[MOC] Terex RH400 Mining Excavator (Obsolete)

[dougstar]

what would be nice is a pdf parts list is this going to be available?

[Theo van Vroenhoven]

This is great progress!

And I really love the fact that these instructions are a bit more challenging than the one-piece-at-a-time instructions that LEGO produces nowadays!

Is definitely on my to build list!

Now just find the time to work down that list :-(

[ritztoys]

sheo, thank-you so much for sharing..............

Fantastic BI, I look forward to building the superstructure. :thumbup:

Can the superstructure be built before the base is completed? If your answer is "No", that's OK, it will take awhile to gather parts amongst all the other projects I'm building anyway.

[legolijntje]

I've had a closer look at the instructions and I really like how dense everything is. You've really build the model very well, everything looks very, very sturdy and it seems every part has a reason to sit where it sits. The only thing I'm wondering is, since it is so densely build, isn't the arm quite heavy? And doesn't that have an impact on the performance?

I like the model even more now and I think this would be a very, very fun model to build, also for the more advanced builder. The building proces looks really fun. I would love to build the model.

Since there is being worked on an LDraw file, the parts list would be easy to make and it could be added to Rebrickable. I'm really curious to see what parts I still miss

[ritztoys]

sheo..............

I've looked over your BI and it appears that I answered my own question................( No ), it looks like the base needs to be completed first, correct?

As your boom for this creation, the superstructure is really dense in parts, with no way to get to the vertical axle and its' parts coming out of the turntable.

So..........my current choice will be to acquire all the needed parts to build this beautiful beast, and I don't mind waiting for the rest of the parts list and BI. Besides, you got me interested in trains.............

[Jetwee]

I'm about half way through building the main structure and holy cow does it use a lot of special pieces. The instructions are very good and the model is the most challenging to build to date. Great job and thank you so much for sharing this beast!

[jantjeuh]

sheo, you're awesome!

I think I'll wait till the final version of the instructions, I have some other MOCs I have to build first

[Henk61]

I am looking forward to build this MOC in the near future...

[Blakbird]

Current progress with building instructions:

• Boom - Instructions; Parts list (CSV); Model (LDD)
  
• Superstructure - Instructions; Parts list (CSV); Model (LDD)
  
• Base
  

Corrections and suggestions are welcome!

I've completed my effort to convert these files to LDraw. It was a pretty big operation given that many parts do not convert and the L-motors and other electronics had been replaced with placeholders, but I think I got it all. 3283 parts so far, not including the base which is still coming.

As others have mentioned, this is one of the most densely built creations I have ever seen. The insides must be seen to be believed. For example, take a look at just the Power Functions components which comprise:

• 2 Li-Po batteries
  
• 4 IR receivers
  
• 2 Pole Reversers
  
• 3 sets of LED lights
  
• 1 XL motor
  
• 3 L motors
  
• 5 M motors
  

I am very much looking forward to building this. Based on looking through the files so far, here are the problems I anticipate:

• The instructions are divided into 3 parts: boom, superstructure, and base. However, the boom cannot be attached to the superstructure after it is built, nor can the base be attached later. We'll have to figure out the right point in the instructions to add them.
  
• Wiring!!!! Based on the PF picture above, you can imagine the miles of wiring inside this thing. The superstructure is SOLID Technic parts. I have no idea where all those wires can possibly go, but a builder could drive themselves insane trying to figure it out. I expect that will happen to me.
  

Looking forward to the base! I am preparing a Brickstore parts list for everything so far, but of course it will be incomplete without the base. Sheo, if you could post the LDD of the base even before you complete the instructions then I could complete the parts list so people would be ready to build when you finish.

[legolijntje]

Nice images Blakbird!

Now I can see clearly what PF parts it uses. I was already expecting that I would need to buy a bunch of parts (including a huge amount of these ), but I was hoping to keep the costs down and it seems I have all the needed PF parts

Btw, I'm currently building the base and arm manually in LDraw instead of exporting from LDD. It's a lot more work, but I like it and it makes the chance for errors very small.

[legolijntje]

[...]

I am very much looking forward to building this. Based on looking through the files so far, here are the problems I anticipate:

• The instructions are divided into 3 parts: boom, superstructure, and base. However, the boom cannot be attached to the superstructure after it is built, nor can the base be attached later. We'll have to figure out the right point in the instructions to add them.
  
• Wiring!!!! Based on the PF picture above, you can imagine the miles of wiring inside this thing. The superstructure is SOLID Technic parts. I have no idea where all those wires can possibly go, but a builder could drive themselves insane trying to figure it out. I expect that will happen to me.
  

Looking forward to the base! I am preparing a Brickstore parts list for everything so far, but of course it will be incomplete without the base. Sheo, if you could post the LDD of the base even before you complete the instructions then I could complete the parts list so people would be ready to build when you finish.

Since I'm now (slowly) rebuilding the model in LDraw, I saw that Sheo does show you when to attach the arm. And sometimes he does show how the wiring should go.

It's clear that he really put a lot of effort in this :thumbup:

[sheo]

what would be nice is a pdf parts list is this going to be available?

Currently you can upload these parts lists as private MOCs on Rebrickable and use them for collecting parts. As soon as instructions for the base are done, the whole model will be submitted to Rebrickable.

And I really love the fact that these instructions are a bit more challenging than the one-piece-at-a-time instructions that LEGO produces nowadays!

Actually, my instructions are almost exactly one-piece-at-a-time! However, you need to guess which part is required!

Can the superstructure be built before the base is completed?

I've looked over your BI and it appears that I answered my own question................( No ), it looks like the base needs to be completed first, correct?

It is quite possible. However, it seems much easier to build the superstructure on top of the base than vice versa, keeping in mind that protruding axle.

The only thing I'm wondering is, since it is so densely build, isn't the arm quite heavy? And doesn't that have an impact on the performance?

The arm works surprisingly fine despite its weight. Maybe that's because of the L-motors.

I've completed my effort to convert these files to LDraw. It was a pretty big operation given that many parts do not convert and the L-motors and other electronics had been replaced with placeholders, but I think I got it all. 3283 parts so far, not including the base which is still coming.

Thank you very much for your efforts! Your renders look great, definitely better than my photos! :)

Small correction: on the rear view, the upper of two axles in the middle should not protrude.

Based on looking through the files so far, here are the problems I anticipate:

• The instructions are divided into 3 parts: boom, superstructure, and base. However, the boom cannot be attached to the superstructure after it is built, nor can the base be attached later. We'll have to figure out the right point in the instructions to add them.
  

The base is supposed to be built prior to the superstructure, and the arm should be attached to the superstructure at a relatively early stage of its construction. Stages 412-445 of 1640 to be exact. Unfortunately, I could not manage to build this model modular.

• Wiring!!!! Based on the PF picture above, you can imagine the miles of wiring inside this thing. The superstructure is SOLID Technic parts. I have no idea where all those wires can possibly go, but a builder could drive themselves insane trying to figure it out. I expect that will happen to me.
  

The routes for the wires are marked as red lines in the instructions. Nevertheless, it is indeed very hard to fit all the wires in the limited internal space of the model.

Sheo, if you could post the LDD of the base even before you complete the instructions then I could complete the parts list so people would be ready to build when you finish.

Here come the bad news: the base requires rebuilding. After extensive testing it appeared that those old-style differentials are a bit weak for such a load. Now I intend to replace them by new ones. But firstly I need to complete my Great Sorting of parts!

[jorgeopesi]

In my machine I had to reduce a lot of weight for a properly movement and it only had 5 motors, I need two big L.A.s to raise the idler arm correctly and plus I needed special linkages to increase range of movement because the L.A.s were short for the scale. Machine works or not?, because the old diffs are stronger than the new ones.

[sheo]

the old diffs are stronger than the new ones.

Perhaps, but I want to try a different design and find out which one is better in this case.

[jantjeuh]

You should also list a Paypal address, sheo. I'm willing to pay you for the instructions, cause I know how much work it is.

Edited July 5, 2014 by jantjeuh

[Blakbird]

Thank you very much for your efforts! Your renders look great, definitely better than my photos! :)

Small correction: on the rear view, the upper of two axles in the middle should not protrude.

Those pictures are just screen captures from LDView. I'll do the real renders after I have the base included.

Thanks for pointing out that axle. I'll correct the file.

Here come the bad news: the base requires rebuilding. After extensive testing it appeared that those old-style differentials are a bit weak for such a load. Now I intend to replace them by new ones. But firstly I need to complete my Great Sorting of parts!

If I remember right, your models makes use of a vertical worm gear to engage the ring gears of the differentials. If you switch to the new differentials, this won't work any more which means a totally new design. Personally, I can completely understand the compromises that are required to make such a large model ambulatory, so I don't object if it is only reliable on level smooth surfaces. Of course, it is your model so you can do as you like. I am just impatient to get started building!

[jantjeuh]

Just wondering, is it necessary that all IR receivers are V2s? I only have 2. Those puppies are expensive.

Edited July 8, 2014 by jantjeuh

[Blakbird]

Just wondering, is it necessary that all IR receivers are V2s? I only have 2. Those puppies are expensive.

I don't see why V2's would be required. I'm using all V1's in mine. I'll let you know how it works if I ever finish the base! One of the batteries runs 3 receivers which control all the excavating functions as well as the lights. The other battery runs only 1 receiver which controls driving through the subtractor. I think only that last receiver would benefit from being V2.

Given that you are probably never driving and excavating at the same time, two batteries are probably not strictly necessary. However, they also act as counterweights. I am guessing your could save money by using only one battery and adding boat weights or coins to make up the difference.

[Doc_Brown]

Such a beast! I have a whole new impression of cranes and excavators now.

Love the teeth on the bucket. Great job! :thumbup:

[jantjeuh]

I don't see why V2's would be required. I'm using all V1's in mine. I'll let you know how it works if I ever finish the base! One of the batteries runs 3 receivers which control all the excavating functions as well as the lights. The other battery runs only 1 receiver which controls driving through the subtractor. I think only that last receiver would benefit from being V2.

Given that you are probably never driving and excavating at the same time, two batteries are probably not strictly necessary. However, they also act as counterweights. I am guessing your could save money by using only one battery and adding boat weights or coins to make up the difference.

Alright, thanks for the reply. I'll stick with 2 V2's then. Maybe 2 batteries are actually useful, because with 9 motors and 3 LEDs they probably get drained fast.

Edited July 8, 2014 by jantjeuh

[kamsohal]

hi very good model.i want to build this.the base instruction needs to be released as the base is more important as everything rests on following it down to a tee.

[jantjeuh]

Well, they're working on it. Making instructions is a time-intensive job. Be patient

[kamsohal]

ok thank u for getting back to me jantjeuh

[Blakbird]

I have spent the last week building this model (sans base) and thought I would offer my impressions. First I'll post a bunch of pictures and then some summary explanation. Larger versions of all pictures at Bricksafe.

Here is the pile of parts. Keep in mind that these are only the parts for the superstructure and arm. I also didn't have all the PF in this image. There are relatively few liftarms for a model this size, but a lot of brackets and some obscure connectors in large quantity. There are also fewer pins that you would think. Much of the structure is locked with axles.

Here is the completed arm. At this point of the build, everything went very smoothly. The instructions were pretty easy to follow. The arm is much larger than I was anticipating and very heavy.

Now I'll build the superstructure. The early pictures show the attachment of the arm to the body, then further images add many more parts, motors, and structure. In some places you can see 5-7 motors at once. Then you see wiring accumulate and gradually disappear. The area where the arm attaches to the body is particularly dense.

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

At this point the mechanical bits are done and I was still missing a few of the parts I needed so I skipped ahead and built some panels. The model is not actually modular, so these "assemblies" are not necessarily removable.

And finally, success. In the first picture I am standing up the model because there is no base and I needed to charge the battery. It is quite stable this way. The second picture looks almost like it is from a real nighttime job site.

    

 

    

Like a transformer, this model is more than meets the eye. A cursory look at the outside makes it look like this is just a big cube. The panels make it all look quite smooth and unassuming. But under the covers is a mass of parts which must be seen to be believed. This is by far the densest model I have ever seen, built, or heard described in legend. If you imagine a Technic model to be comprised of parts which occupy places on a 1x1x1 stud grid, then in this grid every single box is filled. While most Technic models have lots of empty space on the inside like an atom, this model has no empty space. Every unit of space is in use. One repercussion of this is that the model is very heavy and very sturdy. I think you could drop it off the table and it wouldn't break. The other result is that it is not forgiving. The instructions up to this point comprise about 2200 pages. Typically each page has only one or two parts. This is NOT because the instructions are simple! Rather it is because you can really only add parts one at a time. This means you can also only remove parts one at a time. At one point in the model I had to remove a motor to move a wire which wasn't fitting. When I pulled the motor, the axle came out with it. The axle connected to a 12 tooth double bevel gear in a bracket deep inside the model. I spent almost 4 hours trying to figure out how I could ever access that gear and that's when I made the discovery. The model had become so dense that it had generated its own gravitational field from which no part could escape. That means this model can never be disassembled and you can never screw up! If you screw up there is no recovery. I finally got the axle to go back through the gear by randomly shifting the model in my hand hundreds of times until the gear happened to line up with the hole. You can't see the gear (no light can escape), so you have to guess. Later I found a pair of 2L thin liftarms in a picture that I realized I had never installed. Since each step does not tell you which parts to add, sometimes you might miss something. I decided I could live without them since going to back to where you could access them would have meant undoing days of work. I started being more careful but still had another such moment later when I had installed the back panel and then completed the 100+ steps to lock the back panel into place. At that time I found that I had used an 11L liftarm when I should have used a 9L. I spent the entire evening undoing all 100+ steps to access it again and fix it. The density also impacts the wiring. There is a LOT of wiring! For the most part, there are no open channels to route the wires. Although the instructions do show roughly where to put the wires, they must generally pass through only the space between adjacent parts. This means you sometimes have to put a lot of force into the parts to squeeze them together on the wires. I did finally get it all done, but you must be a determined and patient builder. I made one final discovery that made me stop building while I decided if I should go on. As far as I can tell, the 2 PF rechargeable batteries are permanently entombed in the model. I usually swap my batteries between all my models as needed. Those are the only 2 Li-Po's I own. But I don't think you could get them out without totally disassembling the model. This means a potential builder must be willing to sacrifice those batteries to the model at least until they are willing to break the model to get them out. Maybe I am wrong and there is a non-obvious way to remove them. There is good access to the on-off switches and charging ports.

With all that being said about the difficulty in building, I will say that Sheo has put more time and effort into the design and instructions than any builder I have ever seen. I can't even imagine how much time he spent preparing these files for us. Thank you! Having the model now in working condition, I can say it is very fun to play with. Here are the functions currently working:

• Arm lift: This uses an L-motor and 2 linear actuators. The motor struggles to lift the arm, partly because there is quite a bit of friction in the drive train which consists of a bunch of brackets and bevel gears.
• Dipper: This uses an L-motor and a single linear actuator. Very powerful, direct drive.
• Bucket tilt: This uses an M-motor and 2 linear actuators. The drive passes through some brackets and a large number of u-joints all the way up the arm. Works very well, but understandably jams when the u-joint approaches 70-degrees.
• Bucket dump: The bucket pivots open using an M-motor and a pair of small linear actuators. Again, the drive system passes through U-joints all the way up the arm. Works perfectly.
• Ladder: The ladder can be raised and lowered with an M-motor.
• Engines: A pair of v-6 engines and 4 fans are chain driven from an M-motor. This function is not remote but operated by a pole reverser under the body.
• PF lights; There are 3 sets of PF lights operated by another pole reverser. Finding homes for the diodes was among the more difficult building tasks.

The following functions won't work until I have a base:

• Drive: This is an XL motor with an axle passing through the turntable.
• Steer: This is an L motor driving a subtractor also passing through the turntable concentrically.
• Slew: This is an M motor driving the turntable.

That's right folks, 9 motors. And all sandwiched into a box that is not as big as you'd think. It is a miracle Sheo made it all fit, but it all works pretty well. From the previous picture of the bottom of the model, you can see the two batteries, the two red levers for the pole reversers, and a stack of PF connectors anchored to the chassis.

I have the whole thing sitting on a home made stand for the moment. Now I just need that base!!

[kamsohal]

wow now dats a very good model to make looks like it might take time to accomplish evefything.looks fun to make.