[MOC] Lego Technic VW Golf GTI TCR

[Nura]

MOC Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR in Lego Technic

Dear friends of the LEGO Technic theme world,

in this post I present you my latest MOC of the VW Golf GTI TCR.
The model has an elaborate front axle for the front-wheel drive, a 4-speed DSG transmission, steering, brake and a pneumatic lifting system. I used two SBricks for control. My version is built with 3d printed wheels, but lego wheels fit, too.

Drive: 2 XL motors
Steering: 1 servo motor
Gearbox: 2 servo motors
Brake: 1 M motor
Control: 2 SBricks
Light: 3 pairs of LEDs

First, I'll show you a picture and the YouTube Video

 

In the following I would like to introduce you to the individual functions and the history of the project.

Preparations:

In 2017 I saw a photo of the prototype for the first time and as a VW fan I knew directly that this would be my next project. Because there were no blueprints from this vehicle, I took the blueprints of the basic model, VW Golf 7, and overlaid it with appropriate pictures of the vehicle. The scale was set with the choice of tires (Wheel 56mm D. x 34mm, Tire 68.8 x 36 ZR (15038 / 44771)), to 1: 9. After that I converted all dimensions into studs.

Construction of the front axle:

Now it was time to get the bricks out of the boxes. First, I built the front axle. The model has a front-wheel drive with Ackermann geometry, caster, stabilizer, suspension and brake. The drive axle for the fake engine runs in the lower part of the axle to couple directly to the XL motors in the back. Without consideration of the Ackermann geometry, I have created a YouTube video for the front axle. For the construction manual I am not sure if I should install the Ackermann geometry there. Some used parts are very rare and expensive. In the video you can also see how the brake works. By rotation, two rubber bricks are pressed against the differential. With the SBrick control, I have created a sequence that first lets the M motor press against the differential and releasing it again. Due to the scale a disc brake was not possible in the wheel. The suspension was massively strengthened in the course of the project, so that the vehicle weight is held up. Unfortunately, the stabilizer (red) has no longer a technical function.
 

YouTube - Front axle

Construction of the rear axle:

For the rear axle, I initially had the idea that the wheels should have a slight camber. I have implemented this as followed. Maybe someone else can use this.

However, this was implemented later due to the vehicle weight and the desire that a multi-link axle by VW is represented.

Construction of the 4-speed DSG transmission:

The construction of the transmission took the most time. I wanted a transmission that could be controlled blind with the smartphone. It should work reliable and without constant monitoring of the moving parts. In addition, it had to be so small that it fits "between" the front seats (The model has like the original only a driver's seat.) and under the seat, but in front of the drive module. Overall, it was very limited. Here is a photo of the final version, which is very trivial operated with two servos. One servo controls the 1st and 3rd gear, and the other servo controls the gears 2 and 4. This allows quick and smooth switching. An extra video is also available.

YouTube - Gearbox

Construction of the pneumatic lifting system:

At that moment I was done with the chassis. However, the pneumatic lifting system fascinated me and in other MOCs something like that was already realized. Since there was still room for the necessary works, I developed and installed three modules with cylinders. Here's an example of how I built the front left cylinder.

In general:

I built and organized the entire model in modules. The chassis is subdivided into the following submodels: front axle, transmission module, drive module and rear axle. The rear lifting cylinder is integrated in the drive module. The front lift cylinders connect to the transmission module. Then all modules can be assembled to the entire chassis and fastened with a few connectors. Other modules are the fake engine and the dashboard with steering gear for the moving steering wheel.

The conclusion has formed the body. Again, I worked with many submodels, so you could always work on small to medium sized submodels. This has especially facilitated my work in the Stud.io program. The entire model is already built in BrickLink’s Stud.io with all building steps.

I am still considering whether I should offer the construction manual for sale or keeping it unique. Too many companies are copying MOCs and do not refer to the artists.

You can find more pictures on BrickSafe or my Social Media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Give me a feedback and ask your questions here in the thread. I like to explain the things even further in detail.
 

I love the render function in Stud.io :-)

[T Lego]

Hi Nura, thank you for sharing your beautiful and technically advanced rendition of the GTI here on the forum. 

I appreciate the effort you put into making those axles with realistic geometry.  The gearbox looks simple but effective, great job! Have you considered making the gearbox sequential with a stepper mechanism? That's obviously a mayor lego technic challenge many builders have been struggeling with. 

You did a great job on the bodywork. Would you mind uploading some more pictures of the car? I realy love the front and rear headlights That rollcage is pretty awesome too! My only complaint here is the look of the fenders. I am not a fan of the 'beams over flex axles' method to replicate curves. Why didn't you bring the flex axles all the way down to the skirts? 

Great model!

[LvdH]

Really nice MOC! 

[Nura]

15 hours ago, T Lego said:

Hi Nura, thank you for sharing your beautiful and technically advanced rendition of the GTI here on the forum. 

I appreciate the effort you put into making those axles with realistic geometry.  The gearbox looks simple but effective, great job! Have you considered making the gearbox sequential with a stepper mechanism? That's obviously a mayor lego technic challenge many builders have been struggeling with. 

You did a great job on the bodywork. Would you mind uploading some more pictures of the car? I realy love the front and rear headlights That rollcage is pretty awesome too! My only complaint here is the look of the fenders. I am not a fan of the 'beams over flex axles' method to replicate curves. Why didn't you bring the flex axles all the way down to the skirts? 

Great model!

Hi @T Lego,

thank you very much! 

1. Yes, I have considered making the gearbox sequential with a stepper mechanism. I had some version on the table, but I wasn't happy with the strengthen of them. So, I fear the gearbox could not handle the weight of 2,5 kg. This is actual the reason why it can not drive. I hoped the servos were able to hold the gears. The clutch rings jump when it drive. But I want to build a second playable and lighter version. 

2. Check out my bricksafe in the next hours. I will upload some more pictures. 

3. Yeah, the fenders! I am also not a fan of this building technique, but I found no better way and they really look like the original. I didn't bring the flex axles all the way down to the skirts, because this wasn't neccessary to get the right look. The original car has open fenders, too. See here: Video
The secound reason was, that I had less space to fix the bodywork. You can see the tension under the rear side doors where the rear fenders starts. 

Some more impressions:

 

[brunojj1]

Welcome @Nura! Great accomprishment there, thanks for sharing your great work with the Golf GTI with us! The car is instantly recognizeable and you´ve built a nice stage for the presentation, like the video too.

It´s a great pity the car can´t drive ... I´m struggling with similar issues in my current project and kind of stuck again. I guess it´s only possible to hold the changeover catches in place and prevent the driving rings to slide only by using the force of pneumatics - not an option for me however. I agree with others on the fenders, but you are right they represent the real car pretty well though.

[Damian_dogofhate]

Amazing, and i love the work on the garage

[Allen_Young]

Nice head!

[Fuzzock]

Great work there!

Ian...

[Paul Klop]

Wow @Nura! Stunning job 

One question: How does the DSG work? I see that you have a neutral and 4 more gears in the video.. Are you pressing neutral and then to the next/previous gear or does the car/SBrick/app that automatically for you?

Again, amazing work!

[alecmo99]

Amazing! I just built a stanced suspension set up similar to that. I offset the suspension arms by half a stud and it worked pretty well. Nice work!

[piterx]

dude that's sick!
i love it