[MOC] Unimog U423 - 42177 (G500) Model B

[eric trax]

I won't try to make a big and epic introduction. Each of us knows that the first thought that comes to mind when you see the 42177 set is a Unimog  I didn't think long about a specific model. I always wanted to build a Unimog U423 and the premiere of the Mercedes G500 was the best opportunity to do it :)

When I got the set in my hands, I immediately started designing U423. The plans were ambitious and as the prototype developed, I added new functions to check how many bricks I would need. Finally, I used 2,513 elements, or about 87% of the Lego set. Ultimately, the model has 12 functions:

- front and rear floating axle
- central differential lock
- rear axle differential lock
- all-wheel drive
- working dummy engine
- front and rear PTO with two speeds
- front hinge system
- 2-way tipper
- HOG control
- liftable cabin
- openable hood
- openable doors

 

Length 41cm x width 20cm x height 24cm / Weight 1620grams / Scale 1:13

When I was building the model, I really wanted people who would build their own Unimog to be able to modify it by adding their own tools. That's why the Unimog is equipped with a front linkage and drive shafts at the front and rear. You can easily add a snow plow, sand spreader or municipal mower to it. It seems to me that the model is an ideal base for everyone to create their favorite version of the Unimog, although even without modifications it is a lot of fun to play with! :D 

I'm not entirely satisfied with the fact that I didn't manage the iconic lights. I had probably 20 versions of the bumper and only the current one I liked enough to include it in the final model. Maybe I will add some modification to make it look better, but I will need a few system bricks 

 

Of course, the biggest thanks go to the designer of this set, @grohl. Thanks to him, after 2 years I bought the technic set again and it is definitely the best one in the last few years. Thank you! 

 

Building instructions: https://reb.li/m/191632

Gallery and video showing all the features:

 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2024 by eric trax

[1gor]

I saw it few hours ago (because I peek from time to time to see when Dominator will be released) and I must say that this tire/rim combination is ideal for Unimogs (because of portal axles)  but also some machinery-like look would be nice (like only with 6 pinholes like on Harley...). I hope that you made portal axles like @M_longer

Looks really nice; like a bit smaller brother to U400 by TLC and a bigger brother to one that @MajklSpajkl made few years ago...

If @grohl could influence TLC to make 87.9 tractor tires, then I'll buy that set...

[Paul B Technic]

This is simply amazing, I might just buy this set now, just to be able to build this.

[Thirdwigg]

As a long fan of the Unimog, including the U400 series, its always great to see another one built in Technic. You did a great job recreating the lines, and adding the important functions, using only the parts from 42177. Thanks for sharing!

[Zerobricks]

The perfect B model indeed. Great job with the brick-built portal hubs and the lift mechanism which works without any LAs/pneumatics. Frontpaged

[mobi]

Awesome. Better than original Unimog set 

Is it built using G500 parts solely and nothing from any other set?

[Grin]

Every time U see Eric's logo on a MOC, U can bet it will be amazing.

Due to the fact this is a B model (and so restricted to the pieces of the original set), it is far more amazing.

As usual, well done!

[Mikdun]

Looks great, a usual... :)

[grum64]

One of the best, if not the best, B model I’ve seen. Official Lego or otherwise.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Fantastic model ...the original set is much less appealing!

[Alex Ilea]

Instantly recognizeable, well done Eric!

[gyenesvi]

Great looking model and nice functionality!

On 8/7/2024 at 4:37 PM, Zerobricks said:

with the brick-built portal hubs

Where is that exactly? I cannot find it, neither in the description nor in the video.

[1gor]

14 minutes ago, gyenesvi said:

Great looking model and nice functionality!

Where is that exactly? I cannot find it, neither in the description nor in the video.

Here;

Since @M_longer usually makes instructions for models by @eric trax and they made B models at the same time and extremelly similar...

[Zerobricks]

19 minutes ago, gyenesvi said:

Great looking model and nice functionality!

Where is that exactly? I cannot find it, neither in the description nor in the video.

Actually it's my mistake, I mixed them up as this one doesn't use portal hubs. Still a great model regardless.

[M_longer]

5 minutes ago, 1gor said:

 

Since @M_longer usually makes instructions for models by @eric trax and they made B models at the same time and extremelly similar... 

Uhm, I have stopped making instructions for Eric's models like three years ago?

[eric trax]

4 hours ago, mobi said:

Awesome. Better than original Unimog set 

Is it built using G500 parts solely and nothing from any other set?

2 hours ago, Grin said:

Every time U see Eric's logo on a MOC, U can bet it will be amazing.
Due to the fact this is a B model (and so restricted to the pieces of the original set), it is far more amazing.

The model consists only of blocks from set 42177. I could have added a few system blocks to make the front bumper and lights better, but then it would not be an alternative model :)

I take it as a great compliment! 

1 hour ago, grum64 said:

One of the best, if not the best, B model I’ve seen. Official Lego or otherwise.

Well, actually, I know a model that looks better and is higher on my list of favorite alternative models! 

50 minutes ago, gyenesvi said:

Great looking model and nice functionality!

Where is that exactly? I cannot find it, neither in the description nor in the video.

The model does not have portal hubs. There's a reason I didn't include them in the list of features :D Without any problems, the model can be adapted to the portal hubs from the 42099 or 42129 set and motorized. However, I leave this to those who will build it and modify it for themselves! :)

28 minutes ago, M_longer said:

Uhm, I have stopped making instructions for Eric's models like three years ago?

It's already the third anniversary of our divorce and you still haven't taken me out to dinner! 

 

On 8/7/2024 at 4:37 PM, Zerobricks said:

The perfect B model indeed. Great job with the brick-built portal hubs and the lift mechanism which works without any LAs/pneumatics. Frontpaged

WOW! Thank you and all for your very kind words!

Edited August 8, 2024 by eric trax

[1gor]

32 minutes ago, M_longer said:

Uhm, I have stopped making instructions for Eric's models like three years ago?

Hm, then I look mostly on older models since I use PF elements...

[M_longer]

3 hours ago, eric trax said:

and you still haven't taken me out to dinner! 

And what about that McDonald's visit lately??

[gyenesvi]

5 hours ago, eric trax said:

Without any problems, the model can be adapted to the portal hubs from the 42099 or 42129 set and motorized. However, I leave this to those who will build it and modify it for themselves! :)

Sets 42099 and 42129 don't have portal hubs. They have planetary hubs, quite different, but Unimogs have portal hubs.

5 hours ago, eric trax said:

The model does not have portal hubs. There's a reason I didn't include them in the list of features :D

You mean there's a specific reason? (I guess not just that you could not build it or did not have the parts). I'm curious what it is. Do all Unimogs have portal axles, or only some specific types? Maybe this specific one does not have portals in reality?

5 hours ago, 1gor said:

Here;

That's a different build from a different person of a different Unimog :)

[1gor]

7 hours ago, gyenesvi said:

 

That's a different build from a different person of a different Unimog :)

Usually the have cooperated (in the past). All Unimogs have portal axles, only there are two types inplement carriers called UGE that have link suspension like Lego made on Zetros only with portal axles (have 3 digits in model designation e.g. U530) and what they often call UGH that actually has axles exactly like 8110 set. The later has 4 digits in model designation like U5023.

Unimog UGE

Unimog UGH

 

[Holodoc]

On 8/7/2024 at 1:24 AM, Paul B Technic said:

This is simply amazing, I might just buy this set now, just to be able to build this.

Exactly my thinking! Now you've got me...

Extremely very well done, eric trax!

[eric trax]

On 8/9/2024 at 12:34 AM, gyenesvi said:

Sets 42099 and 42129 don't have portal hubs. They have planetary hubs, quite different, but Unimogs have portal hubs.

Yes. Youre right. My mistake! :D

On 8/11/2024 at 6:24 PM, Holodoc said:

Extremely very well done, eric trax!

Thank you very much sir!

 

I bought second G500 so I took few compare photos :)

 

 

Edited August 12, 2024 by eric trax

[Paul B Technic]

That could easily be an official set :) I would go as far as to say this is one of the best C models I have ever seen.

[mooneyes]

Great side tipper! Nice touch. 

[Holodoc]

The next step would be to develop some nice tools to go with the Unimog.