[TC25] 42053 Volvo EW160E [Free instructions]

[artemisovsky]

Hello everyone.
After eliminating several other sets, I chose something simpler this time - 42053 Volvo EW160E.
All functions will be operated manually, without using pneumatics.
Progress is currently not very impressive, so far I have a rough version of the chassis and a shrunken clamshell bucket:

Edit:
Final version ready:

High quality instructions available at Rebrickable

 

Edited July 23, 2023 by artemisovsky

[Mikdun]

Nice idea for using worm gear for steering.

[Thirdwigg]

Fun project idea. I like the brick build buckets!

[2GodBDGlory]

Good choice of set, and I agree, that steering is nice and clever! I may end up taking some inspiration from your bucket for the similar one I'll be needing on my mini Arocs, though I think our scale is different.

[artemisovsky]

22 hours ago, Mikdun said:

Nice idea for using worm gear for steering.

Thanks. Not my idea, unfortunately. The first time I saw this solution is some 42088 alternative model.

16 hours ago, Thirdwigg said:

Fun project idea. I like the brick build buckets!

Thanks. Haven't found any replacement for this element so it's the only way I can keep the scale of the model.

14 hours ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Good choice of set, and I agree, that steering is nice and clever! I may end up taking some inspiration from your bucket for the similar one I'll be needing on my mini Arocs, though I think our scale is different.

Thank you. True, the scale is definitely different, but your project seems to me the most interesting at the moment. If you find any useful solutions in my creations, feel free to use them in your mocs.

Little progress has been made:

[SaperPL]

Wow, it took me awhile to realise those tyres are not the same thing as in the original model. I've got to get those at some point and try them out :D

[artemisovsky]

1 hour ago, SaperPL said:

Wow, it took me awhile to realise those tyres are not the same thing as in the original model. I've got to get those at some point and try them out :D

It's a pity that tires 37x14 and 37x18 are not used in technic sets (currently) - wheels with this size can work with the differential. Have a few ideas for using 37x14 in the future (as wheels for truck), so ordered buch of them for a few cents. I was also planning to shrink 42049 Mine Loader (using 37x14 tires) but in the end I chose Volvo.

[Jundis]

Really cool progress! The side-by-side pic is nice for showing the right scaling :-)

[artemisovsky]

On 6/30/2023 at 3:42 PM, Jundis said:

Really cool progress! The side-by-side pic is nice for showing the right scaling :-) 

Thank you.

I'm currently focusing on bodywork - recreated the side panel with the engine cover and the rear lights from bricks (these details were made with stickers in original set).
Current progress:

Edited July 24, 2023 by artemisovsky

[TechnicMOCer]

Looks good so far that Volvo. Love that you actually use bricks for taillights, no stickers as oroginal set. Looking forward to see how you will make arm geometry and raising cab.

On 6/30/2023 at 10:17 AM, SaperPL said:

Wow, it took me awhile to realise those tyres are not the same thing as in the original model. I've got to get those at some point and try them out :D

I've had same thing XD

[artemisovsky]

On 7/1/2023 at 5:25 PM, TechnicMOCer said:

Looks good so far that Volvo. Love that you actually use bricks for taillights, no stickers as oroginal set. Looking forward to see how you will make arm geometry and raising cab.

Thanks. The prototypes of cab and lifting mechanism are now complete. Details will be added later.
Latest photos:

[SaperPL]

Good progress. I can't wait to see how will you manage the excavator arm :)

[artemisovsky]

7 minutes ago, SaperPL said:

Good progress. I can't wait to see how will you manage the excavator arm :)

Thanks. Progress is going much slower than I thought, especially some people (like you) already have at least most of the bodywork.

[SaperPL]

28 minutes ago, artemisovsky said:

especially some people (like you) already have at least most of the bodywork.

Not really, my cabin is just a placeholder and everything will be decided when I figure out how to route the inputs. Also I have to decide whether to have half-fully-manual/half-actuator-driven feature or just fully manual so I'm still not finished, still figuring things out.

All in all, you've picked a more challenging set to implement, I wanted to do something that poses less risk of being messy all over the place as it takes significantly more time to figure out things and there is a bigger risk of failure as well. For one contest, studless replication, I picked up too small set to replicate, for another I went with something complicated/challenging but still small. This time I went with something in the middle of the scale and thus it's faster. But we don't really need to rush, it's just a starting point right now :)

[TechnicMOCer]

8 hours ago, artemisovsky said:

Thanks. The prototypes of cab and lifting mechanism are now complete. Details will be added later.
Latest photos:

Pretty cool. The orange thing seems to be much too fat compared to a real excavator, but I understand that you might don't have thinner parts 

[artemisovsky]

On 7/3/2023 at 11:01 AM, SaperPL said:

Not really, my cabin is just a placeholder and everything will be decided when I figure out how to route the inputs. Also I have to decide whether to have half-fully-manual/half-actuator-driven feature or just fully manual so I'm still not finished, still figuring things out.

All in all, you've picked a more challenging set to implement, I wanted to do something that poses less risk of being messy all over the place as it takes significantly more time to figure out things and there is a bigger risk of failure as well. For one contest, studless replication, I picked up too small set to replicate, for another I went with something complicated/challenging but still small. This time I went with something in the middle of the scale and thus it's faster. But we don't really need to rush, it's just a starting point right now :)

Happily there is still plenty of time and everyone should be able to complete their entries. Earlier, I also wondered if my model would not be too complicated, but only such ones can take high places in this contest.

21 hours ago, TechnicMOCer said:

Pretty cool. The orange thing seems to be much too fat compared to a real excavator, but I understand that you might don't have thinner parts  

It's exactly like that. I wanted to keep the characteristic orange elements as in the original one. Unfortunately, it is impossible to maintain proportions with a reduced scale.

[artemisovsky]

Little progress has been made, model already has main grappler arm, working rear stabilisers and scraper with lock on front.
Nekt task is strengthen superstructure and work on the details in Studio.

[MangaNOID]

35 minutes ago, artemisovsky said:

Nekt task is strengthen superstructure

There is a noticeable lean towards the front unless that’s a camera thing. Is this the reason for strengthening?
Besides that this thing looks amazing!

[SaperPL]

Yeah, it looks really good apart from it leaning forward. Maybe you could use a boat counterweight piece?

[heyitsdisty]

2 hours ago, SaperPL said:

Yeah, it looks really good apart from it leaning forward. Maybe you could use a boat counterweight piece?

This is a good suggestion. If a boat weight won't fit, an old level crossing counterweight has a smaller form factor: Train Level Crossing Gate Type 2, Counterweight (Coated Metal) : Part 70163 | BrickLink

[artemisovsky]

Thanks @MangaNOID, @SaperPL and @heyitsdisty for feedback. All elements of the superstructure and connection to main arm are held together by several pins. I mainly wanted to catch the proportions and check mechanics so everything is flexible at the moment. It should be much better after the upgrade then will see if model need a counterweight.

[TechnicMOCer]

12 hours ago, artemisovsky said:

Little progress has been made, model already has main grappler arm, working rear stabilisers and scraper with lock on front.
Nekt task is strengthen superstructure and work on the details in Studio.

Looks so well so far! Love that you managed to make 2-stud wide arm (except actuator holders). When you compare 2 models (original and your), they looks actually so similar (even that your is that small). Looking forward to see another details added to that model

[artemisovsky]

On 7/14/2023 at 9:59 PM, TechnicMOCer said:

Looks so well so far! Love that you managed to make 2-stud wide arm (except actuator holders). When you compare 2 models (original and your), they looks actually so similar (even that your is that small). Looking forward to see another details added to that model 

Thanks. I already made actual model in Studio and this is comparison with the original set:

[artemisovsky]

Final version ready. I should share instructions at rebrickable today.

Edited July 23, 2023 by artemisovsky

[TechnicMOCer]

It looks very cool, I really like it. I'm not sure about that, how well reinforced is arm, because of using short thin liftarms, but anyways you did a very dissent job.