MOC - Utility Offroad Truck (UORT)

I would like to present my latest MOC. This is a utility off-road truck. Recently I built the C model of set 42178, which is a slope tractor. I was very impressed with this C model, however I felt that some of the body parts could be better utilized in a truck type MOC. 

After stripping the c model to the base chassis, I decided to keep both the front function and the hand of god 4 wheel steering, however due to the change in design this had to be routed up through the cabin to the top via a black knob. 

My first step was to build a reinforcement around the chassis this allowed the controls for the front function to be routed out the side and also gave me space for the rear PTO controlled to be routed out the side. Both of these are controlled via black knobs on the side of the model. 

Next I started building the cabin, this required quite a bit of work as I was very keen to ensure that it had a consistent colour style, I don't have a huge amount of white pieces, so some design changes were required. I also had some issues with ensuring that the front lifting hitch function, would still work. This required quite a few design compromises, to ensure that it both looked good and the function work as I expected. 

Once I had finished building the cabin, my next step was to work on the rear of the model this included extending the chassis, to ensure that the tray had some support as well as routing the gears and axles required for the rear PTO to work. 

Finally I added some details including the lights on the front of the cabin, the roof lights,  mirrors, as well as the rear turning signals.

One thing that I'm not 100% sure I'm happy with, are the tyres. These are the original tyres that came with set for 42178, I do have a set of black tyres which I'm am considering swapping over however I do like the look of the grey tyres against the white and black body. 

This MOC has three main features:

- Hand of God 4 wheel steering, which is controlled via the black knob on top of the cabin.

- Front hitch can be raised and lowered by the black gear on the side of the chassis

- Rear PTO, which is also controlled by separate black knob on the side of the chassis. 

My plan now is to build a number of different attachments for this these include:

- Dozer Blade

- Winch

- Plow 

as well as various other towing attachments. I'm also designing a cherry picker and crane attachment for this. 

Overall I'm very happy with how this is turned out, I think that is a good size model and it gives me some really good scope to build some different attachments in the future.

Link - Old LEGO Technic Ad

 

Review - LEGO Technic 42163 C Model Skid Steer Loader

This C model of LEGO Technic set 42163 by Larsagri is the latest C model by them that I have built, I have built a number of their C models and have always found theses to be enjoyable experiences.

This skid steer loader (or bobcat as they are called in Australia) is well designed and has two features:
- The arms are raised and lowered via the black knob on the roof.
- The bucket is tilted via the level on the side of the arm.

The tracks work well and is easy to play with, as my 7 year old son gave this a good test.

The building guide is 54 steps long and is easily completed in half an hour or so. I was building this from scratch, from a brand new copy of 42163. I didn't do any sorting, just dumped all the parts in a tub and built. No issues came up during the build and all the steps were easy to follow.

The end result is a cute looking model, which fits in well with my expanding collection. For $10, it is better value than a take away meal.

I am not sure if I will keep this built or use the parts for my own C model.

MOC - LEGO Technic 42164 C Model Tractor with Three Attachments

Recently I have designed and built a custom C model tractor based on LEGO Technic set 42164. It has three functional attachments: a plough, slasher, and post hole drill.

Step 1: Conceptualization and Planning

The first step in any LEGO project is to conceptualize the design and plan out the structure. For our tractor, we envisioned a sturdy yet versatile vehicle capable of handling various agricultural tasks. 

Step 2: Building the Tractor

With a clear vision in mind, we began assembling the base of the tractor using the components from set 42164. We focused on ensuring stability and functionality, incorporating hand of god steering, via the grey exhaust on the top of the engine area.

Step 3: Developing Attachments

Once the tractor was complete, we shifted our attention to designing the attachments. Each attachment required careful consideration of its purpose, size, and compatibility with the tractor. We experimented with different configurations and mechanisms to create functional implements that could be easily swapped and operated by the tractor.

1. Plough: The plough attachment was designed to efficiently till the soil for planting.

2. Slasher: For clearing overgrown vegetation, we created a slasher attachment.

3. Post Hole Drill: Lastly, we developed a post hole drill attachment for digging holes for fence posts or other structures. This attachment featured a rotating drill bit.

Conclusion:

Designing and building a custom LEGO Technic C model tractor with three attachments was a rewarding and enjoyable experience. From conceptualization to final assembly, each step of the process required creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail. By combining the versatility of LEGO Technic components with innovative design techniques, we were able to create a functional and realistic agricultural vehicle capable of tackling various tasks with ease. Whether you're a LEGO enthusiast or an aspiring engineer, this project serves as a testament to the endless possibilities of LEGO Technic sets.

Review - LEGO Technic 42178 C Model Slope Tractor by Larsagri

Recently I was looking online and found the LEGO Technic set 42178 Surface Space Loader on special at 20% off from a local retailer. While I was not a huge fan of this model, the price and parts made me think, after a quick check on Rebrickable, I found this C model by Larsagri, which looked much more interesting to me. I have built a number of C models by them and found them to be well designed and of a very high standard.

This Slope Tractor comes with a roller and a fork lift. It has some interesting features, I have added my own thoughts on each of these below:

- 4-wheel steering: This seems to work fairly well, it is hard to get it to stay straight in the centre position.

- 3-point hitch in front and rear (same size): This works well and gives you a lot of options for adding extra attachments. This is something I am going to explore more in the future.

- Front hitch lifted by linear actuator: This works well and have a decent range of movement.

- Rear hitch can be locked in upper position: This took me a little while to work out. It does allow you to lock this in the raised position.

- Detailed cabin: This area was a bit of a surprise for me. It has a great level of detail.

- Roller: This has too many gaps to be a real roller, I would call it more a plough.

- Fork lift: This is more a set of forks / carry all.

I found the building process to be very enjoyable and logical. I did some basic sorting, placing all the beams, wheels and body panels in one container and the rest of the parts in another. I did make a couple of mistakes in the first few pages, when building the chassis, this was due to needing to flip it over and in the early steps, it is very easy to get the front and back confused. I did also struggle with getting some parts of the cabin to line up.

Overall, this is a cool C model, it is larger than I was expecting and it is going to be a good base for some modding and other attachments in the future.

MOC - LEGO Technic 42147 - Bush Plane C Model

I have recently spent some time designing and building my latest MOC, this is a bush plane, which is a C model of set 42147. I have seen some other planes built from this set but wanted to go for something that would be used in remote areas.

One of the highlights of this model is its spinning propeller, which adds a dynamic element to the finished build. As you attach the propeller assembly and give it a spin, you can almost hear the roar of the engine and feel the rush of wind as the plane takes off into the wilderness.

The inclusion of a spare wheel and jack adds an extra layer of realism, allowing you to imagine scenarios where the plane lands on dirt airstrips in remote locations, ready to tackle any terrain.

This took me about 4 hours to design and build, given the limited part count, I am very happy with how it has turned out.

MOC - LEGO Technic Tracked Aerial Access Vehicle

I have recently spent some time designing and building my latest MOC, this is a tracked aerial access vehicle. This is used on building sites to lift workers up to heights, to allow them to safely work above the ground. I spent some time researching these online and after trying a few builds, I am happy with the end result.

It has three features:
- Knob to turn the turntable.
- Knob to raise and lower the bucket
- An opening access panel, to allow the inner workings to be viewed.

Overall I am happy with how it has turned out and how the features work, I am planning MK2 at the moment, which will have a higher lifting range.

Mini Review - LEGO Technic 42165 F1 Pull Back Racer

The LEGO Technic 42165 F1 Pull Back Racer is an exciting addition to the Technic line-up, offering fans the chance to build and play with a detailed replica of a Formula 1 car.

The set features an impressive level of detail, capturing the sleek and aerodynamic design elements of an F1 car. From the front and rear wings to the cabin details, builders will appreciate the intricacy of the model. It only has one feature, the pull back motor.

However, one common criticism among LEGO enthusiasts is the use of stickers. While stickers can add fine details and realism to a set, some builders find them tedious to apply and worry about their longevity. In the case of the 42165 F1 Car, if there are too many stickers included, it could detract from the overall building experience and deter some fans from fully enjoying the set.

Despite this potential drawback, the LEGO Technic 42165 F1 Car still offers a rewarding building experience and a stunning display piece once completed. With its attention to detail, it's sure to delight both Formula 1 enthusiasts and LEGO aficionados alike.

Building Review - LEGO Technic 42147 C Model Tracked Cherry Picker

Introduction:

LEGO Technic sets have always been a favourite among builders who enjoy a challenge and appreciate intricate designs. The LEGO Technic 42147 C Model Tracked Cherry Picker is no exception, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to construct a versatile and engaging model. In this blog post, we'll explore the quick and easy build process for this captivating C Model, designed by Larsagri .

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before diving into the build process, ensure you have all the necessary materials at hand. This includes the LEGO Technic 42147 set, as well as a flat surface to work on and plenty of space to spread out the components.

Step 2: Organize the Parts

Take a moment to organize the parts according to the instruction manual. Grouping similar pieces together can streamline the building process and help you locate specific components more efficiently as you progress through the construction.

Step 3: Follow the Instruction Manual

The LEGO Technic 42147 C Model Tracked Cherry Picker has clear and easy-to-follow instructions that make building a breeze. Take your time to carefully follow each step, ensuring that you correctly place each piece as indicated.

Step 4: Pay Attention to Details

As you progress through the build, pay close attention to the details outlined in the instruction manual. Technic sets often involve intricate mechanisms and moving parts, so precision is key to ensuring that everything functions correctly once the model is complete.

Step 5: Enjoy the Process

Building with LEGO is not just about the end result; it's also about the journey. Take pleasure in the process of assembling each component and witnessing your creation come to life piece by piece. Engage your creativity and imagination as you construct the Tracked Cherry Picker, envisioning its functionality and potential uses.

Step 6: Test and Play

Once you've completed the build, it's time to test out the features of your Tracked Cherry Picker. Operate the lifting mechanism, manoeuvre the tracked base, and explore the model's range of motion. LEGO Technic sets are designed to be interactive, allowing builders to enjoy hours of imaginative play long after the construction is finished.

Conclusion:

Building the LEGO Technic 42147 C Model Tracked Cherry Picker is a rewarding experience that offers both enjoyment and satisfaction. By following the quick and easy steps outlined in this guide, you can embark on a journey of creativity and construction that culminates in a captivating and functional model. Whether you're a seasoned LEGO enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Technic sets, this build is sure to provide hours of entertainment and inspire your inner builder.