Model Team: Coca Cola Truck (video & pictures)

[Lasse D]

This is a rather long post with a lot of pictures and text, so let's start out with a video on Youtube (click the picture).

Please click the pictures for larger versions and Brickshelf galleries.

The Model

This model is a classic 12 stud wide Model Team truck. I began planning it when building the mobile Shell station back in June 2007. The first prototype for powering the truck was built in September and a full chassis was finished in November.

I had yet to find a way to change the gears, but in December I found a solution using only the motor for steering to change gears, decouple and turn on the lights when in gear.

The rod that changes the gear required a lot of force and some cogs were damaged, so I came up with a different solution that still used only one motor for all functions apart from propulsion:

A couple of BrickLink orders later and I had the first full prototype for the truck:

Presenting it to my LUG lead to a couple of changes of the sleeper and I began building the trailer. By using a turntable, I was able to power 8 functions using only 2 motors.

The model was displayed at Klodsfest 2008, which turned out to be a great field test.

I found problems with nearly every function. Even the steering didn't work properly because of all the additional functions that engaged when they shouldn't. The mechanics had to be almost completely changed, leading to the version you can see in the video.

The engine

Pretty much all LEGO trucks have V8 engines, so I have always thought this to be normal. This was until I met a fellow LEGO truck builder (and LEGO Technic designer) at Klodsfest who told me that all trucks have straight 6 cylinder engines - even the American ones!

So for the first time a truck of mine has an engine of the real type:

->

The new engine (which is coupled directly to the twin XL Power Functions motors) has both a moving flywheel and camshafts as seen in the video.

The Mechanics of the Truck

There are 4 motors in the truck: 2 XL motors for propulsion (as mentioned above), 1 M motor for steering and one for changing gears. There is a high and low gear. The lights turn on when in gear and the trailer coupling is disengaged when in high gear.

New trailer coupling standard

You might notice it's very easy to hook onto the trailer: simply drive into it!

This is possible because of a new coupling system. I have had similar systems in the past, but this new one is much easier to build, use and both the truck and trailer can decouple.

I will post a new thread with the precise standard of this system once I have added it to another truck.

Trailer Functions

There are 8 functions in the trailer:

- Open the top lid

- Turn on the rear lights (or make them flash)

- Operate the jack

- Open/close the lift gate

- Elevate the lift gate

- Decouple

- Operate the auxiliary output (an NXT motor in the video)

- Turn the power off

A turntable is the central part of all the functions: One motor operates the turntable while the other sits in the middle and powers all the functions.

Clutches are used on nearly all functions to spare the mechanics. On 3 of the functions, the clutches are made of a couple of mated with a

Remote Control (NXT)

The remote is an NXT with a HiTechnic IR-Link. I use LeJos with a custom program for the sensor in order to fully utilizing the functionality of the Power Functions receiver: 7 power levels and commands without timeouts (so the lights remain on).

Lights

The first prototypes used only 9V for the lights, but then LEGO released LEDs, so all the lights on the truck are now of this kind, making the 9V power supply obsolete (the first prototype had two battery boxes):

The LEDs use much less power and give a more clear and focused light as you can see in this comparison:

9V:

LEDs:

The trailer still uses the old 9V lights because they can flash, while the display on the top is made using fiber optic bricks from the '90s.

Mosaics

I had to make my own mosaic generator because I wanted it to handle the following:

- SNOT-constructions.

- When an adjustment is made to the various parameters (size, crop, brightness, colors, etc.), the results must be shown almost simultaneously.

This lead to the program BrickGraphics, which is still in pre-alpha. I will make a thread with it once it is nearing completion.

The trailer needed 3 pictures: Two of Santa and one Coca Cola logo.

Santa mosaics

Searching the net for some pictures with Santa Claus used by Coca Cola gave me a lot of results:

Finding the ones that could be built using only 27 plates in the height gave me:

It was among these I found the two for the trailer.

Coca Cola logo

The logo was a bit more tricky. If you only use plates on top of each other, it would look like this:

This is the reason why the mosaic program had to handle SNOT constructions, so I could end up with:

There is an antialiazing effect built into the logo. Try to zoom out or move away from the screen and you will notice the logo appearing sharper.

Random facts regarding the model

- The golden rings around the Santa pictures are made using only and in pearl gold. It would take 9 Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb-sets to make a duplicate of each picture.

- There are 388 pieces that glow in the dark, 88 cogs in the mechanisms, where 18 bricks are used for clutches.

- It contains more than 625cm. of electrical wire.

- The truck weight 1.317kg, while the trailer weights 2.22kg.

- The truck participated in the "Tractor Pulling" contest at Klodsfest 2008... and lost in the first round to the NXT that later became the remote.

- It has the same width as Agents Mission 6, but:

- Most of the drive train is dual in order to tame the power from the XL motors, but decoupling the trailer in high gear was still a necessity, or else the transaxle would be ripped out.

- Only the middle axle is powered. A suspension on the rear axle allows for better friction, making it possible to pass small obstacles without getting stuck.

- If you mark the places where SNOT is used on the exterior, it would look like this:

Brickshelf Gallery

Now I hope it will be accepted for display at LEGO World Copenhagen 2009.

Edited December 3, 2008 by Lasse D

[DarthPineapple]

WOW... that's all I can say.

[simonwillems]

I am stunned!

I think I never saw a more detailed and functional technic model before in my life, and I have seen lots of functional technic models....

Everything works so well with the powerfunctions and people who own PF elements know that that really is an achievement. I have struggled much with the power functions recently, breaking gears and axles in the process because of the sheer unlimited power and force the motors apply to even the most well thought out structure.

That leads me to the question as to how you have managed to make such a heavy vehicle move without decimating your gears. What happens when the truck's path gets blocked? There is no clutch visible or will the gear system simply shut down with too much force?

Up to now I have only managed to power treaded vehicles decently with the PF elements, because when blocked the treads have not too much grip and just slip.

You have inspired me greatly with this creation, ever since I saw it on brickshelf some time ago. When I have the time I will try my best once again with the power functions....

I watched the seven minute movie breathless, so I need some time to catch up on my oxygen

:thumbup:

[Skinny Boy]

Holy Coly! Thats..... well it seems i'm lost for words . I can see this on the front page soon

[Lasse D]

I'm glad you like it.

(...)

That leads me to the question as to how you have managed to make such a heavy vehicle move without decimating your gears. What happens when the truck's path gets blocked? There is no clutch visible or will the gear system simply shut down with too much force?

(...)

The gear system shuts down, but if you repeat doing it, the axle with the cog that goes directly onto the motors will move out of position and start making an awful sound. As you can see on the prototypes, the whole system after the diff is dual in order to tame the power and prevent damaging the cogs ( is known for breaking under preasure) By making the axle with the diff rotate quickly, I avoid the problem of stressing it, and the mechanical loss is acceptable with the new motors.

That part of the construction (dual XL-motors with gears) took me about a month to figure out, so I can verify your claim regarding the difficulties with Power Functions motors!

[Ralph_S]

I've had a bit of fun with a truck with power functions recently, but I'm amazed at how much stuff you've managed to cram into this. Impressive. The most impressive thing about this truck, however, have to be the mosaics on the sides of the trailer. They're awesome.

Cheers,

Ralph

[alex54]

Wow!

What a great truck!

Lasse D, you have made a very good job with this truck!

First, it's a very beautifull truck, very detailed, with some nice and small details everywhere.

And second, the PF!

It works like a real one!

Each time I see a video with a LEGO animated with PF and NXT, it makes me dream! That add a lot of realism to the model and give it a statue of "piece of work" compared with the toy aspect.

I don't have any PF or NXT sets, but each time I see videos like yours, each time it gives me to buy some of those fabulous parts! But the price makes me bringing back to reality!

The robotic aspect, using motors and technic functions are not part of my skills.

I need time to play again with my old technic sets and why not, one day, building such an exiting moc!

This is the kind of moc which is very interesting to see in real, trying all the function, and studying it.

Good job!

[Guss]

OMFG WTF Oo

man I love your truck! it's so awesome ! now I want one! I want nxt ! I want new technic stuff ! I want money to buy it! I want the talent to use it like you do !

really that's the best lego truck I ever saw, great job! 15/10 for you !

man I'm so jealous ...

Edited December 3, 2008 by Guss

[Lego12]

That is amazing...... I have to ask, how long did it take to build and how much did it cost?

[Oky]

One word: WOW!

I am speechless! This is without doubt the best Lego truck I could ever even imagine! It's incredible how many authentic functions it has and how well these work!

Making it a Coca Cola Christmas Truck was an excellent choice! Those are my favorite kind of trucks! The mosaics are great! I just wish I could see how it looks with the GITD parts glowing. Could you please try to make a pic or video of that and post it? That would be most appreciated! Btw, which set(s) are those 1x1 round GITD plates from?

I don't have much else to say; I think everything has been mentioned already by others.

In conclusion: Beautiful, marvelous, amazing work! Two thumbs up! :thumbup: Keep it up!

PS: Sigh... Looking at this MOC, I can already hear Melanie Thornton's "

" in my head! What a beautiful commercial! Edited December 3, 2008 by Oky Wan Kenobi

[Captain Green Hair]

Man, you are the technic master!

The detail overall is great, the movement is awesome and those mosaics are....well...i'm speachless.

I wish i was that good in technic....

They should allow it at Legoworld, otherwise i'll use some persuading techniques for you.

[Buttons]

First of all I made a mistake when saying about an hour ago-

This is the best model team MOC I have ever scene to date

Because this has bettered it. I wreakon you could single handedly resurect the model team line.

Anyway Down to the important thing; you mosaic program.

As You may or may not know I specialise myself in makeing mosaics and the part that takes up all of my time is mapping out all of the bricks from the lugnet picture I get and then having to add them all up. It looks as though it is the case that your program you have/are producing/produced incorporates this feature. I fthis is the case could you please let me know.

Thanks in advance

Buttons

[CP5670]

This is a brilliant MOC, and your excellent presentation of the model really does justice to it. There is lots of functionality and detail here packed into a moderate size. Your whole construction process also seems to have been well planned out, especially with the mosaic generator you made for this.

The highlight of this model for me is switching mechanism based on the turntable. I've always been very interested in techniques for splitting up geartrains like this, and your method is one that I haven't seen before. The use of several different lighting components is also great to see.

It might be a good idea to cross-post models like this in other relevant categories like Technic. I don't come into this section that often and almost missed this gem.

[legokuate]

It's awesome!! . The video gives more details of the trailer than the pics. There are no words to describe a fine piece of work.

[Lasse D]

That is amazing...... I have to ask, how long did it take to build and how much did it cost?

That's pretty hard to say. I have been planning more than building. It took a lot of evenings to build it, but how many I can't say. As for the price, it costs €150 for the PF-components alone, and that is without the LEDs that I had to buy whole sets to get my hands on. There are bricks from multiple BrickLink orders in it, making the price hard to guess.

(...)I just wish I could see how it looks with the GITD parts glowing. Could you please try to make a pic or video of that and post it? That would be most appreciated! Btw, which set(s) are those 1x1 round GITD plates from?

(...)

I have tried, but my camera can't see the weak light from the GITD-pieces, no matter how many there are.

The 1x1 round plates are from a discontinued Bionicle set and you can get them on BrickLink, although there aren't many left... thanks to me

First of all I made a mistake when saying about an hour ago-Because this has bettered it. I wreakon you could single handedly resurect the model team line.

Anyway Down to the important thing; you mosaic program.

As You may or may not know I specialise myself in makeing mosaics and the part that takes up all of my time is mapping out all of the bricks from the lugnet picture I get and then having to add them all up. It looks as though it is the case that your program you have/are producing/produced incorporates this feature. I fthis is the case could you please let me know.

That's the danger about saying a creation is the best ever - there will always be a better creation. I always want to improve my creations, making the latest better than any before, and I'm sure Ralph does the same. His ladder is one of the best I have ever seen - right until I see his next

Regarding the Mosaic program.

It can give you a full inventory (export to LDraw/MLCad, from where you can optimize, make building instructions and so on), show you exactly which colors are used, let you choose which colors you want to use and let you adjust all kind of settings.

These are all features I expect from a Mosaic generator, and I'm sure you can find them in programs already on the market. My program is still pre-alpha. It will be free/open source just like some of the other mosaic generators.

[Buttons]

I look forward, with bated breath to the finished project

Thank you so much Lasse D

[randomparrot]

Wow i'm loving that ruck at first Glance i thought that coca cola logo was actually brick built.

[Oky]

I have tried, but my camera can't see the weak light from the GITD-pieces, no matter how many there are.

Not even if you directly shine a flashlight at the GITD pieces right before you take the picture? How about using your video camera?

Wow i'm loving that ruck at first Glance i thought that coca cola logo was actually brick built.

That's because it is brick-built. As it says at the end of the video, this Moc is 100% Lego!

[Lasse D]

Not even if you directly shine a flashlight at the GITD pieces right before you take the picture? How about using your video camera?

I tried with a 60 Watt light bulb and it didn't work. My video camera is even worse because it doesn't allow a slower shutter speed. It can't even see the LEDs in the dark!

I have really tried to take a picture of it. I was supposed to begin the video with only those bricks lighting up, followed by casting full light onto the truck. Now that would have been a great opening!

[Oky]

I tried with a 60 Watt light bulb and it didn't work. My video camera is even worse because it doesn't allow a slower shutter speed. It can't even see the LEDs in the dark!

I have really tried to take a picture of it. I was supposed to begin the video with only those bricks lighting up, followed by casting full light onto the truck. Now that would have been a great opening!

Yeah, that would have been great! Oh well...

[VBBN]

What...

That is amazing! And man is it big! Very nice job. Extraordianry. Especially because I love Coke.

Keep up the fantastic work.

Regards,

`La Empray VBBN

[Oky]

Extraordianry. Especially because I love Coke.

Personally, I like Pepsi better, but Coke has much better commercials.

[KimT]

Once again your skills at technic and motors amaze me.

That rig is absolutely stunning.

No all you need is the trucker radio in the background and Mr Rubber Duck himself.

Awesome build

[Skelotic]

More proof that Model Team should come back.

I really like the back end of the trailer on that beast.

If LEGO produced this for under 300 dollars, I would buy it.

[Buttons]

More proof that Model Team should come back.

I really like the back end of the trailer on that beast.

If LEGO produced this for under 300 dollars, I would buy it.

Achem *cough* Petition *cough*