42144 - mods and upgrades

[suffocation]

The upcoming 42144 set looks like a pretty easy one to upgrade and make more playable. Looking at the carrier alone, these mods come to mind:

- 4-wheel steering

- tighter steering angle

- superstructure-routed HOG

- modular outriggers (may already be stock - can't really tell)

- drive with differential & fake engine

- linked outriggers

I've more or less figured out the first four, based on what little I could glean from this pic - so it's very likely I screwed up all the proportions

To be fair, the steering angle shown above is actually too tight - some Ackermann would be needed to cut tyre scrub.

[pleegwat]

2 hours ago, suffocation said:

some Ackermann would be needed to cut tyre scrub.

A full stud, I think, which is rather easier to implement than half-stud Ackermann.

[Jundis]

Nice start @suffocation !

I'll buy this one when it's at a decent discount (< 90 €) but will surely change the base structure. I think it doesnt' need a fake engine, but 4 wheel steering and other tires:

[suffocation]

Thank you, @Jundis!

I love your version with duallies. What tyres did you use?

[Jundis]

This one:

https://rebrickable.com/parts/70490/tyre-495-x-14/0/

[M_longer]

Total rebuild :)

 

[anyUser]

On 6/10/2022 at 7:42 PM, suffocation said:

 

To be fair, the steering angle shown above is actually too tight - some Ackermann would be needed to cut tyre scrub.

Starting from your sttering configuration I had to agree to your finding that the tyres are scrubbing at maximum steering lock.

On 6/10/2022 at 10:36 PM, pleegwat said:

A full stud, I think, which is rather easier to implement than half-stud Ackermann.

I believe that I found a simple solution that appears to be stable enough to allow to play with the model:

Top view:

Bottom view:

Detail:

The setup is symmetrical resp. identical for both axles.

Tyres will still scrub on falt surface but the amount has decreased sufficiently (for me).

 

 

[2GodBDGlory]

That is interesting steering! I always love seeing those 14T gears being used.

[anyUser]

On 3/4/2023 at 3:49 PM, anyUser said:

On 6/10/2022 at 10:36 PM, pleegwat said:

 

I believe that I found a simple solution that appears to be stable enough to allow to play with the model:

It'll also work with the offroad tyres (56x26):

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42144 Material Handler – Mod – Loader Claw

 

More photos and video here - https://paulbtechnic.blogspot.com/2025/08/lego-technic-42144-material-handler-mod.html