Advice on MOC

[Geekerd]

Hi,

I am new in the forum!!

I have already built quite a lot of Lego Technic sets, but never done something from my ideas. I would love to build a very big crane starting from the new set 42042. Could you please some advise on how to proceed ( my idea was to dissasemble some sets and simpy enlarge starting from the instruction, also adding some parts to it in order to make it usable ).

Thank you,

Davide

[Kiwi_Builder]

Welcome to Eurobricks mate, sounds like an interesting project. My advice with MOCing is to just go with what you feel could work, after a few attempts you'll get a feel for it. you've got a good starting idea there for a first MOC (even though it's technically a mod ), just get your spare parts together and get the crane at the starting point that you want and go with what you feel is best for what you want it to be like at the end. It's a matter of lots of trial and error, just keep working at it and you'll have success eventually

[TheItalianBrick]

Welcome on EB Davide!

Sounds like you want to build a crawler crane then? Or a wheeled crane? When it comes to a MOC best advice it's not to use "instructions" otherwise it will end up being a MOD and not a MOC.

Some general tips:

- Use references from real machineries, so use photos, blueprints and work out proportions/scale!

- Get inspirations from other builders, official sets etc.

- don't be afraid of mistakes! LEGO it's about to build, test, disassemble, re-think, re-build and so on!

Tips about the 42042:

- For a "bigger" crane what you can do is to wide the tracks maybe, then move the counter weight farer from the rotating point of the crane, (turntable)

- Extend the boom adding sections,

- maybe add a third raising arm/boom, like in the 8288 set!

Andrea

[Geekerd]

Thank you very much! And about the engine to power it? Can I add engines to make it able to lift something heavier??

( PS: a crawler crane, something like this would be staggeringly wounderful: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P7NX5QccceQ/mqdefault.jpg ).

[TheItalianBrick]

Of course you can add motors! Don't forget bytheway the secret to lift (to generate torque) it's to use reductions and pulleys!

I tend to use L motors because of their fixing point can be used as a structure themself! Also good torque and when necessary also speed!

The picture you posted refers to a HUGE HUGE crane! Sounds a bit hard for a first MOC to achieve as result :blush: purely because at that size lots of issues are involved! (Structures, weight etc) But hey, nothing it's impossible!

[Graham Gidman]

Welcome to Eurobricks!

[Blakbird]

If someone told you how to make your model then it wouldn't be a MOC (My own Creation)! The best way to learn is by experience, and then best way to get experience is by trying things. Don't choose something too complicated until you have developed some skill. A giant crane is among the most complicated models to make from Technic, so you might want to try something simpler. Perhaps try expanding 42042 until something breaks, then concentrate on that area and figure out how to make it stronger.