[MOC][WIP] 4000025 inspired Ferguson TE20 Tractor

[Brickend]

This is not my usual style, but it should make a good christmas lockdown project.

For those that may not be aware, there was a highly exclusive (80 copies) Ferguson Tractor set released to Inside Tour visitors in 2018 - these sets now retail for circa 1800 euros (sad that people are selling part of a unique experience, but hey-ho)

https://brickset.com/sets/4000025-1/LEGO-Ferguson-Tractor

On first seeing this set, I was blown away, but I had not seen it for what it was. It's not intended to be a replica of a real Ferguson tractor, instead , it is meant to be a replica of a replica of the real thing, produced by Lego in their early days - if only we could have the tires!

https://forum.brickset.com/discussion/28775/the-story-behind-the-4000025-ferguson-tractor-exclusive-lego-set

Knowing this, the reason for the bar axle steering and design details become clear - 4000025 was never aiming for real world realism; but then I asked myself, what would it take to change this? Could the features of the other Lego Ferguson, set 851 (https://brickset.com/sets/851-1/Tractor) be incorporated? The current aim is to have steering, PTO drive (not a proper diff due to space constraints), rear linkage and an opening bonnet.

The first stage was to essentially build 4000025 as it has many useful features. In doing so, I realized that in order to represent a real (and not toy) machine, the bonnet would have to be shorted and narrowed by one stud. The curvature behind the grill also needed to be moved forward, removing the possibility of using angled plates.

At the moment, I'm in a kind of technical prototyping stage, so you'll notice that some connections are temporary or asymmetrical (see the rear) whilst the best solution is found. Current task is to get the steering column to be more upright than the original, but the current form has too much backlash due to a poor pinion angle. The functional solution would be to link both sides with a tie rod, but this is not a realistic engineering solution for this tractor, so I'm trying to avoid it. 

Progress may slow for a while due to Christmas but will keep this updated, and fingers crossed Lego release mid sized tractor tires sometime soon!

PXL_20201220_173719770 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20201220_173735934 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20201220_173815540 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20201220_173822877 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20201220_173840954 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20201220_173859478~2 by Brickend, on Flickr

[Maaboo the Witch]

You've done a wonderful job. Looks very authentic. 

[nerdsforprez]

very interesting steering. looks terrific

[1gor]

Very authentic, but I gave one question (if you made it just for display than ignore it) - why didn't you use linkage steering idea from 8455 set and adopt it for your project; there is a possibility that your solution falls apart...

Nevertheless very cool project you started 

[Brickend]

Thanks all 

Thanks L_Lgor - that's a good point - I didn't know that 8455 did that, which is quite interesting!

I tried the 6l links and they didn't really work with the angles so I discounted the idea, but a 9L 32293 might do it, but because the link can only be used one sided, it may make the mechanism too wide where it comes off the steering box? Worth a try I guess.

Although it's just mocked up at the moment, the actual steering arms don't want to seem to fall apart, but a 9L link would be neater. Getting a tow ball pin in the right place on the front axle might take some doing but again, is definitely worth trying.

[trekman]

This is looking really good and the bonnet is so like the real one.  Steering works as it should too.  Great use of shaped pieces.

[johncarpenter]

Looking very nice already. What is that black piece used for the seat?

[Brickend]

Thanks

Its https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=21560&idColor=11#T=C&C=11

It's copied from 4000025 but unfortunately unobtainable in Light bluish grey at the moment - not a massive issue as many real TE20s have replacement seats.

Some progress on steering, improving the steering box strength and changing some of the geometry appears to have sorted the wheel scrub issue well enough, at least when driving forward. Obviously the steering axis is way outside the wheel centerline, which is maybe not such an issue on 8455 as it's in the hub?

Edited December 21, 2020 by Brickend

[proran]

I was absolutely charmed when I saw 4000025. And my first thought was to do exactly what you are doing. In the end I went in a bit different direction and a larger scale. But your project is super cool. Please keep up!

The empty space under the hood looks intriguing.. Fake engine?

[Brickend]

Thanks. Engine wise, I'm not sure at the moment; it needs to be 2 studs wide at most which would limit crankshaft options - I'm also not sure if being able to see the inner moving parts of the engine externally is what I'm going for on this project. The aim is to keep the engine bay modular so I can play with a few options once the chassis and steering is finalized.

This project has made me think of doing a 4 stud wide chassis version with the bigger motorcycle wheels, so it'd be interesting to see what you've achieved.

[Brickend]

Updates - still waiting on some parts in the correct colour and playing around with wheel options. The front wheels on Lego's version really are much too small in reality. Note that front axles are currently stand-ins, will likely be shorter when wheels finalised.

8455 type links used for steering - shame that the pins only go on one side, but play in steering much reduced - thanks for the suggestion.

PTO and engine fan are driven by the left wheel as there's no room for a differential. Engine fan was way to much hassle for the pay off. 'Radiator' currently not fitted in front of fan, but a 2362 panel can be made to fit. May work on the rear linkage as currently it relies only on friction to stay up.

PXL_20210306_191840791~2 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20210306_191937177~2 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20210306_192531659~2 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20210306_191916992~2 by Brickend, on Flickr

original_6a458dd6-021b-4e58-89fa-c7a179ceb2c5_PXL_20210306_192042186~2 by Brickend, on Flickr

PXL_20210306_191855378 by Brickend, on Flickr

original_6136559e-cf73-4491-ae8f-2db498cc3e02_PXL_20210306_192013849~2 by Brickend, on Flickr

 

Edited March 6, 2021 by Brickend
Adding photo links

[Woodstock pl]

This is way to good looking to be lego, yet it is! Keep up the good work

[Brickend]

17 hours ago, Woodstock pl said:

This is way to good looking to be lego, yet it is! Keep up the good work

Thanks! I'm just glad it's a relatively small model and therefore quite easy to rework. Next update after parts arrive should see it finished.

[Aleh]

Like such a vintage models!

[Woodstock pl]

2 hours ago, Brickend said:

Thanks! I'm just glad it's a relatively small model and therefore quite easy to rework. Next update after parts arrive should see it finished.

Awesome! Looking forward to it;)

[BrickWild]

I really like this! Works more like a real Fergie!

[Brickend]

Thanks! Project is currently waiting for news on the potential mid-size tractor tires that we think are coming.