[TC27] Crane Tipper

[Thirdwigg]

I have not been building much in the last couple of months, so another Eurobricks Technic contest was just the invitation I needed to start a new project. While I'm not opposed to using the 49.5mm tires in a creative way like a tractor or construction machine, I have two trucks that have been sitting on my queue for about two years. Since neither has gone anywhere, I thought now might be the time to explore if they have any merits to continue. At the risk of making the same mistake I did with TC22 where I focused on two builds and couldn't easily decide on which MOC to submit, I am going to try this approach again. At least this time, they will have significant similarities and identical subassemblies.

Crane Tipper

This truck has been on my workbench for about a year after I found this picture, so I took the truck down and started working on it. After a quick draft, below is what I have (I know the rear tires are not right. I'm limited on my tire parts right now).

It's straightforward design with RWD, front engine and steering, a tipper bed, and a center folding crane. The crane will be the limiting factor on this build, so I'll spend more time on that next. Below is a simple draft of the crane folding mechanism, but I'm not sure how I can make it work with the large gear rack and mount.

After a little more building last night, I was able to rebuild the full chassis, in a way that will connect with the other truck.

Hooklift Truck

A hooklift truck is the second idea which uses 6 wheels, and is modeled after this truck I found a number of years ago. The truck will use the same front end as the tipper, but will have six wheels, and will have a hook lift on the rear. Front and rear steering will bookend the center drive wheel which will drive the front motor. Below is the first draft (again, sorry about the wheels).

I think I am able to keep the same front chassis and cab between the two trucks. Right now the current headache is the hook lift mechanism. I would like to have the two function hook lift and bed tilt function, but it's causing some issues. I'll keep at it, and see what I can come up with.

Below is the second draft to see if I can integrate the same front end for both trucks and steering needs. So far, it seems like I can.

We'll see where this goes. Both trucks have some challening aspects, so I may just follow the path of least resistance. If both finish, I'll be happy to have two new MOCs. In the meantime, it's good to be building again.

Edited August 31 by Thirdwigg

[efgen86]

Both projects look cool. I love trucks in this scale. I hope you have the strength to finish both models on time.

[NV Lego technic]

I think you have better chances with the hook lift truck because you've already made an off-road knuckle boom truck (awesome model btw), and a hook lift also sounds more unique 

[Thirdwigg]

19 hours ago, efgen86 said:

Both projects look cool. I love trucks in this scale. I hope you have the strength to finish both models on time.

Thanks, and I too, hope I can finish both.

9 hours ago, NV Lego technic said:

I think you have better chances with the hook lift truck because you've already made an off-road knuckle boom truck (awesome model btw), and a hook lift also sounds more unique 

I agree. It is the truck I am currently more interested in, but motivation can change. I'll will be fun to watch the progress. I'm glad you like the Knuckleboom truck. It was a fun one for me to make.

[Paul B Technic]

The hook lift truck sounds interesting.

[Jurss]

Will You keep bed "transparent"?

[Seasider]

I think I need to get one of those large technic boards they look very useful for working out mechanisms.

glad to see you’re going with an entry. As others have said I like the hook lift truck. I think they’re an interesting mechanism, and will be different to others on here with crane trucks of various flavours

[Thirdwigg]

Alright, its been a while since I updated on this project. Mostly because the project has caused some difficulty for me.

This was where it was at the end of July, but the tilt was not getting the power it needed at the beginning and end of the travel. So the build sat and sat, with some cosmetic changes, but without any functional solutions.

Then I worked on the general cab shapping.

It's fine, but nothing great.

Then @steph77 posted his design for the Off Road Fire Truck, and I was given another idea for how to do the hooklift mechanism. As is often the case, I need a new idea, and @steph77 has one that will work. So I copied the idea, modified for the application, and rebuilt everything this past weekend.

I added in a hook extender as well (forward mini linear actuator), which will also activate the dumpster lock.

You can see the mini linear actuator on the back for the tilt/tip locking mechanism.

I'm still not sure this is going to work, as there are a lot of rigidity issues that need to be resolved, both in the frame and in the arm, but the function works, which is a big step. I am also getting concerned that I don't have enough time to get this done. I may need to pivot to the other truck as the mechanical issues are all resolved, so my time will be spent finalizing the structure and the aesthetics. I think I have time for that.

I have a little more building time tonight, so I'll see what I can resolve, and I'll make a call by this weekend.

[steph77]

Sorry to be late at party.

Interresting way to switch between 'one central cylindre concept' to  '2 lateral cylindres concept'.

I understand how difficult this was, as i do the reverse ingeniering of it

I also find interresting the dumsterlock, but i do not understand how it will work.

 

At least, don't forget that there is a limitation off 6 wheels max. You got 8 of them 

Edited August 22 by steph77

[Thirdwigg]

On 8/22/2024 at 2:27 AM, steph77 said:

I also find interresting the dumsterlock, but i do not understand how it will work.

Basically, the front mLA will move the dumpster forward. A catch on the dumpster will slide on to an open axle on the frame to lock them both togther.

OK, I am running out of time, and the Hooklift truck is still causing me trouble. So in the interest of actually completing this contest, I am going to switch back to the Tipper Truck.

I spent some time over the last two days, rebuilding the draft that I had. I spent the time working on the outriggers and internal transmission for all the functions. I think both will need one more iteration before they are final. The engine, crane, and cab will move forward virtually unchanged from the previous drafts, albeit with appropriate aesthetic finalizing. 

Each outrigger has its own HOG, and the transmission will select between the bed tip, and the crane boom 1 lift. Right now I feel like there are too many HOGs, and I don't yet have a good option for the changeover, so that's tonight's project. 

I installed the crane, and Thirdwigg Jr. shared a mini mermaid to test it. The bed placeholder came from the last draft, extended by a stud to get the proportions better to my eye.

I'm cutting this contest closer than I ever have before. I think I have enough time to get this done, but we'll see. Both projects are far enough along that I'll get them both done, but finishing one before the context deadline might be another story. With each addition to the entry thread, I get a little more nervous. But, I am still having fun.

[Thirdwigg]

I was able to rebuild the chassis, and now everything is set. The outrigger HOG are now hidden a little better, the changeover lever is working, and the HOG for the bed/crane is now on the right of the truck.

I had the crane mounted off center, but after placing it all together I found it was not necessary, so I moved it to the centerline. That simplified the frame, and the controls. I started working on the cab and bed again to get the connection points to the frame finalized. I'll work more tonight on these two parts, as they may take a little more time. Once these are done, I'll finalize the crane, then tie the whole truck together again.

This might work...

[steph77]

Poor of me who was thinking that architects were the only people working by night 

Joke appart. I also have this feeling that lego mocs are better build once sun is down. Good work my friend 

[Thirdwigg]

18 hours ago, steph77 said:

Poor of me who was thinking that architects were the only people working by night 

Joke appart. I also have this feeling that lego mocs are better build once sun is down. Good work my friend 

Yep, right now, it's the only way for me to get this done.

Alright, it finally looks like a truck again. The bed needs some side locks, and the crane needs a couple details fixed, but both of those issues should be quick.

The cab needs the most work, so I will next work on that. I will need to work on the face of the cab a little more, and add in the interior. There are structural changes that are needed, and a HOG for the crane rotation needs to be added as well. I think I might raise the cab height by a stud as well. What do you all think? Is it tall enough or not?

I think one more session of building will complete the build.

[Thirdwigg]

Alright, this is done. And the entry is posted.

I was not sure I was going to finish this. I'll go on holiday now, and come back and make the instructions. Another great contest all!

[SaperPL]

I'm not a fan of the knob actuated mechanisms right where they are because it doesn't make sense anymore apart from worm gears holding the angle, but this truck looks great. Another clean design. I need to dig myself out of current projects and start building some of your trucks.

[Good old Lego builder]

This looks very good. Very clean design, well done!

[Thirdwigg]

19 hours ago, Good old Lego builder said:

This looks very good. Very clean design, well done!

Thanks!

 

21 hours ago, SaperPL said:

I'm not a fan of the knob actuated mechanisms right where they are because it doesn't make sense anymore apart from worm gears holding the angle, but this truck looks great. Another clean design. I need to dig myself out of current projects and start building some of your trucks.

Thanks for the praise. 
I understand the critique of the worm gears being where they are, but it is precisely because they hold the angle that I include them. 

[Erik Leppen]

Really nice model. Looks a bit like a classic truck from back in the day. I like the more squarish look, it's very clean. The white color also helps with this and makes the red crane really pop out. Seems to have plenty of functions, without compromising the looks anywhere. Nice compact model :)

[Thirdwigg]

8 hours ago, Erik Leppen said:

Really nice model. Looks a bit like a classic truck from back in the day. I like the more squarish look, it's very clean. The white color also helps with this and makes the red crane really pop out. Seems to have plenty of functions, without compromising the looks anywhere. Nice compact model :)

Thanks again, and I’m glad you like it. I confess the squarish design is the result of not planning enough time for the build. 

[Thirdwigg]

For those of you interested, I completed instructions for the Tipper Truck. You may find them at Rebrickable.com.

Now I can take it apart, and see if I can finish the Hook Lift version. We'll see, my motivation for the other truck is pretty low now. 

[Timewhatistime]

1.) Is there a reason why the blue pin (either 3 L pin or 2 L axle pin) between the turntable and the bed is partly visible, viz. with its 1 L pin end?

Could it be replaced by a black 2 L pin or 3 L pin with axle hole or at least covered by a black 1 L liftarm?

 

2.) As far as I see, the grabber relies on a part which is connected to the black axle connector nr. 1 (where a blue pin isn't inserted completely). How do you make this assembly resistant against being torn apart when the grabber lifts some load?

Edited October 6 by Timewhatistime

[Thirdwigg]

On 10/5/2024 at 4:19 PM, Timewhatistime said:

1.) Is there a reason why the blue pin (either 3 L pin or 2 L axle pin) between the turntable and the bed is partly visible, viz. with its 1 L pin end?

Could it be replaced by a black 2 L pin or 3 L pin with axle hole or at least covered by a black 1 L liftarm?

I was moving a little too quickly while building, and missed this while photographing. I was replaced with Black 3L pin with Stop (32054) in the instructions.

On 10/5/2024 at 4:19 PM, Timewhatistime said:

2.) As far as I see, the grabber relies on a part which is connected to the black axle connector nr. 1 (where a blue pin isn't inserted completely). How do you make this assembly resistant against being torn apart when the grabber lifts some load?

You are correct. Yes, this assembly could pull out, but not before the grabber drops the load. They have little grabbing power, so the connector assembly is the least of the concern here.