Hello world!

I present you today with my latest alternate build -> Ford Bronco

I built it as an alternate model of the 42177 G500 set. The set offered this amazing orange parts and tires that were just perfect for this car. 

What I wanted to achieve with this build is to make an accurate representation of the Ford Bronco, in particular the Raptor specification (see the sharp edged wheel arches). I quite like the real car, and it is definitely a head turner, at least here in Europe where we don't see that many compared to the States. 

The features of the model are as following: 

-HoG with working steering wheel

-Front independent suspension and rear live axle

-Front/Center/Rear differential lock

-Working V6 engine

-HI/LOW gearbox

Also: 

-Opening hood

-Opening doors and tailgate with lock

-Foldable rear bench

 

Talking a bit about the design process... I started with the lockable front differential assembly. With all of my builds, I use blueprints imported in studio, to make sure the car I'm building is as accurate as it can be. The blueprints showed me that the car will be wider that the original set, by 2 studs, which is the exact space I needed to make the front lockable diff fit. 

Then I started building the front end actually, after finishing the front axle. This includes the bumper, grill, headlights, hood, arches... Not the traditional way, but with alternate models you have a limited parts selection, so if anything, I want to use the best parts to make the front end. After a satisfying result, I continued with the frame, the switch gearbox and the rear axle. They were pretty easy to make.

Finished the last mechanical details, after which I started on the bodywork and seats.

 

This model uses 2625 pieces, which is 91% of the original 2891 that the set uses. Here are some dimensional measurements: 

Another cool thing I did, was to make it able to be transformed into a "Safari" version, where the B pillars, roof and doors can be removed easily. I really like this crazy striped down look, and I think it really suits the car. BTW, notice that the original Bronco has the wing mirrors mounted not on the removeable doors (I think it is to fit some regulations around the world).

 

YouTube video HERE

Bricksafe gallery HERE

And of course, building instructions are available HERE

 

Thanks everyone for the read, and I'm waiting for your opinions on this build!

 

Edited September 9, 2024Sep 9 by Alex Ilea

Very nice work! I think those wheels fit here better than on the other alternates we've seen recently, and you really got the grille and headlights down well!

Gotta love the Safari version, such a great addition to a already amazing model!

It definitely looks like a Ford Bronco. You definitely nailed it! The body looks well designed and the amount of parts used is impressive. I hope it sells well! :)

7 hours ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Very nice work! I think those wheels fit here better than on the other alternates we've seen recently, and you really got the grille and headlights down well!

The wheels are just perfect for such builds.

2 hours ago, N1K0L4 said:

Gotta love the Safari version, such a great addition to a already amazing model!

Thanks!

2 hours ago, eric trax said:

It definitely looks like a Ford Bronco. You definitely nailed it! The body looks well designed and the amount of parts used is impressive. I hope it sells well! :)

Model aesthetics are very important to me. Thanks Eric! I just wish I used more like 97% of the parts, but 91% is still respectable.

I have made some photos of the Bronco next to my Ariel Nomad (Buwizz 2024 Gathering entry). Check it out:

I love the Bronco!

Nice models, both of them.

Very detailed and beautiful B-model. Grill, mask, everything is on spot, like Lego would do it - or even better! I must say, I am also astonished by the second model as well (it deserves presentation on its own). I like the buggy so much that I started a side project of my own - dune style buggy (your model is such an inspiration). In the second model, I really love the rear engine and its moving elements. Also, fenders sells the look, I will try to adopt both things in my model, but we will see results when it comes out. Thanks again for sharing and cheers! :)

18 hours ago, Ngoc Nguyen said:

I love the Bronco!

 

9 hours ago, Shiva said:

Nice models, both of them.

 

1 hour ago, Krxlion said:

Very detailed and beautiful B-model. Grill, mask, everything is on spot, like Lego would do it - or even better! I must say, I am also astonished by the second model as well (it deserves presentation on its own). I like the buggy so much that I started a side project of my own - dune style buggy (your model is such an inspiration). In the second model, I really love the rear engine and its moving elements. Also, fenders sells the look, I will try to adopt both things in my model, but we will see results when it comes out. Thanks again for sharing and cheers! :)

Thanks guys! I will have to make a topic for the Nomad these days. I have posted it on facebook and by popular demand I have to make instructions for it, probably for free ;)

Very nice looking model, I appreciate how you were able to get the styling with mostly technic parts

Top notch, alternate build, Alex! Just saw it on Rebrickable while searching for your M8. I actually like it more than the G500 in terms of looks. Felicitări!

1 hour ago, R0Sch said:

Top notch, alternate build, Alex! Just saw it on Rebrickable while searching for your M8. I actually like it more than the G500 in terms of looks. Felicitări!

Mersi, I'm happy that you like it :)

Really good looking alternate build, you made good use of the available parts, I especially like the brick built front face, captures the Bronco features really well. And I like that you managed to put 3 diff locks in!

1 hour ago, gyenesvi said:

Really good looking alternate build, you made good use of the available parts, I especially like the brick built front face, captures the Bronco features really well. And I like that you managed to put 3 diff locks in!

Thanks Viktor! Triple diff lock was a must for me. I think it would be cool to see my Bronco next to yours someday ;)