Nico71's Creations

[Scoar Sonander]

Just amazing, can't really fault it with the modular body and motorized functions!

[nico71]

On 4/6/2024 at 7:10 PM, 2GodBDGlory said:

This looks like a very high quality MOC, with lots of attention to detail, and a great aggressive look!

Nice job!

Thanks ! The design has been a huge part of the process, I have started by that over the chassis. The idea was to replicate the wide body look, without being too bulky because of the 80's style, so everything is in the nuance and the details. Of course the chassis has to follow that with many iterations, especially to place each elements at the correct place, which results in a lot of half stud everywhere (I usual).

On 4/6/2024 at 11:05 PM, Scoar Sonander said:

Just amazing, can't really fault it with the modular body and motorized functions!

Thanks ! I wanted at the beginning that the motorization was not mandatory because honestly at this scale, I like both. So you can build the manual version and add motor then, of vice versa, they are not part of the chassis nor the design. The servo motor just blocking the HOG, but on the manual one you can choose if you want a HOG or not (which any was can be store in the trunk under the rear glass). That is why the bill of material for the motorized and manual are close.

Edited April 8, 2024 by nico71

[nico71]

If you're not afraid of me speaking "approximate" English, you can see how I design the Nissan Skyline in this video:

 

I explains how the functions works, the story of the original model, and some tips and trick I use for the design.

[MangaNOID]

Well done! What a monster video of a monster build of a monster car!

As an ex Datsun/Nissan nut I say I am proud of the representation you have made of that awesome car especially so at that scale.

[nico71]

7 minutes ago, MangaNOID said:

Well done! What a monster video of a monster build of a monster car!

As an ex Datsun/Nissan nut I say I am proud of the representation you have made of that awesome car especially so at that scale.

Thanks ! Yes the video is quite long, I tried to shorten it but it is hard to explain all the tips and tricks, plus the functions and a bit of history. I think this is the sweet spot for the length but need to pay attention to my English pronunciation (some complained).

[Divitis]

Thanks for sharing Nico, it's nice to have a detailed behind the scene and appreciate how some of the tiny offsets or the 'hot swapping' of the engine block were achieved.

I totally agree that when things look clean is because a ton of effort went into them.

Ps: I worked in a french company. Don't be too hard on yourself, your English is above average. :)

Edited May 27, 2024 by Divitis
Spelling

[nico71]

On 5/27/2024 at 5:11 PM, Divitis said:

Thanks for sharing Nico, it's nice to have a detailed behind the scene and appreciate how some of the tiny offsets or the 'hot swapping' of the engine block were achieved.

I totally agree that when things look clean is because a ton of effort went into them.

Ps: I worked in a french company. Don't be too hard on yourself, your English is above average. :)

Thanks for your comment , and your kindness about my Frenchy English :)

The removable engine is something I do now since the Chevrolet Kodiak, because I like a lot the idea of building as a kit which can be swapped or fix / maintain etc as real.

 

[Jundis]

You really brought back the nostalgia from Gran Turismo and in such a magnificent package!

[nico71]

15 hours ago, Jundis said:

You really brought back the nostalgia from Gran Turismo and in such a magnificent package!

Thanks ! It remind me a lot of memory too, with also the Gran Turismo 3 with the Geneva Concept. So after digging, I have added a lot of cool concept car to my todolist (Peugeot 907, Peugeot Oxia).

[langko]

Don’t stress, your English is more than good enough to convey the intended message. I enjoyed watching the video, it’s always cool to see more details about a model and learn more about the real car as well. Thanks for sharing and putting the presentation together! 

[nerdsforprez]

On 5/30/2024 at 8:04 AM, nico71 said:

which can be swapped or fix / maintain etc as real.

Very cool idea.  Modular builds are among my favorite.  I am surprised TLG has not implemented this more in their models.  THey have a bit, like with the Creator Mustang and others (10265), btu there is so much more that could be done with this....

[bruh]

I really like Nico71's model of the Nissan Skyline. It looks clean and sleek.

Edited June 8, 2024 by bruh

[nico71]

5 minutes ago, bruh said:

I really like Nico71's model of the Nissan Skyline. It looks clean and sleek.

Thanks  !

[nico71]

New creation !

The Sercel Nomad 65, a vibroseis truck, recreated in LEGO Technic at 1/16 scale. Features 3290 parts, 68cm long, for 5 motorized functions : drive, steering, vibrator height, vibration module and winch, with working fake engine and openable elements.



Demonstration
 

Specs :
 

• Dimensions : L65 x W21 x H24 cm, Scale : 1/16, Wheels : Ø107mm, Weight : 3kg
• Drive : 2x XL motor with friction clutches and differentials
• Steering : 1L motor with two small linear actuators (internal clutches)
• Vibrator Height : 1L motor with two linear actuators (internal clutches)
• Vibration Module : 1L motor, geared up on eccentric mass
• Winch : 1L motor, worm screw on clutch gear (5mm/s)
• Fake Engine : CAT C13 working L6 Engine with details and fan
• Openable Elements : doors, front hub cover (rear accessible from underneath)
• Real pictures display the prototype model, where some color has been changed on the rendered version. The instructions and bill of material portrayed the rendered version (white cylinder in front of the vibrator module)

Original Model :

This vehicle is used in oil and gas exploration, by making the ground vibrated with a large vibrator. The vibrations propagated in the ground, bounce off the internal elements and are picked up in return by sensors on the ground in order to create a 3D map of the underground resource. These truck are often use in fleet with other oilfield support trucks.



This project started as a commissioned project for Sercel in 2020, and was produced in 5 quantities for displaying in their showroom and being used in exhibition / training. In 2024, after some demands, I have created the PDF building instructions that I propose here which were one of the biggest ever done !




Links :

📲 More pictures, review, preview instructions [nico71.fr]
🎥 Video presentation [youtube.com, 4min]
🔰 If you want to add stickers on the model, you can download and print this file (A4, 100% zoom), or contact Forwart Sticker to buy the professional sheet.
🧩 About 35% of the inventory is shared with the 42100 LEGO Technic set, which is a good donor set to build it (white parts, gear and grey connector, electronics), and explains why some pins are red (originally from in the 42100).
📕 Bundle discount can be found on my website (-15% for 2 instructions, -20% for 3 on the whole cart).


LEGO Technic Sercel Truck in the Sercel's Showroom at Carquefou (44), France

[bruh]

Yo! This is crazy cool! Already checked it out on rebrickable too! I seriously wish that I had the needed parts and had enough money to spend on this MOC.

I would buy this, and I do support people who create premium MOCs, as long as they are good enough. If I had a full time job and had more money, I would buy more, but as of right now, I am a TFOL limited to my own creativity and free MOCs. 

[nico71]

Thanks for your comment ! No problem at all that you can afford the model, posting here is already a great value for me :)

[msk6003]

On 6/17/2024 at 10:10 PM, nico71 said:

Looks like tumbler tire will perfect for this vehicle. Is there a reason of use class tire?

Edited June 18, 2024 by msk6003

[nico71]

It fact the Tumbler tire is too small (81mm), which will be more suitable for my wheeled version of the 42100 model B - Vibroseis truck, which is about 1/18 scale (lenght of 56cm for original lenght of 140m on the Truck)

Here is 1/16 scale, so the tire is 107mm in tractor style (lenght of 65cm for 10m truck in real). I could use the 94.3x38r tire but the pattern did not match quite well, more truck style than offroad vehicle.

So the LEGO model was based on off-sand version, with muddy tires (tractor style, which is a bit too narrow as well) : 

[RustyLego]

On 5/27/2024 at 10:53 AM, nico71 said:

If you're not afraid of me speaking "approximate" English, you can see how I design the Nissan Skyline in this video:

 

I explains how the functions works, the story of the original model, and some tips and trick I use for the design.

That's a sweet looking car, nicely done.

[nico71]

Thanks !

[nico71]

New instructions for an old creation (Free Instructions) : 

 

The model :

A Great Contraption Module based on the Cardan Gear invented by Girolamo Cardano, from a simplified LEGO version of Torbjörn Söderstedt, build in 2015 for an exhibition. Here is a revised version with PDF instructions, with the helps of Daniel Garcia Argüelles (Daniel58).



Quick Functions Showcase :



How it works :

A M motor operates two different mechanisms with crank / connector rod on sliding mechanisms : the Cardan Lift and the Input Tray. 



The Cardan Lift mechanism is composed of two arms, a first which is operated by the sliding mechanism, and a second which is attached to the chassis with a gear multiplication (40/20) using a differential to pass though the center. When the main arm rotates by 180°, the second arm makes 360° in the opposite direction. It enables the balls to be kept inside the fork and unload them in the output tray. A rubber band helps to prevent backlash in the functioning when the arm goes down.



The second operated element is the Input Tray, which has an angled floor and a moving step at the end which can take only 6 balls. They are lifted when the Cardan Lift comes, and then, the step goes down and 6 other balls are loaded.

 

• 📕 Free instructions : https://www.nico71.fr/product/cardan-lift/
• 🧩 Bill Of material : https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-190380/Nico71/cardan-lift-great-ball-contraption/#parts
• 📐 Dimensions : 34cm (L) x 26cm (W) x 23cm (H), 1 M motor or crank operated

Video :
 

 

In action at Diemoz 2015 :

 

 

[nico71]

 

In 2012, the French company StageMaster SAS contacted me to build a replica of a Folding Stage Trailer for exhibition purpose. The requirements was to have the motorized trailer for its transformation, and manual functions for the truck. I have never published instructions on it as it was only produced at one unit. But after some demands, I finished the 3D model I have to make it usable and generate the partlist.

Specs :

• Scale : 1/20, Dimensions 72 x 14 x 25cm folded; 72 x 40 x 40 unfolded (with truck)
• 4 pneumatic stabilizers + Manual feet
• Right and Left panel folding with a M motor (worm screw gearing with clutch)
• Upper panels folding with a M motor (worm screw gearing with clutch)
• Raising roof with dual string-driven telescopic actuator (M motor with worm screw on winch)
• Steering on the Truck with Hand Of God, no fake engine, no drivetrain
• Simple fifth wheel (hole)

Underneath render :



Inspiration Model


(CIMC Huayuan / sinoswan Truck and Trailer)

Links and infos :

• 📲 More pictures, review, preview instructions [nico71.fr]
• ❓ Design Process Blog Post [nico71.fr]
• 🧩 Partlist on Rebrickable [rebrickable.com]
• 🎥 Video presentation (remaster 1080p) [youtube.com]
• 🎥 Work in Progress Video [youtube.com]

Note on the parts :

▶ You will need 2x 50cm string, and 64cm (80l) hose to cut that you can source alternatively here
▶ I recommend to swap the rare tires (49.6 x 28) by narrower versions (49.6 x 20 with 56145 rims
▶ I recommend swapping the 3x11 curved panel by the newer with holes).
▶ The 3D model do not show the flexible parts but I have made a guide for that, especially for the string paths.

The Instructions :

Unfortunately this model has not a proper PDF building instructions as usual. But I release the 3D model for free in .mpd and .io, as well as a 3D Web Viewer Instructions with rough step (see PDF document for the link), thanks to the help of Lasse from Brickhub.

So you can see how it is made, use as reference, inspiration, modify it etc. The build is quite old now but the mechanism principles such as the winch driven actuator are still relevant and the design of the truck is simple but part effective for its size.

Video :

 

[nico71]

New creation !

The model :

A Honda CR-X del Sol at 1/12 scale, made as a commission gift for a particular. It features front wheel drive with removable fake engine, steering, rear suspensions, openable hood, doors and trunk with targa-top. Available in two versions in one purchase : JDM and USDM.



Quick Functions Showcase :



Specs :

• 1/12 Scale : 33 x 15 x 11cm, Ø49mm wheel
• Front wheel drive (un-motorized) without differential
• Detailed engine bay with removable 4-piston engine
• Steering with rack and pinion and return to the steering wheel (rubber band)
• Rear suspensions with dismantled 76138 parts
• Detachable Hand of God (can be stored into the trunk)
• Openable hood (underneath blue pusher) and doors
• Openable trunk, to access the removable roof (targa-top)
• Available in two versions : JDM/EUDM and USDM (facelift without frog light and modified bumper) :

 

📕 You can see more data, pictures and instructions previews on my website [nico71.fr]

🧩 Bill Of material [rebrickable.com]

👍 Social link [Instagram.com]

Original Model History :

The Honda CR-X del Sol is a two-seater targa-top car manufactured by Honda from 1992 until 1998. Despite the body resemblance to a mid-engine car design, the del Sol is based on the front-engined Honda Civic platform and was the successor to the Honda CR-X. 



Known for its small aux-light on the front face, 90's bio design, and motorized T-top in option, it competes against Toyota MR2 and Mazda Miata with gazoline 1.5 and 1.6 Vtec engine, from 102 to 160 hp. The USDM version has a slightly difference bumper, with the removal of the small headlight in 1996 and rear spoiler in option.  [wikipedia]

 

Video :

 

 

Edited November 13, 2024 by nico71
correcting image size

[Krxlion]

What a beautiful creation, my brother own that car 4 years ago. It was so light and happy to drive. I immediately knew what car is this that you are showing us. It's a pity original car didn't feature rear-wheel drive, it would make a great entry-level drift car like MX-5. :D
Keep up the good work Nico, thanks for sharing.

[nico71]

21 hours ago, Krxlion said:

I immediately knew what car is this that you are showing us. It's a pity original car didn't feature rear-wheel drive, it would make a great entry-level drift car like MX-5. :D

Thanks for that comment ! If you recognize it, so the LEGO shape is at least correct !

Yes a RWD would have been cool, to compete with MX5. Or even a mid-engine configuration like the MR2. But the idea I think was more to take a 5g civic and try something cool with not so many industrial costs. There was a time where having a convertible / targa car was mandatory in the product range.

Edited November 14, 2024 by nico71