[MOC] 42078 alternate: wheeled excavator

[jyd80]

Hi there,

Here is a MOC I have been working on during 2020. I just completed the instructions (available at Rebrickable), which was the occasion to give it the final touch.

It is a one set MOC, made of only parts from the 42078 Mack Anthem. It features a wheeled excavator and a trailer:

Features of the excavator:

1. Steering with HOG from the back

2. Manual stabilizers

3. Front blade with mini-LA, controlled from the back

4. 180° rotation of the turret

5. Articulated boom, controlled from the turret (2 LA + 1 mini-LA)

6. L6 fake engine in the turret, driven from the rear train (with differential), with a transmission going through the turret

7. Openable cabin door and motor hood

Features of the trailer:

1. Tipping of the bed (via gear rack)

In the end there are quite some parts left, but very little gears. Here are a few more detailed pictures:

And a short video:

Hope you will like it!

 

Edited March 23, 2021 by jyd80
Embeded youtube link

[Pattspatt]

Wow, amazing job - fully featured and very playable! I’m impressed that it has a drivetrain, with the fake engine in a realistic location, no less. Not a common feature of manual excavator models! 
How did you route the drive without a turntable? I’d love to see your solution.

[mpj]

Very creative build, the result is pretty good! 

[jyd80]

5 hours ago, Pattspatt said:

How did you route the drive without a turntable? I’d love to see your solution.

This was indeed a challenge! After several attempts, I ended up using a "hinge" like in an articulated hauler or frontloader. This is why the turret can only turn 180° and not 360°, this was a compromise between functionality and build:

(screenshot from the instructions. The vertical arrow shows the transmission going through the hinge. The second mechanism, on the right, is for the steering.)

[Pattspatt]

Great implementation and very creative - thanks for sharing!