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Thanks for the comments. It helps to refine my next step. I can't remember when and why I did that. Probably because the offset helps the steering from touching some parts or chassis. I need to test. Good observation. Yes, the real PANTHER dimension is 11.2m(L)x3m(W)x3.6m(H) and the model is 66x19 studs for now, which is 1.5~2 wider. The main reason for 19 studs wide is because it's the easiest way to implement a fully suspension with differentials. I totally agree. I also use Dark blush gray scheme for the skirting and front grille in my early draft, but changed to dark one when I realized there is notmuch dark gray panels... In fact, it's quite limited in term of panel color selections for body styling ( mostly Black, White, Yellow, Red...) I referred to the Axle Collection Thread in this forum and modified from there into double driving axles. The ball joint part #92910 took up some space and I need to workaround to the 3rd axle in order to put both rear axles to come close together. I did both motors schemes (side by side vs. stacking). The stacking position give a more direct drive train and it's quite easy to modify to 2 motors for 3 axles when I need more space. Here's an older version side by side trial: It's tight and they fit in like this:

I have been searching new MOC subject for some time, as I want a model to be good looking for display; to have enough features but not too complex; to well use of my inventory (major sets part out mostly from 2012 onwards), and to play with my kid reliably. The new PANTHER Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle by The Rosenbauer Group has caught my attention. It’s the 4th generation ARFF vehicle launched in mid 2015 and its futuristic appearance, 6x6 chassis, unique sliding doors and feasible color scheme fit my MOC wish list very well. I started from the bodywork by modeling the truck exterior features, for example , roof profile, back exhaust louvers, incline headlights, steep ramp angle at the front and the back, and spent quite some time adjusting the body shape from being too boxy. The design of the chassis is straight forward. Since the real PANTHER is supposed to be a fast rescuing machine, I made good use of the large interior to fit in 3 XL motors to ensure enough power for driving. One motor drive one axle at a time, instead of stacking all three motors in parallel. This will avoid too much toque applying on one single Lego element. Rear axles are modified live axle suspension ‘floating’ within a rigid frame, resulting similar effect as independent suspension. Front axle is simple live axle suspension with steer function. All axles are driven in 1:1 ratio. Similar to the real PANTHER engine location, an inline 6 cylinders fake Volvo engine is seated at the back and is geared up to 2.78:1. By using the rear axles as pivot, weight (battery boxes) is placed at the back to balance the motors weight applying to the front axle. Sides panels at both end can be opened manually for battery box access. It’s challenging to pack the door sliding mechanism under the cabin without interfering the steep ramp angle at the front. The test build is done during the Christmas holiday and the doors slide quite well after a few design attempts and I am quite satisfied with the result. I am still in the process of thinking whether to use a simple swinging turret as the forth function, or a more complex high reach extendable turrets that will require an extra 2 channels and a lot of design effort.

Hi Alex, Thank you very much for the final instruction. I read the carrier part and It is very well made. The steps and order is much better than I built. I can only spot one minor error on page 57: the 4 green arrows should be pointing to the next four 3L pins. Other than that, it's perfect!

It's a good start and it may involve significant modification to the superstructures in order to accommodate a 90 degree geometry, especially at the gear chain for the boom extension. Thank you. Very nice crane collection. I am interested to see a gmk6400 sitting with the big family because I have two set of 42009 but I use them straight into MOC without building the set actually. it's good for display but you may need to take out the 8T turntable gear before the superstructure can rotate freely with drive.

It looks so real to the actual crane with the longer actuators. Looking forward to see how the boom preforms and how the carrier move around with these cool superstructures! Yes.

I got a pair of steering hub #50301 finally and the best way to use them is to build something simple and fun to drive. Madoca's buggy is at the top of my list and here what I got. I made a few changes to loosely match a classic RC buggy with lower body. It's so fun to drive and I don't think I will dismantle it. Very nice buggy and thank you Madoca.

This model is as good looking, nice featured, parts packed as the classic wing truck by Macdoca and some unique features, eg half stud displaced real live axles, grille, cabin details like windscreen wiper, mirrors etc are actually the same. I can't deny myself to keep thinking how to modify the wing tuck into the above transport truck and it's quite nicely done here. great job!

I spotted some color change on parts and it's fine. But I also found the number of blue 3L pin is now 341 pieces, instead of 333 pieces. Same for 7L LBG liftarm is now 20 pieces instead of 19 pieces. Just to double confirm if there are some changes.

Good question! I used tan axle with middle stop for all axle modules but I changed the 1st axle with 4L axle with bush after some driving tests. It's because the wheel hub from 42000 is a bit wobble (but I like the fact that the hub can hold the wheel firmly). Once the CV joint is attached to the hub, its 'click and stick' tendency causing the CV joint wobble as well. A tan axle with middle stop will have chance for some displacement that is enough to cause a half thick tan bevel gear from the differentials to misplace under extreme loading. The 6th axle doesn't have this problem because it has less driving force as compared to 1st axle and therefore I just keep it the same as the rest of axles. This is also why I use 8T gear for first and sixth axle steering, instead of more simple 12T gear + 7L gear rack, just to reduce a bit of steering angle for a silk smooth turning. I'm glad that someone do pick up this minor changes.

Another good work you have done, Alex. And thanks for all the work and refinement. the draft instruction is already perfect to me even you called it as quick n dirty one.. I am really interested to see how the Firgelli actuators work with the superstructure.

I did before and it doesn't work well. During the optimization process, I tested a setup with double XL motors with 1:3 gearing ratio at the front drive module and added a differentials between the front and middle drive module. The driving power is more than enough for front module but rather than compensating the different wheel RPMs while turning, the differentials at drive shaft kick in without delivering much power to middle or rear sections. The result is more like a 4 wheels drive at the front with 8 spinning dumpy wheels at the back. I also tested with limited slip differentials (LSD) by adding a few DIY bushes into the bevel gears. It slightly improved the turning for one or two second, and the middle and rear drive just dropped as usual when LSD kick in, resulting in similar effect as above.

The main purpose of V2 receiver is to maximize the driving functions from 3 XL motors as well as the outrigger lifting power. I think you can use just one V2 receiver for drive and outrigger Up/Down function; and use one V1 receiver for steering and outrigger Left/Right extension. Or one SBrick to rule them all :)

While Alex is working hard in creating instruction at a perfect way (and thanks a lot), I tried to mess around with LPub "add assembled image to parent page". It turns out that the assembled image only appear at the page after the assembled model. I have no idea how to create a assembled image as a preview before the model assembly. Here's is an example of what I mean.

I bought this set today but don't like the blue panels and huge gaps around the chassis. Here's my revision on the color scheme and body work that I feel more complete and more comfortable.

The Grove 6400 carrier solid axle version LDRAW and brickstore file are ready. It's fully synthesized to demonstrate the intended cabling. Total parts is 2371.