[MOC] Unimog U4000/5000 1:21 Scale

[Thirdwigg]

In what now seems to be a yearly occurrence, I have started another Unimog. The reception I received from last years U423 was so good, that I thought I would continue in the theme at some point. Then someone suggested I do a U5000 with a camper body. I'm not sure the camper body will happen but the build ideas was intriguing enough and I was up for another build, so I decided to take up the challenge.

I wanted to build to follow in the footsteps of the U423, so I kept the scale the same, which is roughly the same as the Anthem/Transporter 1:21 standard. The U5000 usually has a 3250mm or 3850mm wheelbase. So the wheel base will be 20 studs for the short wheelbase, and 24 studs for the long wheelbase. 15 studs is the width. As is often the case, I built a little placeholder body, and then set it aside for a number of weeks.

But the build kept sitting without any changes, because I could not come up with any idea to set the build apart. The U423 works well because of all the attachments you can add, which gave some direction the chassis. The U5000 basically has tipper bed, or a camper body, or a crane with a bed. There are firetruck options that look good, but basically are a large container filled with tools on the back. Since I could not come up with anything, I started to take the build apart, and I took these pictures. 

Then I had an idea while browsing some images. Many of the Unimog rebuilds and Unimog adventure packages add winches to their trucks. This gave me the inspiration I needed, so I jumped back into the build. This also solidified the functions intended:

• Steering with HOG
• RWD with portal axle
• Rear suspension
• Two speed transmission
• Engine
• Bed tipper
• Front winch with lock
• Rear winch with lock
• Bed attachment points

I quickly built another draft, and decided on a simple single cab with a tipper bed.

We will see where this project goes, but I am happy enough with what I have so far, that I know it will turn into something. Maybe it will be a single build, and maybe it will turn into an extensive "system" project just like the U423. Any suggestions to improve this build or any additions to make this more of a system build are welcome.

Edited January 1, 2024 by Thirdwigg

[Maaboo the Witch]

Yay, more 'Moggery!

[Thirdwigg]

On 10/4/2023 at 4:22 PM, Maaboo the Witch said:

Yay, more 'Moggery!

I'm excited too!

Just a little update. I added an exhaust can to actuate the bed tipper on the left of the truck.

I reworked the colors, and now have this.

Above you can generally see where everything fits.

Then I worked on the cab of the truck a little bit as well. I'll need to work on the positioning of the grill, but the idea will work ok I think. I'm still trying to determine if I can/should get the cab to tilt.

A little camper draft was started as well. Maybe I will move forward with this idea too.

The chassis is at draft number two, so I'll need to do another one before I call the chassis final. I am having some difficulty with the rear winch HOG/lock and its fit with the fuel tank and right front bed attachment point. I cannot finalized the chassis until this section is finished. I'll work on it some more to see what can happen, but I'll set this aside for a little bit as I'll be out of town for a couple of days.

Transmission work well, as does the front winch and lock. Bed tipper is fine.

 

[jorgeopesi]

Looks very good, you are as crazy for unimogs as me for wheel loaders  .

[Thirdwigg]

OK, my building is going slowly these days, but it has been a good break from other responsibilities to tinker for a little bit.

I think the chassis is about done. I may need to make some adjustments for how the cabs mount, but this should be pretty close. It is unclear to me if the cab tilts on the U5000, which would require some changes to the chassis. I cannot seem to find any information to confirm this one way or the other as I can with the U400/500 series. Anyone know?

All the functions work, and I'm pleased with the look. I am not sure I like the wheel hubs yet, but I can make some changes to this easily.

I started the studio file now as I have enough to start this part of the process. Generally, I build quicker than I work in studio, so I shouldn't get stuck with a part than ends up changing in the physical build.

 

[Thirdwigg]

It's a new year, so a new Unimog is ready. Instructions are posted at Rebrickable. This U4000 has the following features:

• Steering
• RWD with portal axle
• Fake I3 engine
• Rear suspension
• Two speed transmission
• Three way tipper bed
• Tipping cabin
• Front winch
• Rear winch
• Opening doors and hood
• Rear body options

Below are the controls for the rear winch.

Bed and cabin tilted.

Under the hood.

Getting towed by the U400.

With a trailer.

And a little video showing all the functions.

I hope you enjoy.

I'll post the trailer, camper, and U5000 soon!

[keymaker]

I will say again, it is beautiful model. For sure I check this one more deeply when I will start building my version of this Mercedes truck, in RC version of course.

[Thirdwigg]

On 1/1/2024 at 10:03 AM, keymaker said:

I will say again, it is beautiful model. For sure I check this one more deeply when I will start building my version of this Mercedes truck, in RC version of course.

Thanks, and I'm glad you like it. I'd be interested to see the RC version.

The impetuous for this project was the Camper. You may find free instruction for this body at Rebrickable. The Camper features:

• Opening door
• Folding ladder
• Opening storage compartments (3)
• Convertible bed/table
• Bathroom with toilet and shower
• Kitchen with stove, oven, and sink
• Wardrobe
• Opening roof
• Opening windows (3)
• Roof rack

And I also built a little trailer. It features a tipping bed, and a tongue jack. Free instructions for this are also at Rebrickable.com. 

The U5000 is almost done, so I'll post that soon enough.

 

[gyenesvi]

Pretty sweet little Unimog, such a nice scale, looks cool with those tractor tires. Nice details and functions all over, great build!

[Burko-uk]

I love the trailer addition. I keep pondering things to do with a unimog. A trailer has never crossed my mind, but opens so many possibilities.

[Thirdwigg]

Thanks again @gyenesvi. I'm happy you like it. And thanks @Burko-uk, and the trailer was the second idea after the Camper. But I like the trailer better.

OK, the U5000 is finally done now too. It is just like the U4000 in design, but features a longer wheelbase, and thus a larger bed area. It features:

• Steering
• RWD with portal axle
• Fake I3 engine
• Rear suspension
• Two speed transmission
• Three way tipper bed (when installed)
• Tipping cabin
• Front winch
• Rear winch
• Opening doors and hood
• Rear fire body

Instructions are available at Rebrickable.com

The bed features attachment points for both a 18 module bed, and a 23 module bed. Both the 4 door and the 2 door cab will fit depending on the bed/body length needed.

I hope you all enjoy.

 

 

[karmadrome]

Such a fantastic build. First the awesome Camper - I love all the details inside, and the many functions. It's gorgeous! Then the U5000 Fire: Finally a Fire Unimog in 1:21 scale, what a great model! I already started with the chassis and am waiting for parts to arrive in order to continue the build, but I'm always amazed by the efficiency and density of your builds. The chassis is Lego perfection.

[gyenesvi]

I love the red fire truck version, and the yellow accents make it really cool! It's really nice how much can be achieved without stickers, I love the diagonal striping on the back :) Also like the mix of studless and studful elements.

[Jurss]

red one looks really good

[Thirdwigg]

6 hours ago, karmadrome said:

Such a fantastic build. First the awesome Camper - I love all the details inside, and the many functions. It's gorgeous! Then the U5000 Fire: Finally a Fire Unimog in 1:21 scale, what a great model! I already started with the chassis and am waiting for parts to arrive in order to continue the build, but I'm always amazed by the efficiency and density of your builds. The chassis is Lego perfection.

Thanks, I had too much fun working out the floorplan and details of the camper. Thanks for the kind words about the chassis too.

3 hours ago, gyenesvi said:

I love the red fire truck version, and the yellow accents make it really cool! It's really nice how much can be achieved without stickers, I love the diagonal striping on the back :) Also like the mix of studless and studful elements.

Thanks, yeah, I found some good results with the yellow. I tried some yellow in other places too, but they were just a little too much. Yeah, the stripes were a no brainer when I gave them a try.

 

2 hours ago, Jurss said:

red one looks really good

Thanks again. I agree!