[MOC] mid-size RC tow truck

[suffocation]

This is a fully remote-controlled tow truck. I used the RC distribution gearbox from my cherry picker so I could get eight RC functions out of three motors. The functions work in more-or-less logical pairs: drive & steering, crane lift & extension, crane winch & rear outriggers, tow fork lowering & unfolding.

The model isn't based on any real vehicle - it's more of a random take on 42008. The cab is a lazy jumble of 42098, 42112 and some weird insect.

Video (I forgot to raise the outriggers before driving off - senility sucks) & pics here:

 

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Some WIP pics:

Edited July 31, 2022 by suffocation

[Jayden]

I did something vaguely similar quite a while ago with PU, but it was 6x6 + had 2 motors for drive.

Good luck with your project, I will be following it with great interest.

[suffocation]

On 7/16/2022 at 11:35 AM, Jayden said:

I did something vaguely similar quite a while ago with PU, but it was 6x6 + had 2 motors for drive.

I'd love to see that! Did you post it here on Eurobricks? I was going to use PU on this thing but the whole programming part put me off.

A li'l progress (not happy about all those U-joints but hey, they get the job done).

[Jundis]

Nice start and planning! You even have the clips for the cables in place, which is always a last minute thing for me :D

I am really curious where this is going :-)

[Jayden]

1 hour ago, suffocation said:

I'd love to see that! Did you post it here on Eurobricks?

No unfortunately, as I built it in mid 2021 (maybe) it was one of my not great builds as the tow arm bent with about 100g, but I do have one (really) bad pic

1 hour ago, suffocation said:

I was going to use PU on this thing but the whole programming part put me off.

That is understandable. It put me of at first too.

Edit: I reread the 1st post. Yours will have 8 functions (mine only had 4 but 2 motors for the function.)

Edited July 18, 2022 by Jayden

[suffocation]

Thanks Jundis & Jayden!

I forgot to take more WIP pics - drat & bother. Anyway, full topic coming soon.

[suffocation]

Added a quick video.

[Jayden]

Very nice truck.  

If only my bodywork could look that good.

[Jundis]

Love the colour!

The cabin is a really nice blend and fits perfectly for this build. There are many cool details, e.g. the mirrored gear racks, which never crossed my mind while building cranes :D 

[grum64]

I do love a tow truck (although with the 42070 it’s more love & hate at the moment 🤨). Given your build’s size, having 8 RC functions is impressive. I’ve got a small tub full of cable clips but never think to use them.

[suffocation]

Thanks for the kind words, lads

[suffocation]

Always wanted a green tow truck and this one seemed nice for a rebuild.

[1gor]

Green looks cool 

[Lixander]

It's really nice, especially the green rebuild!