[MOC] [WIP] LEGO 6542 Launch and Load Seaport Bigger

[Thirdwigg]

When people ask me what is my favorite LEGO set, I always answer with the 1991 set, 6542 Launch and Load Seaport.

The set has such high playability, so many fun vehicles (though it could use a Unimog), and stories that never end.

I have always wondered what it would look like to update this set in the world of Technic. The ships, the crane, the truck, and all the containers moving around with more technical functionality. What would a fully integrated Technic version of this set look like? What features would I add? What scale could it be?

About two years ago, I was fooling around in Studio, wondering what a bigger version of the set would look like. I considered the size of 42062 Container Yard (7 wide), but it looks clunky, and didn't really seem to add anything from the original set. So I went a little bigger, thinking 11 studs wide for the containers would be nice. This seemed out of scale of many of the builds I do, and would be a weird truck size. So then I tried the Mack Anthem scale (roughly 1:21, and 15 studs wide). This seemed to work well, and could integrate well with other LEGO 1:21 MOCs.

I built a little mocup in Studio, using my Vintage Tractor, to try out the idea.

I liked the idea, but the full build would be huge. Roughly 4 times bigger than 6542.

I'm not sure I am ready to commit to purchasing all the parts needed for the full project. The dock alone would need 250 5x11 LBG panels. This image is about 300 studs wide, by 190 studs deep, by 90 studs high.

But I am curious to see where this will lead. I love integrated projects, and this is certainly that. Each container will need to be the same size, moveable by both crane and forklift, and rest on a truck and ship. I think I'll be able to build all the containers and the truck, and I think I would like to get the ship done. We'll see what else I complete.

I hope to keep the feel of the original set consistent, but the look may be updated a little bit to work well with scale and current vehicular design.

For instance, making a mockup for the trailer, two axles looked silly, so I went with a three axle design. Right now the trailer is done.

The trailer has working front support, and two locking mechanisms to lock the containers to the bed. Each axle has a simple suspension. It also fits the Mack Anthem Standard.

The container standards are set, as this was crucial to get size, lifting, locking, and cargo standards set, so I'll post more about those soon.

The White Boxes are about done, as is the Tractor (Thirdwigg Farm Approved!) container. 

With each update, I'll post the current full build. Today we are at 2782 parts.

We'll see where this goes, so feel free to follow along. Maybe we'll even find a way to include a Unimog!

Edited December 12, 2025 by Thirdwigg

[Jurss]

Nice self challenge.

And good progress.

[Jundis]

Love it!

Had this set as a kid and considering it had "only" about 1000 pieces, it felt like a a world to me.

Looking forward for each and every individual build, please continue :-)

The tractor is already a little beauty.

Considering the big base-plates: Maybe use a ball and socket connection on the side?

[Thirdwigg]

9 hours ago, Jurss said:

Nice self challenge.

And good progress.

Thanks! We'll see where this goes.

5 hours ago, Jundis said:

Love it!

Had this set as a kid and considering it had "only" about 1000 pieces, it felt like a a world to me.

Looking forward for each and every individual build, please continue :-)

The tractor is already a little beauty.

Considering the big base-plates: Maybe use a ball and socket connection on the side?

Yeah, getting 6542 as a kid was a highlight. I still remember the stories I created in the little world the set provided.

The tractor shown is a hold over. I'll never turn down the chance to make a new tractor, so there will be a new one for this project. It's almost done, so I'll post it soon.

Re. the ball and socket connection, I'll need to figure something out. I am concerned about the weight of the crane and loads, so I think I'll need to have a strong connection so the plates do not unintentional split. If I bring the build to a show, the baseplate will need an easy way to separate. The baseplates are a part of this build that I have not yet tried in real parts. I'll need to play around with this soon.

[TexasEngineer454]

What're your plans/ideas for the forklift? I've considered a skid steer/forklift in this scale but making the lifting mechanism strong enough to actually pick up something heavy is a challenge. 

[gyenesvi]

That looks like a project to keep yourself busy for some time, great idea! So are you planning to build things virtually first to see how they work out and how much parts you need, or are you going to build the smaller / medium models out physically first?

[Rebel_Lego]

This looks like a cool long term project. I was thinking to maybe build the dock out of wood or something? It would save a lot of money and would keep the same playability. The major drawback is of course it not being Lego...

[Thirdwigg]

3 hours ago, TexasEngineer454 said:

What're your plans/ideas for the forklift? I've considered a skid steer/forklift in this scale but making the lifting mechanism strong enough to actually pick up something heavy is a challenge. 

My plans are not fully developed yet. The forklift is giving me a little trouble, as it's a weird shape (short wheelbase). I think I have an idea to lift the weight as it doesn't need much height, but I'm having a little trouble with the forks and the mast design. This one I'm not too worried about, but I do need to spend a little time on it, and I haven't yet.

2 hours ago, gyenesvi said:

That looks like a project to keep yourself busy for some time, great idea! So are you planning to build things virtually first to see how they work out and how much parts you need, or are you going to build the smaller / medium models out physically first?

It actually is the opposite. I have building in real life, and once the idea or "hardpoint" is done I am building them digitally. This is not the case for the dock section, as I wanted to get the size first. I tend to figure things our better in real bricks, and mitigate mistakes this way.

I'm not sure if this will be the case for the ship or the crane yet. They are both part intense, and will require some trial and error which I am generally not willing to do in Studio.

2 hours ago, Rebel_Lego said:

This looks like a cool long term project. I was thinking to maybe build the dock out of wood or something? It would save a lot of money and would keep the same playability. The major drawback is of course it not being Lego...

I'm not interested in a none Lego option. My save cost option will be not finishing it.

If I finish it, I want it to be an epic LEGO project.

[2ndgen]

You do come up with the most random, good ideas. 2nd mortgage to build it? Lol jkjk 

[Thirdwigg]

1 hour ago, 2ndgen said:

You do come up with the most random, good ideas. 2nd mortgage to build it? Lol jkjk 

Thanks! Yeah, I never lack in creativity, just resources: time and money (and space if I'm honest).

OK, here is the tractor as it currently stands. I don't feel great about the hood and the connection to the steering wheel. I'll sit with it for a bit, and make changes as needed. It has the Thirdwigg Farm implement standard for the front and the rear, so all the available attachments can be added.

The tractor features:

• Steering
• Rear three point hitch
• Rear PTO
• I3 engine
• Folding roll bar

Here it's in the container.

Maybe you can see here how I am approaching the translation from small 90's city builds to modern Technic mid scale.

[pleegwat]

It may be effective to cover the dock with the new road plates. Not technic, but at least it's lego, and it would give a better finish than technic panels. I don't know how the cost compares though.

[steph77]

Top project! I am curious in how you'll translate the boat in large scale. This is a quiet rare subject although I always find it interesting. Ps I have still à truck to build. It is on my 2026 list 😀

[allanp]

This is a great idea for a project and the small tractor looks great. 

Personally, I think from a Technic standpoint, the star of this show will be the crane. The harbor and the ship will essentially just be two large boxes right? Unless you're thinking of having a few functions in the ship as well. Maybe to reduce piece count it might be better to leave out the harbor itself and just have the crane in rails or something.

Alternatively you could use the large 16x8 tiles and fill out a large area that way, or maybe use the large 16x16 base plates used in Lego art sets, or as someone previously mentioned the new Lego road plates. May not be Technic but most Technic sets have some non Technic thrown in.

[Paul B Technic]

I am really keen to see how this turns out.

[Thirdwigg]

On 12/13/2025 at 6:36 AM, pleegwat said:

It may be effective to cover the dock with the new road plates. Not technic, but at least it's lego, and it would give a better finish than technic panels. I don't know how the cost compares though.

Thanks, I considered part 71772

or part 69958 

But both of them only come in DBG, which is not perfect. But it may lower the cost by about 60%, so that may need to be a concession I make. I'll have to play around with this.

On 12/14/2025 at 6:59 AM, steph77 said:

Top project! I am curious in how you'll translate the boat in large scale. This is a quiet rare subject although I always find it interesting. Ps I have still à truck to build. It is on my 2026 list 😀

Thanks, I have some ideas for the boat, but I still don't have the bow worked out in my mind. I'll try to do a draft over Christmas.

I look forward to know how you liked the truck. Keep me posted.

18 hours ago, allanp said:

This is a great idea for a project and the small tractor looks great. 

Personally, I think from a Technic standpoint, the star of this show will be the crane. The harbor and the ship will essentially just be two large boxes right? Unless you're thinking of having a few functions in the ship as well. Maybe to reduce piece count it might be better to leave out the harbor itself and just have the crane in rails or something.

Alternatively you could use the large 16x8 tiles and fill out a large area that way, or maybe use the large 16x16 base plates used in Lego art sets, or as someone previously mentioned the new Lego road plates. May not be Technic but most Technic sets have some non Technic thrown in.

I'm glad you like the tractor!

The crane is what makes me the most nervous. I'm not sure how to do the legs, as they have a slight angle in two planes. And somehow I need to route the wheel drive to the bottom to make it go side to side on the dock.

Yes, the harbor will be a big, expensive, box.

The ship will be a larger scale of what I did to for my recent Tugboat. I'll have it mounted on wheels, with steering and two marine engines (maybe PF?) I'll have the opening deck hatches, and each container mount will have an individual lock. The front winch is a requirement. I hope to add some other features, so if you have ideas, let me know. 

10 hours ago, Paul B Technic said:

I am really keen to see how this turns out.

Thanks!

[Thirdwigg]

OK, let's talk about the truck now.

First, the trailer is done. I like the setup, and I like the functions. The HOGs are smooth and easy to access.

This is what it looks like with two containers placed, and the trailer attached. Here is a focus on the cab at this point. I like the dimensions, so now I need to add some style.

I went with a 3 axle design for the truck, as I tend to like that look a little better. But as this comes together, I'm not sure I that is what I want. I would like to have a short (day) cab, but the gap between the cab and the trailer is a little long. I like the look of this type of truck better, they way it looks above doesn't seem to translate well. Below seems more in the spirit of 6542.

What do you think? Two or three axles for the truck?

I want to keep the fifth wheel attachment the same as the Mack Anthem, but I find the release of the trailer a little hard to operate. So I designed a remote fifth wheel release that is spring loaded. The height is still the same and pivots up and down.

Open, push down:

Closed, spring up:

It works pretty slick, but does require changing the king pin from this:to this:

I think that is a worthwhile change for this project. If anyone wants to use my truck or trailer for their own use, I think they can make this little adjustment to utilize this function.

Next, I'll work on the cab design. Then the forklift. After making a little mocup, I think the forklift is going to be a lot harder than I thought. The containers are fairly heavy now. I'll be away from my bricks for a little bit, but I'll take studio with me to finalize instructions for the two containers, and the trailer. Hopefully the truck will be done in January.

[Paul B Technic]

That is some great progress.

[Divitis]

20 hours ago, Thirdwigg said:

What do you think? Two or three axles for the truck?

Definitely two axles, like in the original.

In fact, I would go for two axles for the trailer as well, there seem to be real life counterparts:

 

I owned and loved this set, so I'm following this project closely.

[bruh]

On 12/12/2025 at 10:12 PM, Thirdwigg said:

Thanks! Yeah, I never lack in creativity, just resources: time and money (and space if I'm honest).

OK, here is the tractor as it currently stands. I don't feel great about the hood and the connection to the steering wheel. I'll sit with it for a bit, and make changes as needed. It has the Thirdwigg Farm implement standard for the front and the rear, so all the available attachments can be added.

The tractor features:

• Steering
• Rear three point hitch
• Rear PTO
• I3 engine
• Folding roll bar

Here it's in the container.

Maybe you can see here how I am approaching the translation from small 90's city builds to modern Technic mid scale.

What are the rear tires you are using?

And will instructions be made for the semi truck and trailer? They look awesome, and I would be interested in building them.

[Zerobricks]

I always wanted that set as a child, but had to settle with 6541 instead. It's nice to see someone giving it a functional and an upscale twist, can't wait to see more progress.

[Thirdwigg]

On 12/21/2025 at 6:20 AM, Divitis said:

Definitely two axles, like in the original.

In fact, I would go for two axles for the trailer as well, there seem to be real life counterparts:

I owned and loved this set, so I'm following this project closely.

Thanks for the idea. I might try a 2 axle trailer, but that might take a little bit. I need to focus on the truck and forklift for a bit. I'll keep you posted.

I do think I am going to do a 2 axle truck, so we'll see if that is an improvement.

On 12/24/2025 at 9:46 PM, bruh said:

What are the rear tires you are using?

And will instructions be made for the semi truck and trailer? They look awesome, and I would be interested in building them.

I'm using these 49x14mm tires for the rear duals. I'm using the 49x20 tires for the front truck and tailer wheels. 

Yes, I'll publish the truck and trailer instructions, with those to be finished by the end of January.

On 12/26/2025 at 5:38 AM, Zerobricks said:

I always wanted that set as a child, but had to settle with 6541 instead. It's nice to see someone giving it a functional and an upscale twist, can't wait to see more progress.

I never had 6541 but I like some of what it contributes to City. I might add a little bit of this theme to this project. Frankly that crane looks like a more simple (achievable) design.

OK, the first parts of this project are final, and instructions are released.

First is the Container Box. It's a simple design, but was crucial for getting all the standards set. You may find the instructions for free at Rebrickable.com.

Second, is the Tractor Container. This container frame will be used for the tanks, and engine (which will be used for both ships).

The tractor features:

• Steering with steering wheel
• I3 engine with rear wheel drive
• Rear PTO
• Opening hood
• Thirdwigg Farm compatible front mounting and rear three point hitch
• Trailer hitch

Free instructions are at rebrickable.com. 

Here are both containers on the Trailer. I was hoping to have the truck done at this time, but things are taking a little more time than planned.

Alright, off to the next part...

[Jundis]

My oh my, this keeps getting better and better!

The little tractor looks absolutely fantastic, love the tire combo and the rear attachment!

[bruh]

Looking good!

I meant the rear tires of the tractor not the trailer.

[Thirdwigg]

2 hours ago, Jundis said:

My oh my, this keeps getting better and better!

The little tractor looks absolutely fantastic, love the tire combo and the rear attachment!

Thanks! Just keep managing your expectations, as this project moves towards completion or giving up.

1 hour ago, bruh said:

Looking good!

I meant the rear tires of the tractor not the trailer.

Sorry, they are these tires.

[Thirdwigg]

Ok, just a little update tonight.

I finally spent a little time on the forklift, which I hope to complete after the truck. This might be a challenge. The forklift is going to have to be a little different shape as the short wheelbase is not going to work for the cargo.

This is the look I am going for.

Here are the build priorities:

• It can't tip over
• Manual steering and drive
• PF fork lift and tilt
• Be able to lift a container on another container (16 stud lift height)

Here is the first draft.

It's a little ugly right now, but I'll clean it up. Looking at the photos now, the cab seems way too small.

And with an empty container:

First, these are not the tires I am going to use. I plan to use the Bronco 55mm tires as they look pretty great for this. But, I'm not sure this is going to manage the weight well. I would like to use a wheel hub to support the wheels, but then I need to go to the 68mm tires. Would this be too big?

Second, the lift height is only 16 stud. I can load a container on another one, but just. I'm using the long linear actuator, which is good and sturdy. I could use a rack and pinion type setup (Like I did on the Kalmar a couple of years ago), But again, I'm not sure I can support the weight with this design. I might need to try it.

Third, The forks are going to be stressed. I'm not sure I'll be able to hold a loaded container. I'm considering using a top mount forklift design (see photo at top), just so I don't have as much bending. It's not the original design, but what do you all think?

I'm done for tonight, so we'll see what I can get to in the coming days.