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[WIP] MCI D4500CT Commuter Coach
JLiu15 posted a topic in LEGO Technic, Mindstorms, Model Team and Scale Modeling
Last year, I built a MOC of the NJ Transit New Flyer XD60 Articulated Bus. That model was a huge success, so back in August I started working on another bus model: the NJ Transit 2016-2022 MCI D4500CT Commuter Coach. I anticipate this model having a lot more functionality than my XD60 model. There will be 6 motorized functions total, 4 of which are controlled via a 4-output distribution gearbox. The model will use Control+ electronics, with a single hub powering 4 motors (1 C+ XL for drive and 3 C+ L for steering, gearbox functions and gearbox switching). The 4 motorized functions controlled via the gearbox will be opening/closing the passenger door, extending/retracting the wheelchair lift, raising/lowering the wheelchair lift, and opening/closing the wheelchair door. The model will also feature suspension on all axles. I believe the real MCI D4500CT have independent front and tag axles and a solid driven axle (not 100% sure), but a such a setup might be too complicated so I went with a live axle suspension on all axles. I also plan to include a model of the Cummins X12 engine with mini pistons, which can be removed from the chassis as the pistons won't be visible when the engine model is inside the bus. Only the 2020-2022 (plus a handful of 2019) models have the Cummins X12 engine (previous years had the Cummins ISX12 engine), so my model will be of a 2020 or newer unit, most likely 2021 as the 2021 order was by far the largest. I started designing the model in Stud.io shortly after BrickFair VA back in August, focusing primarily on the chassis. The biggest challenge was making sure the wheelchair lift can fully extend/retract from the chassis and not interfere with any other mechanisms. The wheelchair lift's transverse range of motion takes up almost the entire width of the bus, so it was difficult making sure I can squeeze all the functionality in there without compromising on looks. Making sure I had the space to fit everything was also a challenge, as the distribution gearbox and Control+ hub both take up a lot of space. I have a preliminary version of the chassis modeled in Stud.io, and have begun building the physical model. The chassis is a very dense build, with plenty of mechanisms running through it. I also have the "stainless steel" side panels (all metallic silver - definitely won't be cheap) and seats in place in the Stud.io model. The Stud.io model is already over 4000 pieces, so I think this model will easily surpass the part count of my XD60 model. Just like my XD60 model, because I am modeling it in Stud.io, I plan to publish instructions for this MOC when it's finished. I've included some photos of the physical model as of right now (I mostly just have the gearbox section done), and some screenshots of the Stud.io model showing its progress since August. Photos: