Hey guys, here's a rather simple project I recently started. I wanted to build something that's highly playable and not too complex, so I decided to do a tracked vehicle of some sort. However, this one will be unique in that steering is not done by tank drive, or by traditional steering. It's by an articulation joint like a front loader.

This model will have all-track drive, articulated steering, and a pneumatically tipped bed. The bed will be on the rear module, which will contain no motors. All motorization is done on the front module and the only things passing through the articulation joint/turntable are the drive axle and pneumatic hoses. Propulsion is done by a single L motor above the front differential, steering is done by a M motor that controls 2 linkages going in opposite directions with worm gears, and the pneumatics are controlled by a M motor that simultaneously drives a 6L pump and Sariel's autovalve. The mechanical elements do take up plenty of room in the front module, but once the bodywork is in place most of it should be concealed.

My main purpose in building this MOC is to find an opportunity to really use dark azure Technic pieces. My Grapple Truck I6 and my current WIP Red Beryl X were both started with the intent of using dark azure pieces, but both times I was faced with a limited collection of them. I've recently ordered some extra dark azure pieces off Bricklink, and considering a cab on a model this size shouldn't really use that much pieces I think this finally be my first dark azure MOC.

If you guys have any suggestions for me, please let me know.

Photos:

Edited January 28, 20223 yr by JLiu15
Photos

Looks cool, but I can help but wonder if the front module of the truck won't be too long by a significant margin?

5 hours ago, Carsten Svendsen said:

Looks cool, but I can help but wonder if the front module of the truck won't be too long by a significant margin?

I don’t know, but the front and rear modules will probably be the same length. it might look more in proportion when the tipping bed is in.

Think of the 42069 B model, but bigger.

Hi! Too early to say something,but looks interesting, keep up biulding! 

5 hours ago, Aleh said:

Hi! Too early to say something,but looks interesting, keep up biulding! 

Thank you!

UPDATE 3/14/19

I've decided that taking up half the space in the front module with a pneumatic autovalve was not worth it due to how much it would affect aesthetics later down the line, so I removed the mechanism and streamlined the build. The chassis is much "cleaner" now, which will make it easier to build a body around. I've also removed the third turntable that would allow the rear module to tilt left/right to some degree, as I can only see it making the model unstable and the tracks slip due to the differentials. Differentials are a must on a model like this - the inner/outer tracks will be at significantly different speeds due to the articulation joint. I may also plan on adding rubber inserts to the tracks in the future to ensure they have plenty of traction on smooth surfaces.

Note that the axle the 20T gear in the steering mechanism sits on is now a 7L instead of a 6L. The extra stud will be used to connect to a working steering wheel. I also switched the 20T gear to the left side so that the steering motor will turn the model right in its "positive" direction and vice versa, avoiding the need to flip the polarity switch on the IR remote. I'm also planning on adding a winch mechanism which will sit primarily above the drive motor, which will eliminate any empty channels on the IR receivers. (drive, steer, tip, winch = 4 channels/2 receivers)

The tracks were originally built with the top flat, but because the tracks do not have enough tension they would often misalign with the bottom sprockets, essentially propping the chassis up on one corner. I noticed that adding a 7x3 bent beam with a small wheel kept the perfect tension in the tracks, which solved the problem of sprockets misaligning.

As for the aesthetics, I'm still planning on making the cabin dark azure. I have a decent assortment of dark azure beams and panels right now ordered off Bricklink, but I may also pick up a 42091 set from my local Target for some extra dark azure pieces.

I'm planning on bringing this MOC to BrickFair this summer, along with two other MOCs.

If you guys have any suggestions for me, please let me know.

Photos:

Edited January 28, 20223 yr by JLiu15

UPDATE 6/9/19

Hey guys, I completed this MOC over Memorial Day Weekend. Unfortunately, I kinda forgot about WIP updates as I just wanted to get it done. I was also too lazy to take so many pictures lol.

Anyways, the video is uploaded and the MOC topic should be coming shortly.

 

Edited June 9, 20195 yr by JLiu15