8263 - B Model: Arctic Tracker

[tomacwhite]

I am going to start with two apologies! Firstly, the images I have taken really aren't great quality which is annoying (I need to use something other than my iPhone to take photos), and this has come a little later than I was hoping. Anyway, on with the show!

I really love the Snow Groomer, it may not have any motorisation or super fancy complexity, but it's a great model which looks superb. It's really wide and low and the tilted cab is just divine. I looked at the B model for this, and really wanted to build it, however I couldn't bring myself to take apart the lovely Groomer, so I decided to get hold of another model. I've never done that before with Lego and it felt a little cheeky :)

The construction of the Arctic Tracker is much simpler than the main model, in that it doesn't have a complex plough and groomer setup to build, just basic steering and the mechanism for tilting the bed on the back of the vehicle. That said, I still enjoyed building this, and it took a little over 90 minutes to complete.

Here are some (poor quality) shots of the construction:

Early cab assembly:

Some panels on..

Rear of cab showing "hand of God" steering setup:

Cab complete:

Building the trailer, with tilting mechanism viewable:

Cab and Trailer connected

Tipper bed attached, gearing shown:

Comparisons with Snow Groomer:

Parts left over (lots!)

The Arctic Tracker doesn't have the same level of superb detail that it's main model has, but I think its still a decent looking machine, and the lights/grill on the front are really nicely done. I loved this model, it looks really good and for the price you get two excellent builds which are different from each other.

Definitely one of the best non-motorised sets in recent years if you ask me! :)

Edited September 17, 2009 by tomacwhite

[Milan]

Groomer is really superb set. B model is nice, too, but I think it is not comparable to the Groomer.

Thanks for the showing.

[JunkstyleGio]

Both A and B-model look fine to me!

Even the pics are great. (The iPhone isn't that bad at all!)

TLC made three beautifull models in its 2h2009-session.

Can't wait for the 2h2010 models....