[TC20] 6357 Stunt 'Copter N' Truck

[CharlieBravo]

When I saw the contest theme, this set from my earlier days immediately jumped into my head! 

(source image from google. The 'copter tail looks a bit off!)

 

Why yes, its a city 4-wide! and not entirely possible to re-create in scale in technic at this scale. So i decided to recreate this in 7-wide (about as close to current city-scale as practical). I'm also going with the approach of not exactly creating this as-is, but rather if the set was done today, so slightly more realistic while keeping it recognisable. The dump truck from 42023 is a good example of a more realistic-looking truck. I can't see lego releasing a truck model with red bumpers, surely!

Here is my progress so far - focusing on the hood, some functions (the original set had functional doors, so definitely need that, plus steering) and trying to keep the look of the truck (American-style with an angled hood). The fuel-tank and base of the cab isn't finished yet, and the rear wheels are a quick mock-up to show some dimensions (they need to be dropped half-stud to line up with the front wheels). Scaling is a bit off to try to fit a functional steering system, but am happy with the general proportions so far.

 

(Yes my original model is missing a few pieces - hopefully will find them soon!). 

 

 

Coming soon - a little helicopter!

[mpj]

This one was also on my wishes list for this contest. Good luck!

[Thirdwigg]

1 hour ago, mpj said:

This one was also on my wishes list for this contest. Good luck!

Mine too. Looking forward to this build. Good job so far. 

[CharlieBravo]

Hi all,

a bit of an update - I have mostly finished the truck and trailer. Will need to do a few tweaks on the trailer once the helicopter is finished, and also tidy up the area around the trailer hitch (its a bit of a mess and could be more efficient).

 

At this stage I am debating whether to do the helicopter in 9-wide (to retain the helicopter overhang in the original model) skis with a 7 wide body, or to make it more realistic and keep it at 7-wide skis on a 5-wide body to match the truck body. I am leaning towards the latter and 9-wide to a 'realistic' scale might look odd.

[Brickend]

Would an approach similar to the Volvo Hauler set help to get the red railings closer to the original?

[CharlieBravo]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. @Brickend, I like your idea and added some similar railings on the trailer.

Well I managed to finish this just in time! I've added a picture of my final effort below. More in the entry topic.