT) Attachment - Cherry Picker

I have recently completed my latest attachment for my LEGO Technic Multi-Function Off-Road Truck (MFORT), this is a cherry picker attachment.


This features two features:
- The black lever lifts and lowers the arm.
- The black knob controls swing of the turn table.






Wednesday, March 13, 2024

LEGO Technic Multi-Function Off-Road Truck (MFORT) Attachment - Crane

I have recently completed my latest attachment for my LEGO Technic Multi-Function Off-Road Truck (MFORT), this is a crane attachment.

This features three features:
- The black knob on the side controls the turn table which makes the crane move.
- The yellow knob lifts and lowers the crane arm.
- The grey knob controls the raising and lowering of the rope and hook.








Wednesday, March 6, 2024

MOC: LEGO Technic Multi-Function Off-Road Truck (MFORT)

Today, we're diving into the world of versatile building and dynamic play with the Multi-Function Off-Road Truck (MFORT). This MOC combines the thrill of off-road adventures with the creative freedom of interchangeable attachments.

One of its features is the Hand of God steering system, allowing you to maneuver the truck effortlessly as you conquer rough terrains and challenging obstacles. Whether you're navigating rocky trails or cruising through sandy deserts, the MFORT's robust design ensures a smooth ride every time.

But what truly sets the MFORT apart is its adaptability. With the ability to add different attachments, this MOC opens up a world of possibilities for customization and experimentation. Let's take a closer look at the current tipping body attachment, which allows you to transport cargo and unload it with ease.

The tipping body attachment features a functional tipping mechanism that mimics the movement of real-life dump trucks.

But the excitement doesn't stop there. The MFORT is designed to accommodate various other attachments, each serving a unique purpose and enhancing the play experience. 

Here are some of my plans for future attachments:
Crane Arm Attachment: Transform your MFORT into a heavy-duty crane with a fully articulated arm and grappling hook. Use it to lift and move heavy objects, construct structures, or even rescue stranded cars.

Plow Blade Attachment: Prepare your MFORT for extreme weather conditions with a rugged plow blade attachment. Clear snow-covered roads, carve through icy terrain, or create makeshift paths in the wilderness as you brave the elements and conquer new challenges.

Cherry Picker Attachment: Allows access to high areas.

Cargo Trailer Attachment: Expand your hauling capacity with a versatile cargo trailer attachment, perfect for transporting oversized loads and equipment. Whether you're delivering supplies to remote locations or embarking on long-distance journeys, the cargo trailer ensures that your MFORT is ready for any mission.

With these exciting attachments and endless possibilities for customization, the LEGO Technic Multi-Function Off-Road Truck (MFORT) offers a thrilling blend of creativity, functionality, and adventure. I will be posting more attachments and changes as I work on them.