manbearpig

You might want to take a look at the forklift LEGO made, (set number 8416), because your forklift mechanism is kind of backwards... Download the instructions for the set and study it because it will give you some building ideas...

Would love to see this as at least an 11 stud diameter turntable. I think 11 is small enough for smaller MOC applications, and big enough for things like the new 42009

Blue and white is a great combination, and the excavator would look great in that scheme. However, an entirely blue model doesn't look good like you've shown in your picture, i would have made the superstructure blue and white, and kept the digging arm all black. You need some variance when it comes to blue...

you could try to work up a mechanism using the red driving rings used in transmissions to disengage the motor, and apply a brake to the axle or wheels at the same time

I was thinking about this, and besides drive and steer, ARFF trucks don't really have very fun "functions" sure, turn a knob to rotate the bumper turret, and the roof turret, but those things don't actually "do" anything... however, as I'm typing this, one more function that might be neat would be to have a telescoping snozzle... still not very fun though... and in my opinion, the newer oshkosh and rosenbauer trucks aren't very cool looking... the e-one titan's are sweet ...

Sounds like your steering mechanism clicks badly in the video

As someone who has painted countless murals using spray paint, I would highly suggest priming the wheels with the Krylon Fusion posted earlier, but they come in very terrible colours. Once you have your base layer down (do it lightly, no need to spray a thick priming layer) go out and find a place that sells http://www.montana-cans.com/products/Cans/Montana_BLACK/Montana_BLACK_400ml/20 As you can see you can get many many shades so you can match the colour of your MOC properly. Montana Black cans are mostly matte or semi gloss, for full gloss you can buy http://www.montana-cans.com/products/Cans/Montana_GOLD/Montana_GOLD_400ml/61 or go to your local art store and purchase a can of gloss clear coat. When spraying, keep the can about a foot away from the wheel and sort of coat it using the cloud of paint, if you get closer you will begin laying down too much paint on the wheels and they will drip and it will look horrible. Using the Montana cans, you don't necessarily have to prime either, this spray paint is TOP quality, 100 times better than anything Krylon sells, it sticks to everything trust me. Also be wary of lighter colours like yellows and oranges, they will need a white prime base layer if you are painting over a dark coloured wheel. The yellow and orange pigments aren't fully opaque which is why you need white as your first layer. Good luck

Yes 2 large pneumatic cylinders 1 small pneumatic cylinder 4 switches 1 New pneumatic pump Plenty of pneumatic hose 2 of those new blue hose and axle connectors But only 4 tires... and limited orange parts supply... Like i said before, the unimog is new, it will be around for a while, and might get cheaper The mobile crane is old, and is only getting more expensive. If you want it, get it now... It has more pneumatics than the tow truck..

For now go for the 8421, because like a few other people said, its getting more and more rare everyday. I bought mine new two years ago and even then it cost a pretty penny. I also own the 8285, its ok. Both 8421 and 8285 offer a ton of parts to use for your own MOCs You could also just get the parts off of bricklink for the older 8421 and 8285, and download the instructions from brickset and build your own... I have no experience with the 8110 but it looks great, though there isnt a ton of orange pieces to use on your own MOC if you choose to dismantle it...

just use shoelaces