Maersk Road Train

[Bens Bricks]

When I saw the series "Outback Truckers" series on DMAX about 7 years ago, I had the idea to build a road train. Since I am a big fan of the "Lego 5571 Giant Truck" (Black Cat), it quickly became clear that this should be the benchmark.

After many attempts and also failures, after 7 years I have succeeded in building a truck that can pull all 3 trailers + 2 dollies + 3 or 4 containers.
The truck is powered by 4 PF XL motors. It is steered by a PF servo motor. The control takes place via S-Brick connected to 2 custom Lipo batteries. 9V has been tested, I recommend Lipo batteries for 3 trailers, as this provides more torque and speed, as well as more power.
The chrome parts are not original Lego and can be replaced by e.g. Light Bluish gray.
There is no installation of the LEDs in the instructions, since these are soldered themselves, but all lamps are free so that you can equip them yourself with LEDs (whether Lego or Custom).

The Black Cat tires can be replaced by the Tires of the Lego Arocs 42043.

Tip: If you only want to tow one trailer (with container), you can do without 2 XL motors, 1 SBrick and 1 battery box. This saves money ?

If you have any questions, just write to me.

Since I do not have a Maersk sales license, so you will get the instruction for the black and red truck (last picture)!

Dimensions:
Length: 60cm / 70 Studs in total: over 3m
Width: 18cm / 22 Studs
Height: 28cm / 35 Studs
Quantity of Bricks: over 2500
Weight: 3kg

PF elements:
Drive: 4x PF XL motor
Steering: 1x PF servo motor

Additionally:
2x PF battery box converted to Lipo battery
2x S-Brick
Various 3mm and 5mm LEDs for lighting

 

 

for more pictures visit my website: www.bensbricks.com

and for an video visit me on youtube:

 

[Mechbuilds]

Love the details on the fake engine. That thing is MASSIVE! Must have cost a fortune to make. Do you have an exact amount how much it cost to build?

[Jeroen Ottens]

This is insane . You can't even see it is LEGO anymore... brilliant creation.

[brickless_kiwi]

I have to say that's a lot of hard work and time and very well done. That is what is called a triple in aussie. 

[agrof]

This is jaw-dropping beauty. Respect for the effort and for the attention for details. 

[JGW3000]

Epic build, thanks for sharing. Clearly see this is a true labor of love, 7 years of building and looks fantastic! We would be interested in seeing the evolution from original concept to final product, if you are willing to share some of the prior attempts.

[Bens Bricks]

thank you all for your kind words.

@Mechbuilds approx 3300€ when you want the Tires of the Black Cat.

But Bricklink can't calculate correct, because of the Chrome Bricks.

Chrome Bricks in the Truck arround 600€

[Bens Bricks]

Thanks a lot. My aspiration was from the start, look great and drive. Driving was the most difficult. The three trailers with the containers, the dollys and the tractor weigh about 15kg. Only one was possible first, rebuilt, then two went but it cracked and now all three trailers are finally possible.

the picture is a link to flikr. there you can see more Pictures.

 

[mortenm]

Wow! That's a nice MOC. Very impressive. 

I have a black cat, bought 2nd hand, and some of the wheels are broken in the axle hole - they are expensive and now you have bought a hole lot of them, that must have an impact on the prices 

[Bens Bricks]

@mortenmSorry

@all here is a new video. Now you can see the Road Train at night too. I finished the Lights last night.

 

[MajklSpajkl]

Wow, this truly looks like a non LEGO RC model. Beautiful work! Also congratulations on sticking to the goal for such a long time.  

[Void_S]

On 4/17/2020 at 4:20 PM, brickless_kiwi said:

I have to say that's a lot of hard work and time and very well done. That is what is called a triple in aussie. 

Triple-A, for the full format.

Great, model, just an amazing returning of old-good Model Team great sets!

[Bens Bricks]

Thank you very much. I'm happy that so many people like the Truck

 

[howitzer]

I don't know if they update the Hall of fame anymore, but this definitely belongs there. Amazing job.

[neonic]

One of the coolest trucks I've seen lately. It already looks good, with those chrome parts even more. 
I also like it looks 'smooth' but still lot of details. One of them I like is the bullbar with horns. Is it much longer than the Black cat or does it looks like it?

I only think the sleeper seems a bit high imo. And is it an idea / option to make the middle section of the rearfender just as low as the front? Or maybe two fenders (like the front)? Just a thought.

And do you have some pics of the lightning? Like light    

[Bens Bricks]

@howitzer Thank you very much.

@neonic

When you click on my Photos, you came to flikr and there a pictures with the black cat too. Of course my Road Train Truck is longer, higher and wider.

Yes the sleepers are a little bit to high. But it was a compromise between looks good an be strong enough for the Containers.

And I choose this rearfenders, because I had enough of them and easier to light.

What kind of pictures of lightning do you mean?

 

Do you mean something like this? They are links to flikr too.

Or detail Fotos how i intstalled the LEDs?

 

[agrof]

15 kgs?  I am even more impressed...

[Bens Bricks]

Since today the Instructions are availible at Rebrickable:

Truck: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-40103/Ben's Bricks/road-train-truck/?inventory=1#comments

Semi-Trailer: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-40307/Ben's Bricks/semi-trailer-for-my-road-train-truck-or-lego-5571-black-cat/?inventory=1#comments

Dolly: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-40402/Ben's Bricks/dolly-for-my-trailer-moc-40307/#comments

Container: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-40502/Ben's Bricks/container-for-my-semi-trailer-40307/#comments

 

[Bens Bricks]

I now its a long time ago. But here are now 2 new Videos. So you can the the Roadtrain drives more than 3meters.

Video1

Video2

[ludov]

I totally missed this originally. Epic build! I'm on a similar mission, motivated by the same TV show (although I'll probably go for flat trailers...) I've been building on-and-off for 2-3 years or so, so I guess I still got 4 to go 

[Polarlicht]

I honestly hate the black cat set (ugly headlights and random yellow lights everywhere!)

But this looks great. A well made reincarnation. This is how the set should have looked like!

From where did ou get the chrome parts?

Did you use Lego's Maersk blue?

[Bens Bricks]

@ludovisser

thank you very much and good luck. I want to see some pictures, when you are ready.

@Polarlicht

normally i must be angry, because you don't like my favourite Lego Set.

But you like my MOC and that mor important for me, so everything is great.

the most Chromeparts (~ 95%) are from Chromeblockcity. The other one where from Chromebricks (It seems that this shop don't longer exist )

Yes I used Lego's Maersk Blue. But many Stickers (Custom and origninal) too

 

 

[Polarlicht]

Chromebricks is now called Brick24 or something, but they don't make chromed parts anymore. Was shopping there since 2012 :(

I also like yours better since everything which should be chrome, is actually chrome. Not a weird mix of chrome and light grey.

Edited November 22, 2021 by Polarlicht

[Bens Bricks]

@Polarlicht thank you very much