[MOC] [WIP] LEGO 6542 Launch and Load Seaport Bigger (Ship Drafts!)

[Thirdwigg]

Progress continues on the 6542 port. I finally have the hull shape the way I want, so I am moving forward on the Studio file. I have ordered final parts for the tug (I think). The front will have a bumper, but I'm not sure the rear will.

The engines are nearly done, though I would like to add a little more detail (and color if I can).

Next I'll work on the winch, and start building out the superstructure and wheelhouse.

I removed the red at the base of the hull, as I didn't like the look. The more of the tug I build, the more I'm not sure I like the red deck as well. It's making the boat look a little too red, white, and blue for my taste. I might switch to a DBG deck with a few red details on the superstructure.

Finally, no project is complete without a new Unimog, so added this little U1700 (I think it might actually be a U1600. Anyone know?) to the project. I'll use this for basic deck maintenance as it has an attachment for front and rear implements like a plow, a mower, a sweeper, and a crane. I am drafting a little cherry picker as well. The chassis is done, and the cab is all planned.

We keep going.... I hope you enjoy the ride.

[HTM]

I loved this set when I was a kid. This reimagining has an amazing level of detail in each vehicle/element. So much so that it all looks completely out of scale. The container ship, quay, and crane would need to be enormous to compensate. 

[Timewhatistime]

23 minutes ago, HTM said:

I loved this set when I was a kid. This reimagining has an amazing level of detail in each vehicle/element. So much so that it all looks completely out of scale. The container ship, quay, and crane would need to be enormous to compensate. 

That's the main point in this project, I assume... to recreate this classic Lego set with nowadays' possibilities, much more details and Technic functions than it was doable back then in pure Lego System.

Edited yesterday at 06:05 PM by Timewhatistime

[Thirdwigg]

52 minutes ago, HTM said:

I loved this set when I was a kid. This reimagining has an amazing level of detail in each vehicle/element. So much so that it all looks completely out of scale. The container ship, quay, and crane would need to be enormous to compensate. 

Yeah, you are absolutely correct, nothing in the original set is to scale with each other. I loved that the mismatched scale allowed for mutual playability between each component of 6542, and I am trying to keep this feature for this build at this scale.

This also means I need to make some decisions along the way like what gets scaled up or down. Or, how do I need to modify the updated design to reference the original build knowing that a simple scale up is not correct for the overall build, and may have limitations (strength, function) due to it's size. In this regard the truck and the containers were fairly straightforward, but the forklift was not.  I'm navigating this as well for the tugboat. For instance, what should the wheelhouse look like knowing that correct 1:21 scale seat will take up most of the space? How much bigger (and out of scale) am I willing to make the wheelhouse?

The crane is where this is the most problematic. At some point I share in this tread the issues, and the lack of solutions. I'll need some help/imagination here.

31 minutes ago, Timewhatistime said:

That's the main point in this project, I assume... to recreate this classic Lego set with nowadays' possibilities, much more details and Technic functions than it was doable back then in pure Lego System.

Right, adding the functions and placing it within the common 1:21 Technic scale is the goal. Adding the challenge of the size helps motivate me to keep building. But, these ships are stretching me in ways my building has never been stretched before. And the crane will as well.

Someone who builds the truck and forklift and places it next to another one of their 1:21 trucks will feel right at home. Setting the tugboat next to another 1:21 tugboat will not.

Hopefully each of these 6542 builds will feel right when placed next to each other.