MOC - Prinoth Leitwolf R3 Snow Groomer

[designer-han]

Well, the older readers of Eurobricks might recall this model, being first released in 2007. At that time, this MOC was innovative, as it had the newly introduced Power Functions on board. And, the model performed quite well outdoor in snow conditions which could not be said for the 1^st Leitwolf I designed in 2005 with the 9V system motors.

As the Leitwolf remains one of my favorite MOCs – and I designed many MOCs the last 15 years – I had always in mind to remake this MOC once the time has come.

 

 

And, here it is in 2024, a R3 release of the Prinoth Leitwolf, a major 2007 uplift as LEGO released many new useful parts I could not use then. Especially the mini linear actuators became very handy, controlling the blade and tiller functions; in total 7 of them are used in the Leitwolf. Another useful part to mention is the Technic Connector Block 3x3 ‘Biscuit’ (part 39793) that provides all the necessary mounting points (and holes) on a small footprint to introduce the front blade tilting ability. Same story applies for the Technic H-frame (part 14720).

New added LED lights (front and rear) provide even a nice appearance during the evening, the normal working time of snow-groomers in the field…. Indeed, you do not want to ‘ski’ into a groomer during day-light descending….

Functions that just reappeared in the R3 version are the track tension mechanism (shock absorber springs), the working V6 engine and the pneumatic level adjustment. The removable Drum Winch is still there, but equipped with a ‘bigger’ drum and snow covers. In real, these drum contains ~850 meters cable length!

 

 

I designed 3 (!) different R3 versions, to suits everybody’s needs. The most advanced version is powered by a BuWizz 3.0 brick, that one features 6 functions: 2 powered tracks, front blade raise/lower and tilt, rear tiller raise/lower and switching on/off the LED lights.

The BuWizz 2.0 version and the Power Function version just have the original basic 4 features. Only the front blade tilting must be done manually in these cases. And, if LED lights are used, they just are ‘always-on’ when powered.

I must admit, the Powered-Up XL motors do have a nice form-factor and can therefore 'packed' easier within the model compared to the round Power Functions XL motors. At the other side, I use frequently the Medium Motors, and the availability of this version in Powered-Up is just awful; it seams LEGO terminated the manufacturing,  but nothing official.
In general, that's in my view the biggest omission of Powered-Up, the (lack of ) motor continuity / availability. That's why I designed a traditional Power Functions version as well; just to be able to drive the groomer around when I reach 80 years... as PF will survive.... and all the new App-driven Systems most likely not ;-)

 

 

To control the Leitwolf is quite easy. For the BuWizz 3.0 version, I created a functional lay-out (see above) that provides a smooth performance. It speaks for itself I guess.

The Power Functions version is of course straight forward; in this case I use the 'train controller' for track movements, and just the 'bang/bang' on/off control for all blade and tiller functions.

Of course, I tried this Winter (February) in Austria the Leitwolf… and as expected, the BuWizz 3.0 delivers significant force; means, the model worked flawless in snow conditions. Real fun, and lots of impressive eyes by skiers on the slope.

I hope you like this R3 version; I think I reached the limits again with this model (means, limits that make a model still work as intended), and probably it will take another 10 years before a R4 version will be released 😉

 

 

More information of the model, and pictures can be found on my Website:

Technic LEGO site of Han (designer-han.com)

Note-1: for those visiting LEGOworld NL this Autumn, just drop by to see the Leitwolf R3 in the Fanzone!

Note-2: Renders all made in Studio

Last but least? And, not the most important note; building instructions are available for all 3x R3 versions. Just if readers start asking ‘do you have BI’s available?’

 

Edited October 11, 2024 by designer-han
Video not displayed

[schraubedrin]

That's incredible!

The combination of technic, snow, LEGO, and skiing is a perfect intersection of my interests
Actually, the second version from 2007 was one the MOCs that started the end of my dark ages.

 

Did you even consider using a C+ Hub or was it BuWizz from the beginning?

What's the reason for doing pneumatic leveling (love the inclusion of pneumatics by the way)?
I'd wager the pump+switch+cylinder combination takes up more space than a electromechanical solution.

[2GodBDGlory]

That's cool to see! I remember this model clearly from my many hours spent with Sariel's Incredible Lego Technic. Looks like it's been well updated with modern parts!

[designer-han]

1 hour ago, schraubedrin said:

That's incredible!

The combination of technic, snow, LEGO, and skiing is a perfect intersection of my interests
Actually, the second version from 2007 was one the MOCs that started the end of my dark ages.

 

Did you even consider using a C+ Hub or was it BuWizz from the beginning?

What's the reason for doing pneumatic leveling (love the inclusion of pneumatics by the way)?
I'd wager the pump+switch+cylinder combination takes up more space than a electromechanical solution.

Nice to read, that this model pulled you out the Dark Ages.... 

It was BuWizz from the beginning. C+ Hub is too big, but worse, the programming interface is so complicated to achieve the functions. I am able to (have an IT background) and used the Hub for instance in my Distribution "Cargo" Truck.... but the product is not steady. LEGO change all the code block icons, so it is for others very hard to re-implement my coding.

This all is actually why I did develop a Power Functions version as well..... if I am retired, and become 80 years.... probably all the BuWizz, Sbrick, Powered Up Apps did die or are change in such a way that the model can not be reproduced again.

And, PF will be still up and running 

However, BuWizz is splendid, it works flawless and it drives tip-top!

Regarding the pneumatics, this was a deliberate choice... as the tubes can be routed in any way (under the V6 engine) not being possible with gears and axles. Actually, pneumatic saved space in that area (under the V6) what could not be done with a M-Motor. And, not sure if mini LA's will hold the weight of the main Leitwolf body.

And yes, I like pneumatics a lot as well.

20 minutes ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

That's cool to see! I remember this model clearly from my many hours spent with Sariel's Incredible Lego Technic. Looks like it's been well updated with modern parts!

Thanks!

Yes, the Leitwolf took 4 pages in Sariel's book... with nice renders of Blakbird. Those were the days, pioneering with building MOC's and thinking we had many different parts..... look today, so many new parts within 15 years we never envisioned 

[Alex Ilea]

This is a beautiful build! I like for compact everything is inside, very well done. Are those photorealistic renders?

[Toastie]

3 hours ago, designer-han said:

Well, the older readers of Eurobricks might recall this model, being first released in 2007

No, I don't. I joined EB in 2010 - so missed the debut. Unfortunately. I am older though - or better old

BUT.

This is a Technic wonder. Really impressive. I am not into cars, or skiing - but so much more into "machines". Wow, all that functionality, so well-thought-out!

Mostly I love the progressing with time - just leaving TLG behind (PF is dead - BUY PUp(!), nothing will work anymore) and embracing superior 3rd party electronics - AND keeping it all compatible. This is so my world of LEGO. The "spreadsheet" alone makes me smile, feeling good, and having fun. Wow. I am really taken away and a bit speechless. OK, composed this blurb now, but ...

And just to rub it in: The System bricks you used for this Technic MOC makes - again - all the difference for me. No machine gun fire holes, nice slopes, the fence elements ... and so on and so forth.

LEGO at its best (aka the best of both worlds, which are not two but one world, in my opinion).

Thank you so much for sharing this decade long development. As said, so well-thought-out.

All the best,
Thorsten

   

[designer-han]

12 hours ago, Alex Ilea said:

This is a beautiful build! I like for compact everything is inside, very well done. Are those photorealistic renders?

Thanks!

Yes, after I finished the real build in LEGO, I recreated the complete model in Ldraw / MLcad; the ldr/mpd files were imported in LEGO's Studio for rendering. And, some after tweaks in Photoshop.

10 hours ago, Toastie said:

No, I don't. I joined EB in 2010 - so missed the debut. Unfortunately. I am older though - or better old

BUT.

This is a Technic wonder. Really impressive. I am not into cars, or skiing - but so much more into "machines". Wow, all that functionality, so well-thought-out!

Mostly I love the progressing with time - just leaving TLG behind (PF is dead - BUY PUp(!), nothing will work anymore) and embracing superior 3rd party electronics - AND keeping it all compatible. This is so my world of LEGO. The "spreadsheet" alone makes me smile, feeling good, and having fun. Wow. I am really taken away and a bit speechless. OK, composed this blurb now, but ...

And just to rub it in: The System bricks you used for this Technic MOC makes - again - all the difference for me. No machine gun fire holes, nice slopes, the fence elements ... and so on and so forth.

LEGO at its best (aka the best of both worlds, which are not two but one world, in my opinion).

Thank you so much for sharing this decade long development. As said, so well-thought-out.

All the best,
Thorsten

   

Your welcome! And thanks for the nice words   Glad you like the model and its decade development. And, the 3 versions took me quite a while; as the model needs to be developed in a modular way; making some modules being exchange-able for its Electronics (BuWuzz 3.0 / BuWizz 2.0 / PU(p).

Yes, I consider LEGO parts being one world, whereof part usage needs to be considered carefully. Technic mostly for its intend: Technical functions, and System to realize decent interiors /exteriors... creating a most authentic appearance of the model.

 

[NV Lego technic]

I saw this one in sariel's book and I'm really impressed by it, and the new one is waaay better!