MOC - Articulated Hauler "R2"

[designer-han]

This time, a remake of an existing model I designed in the past. To be honest, the 2011 model did had some disadvantages: driving was not that fast and the multiple gearing down steps resulting in an intermitted way of driving. And, dump bed tipping was done manually by operating the pneumatic pump.

However, after 11 years,  I re-engineered the model into a Release-2 Articulated Hauler version, powered with BuWizz 3.0 and 100% remote controlled functions: Driving, Steering, High / Low gearing, Tipping and LED front & rear lights.

Driving 6x6 is significantly improved by using the ‘new’ planetary wheel hubs, which provides gearing down directly at the wheel side; like the original haulers do. And, both rear wheel bogies are connecting to the drive train with their own clutch (the ‘new’ ones).
Still the original differentials are re-used, mainly because the new diffs (with the 5x bevel gears) do require a different gearing setup to power the diff, which could not be realized due to the lack of space in the rear bogie itself... in order to keep the suspension workable.

The suspension is unchanged, a rotating hitch for the Tractor, and the Trailer has it’s own suspension , based on a 3-point suspension for both rear bogies, interconnected – at both sides - with a 3-point bogie beam pivoting on the trailer chassis. As such, the trailer chassis is more or less ‘levelled’ and keeps the dump bed horizontal; assuring no cargo loss.

 

Together with the ability to select High or Low gearing, this Release 2 Articulated Hauler can do the job in rough terrain easily, as the video shows. A huge improvement I would say.

 

A challenge was transforming the manual pneumatic system into a motorized version. The first try-out was based on Linear Actuators, but failed due to – again – no space within the chassis to keep the drive-train clear, and suspension workable.
So, the compromise was: keep the pneumatics as tubes provide an easy routing. Although I am a fan of using pneumatics, the downside is the generated air-pressure with an M-Motor and small pneumatic pump. All versions (see hereafter) will tip the dump-bed, but BuWizz generates by far the most air pressure as BuWizz delivers more current (= more pump rotatings). So, tipping is – of course – possible, but, tipping huge cargo loads is a challenge... and tipping cargo with 100% Power Functions (IR) is just not possible.

As Buwizz 3.0 comes with 2x Power Functions ports, it was possible to add front an rear LED lights, stacked together. The 2nd Power Functions port is used for the High / Low gear selection. The 4 Powered-Up ports are used for: XL motor (driving), M motors (steering, pump, pneumatic switch). As sometimes the tipped dump-bed will not lower itself (mostly it does due to gravity), I added the pneumatic switch to change the air flow direction of the cylinders.

To have visible indications on the Steering and High / Low gearing, the drivers cabin is equipped with a turning steering wheel (so you can see left or right steering) and High / Low gearing indicator besides the chair (red towball up = High, red towball horizontal = Low).

Last but not least. Above was all designed in 2022, however..... it took till Q1-2026 before I designed 3 additional versions: BuWizz 2.0 version, a Control+ Powered Up version and a Power Functions InfraRed version. All these versions do have a MANUAL High / Low gearing function, which was the hardest one to develop, but a nice challenge to do.

Final note: it is very nice to see how the Technic LEGO® parts have been evolved over 10+ years time. Re-engineering an existing (older) model is really fun, gives new insights in solving challenges at that time in another way, and provides the ability to improve the model in both sturdiness and (complex technical) operational performance.
To be honest, the later, complex technical functions is what is – IMO - lacking nowadays in the official Technic LEGO® sets......

More information can be found on: Articulated Hauler R2

But the video will show it all:

 

 

Hope you liked the explanations, and the model itself.

[2GodBDGlory]

Looks great! I remember the old model, and this definitely does appear to be an improvement!

The number of Technic parts released in recent years really does change how we can build a lot!