Project 42213 Unimog Mods and Attachments – 31/08/2025 – Cherry Picker

For today’s addition to the Unimog C Model (based on set 42213), I’ve built a Cherry Picker attachment. This is one of those functional add-ons that really expands the possibilities of the truck, giving it a realistic utility vehicle role.

Features:

• Elevating Boom Arm – Built using liftarms, beams and pin connectors, the cherry picker has a strong, stable structure that extends upward and outward.

• Rotating Base – The entire arm is mounted on a rotating turntable, allowing it to swing side to side for positioning.

• Adjustable Bucket – The bucket at the end can comfortably hold a minifigure-sized worker for play or display.

• Manual Operation – The lifting and lowering is handled by simple gear mechanisms, keeping it mechanically sound and fun to use.

• Compact Mounting – The cherry picker attaches neatly to the rear bed of the Unimog, without needing major modifications to the truck itself.

Why a Cherry Picker?

The Unimog has always been known as a versatile workhorse, used in real life for everything from snow ploughing to forestry. A cherry picker attachment fits perfectly into that theme, making this model feel like a genuine service truck. Whether it’s "repairing" LEGO streetlights or trimming Technic trees, the functionality adds a lot of play value.

Build Notes:

• The boom is reinforced with triangular bracing to prevent sagging when extended.

• The proportions of the bucket were chosen to keep it lightweight but still large enough to look realistic.

• The mechanism for rotation and lift is deliberately simple, so it doesn’t overwhelm the scale of the truck.

Final Thoughts:

This cherry picker mod gives the 42213 Unimog another layer of realism and utility. It looks great alongside the other attachments and continues the tradition of making the truck a true multi-function vehicle.

Project 42213 Unimog Mods and Attachments – 26/08/2025 – Scissor Lift

Today’s addition to my Unimog C Model (42213) project is a scissor lift attachment – a functional and eye-catching build that gives the truck even more versatility.

The lift mounts securely to the back of the Unimog, using Technic pins and bracing. Operation is simple – a lime green beam is used to raise and lower the scissor mechanism, allowing the platform to extend smoothly upwards.

One of the features I wanted to add was stability and safety. To achieve this, I included a manual locking feature: a 3L black lift arm, connected via a blue half axle pin, which can be pushed into place to lock the scissor lift at various heights. This prevents unwanted collapsing when the lift is extended.

For the design, I chose a dark grey and red colour scheme. This ties in nicely with the red cab of the Unimog C Model, while also giving the lift a bit of contrast to stand out as a separate functional attachment.

This attachment works well alongside the other modifications I’ve been building and continues to showcase the adaptability of the 42213 Unimog C Model as a platform for different tools and machinery.

Project 42213 Unimog Mods and Attachments – 25/08/2025 – Road Roller

One of the great things about the LEGO Technic 42213 Unimog is how adaptable it is for attachments, and today’s project is another example of this flexibility – the Road Roller attachment.

This attachment is designed to tow behind the Unimog using the rear tow bar (added in my previous update). It features two pairs of wide wheels placed side by side, giving it a proper roller look. The doubled tyres give it enough weight and surface area to really resemble how a roller would press down and smooth surfaces in real life.

The build is simple but effective:

• A long tow arm connects securely to the rear tow hitch.

• Two axle beams hold the paired wheels in place, providing a sturdy base.

• The attachment is reinforced with lift arms and connectors to keep everything aligned and stable while being pulled along.

From a play and display perspective, it works really well. The roller follows behind smoothly, and the paired tyres give a realistic rolling effect. It’s also modular, so it can be easily detached and swapped out for other tools when needed.

This attachment opens up more possibilities for construction-style play with the Unimog – you can imagine it grading a dirt road, flattening gravel, or finishing off a construction site.

Another small but satisfying upgrade to the ever-growing list of attachments for Project 42213!

Project 42213 Unimog Mods and Attachments – 24/08/2025 – Tow Bar

One of the things I enjoy most about working with the 42213 Unimog is creating practical modifications that expand its playability and functionality. Today’s mod is a simple but very effective addition: a rear tow bar.

The Tow Bar

The tow bar attaches neatly to the rear of the Unimog’s chassis, giving it the ability to tow along different attachments. This small feature really opens up new options for connecting trailers, custom tools, or other builds that can be pulled behind the truck.

To give it strength and stability, I braced it using a pair of 3L black lift arms mounted against the rear of the chassis. This ensures it can handle the stress of pulling loads without flexing or coming loose.

Locking Mechanism

For added realism, I included a grey folding part which flips down over the tow point. This helps lock attachments in place and gives the tow bar a more authentic, functional look. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference when actually using the truck.

Why This Mod Works

The Unimog is already a highly capable off-road truck, and the tow bar brings even more utility to the build. It adds to the overall versatility, making it feel more like the real thing – a truck that can handle not just off-road terrain, but also hauling equipment and attachments where they’re needed.

Final Thoughts

This tow bar may seem like a minor update, but it’s one of those little modifications that really improve the play value of the Unimog. With it in place, I can now design and experiment with new towable attachments that expand what this truck can do.

Project 42213 Unimog Mods and Attachments - 22/08/2025

I’ve always been a big fan of LEGO Technic Unimogs. My love for them goes back to set 8110, which I used as a base to build a wide range of attachments a few years ago. Since then, I’ve enjoyed creating various multi-function off-road trucks—mostly Unimogs and similar trucks—where I could experiment with designing and building attachments to extend their functionality.

So, when I discovered that the LEGO Technic 42213 Ford Bronco had a C-model designed in the style of a Unimog-type truck, I knew right away that it would make an excellent base for further modifications and attachments.

Front Modifications

One of the first changes I made was to the suspension. I added a 5L black beam across the front. While this may look like a small adjustment, it’s actually quite important—it creates a sturdy mounting point for front-mounted attachments. This is going to be the connection hub for tools and add-ons, making the truck far more versatile.

Rear Tray Improvements

On the rear, I modified the tray by removing several of the flat panels. These were replaced with Technic beams, which give the tray a much more solid structure. The main benefit of this change is that it allows rear attachments to be added or removed with ease, and the tray itself can better handle the stresses of heavy loads and mechanisms.

Stronger Lifting Mechanism

I also reworked the tray’s lifting mechanism. Originally, it tended to flex when raised to its highest point. With my modifications, the lifting action is now much stronger and stable. This makes the truck far more reliable when using the rear tray for functional builds.

Looking Ahead

While these changes technically go beyond the “official” C-model—since they require extra parts—the overall look and style of the Unimog remains the same. That’s important to me, because I wanted to preserve the truck’s character while boosting its playability and strength.

This Unimog is now set up to be a fantastic base vehicle for future attachments, and I’m really looking forward to designing a range of front and rear tools to pair with it. Much like with my earlier 8110 projects, I see this truck becoming the heart of a new system of interchangeable Technic builds.

LEGO Technic 42144 Material Handler – Mod – Loader Claw

The LEGO Technic 42144 Material Handler is already an impressive set, with its pneumatic functions and industrial look. But one area I found a bit underwhelming was the standard grabber claw—it doesn’t quite deliver the versatility and grabbing strength I wanted. So, I decided to build my own Loader Claw Mod, and the results speak for themselves.

A Better Grabber

This new loader claw works much better than the original grabber. With its reinforced design and improved shape, it has good grabbing power and can easily pick up and hold on to loads securely. Whether it’s LEGO wheels, bricks, or other odd-shaped items, the claw holds tight without slipping.

A Pop of Colour

I chose a bright lime green colour for the claw, partly to make it stand out against the predominantly red and black of the set. It gives the model a more unique, eye-catching look and makes the modification feel distinct from the stock build.

Easy to Swap

One of the key goals of this mod was to keep it simple and reversible. The claw can be easily swapped back to the original grabber by removing just two axles. This means you can switch between the stock design and the loader claw depending on how you want to display or play with the set.

Play Value Upgrade

From a play perspective, this modification makes the Material Handler much more functional. The stronger grip and larger opening add to the realism and fun, making it feel like a proper working machine rather than just a display piece.

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In short, the Loader Claw Mod takes the LEGO Technic 42144 Material Handler to the next level. It’s practical, colourful, and adds a lot more fun to the model—while being fully reversible if you want to go back to the standard version.

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Review - LEGO Technic 42125 – Ferrari 488 GTE “AF Corse #51”

Big Disappointment

When LEGO first announced the Ferrari 488 GTE, I was excited. A big red Ferrari, covered in racing decals, based on a real endurance racing car? It sounded like a must-have Technic set. Unfortunately, after building it and living with it on the shelf, I have to say it turned out to be one of the bigger disappointments in my Technic collection.

What’s Good

Let’s start with the positives.

• Size & presence – This thing is huge. It’s one of those sets that dominates the shelf and will definitely get comments from anyone walking past. From across the room it looks impressive, especially with the bright red bodywork.

• Display factor – On display, with all the stickers in place, it does look like the race car it’s supposed to be. From the right angles, it can really capture that Ferrari look.

• Price (in my case) – I managed to pick mine up second hand for under $100, which made it feel like decent value. If I’d paid full retail, I’d probably be even more critical.

• Colour scheme – I can’t deny that the Ferrari red looks great. Combined with the black wheels, it nails that motorsport vibe.

What’s Not So Good

Now for the let-downs… and there are quite a few.

• Sticker overload – I don’t mind the occasional sticker, but this set goes way overboard. The car relies almost entirely on stickers for its identity. Without them, it looks plain and unfinished, and even with them, it feels like a cheap way to create detail.

• Ugly gaps – There’s a massive gap running down the centre of the car that makes it look unfinished. For such a large model, I expected a tighter, more complete bodywork design.

• Basic functions – For a set of this size and price range, the features are very underwhelming. You get:

  • front and rear suspension,

  • opening doors,

  • a V8 engine with moving pistons,

  • steering via the steering wheel.
    And that’s it. No hand-of-god steering, which makes it a pain to actually steer while on display or on a table. Play value is almost non-existent.

• Fragile build – This was one of the most frustrating aspects. Even as an AFOL who is careful with models, I constantly find bits falling off when I move it. It feels flimsy, and that’s not what I expect from a Technic supercar.

Final Thoughts

The Ferrari 488 GTE should have been a standout Technic set. It has the licence, the look, and the prestige of Ferrari behind it. But instead, it feels like style over substance. Yes, it’s a nice display piece, but it lacks the clever engineering, functions, and sturdiness that make Technic fun.

For me, it’s a set that looks far better on the box than it feels in person. Unless you’re a hardcore Ferrari fan, there are far better Technic sets out there for both building and playing.

For my collection? I’m glad I only paid second-hand prices, because at retail this one would have been a big disappointment.

Review: LEGO Technic 42213 C Model – Unimog

Designed By DamianPLE Technic Garage

The LEGO Technic 42213 – Ford Bronco is a solid set in its own right, but this C model Unimog designed by "DamianPLE Technic Garage" takes it to an entirely new level. It captures the rugged utility of the classic Unimog in a compact scale, with a surprising number of working features packed into the build.

Functions

• Openable hood – Reveals the V6 engine detail inside.

• Working V6 engine – Driven by the rear wheels, adding a realistic touch.

• Steered front axle – Smooth and effective, though placement is key during the build.

• Working suspension – Both front and rear axles have suspension, giving it great playability.

• Tipping cargo bed – A small but effective mechanism that really makes it feel like a functional work truck.

Build Experience|
The build process was mostly smooth, but I did encounter one hiccup at step 22. I accidentally placed the 2L beam with axle hole the wrong way around, which left the steering inoperable when I completed the model. Thankfully, after going back over the instructions, the error was easy to spot and fix. Once corrected, everything worked flawlessly.

Final Thoughts
I am a huge fan of this model. It’s an excellent C model that not only looks amazing but also fits perfectly within a building and construction theme. While it is quite a bit smaller than LEGO Technic’s iconic 8110 Unimog U400, this doesn’t take away from its charm or play value. In fact, I see this as an ideal base for future modifications and custom Unimog-style attachments.

Overall, I actually think this build is better than the official A model. It combines looks, functions, and modding potential into one compact package. I’m really looking forward to making good use of it as a platform for some creative upgrades in the future.

Verdict: Highly recommended – a brilliant C model that punches well above its weight.

Left Over Parts

LEGO Technic 42121 – B Model Mod – Forest Skidder

The versatile LEGO Technic 42121 B Model gets a forestry upgrade! I’ve transformed it into a Forest Skidder, perfect for hauling logs and tackling rugged terrain in style.

From Tracks to Wheels

The original B Model came with tracks, but I wanted more maneuverability and speed. I swapped them out for wheels, which meant removing one gear from the front axle to allow proper steering clearance. The end result is a smoother, more responsive machine that still looks rugged and ready for action.

Body Tweaks

Alongside the wheel conversion, I made a few changes to the bodywork. Some panels and beams were adjusted to better fit the new wheel setup, giving the Skidder a cleaner and more proportionate look while still keeping that tough, industrial feel.

New Rear Grabber

The biggest change is at the back—gone is the standard rear bucket. In its place is a functional grabber claw, powered by a small linear actuator (LA). The claw can open and close with precision, making it ideal for lifting and moving logs or other cargo.

Added Tow Point

No forestry vehicle is complete without towing capability! I added a rear tow point so it can easily pull my Wheeled Sorter MOC or any of my other custom trailers and attachments. This turns the Skidder into a truly multifunctional workhorse.

Final Thoughts

This mod takes the already fun 42121 B Model and gives it a whole new purpose. The wheel conversion improves playability, the grabber claw adds more functionality, and the tow point extends its usefulness beyond just forestry work.

LEGO Technic 42203 – C Model – Mod – Rubbish Loader Body

This build takes inspiration from the Snow Plow C Model of LEGO Technic set 42203, but with a fresh and functional twist — transforming it into a fully operational Rubbish Loader Body.

From Snow Plow to Street Service

While the original C Model is great fun, I wanted something more urban-service themed. The result is this rubbish loader body, designed to mount onto the 42203 truck chassis with minimal changes.

Key Features

• Rear Claw Bin Lifter
  At the back, a compact but sturdy claw mechanism allows the loading of a rubbish bin into the truck. The claw arms swing up smoothly, making it easy to simulate real-world bin collection.

• Tip-and-Empty Action
  The entire rear tray body lifts up, and as it does, the rear door automatically opens to allow the rubbish load to empty out — just like the real thing at a landfill tip.

• Quick-Release Mounting
  The body is connected to the chassis using only two pins, making it quick and easy to remove or swap with other attachments.

Modular Play Possibilities

Because the body is detachable, this mod opens the door for more interchangeable service vehicle bodies — from tippers to water tanks — all based on the same robust 42203 C Model frame.

This mod keeps the compact size and charm of the original C Model, but adds new play value and realism for LEGO Technic fans who enjoy municipal service vehicles.

Review - LEGO Technic 42203 – C Model Snow Plow by TechnicProjects

The 42203 C Model from TechnicProjects transforms the original set into a highly capable Snow Plow truck, giving it a whole new purpose and personality. This clever alternate build shows just how much versatility can be squeezed from the parts of a single set.

Design & Build
The truck’s proportions are spot-on for a compact municipal work vehicle. The blue and dark grey colour scheme from the base set has been carried over nicely, lending a realistic, professional look. The build itself is sturdy, with minimal flex in the chassis, making it perfectly suited for play or display.

Snow Plow Attachment
The standout feature here is, of course, the wide front-mounted snow plow. Built entirely from Technic beams and panels, it’s both functional and visually impressive. The plow sits low enough to convincingly “clear” a path, and the angular shaping gives it a rugged, heavy-duty appearance. The attachment integrates seamlessly with the truck’s front end—no awkward gaps or weak connection points.

Play Features
While this model doesn’t pack in motors or gearing like a flagship set, it nails the fundamentals:

• Steering works smoothly via the roof-mounted knob.

• Tilting tray at the rear adds a secondary function, increasing the realism and play value.

• The snow plow can be adjusted or removed, opening the door for other front-mounted tools.

Build Experience
The instructions provided by TechnicProjects are clear, making the build approachable even for intermediate Technic fans. You’ll encounter a few creative connection techniques that feel fresh and satisfying to put together.

Verdict
The LEGO Technic 42203 C Model by TechnicProjects is an excellent example of how alternate builds can completely reinvent a set. It’s solid, functional, and brimming with personality. For those who enjoy winter-themed MOCs or just want to see their parts collection used in unexpected ways, this snow plow truck is a must-try.

Pros:

• Clever and sturdy design

• Smooth steering and functional rear tray

• Realistic, purposeful look

Cons:

• No moving plow mechanism beyond manual adjustment

• Limited to the functions available from the donor set

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)