designer-han

Thanks! Yes, after I finished the real build in LEGO, I recreated the complete model in Ldraw / MLcad; the ldr/mpd files were imported in LEGO's Studio for rendering. And, some after tweaks in Photoshop. Your welcome! And thanks for the nice words Glad you like the model and its decade development. And, the 3 versions took me quite a while; as the model needs to be developed in a modular way; making some modules being exchange-able for its Electronics (BuWuzz 3.0 / BuWizz 2.0 / PU(p). Yes, I consider LEGO parts being one world, whereof part usage needs to be considered carefully. Technic mostly for its intend: Technical functions, and System to realize decent interiors /exteriors... creating a most authentic appearance of the model.

Nice to read, that this model pulled you out the Dark Ages.... It was BuWizz from the beginning. C+ Hub is too big, but worse, the programming interface is so complicated to achieve the functions. I am able to (have an IT background) and used the Hub for instance in my Distribution "Cargo" Truck.... but the product is not steady. LEGO change all the code block icons, so it is for others very hard to re-implement my coding. This all is actually why I did develop a Power Functions version as well..... if I am retired, and become 80 years.... probably all the BuWizz, Sbrick, Powered Up Apps did die or are change in such a way that the model can not be reproduced again. And, PF will be still up and running However, BuWizz is splendid, it works flawless and it drives tip-top! Regarding the pneumatics, this was a deliberate choice... as the tubes can be routed in any way (under the V6 engine) not being possible with gears and axles. Actually, pneumatic saved space in that area (under the V6) what could not be done with a M-Motor. And, not sure if mini LA's will hold the weight of the main Leitwolf body. And yes, I like pneumatics a lot as well. Thanks! Yes, the Leitwolf took 4 pages in Sariel's book... with nice renders of Blakbird. Those were the days, pioneering with building MOC's and thinking we had many different parts..... look today, so many new parts within 15 years we never envisioned

Well, the older readers of Eurobricks might recall this model, being first released in 2007. At that time, this MOC was innovative, as it had the newly introduced Power Functions on board. And, the model performed quite well outdoor in snow conditions which could not be said for the 1st Leitwolf I designed in 2005 with the 9V system motors. As the Leitwolf remains one of my favorite MOCs – and I designed many MOCs the last 15 years – I had always in mind to remake this MOC once the time has come. And, here it is in 2024, a R3 release of the Prinoth Leitwolf, a major 2007 uplift as LEGO released many new useful parts I could not use then. Especially the mini linear actuators became very handy, controlling the blade and tiller functions; in total 7 of them are used in the Leitwolf. Another useful part to mention is the Technic Connector Block 3x3 ‘Biscuit’ (part 39793) that provides all the necessary mounting points (and holes) on a small footprint to introduce the front blade tilting ability. Same story applies for the Technic H-frame (part 14720). New added LED lights (front and rear) provide even a nice appearance during the evening, the normal working time of snow-groomers in the field…. Indeed, you do not want to ‘ski’ into a groomer during day-light descending…. Functions that just reappeared in the R3 version are the track tension mechanism (shock absorber springs), the working V6 engine and the pneumatic level adjustment. The removable Drum Winch is still there, but equipped with a ‘bigger’ drum and snow covers. In real, these drum contains ~850 meters cable length! I designed 3 (!) different R3 versions, to suits everybody’s needs. The most advanced version is powered by a BuWizz 3.0 brick, that one features 6 functions: 2 powered tracks, front blade raise/lower and tilt, rear tiller raise/lower and switching on/off the LED lights. The BuWizz 2.0 version and the Power Function version just have the original basic 4 features. Only the front blade tilting must be done manually in these cases. And, if LED lights are used, they just are ‘always-on’ when powered. I must admit, the Powered-Up XL motors do have a nice form-factor and can therefore 'packed' easier within the model compared to the round Power Functions XL motors. At the other side, I use frequently the Medium Motors, and the availability of this version in Powered-Up is just awful; it seams LEGO terminated the manufacturing, but nothing official. In general, that's in my view the biggest omission of Powered-Up, the (lack of ) motor continuity / availability. That's why I designed a traditional Power Functions version as well; just to be able to drive the groomer around when I reach 80 years... as PF will survive.... and all the new App-driven Systems most likely not ;-) To control the Leitwolf is quite easy. For the BuWizz 3.0 version, I created a functional lay-out (see above) that provides a smooth performance. It speaks for itself I guess. The Power Functions version is of course straight forward; in this case I use the 'train controller' for track movements, and just the 'bang/bang' on/off control for all blade and tiller functions. Of course, I tried this Winter (February) in Austria the Leitwolf… and as expected, the BuWizz 3.0 delivers significant force; means, the model worked flawless in snow conditions. Real fun, and lots of impressive eyes by skiers on the slope. I hope you like this R3 version; I think I reached the limits again with this model (means, limits that make a model still work as intended), and probably it will take another 10 years before a R4 version will be released 😉 More information of the model, and pictures can be found on my Website: Technic LEGO site of Han (designer-han.com) Note-1: for those visiting LEGOworld NL this Autumn, just drop by to see the Leitwolf R3 in the Fanzone! Note-2: Renders all made in Studio Last but least? And, not the most important note; building instructions are available for all 3x R3 versions. Just if readers start asking ‘do you have BI’s available?’

Fantastic MOC! Just watch it a couple of time.... and althought it is difficult to catch the mathematics behind it.... just watching the clock in motion is a pleasure. Very Very nice MOC, Technic to the next LEVEL with capitals. Well done! Including the music. And BI's, indeed this would run into so much questions about gearings, adjustments, stalling, and so on....

Hi all, Althought the original 42112 is recently retired on LEGO.com, I had always in mind to design a remote controlled version of the set. Many MOD's are already out-there, so this MOD is not really brand-new, or an early launch ;-) However, I created this MOD based on the Powered-Up system, applied dual rear wheels and improve the steering radius. And, added fuel tanks at both sides instead of the manual crank and swith lever. As the Technic hub has 4 output's, I used the 4th outpu for LED headlights. Finally, I added rear mirrors.... can be handy when driving backwards. Last but not least, I created the Building Instructions, that can be free of charged downloaded via my website: https://www.designer-han.com/lego/42112_RC.htm The instructions do come with the PU code block programming steps; so it should not be that difficult to get things 'up and running' on your smart-device. I know..... not an outstanding new topic, but I like to promote the new PU-system to the community and thought the 42112 is a perfect set for doing so. Hope you like the MOD, and have fun! Remark: Rebrickable and Bricklink XML references are available.

Many thanks for the positive responses! @ Nazgarot: More information is provided on my website; not specific schematics, but the controls are really straight forward (eg. motor connects to the mechanism for driving/steering/cabin tilt/platform controls. @ gyenesvi: I understand your view point. However, the front fender is deliberately not build with system bricks; as there was not place/room to secure/lock the vendor arches as done at the rear wheels. So, to avoid 'loosing the fenders during operations', I have chosen the Technic approach. @ Jeroen Ottens: The model is indeed a mix of System and Technic; I prefer to be honest Technic look-a-likes. But, the containerpart was not really smooth looking in Technic, neither it was possible to have a smooth connection between the tail-gate platform and the loading floor. So, I had to choose the best of both worlds. And, although it is a 'two legs approach', I am really happy with the end-result. ;-) @ AFOLegofan66: Nice to know you like my models...... hopefully you have still space available to display them... Luckely you did not build all the designed MOCs I made the last 15 years :-) Ps: I only have 3 of my MOCs complete..... all the others separated again for reuse.

Hi all again, Another remarkable year has passed by. A year I had more time to design a new MOC, being launched a week ago on my Website. It’s a full remote controlled Distribution Truck, being able to equip with Power Functions or Powered-Up devices. To be honest – and despite these trucks are very common and widely used in the real world – I noticed hardly any remote controlled LEGO Technic model. Maybe I just missed it… The tail-lift function was the biggest challenge, as two kind of platform movements needed to be involved together: lift and tilt. I decided to use a gearing/LA combination, as a pneumatic system requires a motor/pump function as well to be motorized and remote controlled. The truck is powered by a PF/PU L-motor, connected to both rear-wheels via differentials. Steering of the last rear-wheel is even possible; although in the real world this is hardly the case (I just had fun to design it ) Due to the last rear-wheel steering, the turning radius of the truck is relatively short. Long-term members of Eurobricks will recall my MOCs; and will notice the looks of the cabin. Nothing has really changed here, except for the grille and roof side-skirts. Both the PF/PU version do have front/rear LED lights. Why did I designed 2 chassis versions? Well, I definitely believe in the future of Powered-Up. Besides Bluetooth controlled, it is possible to create your own code-block programming. As an example, the PU-version has front/rear hazard lights that can be turned on/off. Or, limit the output force/speed of PU-motors. Controlling the model via a Smart-device is just a logical next step and gives the user more UX (user-experience) with tailor-made dash-boards. But, the downside today is steep learning curve of the Powered-Up app. Not much programming information is available; so many times it is trial on error. Example, the motor code-block output can be set to AB; in this case both Technic Hub outputs A and B will be equally operate the 2 connected motors. But when 2 PU-LEDs are connected to the Technic Hub outputs A and B, they don’t work at all. Might be a logical reason behind this….. But unknown to the wider audience. This model gives you the ability to start with a PF-version and switch to the PU-version later-on to learn and explore. I encourage you to read the PU code-block programming of this model; it's included in the free download PDF example BI on my website. Maybe this model can provide a 'community push' in adopting the Powered-Up system. Hope you appreciate this new model, and more information can be found at: http://www.designer-han.nl/lego

Hi Jim, very nice and honest review. With clear pictures to explore what's going on inside the CAT. Well done, and will definitly build it. And yes, I agree that this sets equals what Technic is all about, and reminds me indeed of 8275 and 8043 (still have a copy unboxed), but as well to the 8421 Mobile Crane that pulled me out of the Dark-Ages. About the price.... its steep, but in my opinion one have 2 options to choose: 1) Purchase the CAT, and you have a big parts pack to add to your existing inventory to start building your own MOCs / rebuild original Technic models (with a little help of Bricklink). And enjoy PU (yes I prefer PU over PF). 2) Rebuild the model from your existing parts; again with a little help of Bricklink. And finally I fully agree to your statement below; I recognize as well this trend...... another example: 10 years ago we wanted BIGGER models, and now it's TOO expensive. LEGO is about a hobby that comes with a cost, decided by everyone how high that costs may be. I guess TLG needs to balance each new model between # functions, price-tag and licenses. Licenses do drive up the price, but are required to design a 'look-alike' model; and that's what we (AFOLS) want, a real-life looking model. TLG can not just launch a CAT looking model without a CAT license. Anyway, Jim, thanks for all the time your spend in this (and other) reviews! Highly appreciated!

This is SO TRUE...... any to be honest, a waste of time for posters and readers. This is actually one of the things I circle less around Eurobricks topics for new TLC stuff.... lot of complaints in the first time, lot of 'TLC should do this or should do that', 'we should pimp it, MOD it'..... and in the end: many will buy the set as it is ;-) Well, not a positive post this time...... but anyway, life is not always sunshine, lets say: Partly Clouded today :-) Btw: I like the set as it is.

Hi, sorry for the late response. But no, I do not recall strange Servo Motor sounds within my London Bus. Which version did you build? Powered-up or Power Functions?

Nice looking model, simple and elegant in looks and building skills. And with a vintage blink as already mentioned. ;-) A good MOC does not need an 1:10 scale or 1000+ parts..... This one is just Perfect!

Amazing; impressed by the power the vehicle has to push really lots of snow forwards. Good work!!! You mentioned 13 motors; but that requires a 7 PF-IR receivers + battery boxes or 4 PU Technic Hubs as well; but I can hardly see them. I guess you use BuWizz devices to save space in the model and have enough current/power available......

Your absolutely right. The link to Racingbrick helped me a lot either. But still the PU-App is sometimes weird in functions NOT available. If you create your own controls (choose controller type with the BLUE sliders on it; e.g. not the predefined controller ones)..... it is NOT possible to invert the slider input; as the code block WHITE functions do miss the +/- code block. And, on the Slider itself you can only choose return-to-zero, nothing else but fancy colors for your slider.... So, using sliders for drive/steer may result in opposite directions than expected based on your motor position or even/odd gears in the drivetrain. I turned the diff, and it works now okay..... but hey, that's weird. Now the strange thing: IF you selected and EXISTING control (the most right one, within the building scene as background).... and you switch to the coding layout... the +/- code block DOES exists..... Why o Why does LEGO makes it so hard for MOCs...... Another thing what strikes me - already mentioned by Sariel - is the fast overload protection kicks in on the Control+ hub by normal use of a L or XL motor..... I am still in on the fence.... Make a new MOC with PU (as this should be the future!!) or just stay another 1-2 years with PF, even when discontinued on their site for purchasing.... My view is that LEGO is not focussing on the PU-App for MOCs, neither has the IT knowledge to do so....? In the end the sales do not come from MOCs, but from predefined sets with predefined controls. That this rules out the creativity for kids to add their (simple) MOCs with PU motors without having the app shouting 'wrong connection, wrong motor used'.... is probably acceptable for LEGO nowadays.

Added the famous cut-away Blakbird render at the first post; very glad he was willing to perform the rendering task. And knowing that some members really appreciate his renders as well!

It's a while ago that I visited my own post.... Thanks for the nice responses; let me turn back to you for the questions raised. 1) What does the PF switch do? It is used to turn on the PF LED's at the front and rear side of the truck. 2) Non LEGO-parts. Originally I design always with pure LEGO parts, and thus using PF Infra-red. But this has - as we know - major flaws; that's why I add Sbrick to the Building Instructions as well. I might switch to PU definitely, when the App User Interface is improved for programming the controls. 3) Correct that the worm-wheel makes it slow; but, keep in mind that the truck's weight is 4kg. A single LA is able to deal with ~ 1 - 1,5kg; so I really wanted the model to function reliable. The benefit of having a clutch and worm-wheel for each LA is the ability to level the truck automatically, or to synchronize LA's at the end-positions. Using only gears will led to a sort of 'bang-bang' on the end-positions.