I think everyone knows the Lego Technic set 8043. Although it is a very very nice set, I still love the pneumatic operated models more. So I decided to start building my own excavator.

Except for driving and rotating,all functions will be done pneumatically.

Equipped with built-in compressor and valves.

The intention is that everything gets IR controlled.

There will also be building instructions. I try to make them simultaneously while building the model.

It is not intended to make a exact copy of an real life excavator brand or model.

Currently I'm working on the base. The driving motors are in here and a push blade is in

development. It's a bit inspired by the 8043, but different and a bit bigger.

Compared with the 8043:

Unless you add a battery and transmitter when the the whole thing slews the wires will twist,which is not good.

But I am looking forward to the finished thing.

You're right about the wires. It would be better with a battery in the base, but I am afraid I have no room for it.

And if you know this limitation, you can keep it in mind while playing.

I think at least one complete rotation should be possible.

If you took the blade off you could pass the functions through a driving ring like on the 8043.

Maybe in version 2 :)

This one is my first big MOC, I don't want to make it too difficult. I'm still not so used to the non studded technic parts :)

Ok,I look forward to it taking shape.

Edited December 14, 201311 yr by Alasdair Ryan

Thx, me too :)

You can put two BB in your model - the first into chassis and the second - into rotation part. If you'll place driven motors under tracks, may be it will be enough free space for BB - try to combine PF elements in LDD! In chassis you can place four functions - 2-track moving, rotation and blade management (compressor+autovalve) - so no wires, hoses and axes through the turntable.