Fennek reconnaissance vehicle

[Baumel93]

Today I'd like to show you my version of the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle from Lego Forces:

https://lforces.com/Fennek.html

You may already know me from other forums such as "Dr. Brick," so I'll forgo a more detailed introduction. In addition to ready-made kits from Harry Potter and Star Wars, I mainly build Technic models and MOCs in Arocs scale. I value scale precision and well-thought-out functions, whereby the effort should be in reasonable proportion to the model's use and effect, especially since you're limited in parts and their colors. In that respect, this model is already seven years old, and there are now more parts in dark green and, for example, shock absorbers in black, too. Some parts were available in brown or black, which is where the idea for the camouflage scheme came from.

Some parts aren't Lego, such as the RC tires. At approximately 70 mm, these are actually a bit too large, as the original rolls on "normal" truck tires, but that way you can clearly see the difference in profile. It's also two studs wider than the Arocs, but in reality, at 2,550 mm, it's slightly wider than, for example, an 8-foot ISO container (2,438 mm) or an Actros cab (2,482 mm), too. Overall, that would amount to less than half a stud per side, and theoretically, you could build it 18 studs wide, but in that case it is not possible due to space constraints alone.

A few numbers on this: The model has 1,326 parts, although I needed a second extension cable and marked all cables with different colored tiles. A total of nine motors and four infrared sensors for the eight functions are installed. In addition, there are suspension and opening doors, hoods, and hatches. (For comparison: The LEGO Liebherr R 9800 (42100) has only seven motors and is considerably larger with 4,108 pieces.)

It weighs approximately 1.6 kg, but thanks to the two-speed transmission and the traction of the soft tires, it can still manage inclines of approximately 40°. I also installed the heavy-duty differentials from the Zetros, which significantly reduces the gear ratio (12 to 28 teeth or 1:2.33 instead of 20 to 28 teeth or 1:1.40). This means that the torque increases by approximately 66.4%, while the speed or rpm is inversely proportional, decreasing by approximately 39.9%. In first gear (1:3 instead of 1:1) there is a torque increase of approximately 400 % with an rpm change of approximately -80%. That’s equivalent to the power of ten L-motors!

Edited June 2 by Baumel93

[Paul B Technic]

Excellent build and I love the technical features and details.

[M_longer]

1 hour ago, Baumel93 said:

Some parts aren't Lego

Some? Half of this model is made with non LEGO parts.

[Baumel93]

2 hours ago, M_longer said:

Some? Half of this model is made with non LEGO parts.

Nope, the parts are at least 95% original Lego. It could be even more, since e.g. all liftarms, are available at least in black. Some are also available in dark green or reddish brown, but very exotic and therefore expensive. But especially inside, where the color is less important, it is 100%. 

 

Edited June 2 by Baumel93

[JopieK]

Nice one, very recognizable.

[Timewhatistime]

12 hours ago, M_longer said:

Some? Half of this model is made with non LEGO parts.

Let's be more generous!

The blue pins surely are original Lego, so who cares about the weird green and brown parts and the tyres...

Turning to a more serious attitude:

Sticking to Lego would be a good measure for a contribution in a Lego forum. There are many reasons... just to mention one of the most striking ones: The challenge is to build MOCs with the somewhat "limited" (over 80,000 parts!) inventory  Lego offers. By adding third party parts, the main point gets lost.

Edited June 2 by Timewhatistime

[Aurorasaurus]

27 minutes ago, Timewhatistime said:

By adding third party parts, the main point gets lost.

I dont agree- the point of a hobby is to have fun, no? So therefore whatever gives you the most enjoyment from your time is the right way to do it. Everyone's goals with their "lego" models can be different, and I think if third party parts allow you to achieve your goal, then go for it!

As for keeping this forum "just original lego" I see the argument, but it feels a little silly. We're all adults, and can agree to disagree. Especially if the argument is about where our plastic toy bricks come from...

[M_longer]

1 hour ago, Aurorasaurus said:

Especially if the argument is about where our plastic toy bricks come from...

Go to forum related with chinese bricks then.

[2GodBDGlory]

Wow, that has nine motors! I would not have guessed that. What do they all do?

I like the usage of those old small steering arms in the steering linkage

[Baumel93]

8 hours ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Wow, that has nine motors! I would not have guessed that. What do they all do?

The functions are:
- 4-wheel drive (2x L-motors)
- Steering (1x servo motor)
- 2-speed transmission (1x M-motor)
- Opening hatch (1x M-motor)
- Raising, unfolding, and rotating reconnaissance sensors (3x M-motors)
- Winch (1x LEGO M-motor)

However, I only built the model according to the instructions and improved it a bit to my liking.

Regarding third-party parts the biggest problem in my opinion is mixing of the parts collection. I avoid this by building my other Technic models mostly in common colors like yellow, red, gray, and black and like Lego mostly without system bricks. It's important not to lose track and use only a few pieces that are easy to identify. In this case, there are a few more, but I haven't sorted any other pieces in any green or brown.

I also think very economically: A used 42043 Actros e.g. sells for between €150 and €200, a remote-controlled one from €200 to €250, and you might get €300 for a MOC with four, five, or six motors, even if you spent €600 on the parts yourself. Replicas from China cost only half that, therefore the value of a MOC with Chinese parts can be reduced by up to 50%!

Due to space constraints, I'm unfortunately forced to sell models regularly, so I generally try to increase their value. On the other hand, I also buy parts donors where the opposite is true, most recently the Unimog from EricTrax based on the 42177 Mercedes G500: A great model, but similar to the 8110 from Lego, only smaller and not motorized or remote-controlled, so why should it be worth more? It was €80 plus shipping and I have no use for the tires and rims, so I'm trying to sell them for €30. That's 2,503 pieces, or 87% of the set, for 20% of the RRP! And I'll use those pieces for the next MOC. With a few parts from Bricklink and some motors, the whole thing costs maybe €150, and I'll easily make that back. I can't say exactly what the next model will be, but if it includes parts from other manufacturers, it'll be something like the tires, which will significantly improve it, or at least not drastically reduce its value.