Hello everyone,

This is my first post here and I want to present my last model: Jeep Wrangler with 4L motors, 4 wheels steering and RC electronics (FlySky):

In this model I decided to focus on power and playablity so I put 4 L-motors for driving and used RC electronics to get proportinal steering and driving. The 4 L-motors layout idea was inspired by the Jeep Wrangler model by @Daniel-99. I used non-original PF-compatible L motors with higher RPM / torque. 

The model doesn’t have a gearbox and center differential, because all the space is taken by 4 L-motors. Technically, I could change the layout - lift the motors up and put the gearbox underneath - but, firstly, I didn’t want to spoil the interior, and secondly, this would increase weight of the model, which I wanted to keep as low as possible. The gears at the bottom are covered with a 3x11 panel. The differentials can be protected by thin 1x7 liftarms.
 

To increase the playability, I decided to implement the 4 wheels steering (4WS). Each axle got its own GeekServo motor. I configured my FlySky GT3C radio to easily switch between the 4 steering modes: full/crab/front/rear.

A small note about the FlySky GT3C radio - it doesn’t support 4WS out of the box. Luckily, there is alternative firmware the for GT3B and GT3C radios, that provides a lot of nice options, including the 4WS. The latest version, 0.6.1 was released in 2012, but it’s still actual! The Internet is full of information about installing and configuring this alternative firmware, but I couldn’t find a guide about setting up the 4WS, so I made a step-by-step video instruction with my setup.

I managed to fit all the electronics (receiver, ESC and battery) under the hood. I like this setup not only because the interior is ‘clean’ of wires/electrics, but also because it improves the weight distribution - the heaviest components are in the front. The downside is there is no room for a fake engine. The model also got custom LEDs - headlights and taillights. The model is powered by a 3s LiPO battery, curb weight is 1.76 kg.

The bodywork ideas were mostly taken from the great MOC Jeep Wrangler - 42129 alternate by @gyenesvi and I also took some ideas from the Sheepo’s Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I built the model in yellow color, most of parts are taken from the 42114 Volvo Articulated Hauler set.

I wanted the body to be all yellow and black, but unfortunately some parts don’t exist in the colors I needed. I prefer to use only original LEGO bricks, but I don’t hesitate to use aftermarket parts if don’t see any other solution. For this case, I took Technic Axle Pin with Friction Ridges in black color, Technic Pin Connector Round 1L in yellow and Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges also in yellow.

In the end, I really like the result - the model exceeded my expectations in terms of playability!
4 L motors in a combination with planetary wheel hubs and a LiPO battery give a lot of power, FlySky radio with GeekServos gives the perfect feeling of control. And I’m also happy with the bodywork - it’s not overloaded with details, but at the same time is not too simple.

The only feature I wish it had - a locking differential on the rear axle (or even on both axles), but I don’t see an easy solution to add it. Fortunately, the suspension has good articulation, which partly compensates for the lack of differential locks.

Video #1

 

Video #2

 

 

Those crop circles in the snow are mesmerizing. Looks like a very fun toy. The body looks awesome, too. 

Nice Jeep, glad to see you could make use of my bodywork design :) Looks good in yellow. I also plan to make an update on it once in the future without part restrictions.

That multiple steerig mode feature on the FlySky transmitter is neat, I have that too, a GT5, but haven’t had a chance to test it yet. Maybe when I get to build my first model with custom electronics and GeekServos.. I like how you put the electronics under the hood, great idea!

And that video with all the fresh snow looks cool too!

Thank you! 

This winter in my region there was essentially only one day of snow, so it was absolutely spontaneous decision to go outside and start filming :)

Looks very fun! Powerful enough to have fun driving, and refined enough to look satisfyingly good while doing it!

Thank you!