[MT] Camper Tricycle

[Milan]

This is my entry for MT competition:

A Camper-Tricycle!

Quick facts:

1. 100% Lego parts
   
2. 6 Functions, lots of features
   
3. Detailed interior and exterior
   
4. It does exist in real world
   

For this competition I wanted to create something unique. First I wanted to build a motorcycle, then a bicycle, and then a RV (camper), which are all my passions…So I got a crazy idea to mix these somehow. Few googles away I was stunned: I found that these combinations do exist.

The real world model

Kevin Cyr actually made a camper bike. He tried to combine something well known from China and something from USA. He combined tricycles and camping. And the result was this:

I think this vehicle is marvelous! It is more art piece than truly practical camper, but nevertheless, the creator proved it can be used for short distance traveling, and to provide decent shelter on night.

I would like to imagine these units used for short excursions, fishing, camping, and enjoying in nature.

These tricycles are surprisingly strong and they are used to transport all kinds of loads, so lightweight camper unit is pretty moderate cargo on it.

Take a look inside:

LEGO Model:

I used camper-bike theme for a base, but I have design completely new model, both inside and outside.

Instead of old tricycle and scrap made camper, I wanted to make modern customized Mountain bike and appropriate specialized RV unit.

Tricycle:

So, a strong Mountain-Bike as a base is made, then instead of back wheel, heavy duty axle is added, as well as support cage for the camper.

Thin tires are replaced by a meaty rugged off road tires, to cope with the additional weight.

I decided to make the tricycle as realistic as possible, so it has proper suspension (front double forks, back live axle with leaf springs), chain drive with three speeds, which drives differential on back axle (so the vehicle can steer. Without the diff, it would just go straight) and working pedals and steering that can make full 180 degrees turn (useful when parking on reverse)

Bike has fake double front disc brakes, and fake double back disc brakes.

Bike is also equipped with small, low consumption petrol engine that produces few HPs to help driver onto the hill, on light offroad crossing or when he is tired. Engine is connected with front wheel with rubber belt, and is easily disconnected.

Trike has final details like water bottle attached to the frame, chromed headlight and detailed EZ handlebar.

And most importantly: it does come in black!

Camper Unit:

Camper is made as I imagine the top RV manufacturers (Deflets, Knaus) would make one of this size-curved, ultra-light, with lots of windows and storage compartments and smart space usage.

I used three main colors: white, tan, and red, as these colors are most often seen on RVs.

Bottom part (Tan) is where various storage compartments are installed.

It has a major storage at the back, and two smaller side compartments with both external and internal access, where various repair tools and kitchen stuff are placed.

Top part (White) is where living and sleeping areas are placed

Living area has comfy seat for one and small night table with plant on one side and door, kitchen-box, sink and stove on the other side.

Also, there is LCD Flat TV at the back.

Sleeping area is on the top –Sleeper- part, with bed placed lengthwise, on one side, and ladders and storage compartment on the other side. On the storage compartment there are some of the clothes, netbook, book and mobile phone.

The bed has pillow and sheets. All parts are 100% Lego.

The camper is decorated with custom transit map of Europe on the main wall.

Cross part (Red) separates those sections.

Exterior:

The camper has various front and back lights, slideable step, spare tire and ladders at the back.

The whole camper is decorated with custom paintings: palm threes, camel caravans and desert motives.

On the roof of the camper there is main fenced storage section at the front, where all the luggage and backpacks are placed and secured with ropes. In the middle there is white water tank with solar panel (for sink and warm showering) and of course, small inflatable boat, with two vesla. The boat is secured with ropes.

On the right side of the camper there is also a full length canvas, that really slides in or out and provide shade and shelter beneath it.

The Driver:

I thought it would be a shame for this vehicle not to have a proper rider.

So I used various parts from Scala and Galidor series and made custom driver in scale of the vehicle. It fits perfectly.

The driver also have to have most of his joints moveable, so it can move arms and shoulders when the vehicle is steering, and to move its legs and feet when the vehicle is pushed/pulled/

I am very pleased how organic these movements are.

I have to say I spend nearly half of the time to design the driver, and to make him move like that, but it was worth it.

Additional equipment:

In the mayor storage compartment the following accessories are placed:

Round table, fishing rod, axe, and barbeque equipment.

Also, there is vast assortment of stuff that can be placed onto the table or hand held:

Round glass plate full of fruits, glass of soda, book, netbook, camera, Cell phone.

And picture of the camper with plates next to it, to make sure it fits to the rules:

There are 4 of 1x10 plates, and 1 of 1x6 plate. At the back there are 2 of the 1x8 plates.

Video:

Dont forget to check it out:

http://youtu.be/4kqe2RXqES4

This is one of my favorite projects. Size limitation was a very big challenge, but thanks to the great dark red bicycle rims, I have found the perfect scale, that fits both bike, driver and camper.

I have intentionally added a lots of stuff to this model, making it even a little bit over cramped with stuff, but I felt that all of this stuff just make it more independent, versatile and likeable.

Edited October 3, 2014 by Milan

[Alasdair Ryan]

Well that's different,maybe a tad top heavy?

As always you add lots of nice details.

[MajklSpajkl]

This one is really mind blowing and very original - I never even saw one of these... great job on the pedalling man and on the sunshade!

[Dapper-D2]

Very unique and fun. Great entry!

[Rishab N]

Unique and really detailed

[jantjeuh]

Originality: 10

Creativity: 10

Execution: 10

Galidor: -40

So overall a -10. Disappointing.

[Bzroom]

nice, my entry idea was a truck with a camper trailer. you did a much better job on the camper than i could have done

[BusterHaus]

Very original. Didn't know these things existed.

[rollermonkey]

Drop the mic.

That is stunning. Where is the motor hidden, and can you get a better picture of the sleeping bunk?

[Milan]

Thanks all! :)

Rollermonkey: there is no motor in this moc...in the video I am pulling it with thin string :)

[Erik Leppen]

This thing is lovely! So many little details, and a magnificent total image. And a super original idea!

What I like most is the fact that you seem to have thought of everything. Stabilizers for the camper unit, rear view mirrors, etc. etc. The driver is not an exact fit, but it's perfect really.

[legolijntje]

This moc is so cute! Very, very well made

It has details everywhere and it still is Technic in the core. I love it

[Jim]

Seriously?!?!

Dude, you rock

What an awesome creation. I won't frontpage it now, since it might affect the voting, but I will defintely keep this one on my backlog!

[Freekysch]

Love the attention for details. The model itself looks stunning, I also like how you combined the Technic part with the System bricks. Again, lovely work :thumbup:

[Nazgarot]

AMAZING!

This must be one of the most original models I've ever seen. And the execution of it is really high class!

-ED-

PS: Where did you get those red wheels?

[Milan]

Thanks guys :)

Red wheels are these:

http://www.bricklink.com/search.asp?colorID=59&itemID=929

pretty rare and pricey...they came from one SW set as a propulsion cover part.

[trekman]

Just when I thought I had saw it all, then this arrived. Amazing.

[Rockbrick]

As mad as a box of gerbils

Love it!

[Paul B Technic]

This is really amazing, such a high level of detail in it :)

[miguev]

Stunning! The driver movements feel very natural indeed, and the level of detail of this model is breathtaking. Well done!