[WIP] Classic Dump Truck XL

[JLiu15]

Ever since building my Classic Dump Truck from two years ago, I felt like it was a model that could be greatly improved upon. The original model was built at a relatively small scale, though I was able to put a good number of functions in the model. This will be the sequel to that model, and at a much larger scale.

Stud.io model so far:

I've immediately put a good amount of electronic components in the model. This model will use Control+ elements; a large angular motor is used for drive, which is 4WD on this model (unlike the previous smaller version which was RWD). Thanks to it having an output on both the front and rear, it is able to easily form a longitudinal driveshaft while oriented vertically. Note the extendable CV joint in the driveshaft - this will allow the driveshaft to be easily disconnected to access the Control+ hub battery compartment. Hopefully it's not an issue when the drivetrain is under stress, especially with the gearing down at the differentials. I also included a flat-6 piston engine connected to the drivetrain. I initially used 14:22 heavy duty differentials and planetary hubs, but found the resulting speed to be painfully slow so I changed it to 12:28 differentials and wheel hubs without gear reduction for a good speed/torque balance.

As for the design, the model will have a yellow cab built mostly using Technic but also with some System details. I initially wanted to make the cab orange again, with the same color scheme as the previous version, but I found the large yellow mudguards from the 42114 set to be a perfect fit for this model. So far, the design looks pretty good in Stud.io, and it definitely gives the classic pick-up truck vibe.

Stud.io model with bodywork hidden:

Current progress photos:

Edited December 16, 2024 by JLiu15

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 12/16/24

I had a Bricklink order arrive today, so I was able to get the front bodywork done. The front grille and bumper are made in one piece and is made entirely using System pieces. I made the grille and bumper in metallic silver, and I'm happy with how that turned out especially under the right lighting. The hood is also complemented using some System pieces (tiles and curved slopes), and in the end the front end came together pretty well. The model is definitely off to a good start, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the building process.

With the hood open:

View from the front:

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 1/12/25

Some more progress on the Stud.io model. I've modeled the cab, complete with opening doors and interior seats. I've tried to incorporate as much metallic silver as possible to really give it the classic look, including the side steps and mirrors, only using LBG as an alternative when metallic silver isn't available. I do feel like some areas such as the doors could've been designed better, but I tried to smooth out the build as much as possible with tiles to cover up exposed pins/pin holes.

I've made a rendering of the model so far; note that the rear axle is modeled but not attached yet; the next step is to model the remainder of the chassis complete with the dumping mechanism. Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

Stud.io rendering:

Edited January 12, 2025 by JLiu15

[1gor]

Cab looks fabolous

[ludov]

I wonder if some 1xN tiles attached with half-pins to cover the pin holes in the door and hood would improve the look. The pin holes are a bit distracting in my opinion. 

[JLiu15]

7 hours ago, 1gor said:

Cab looks fabolous

Thanks! So far my favorite part is the hood/front end since the System pieces really give it a smooth finish, but the cab definitely fits well with it.

5 hours ago, lcvisser said:

I wonder if some 1xN tiles attached with half-pins to cover the pin holes in the door and hood would improve the look. The pin holes are a bit distracting in my opinion. 

The tiles would protrude from the body slightly, so it wouldn't give a smooth finish either. I have considered making the roof using larger (e.g. 2x4 or 2x6) tiles like my previous Classic Dump Truck. I could stack several 1x7 liftarms for the doors to avoid the pin holes, but usually I try to avoid liftarm stacking if the space can be filled with panels.

[ludov]

3 hours ago, JLiu15 said:

The tiles would protrude from the body slightly, so it wouldn't give a smooth finish either. I have considered making the roof using larger (e.g. 2x4 or 2x6) tiles like my previous Classic Dump Truck. I could stack several 1x7 liftarms for the doors to avoid the pin holes, but usually I try to avoid liftarm stacking if the space can be filled with panels.

The tiles can give a bit of a "structural reinforcement vibe" (see e.g. in this trailer of mine), which might suit this particular model. You can put the tiles horizontally or vertically.

[1gor]

4 hours ago, JLiu15 said:

Thanks! So far my favorite part is the hood/front end since the System pieces really give it a smooth finish, but the cab definitely fits well with it.

 

I meant that complete front part

[JLiu15]

5 hours ago, lcvisser said:

The tiles can give a bit of a "structural reinforcement vibe" (see e.g. in this trailer of mine), which might suit this particular model. You can put the tiles horizontally or vertically.

The horizontal tiles definitely work well on your model! I'll see if any real-life examples of classic pickup trucks/dump trucks have similar structural reinforcements on the body. I could also try your solution when I get to modeling the dump bed.

4 hours ago, 1gor said:

I meant that complete front part

Oh that makes sense haha, I definitely think the looks of this model so far is an upgrade over my previous Classic Dump Truck MOC.

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 1/30/25

I've built the body of the model from the previous update. Overall I'm pretty satisfied with how the model is turning out; it definitely looks better in real life than in Stud.io, especially with the metallic silver details that really stand out.

The next step is to finish the chassis and incorporate the linear actuator for the dumping mechanism. It won't be identical to my previous Classic Dump Truck since this is a larger model. I might go with the long linear actuator, but for some reason it's still not available in Stud.io. I might also consider pneumatics, although it will definitely need multiple compressors to lift the cargo hold.

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 2/12/25

The chassis has been finished to just before the rear axle. I decided to use pneumatics for the dumping mechanism, especially considering I have not used pneumatics in a MOC for near 5 years. The chassis so far is a very compact build, with two motors in this section of the chassis - one for the compressor and one for the valve. I am using three 6L compressors and will use two large 11L cylinders for the dumping mechanism. I wanted the compressors to be offset (i.e. when one extends, another compresses) for smoother operation, but due to space constraints they all compress together.

In the Stud.io model, I have the entire chassis complete. Only the dump bed still needs to be modeled.

Let me know if you have any suggestions. Has anyone used a similar setup with three 6L compressors? Hopefully it will be enough to elevate the bed, especially when loaded. I've noticed a single 6L compressor does not have enough capacity for heavier operations but the large manual pump has more than enough, but this is my first time using multiple 6L compressors.

Photos:

Stud.io screenshots:

With wheels hidden:

 

Edited February 12, 2025 by JLiu15

[Aleh]

None of the photos work for me.

[Aurorasaurus]

Nice progress, the front cab looks great. I hope the pneumatics work out for you.

(I can see all the photos)

[JLiu15]

3 hours ago, Aleh said:

None of the photos work for me.

That's strange. I can see the photos even when not logged in. I'll paste the links to the images instead.

https://imgur.com/bsGEzlx

https://imgur.com/Zdcn1Zt

https://imgur.com/nyRIWKR

https://imgur.com/W5efN9a

https://imgur.com/UHa3Jve

https://imgur.com/bv7aGgg

1 hour ago, Aurorasaurus said:

Nice progress, the front cab looks great. I hope the pneumatics work out for you.

(I can see all the photos)

Thanks!

[1gor]

It is nice and clean build, but I have one question: how can you change batteries?

[Aleh]

On 2/13/2025 at 4:33 AM, JLiu15 said:

That's strange. I can see the photos even when not logged in. I'll paste the links to the images instead.

Thanks!

Thanks, now it works for me! I like the shape of the cab, especially the bonnet. BTW consider painting tyres into rubber black color in studio :)

Edited February 14, 2025 by Aleh

[JLiu15]

On 2/13/2025 at 12:03 PM, 1gor said:

It is nice and clean build, but I have one question: how can you change batteries?

Note the long CV joint in the driveshaft. Moving it back will allow you to disconnect the drivetrain where the hub's battery cover is. I am also using the hub with screw cover so no need to reach for the clip openings.

On 2/14/2025 at 3:56 AM, Aleh said:

Thanks, now it works for me! I like the shape of the cab, especially the bonnet. BTW consider painting tyres into rubber black color in studio :)

Yup, I definitely like how the front parts of the body turned out, especially with the use of System pieces to add some curvature.

Don't the tires only officially come in black though? I try to have my parts matching the official colors whenever possible, especially as I will be making instructions using the Stud.io model later.

Edited February 21, 2025 by JLiu15

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 2/23/25

The rest of the chassis is now complete, with the rear axle in place. I've also installed all 4 wheels. The rear axle has an oscillating suspension, and actually has a decent amount of travel. I've also included two tanks on the sides made using System curved slope pieces, giving a bit of detail to a section that otherwise has few details.

I still need to connect the pneumatic hoses and test the pneumatic system. Instead of pre-cut hoses, I will probably just cut short hose sections from a longer hose. This is because there will probably be quite a few very short hose sections, such as where the three 6L compressors' inputs are connected together to form a single input into the valve. Other than that, the only thing left to build now is the dump bed.

If you guys have any suggestions for me, please let me know.

Photos:

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 3/1/25

I've finished designing the dump bed in Stud.io. I made a rendering of the model; this should be how it looks once finished. I've also tested the pneumatic system, and the three 6L compressors give the cylinders plenty of force, so lifting the dump bed shouldn't be an issue.