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I have been searching new MOC subject for some time, as I want a model to be good looking for display; to have enough features but not too complex; to well use of my inventory (major sets part out mostly from 2012 onwards), and to play with my kid reliably. The new PANTHER Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle by The Rosenbauer Group has caught my attention. It’s the 4th generation ARFF vehicle launched in mid 2015 and its futuristic appearance, 6x6 chassis, unique sliding doors and feasible color scheme fit my MOC wish list very well. I started from the bodywork by modeling the truck exterior features, for example , roof profile, back exhaust louvers, incline headlights, steep ramp angle at the front and the back, and spent quite some time adjusting the body shape from being too boxy. The design of the chassis is straight forward. Since the real PANTHER is supposed to be a fast rescuing machine, I made good use of the large interior to fit in 3 XL motors to ensure enough power for driving. One motor drive one axle at a time, instead of stacking all three motors in parallel. This will avoid too much toque applying on one single Lego element. Rear axles are modified live axle suspension ‘floating’ within a rigid frame, resulting similar effect as independent suspension. Front axle is simple live axle suspension with steer function. All axles are driven in 1:1 ratio. Similar to the real PANTHER engine location, an inline 6 cylinders fake Volvo engine is seated at the back and is geared up to 2.78:1. By using the rear axles as pivot, weight (battery boxes) is placed at the back to balance the motors weight applying to the front axle. Sides panels at both end can be opened manually for battery box access. It’s challenging to pack the door sliding mechanism under the cabin without interfering the steep ramp angle at the front. The test build is done during the Christmas holiday and the doors slide quite well after a few design attempts and I am quite satisfied with the result. I am still in the process of thinking whether to use a simple swinging turret as the forth function, or a more complex high reach extendable turrets that will require an extra 2 channels and a lot of design effort.
