Modern Redesign of Model Team Highway Rig (5580)

[drdesignz]

Here's a project I've wanted to do for a long time. It's a modern redesign of the classic Model Team set Highway Rig (5580). It was released in 1986 and was the biggest of the three original sets in the Model Team series. The thirty year anniversary is coming up soon and I think this would be a fantastic new model based on the original. Unfortunately, however, it would be against Cuusoo's rules to submit it. Practically every AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego) will remember the original set. Many of them either had it or wanted it.

[Bison]

That is so cool. I would love to have the old one. Good job, looks great.

[peter_m]

Ahh! Another great model! Any chance to see what's under the hood? :)

[Brick_Sticker]

Looks even better than the original I think, nicely done.

Brick_Sticker

[Paul B Technic]

I like what you have done with this, well done.

[squizz]

Gidday Drdesignz, that is an awesome re work of the original.....well done mate!! Excellente. I have 3 of the original sets, i really like them, but have always thought if lego ever do another...what would it look like?? Well i reckon this is it. Well, i will be studying your photos closely in hope of replicating this very fine model...congrats again and thanx. Cheers Pete.

[OzShan]

Great build. You categorised the original perfectly. You either had it or wanted it. I wanted it and this is a great modern effort :)

[jantjeuh]

Good job, looks lovely!

Now make an XL version in Technic, with PF'ed functions ;-)

[pigpen]

How would your low loader from the "hot rod" (truck, trailer and digger) you did the other week look sitting behind this rig? This rig looks superb and I hope Lego designers are watching you and your designs for inspiration or even better....

[skriblez]

Always wanted this set. Now i want the old and new one! Great work

[Jonsson]

Very, very nice job. I got the original and I must say you enhanced it prefectly - no need to change anything. Great work!! I've been thinking about doing the same kind of makover on an other Model Team set, you got me even more eager to begin that build now... :)

Edited April 30, 2014 by Jonsson

[Lundgren]

I admire your building skills a lot!

I would love to have your creations in my collection! Is it possible?

[TinkerBrick]

Stunning! You managed to capture the original shapes and color scheme perfectly. Looks really clean. But now, the original Highway Rig looks like an early prototype/handmade sample. Although i like the closed doors more. Can you tell the approximate part count. Would be interesting to compare the two in this category.

To sum it up - great job!

[kinggregus]

I am really impressed. You have made the best use of the new parts available. It is stunning how the set, which was really good, got even better.

Seeing this set makes me really nostalgic.

[BasOne]

Oooh i loved this one, my pride and joy before i rebuilt it into the truck from MASK :D

(This was before my dark ages :P )

Very nice modern rebuild, would love to see that in stores.

[drdesignz]

Thanks for all the compliments. I'm glad you all enjoy it.

Any chance to see what's under the hood?

It's hollow, actually. The way it's designed, such as with the grill being built sideways, it didn't allow much room for an engine and I couldn't get hinges put in. But I'd like to revisit this project one day and include an opening hood with an engine.

Now make an XL version in Technic, with PF'ed functions

That would be cool. But I think I can squeeze all PF functions in this scale... possibly... I'll probably try one of these days.

How would your low loader from the "hot rod" (truck, trailer and digger) you did the other week look sitting behind this rig?

It fits, but the color difference make it look odd.

I've been thinking about doing the same kind of makover on an other Model Team set, you got me even more eager to begin that build now...

That's cool. I may do Mach II Red Bird Rig and Whirl and Wheel Super Truck myself. I'd also like to build a van in the Model Team style. I recently realized Custom Rally Van, Magic Flash, and Big Foot 4 x 4 all have the same body more or less. I'd do something based on that, but in an entirely new way.

Can you tell the approximate part count.

Approximate part count? It's tough to estimate. Maybe in the 750 to 800 range?

[Rishab N]

NIce work! I like the smoother look

[2LegoOrNot2Lego...]

Well that is nice indeed!!!

[Lasse D]

I really like how you have taken the original details and extended/modified them to appear more realistic, such as the tubing below the exhaust pipes. It is a shame it wasn't possible to make the hood open - the engine is nicely detailed on the original.

[Jim]

Excellent work!

This should be an official remake

[drdesignz]

Excellent work!

This should be an official remake

Thanks. That would be great. But I submitted it to Ideas and it wasn't very popular, unfortunately: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/63130

Anyway, I've designed a trailer for it. Still haven't built something to go on it though.

[Lox Lego]

That trailer is huge. Very nice build

[Paul B Technic]

The trailer is excellent, maybe too little ground clearance?

[drdesignz]

The trailer is excellent, maybe too little ground clearance?

It's intentional.

[lcvisser]

Excellent build! I really liked this set as a kid, although I never ended up buying it. Maybe I should try and then also build this one

And I guess you now know what to put on the trailer