There are so many possible design ideas for this contest, it was hard to think of one that hadn’t been done before. I eventually settled on an RC truck with an aircraft simulator on the back. I remember seeing a similar MOC somewhere before, except that designer decided to use multiple small pneumatic cylinders to move the simulator. Instead, I decided to use 4 small linear actuators, driven in pairs by 2 PF M motors which were controlled by a remote with a custom 2-way joystick.

 

The short video shows how it works. It’s very simple, moving the joystick back and forth tilts the ‘aircraft’ back and forth, and the same for side-to-side. The two directions can be mixed to some extent, although the overall travel is limited due to the small size of the linkage. It took a bit of trial and error to get the spacing between the actuators right, I ended up using 3/4 pins and this piece (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=48723&idColor=85#T=C&C=85).

The simulator is also modular, in the sense that it would be very easy to swap out a plane for a fake helicopter or traditional simulator box.

The truck chassis is very simple, the rear axles are directly connected to an L motor. Steering is done with a servo and a small sliding linkage, similar to 42093.

For the rest of the truck, I’m thinking of doing a cabover design, with some brighter colours.

 

That could be one very original MOC, but what even more grab my attention is cute kitty (when I wait mine to return for supper?)

Edited August 26, 2024Aug 26 by 1gor

An interesting idea. I’d create a pod/box on the back like you get as a simulator at a show. I’ve never seen them with a small plane or aircraft Seen these lots of times and been in a few. 

Yes, the kitty was a surprise guest. It's a challenge when your cats want to play with your Lego too :). If I have time, I'd like to make several minifig-scale aircraft/simulator pods that can be swapped out.

Some progress on the body work, the colour scheme is going to be orange and white.

I like this so far. The simulator on the back makes it very interesting 

Is that pictured plane final or will be updated for a scaled 'person' to be in the simulator?

The pictured plane was just to demo the functions, the final one will be more detailed. I've added some more details on the side of the chassis, and the cab is almost finished. The colour scheme is a white base and orange top separated by a dark blue stripe. The doors also open and the cab tilts for access to the Power Functions.

The truck is all finished, added some more details around the cab and rear, such as a sunvisor, mirrors, spare tire, and mudflaps.

I went with a red and white colour scheme for the miniature plane. It turned out smaller than anticipated, below minifigure scale. The cockpit has a suggestion of an interior, but it's too small to fit a minifig, even with no legs. On the plus side, the small size means there's plenty of room for swooshing on the back of the truck.

All the pictures are available on Bricksafe: https://www.bricksafe.com/pages/lmdesigner42/aircraft-simulator-truck

 

Edit: Functions video now available:

 

Edited September 2, 2024Sep 2 by lmdesigner42

Wow! Great job! I like your design! When I saw the first photos of you building this truck, I thought it was going to be more like a semi-truck with an aircraft simulator trailer, because that is the design I personally have gotten used to seeing, but I like the integrated design you accomplished here better. It makes good use of that otherwise empty space immediately behind the cab.

Once again, great work! :)

It ended so well, very original idea and I really like color sheme on cab.

Thanks for the positive comments! Originality was definitely what I was going for. I'm glad you like the colour scheme, all-white would be a bit bland.

1 hour ago, lmdesigner42 said:

all-white would be a bit bland.

Or unfinnished