MOC: WIP Mercedes SMART transporter

[Selander]

This is another truck in my Mercedes Actros style, now in Dkred with a small DkTan stripe.

It is built for a temporary display in Stockholm Technical Museum next week.

Due to limited time (many projects right now...) I had to focus on getting the look

and proportions as I wanted, meaning functionality can be much improved.

Inspiration comes from the below medium size truck from forwarders Norlens Åkeri in Sweden.

For the prototype the whole upper deck is possible to raise and lower at four points,

two in rear and two in front, to facilitate loading and unloading of cars.

IF possible I like to achieve something similar, BUT without adding a mountain of technic

parts. The ideal would be a compact, yet durable and functional solution.....so if anyone

has an idea or suggestion, I would be very greatful.

For the moment, as presented on pictures, there are hinges in the lower rear part,

(just after rear wheels) and another pair of hinges in the front upper part deck.

So there is a already a limited functionality.

As said, feel free to comment

[prateek]

Very cool! I love the hump over the rear axle. I would've never thought to use the those 1x4 fence pieces in a car transport

[BlueBard]

High-detailed masterpiece! BRAVO!

[Big Cam]

I know you asked for criticism, but I really have none. It looks great, juat as I would imagine it.

The only thing to do now is figure out a way to allow the top level to lower down so the cars can actually drive off.

[lightningtiger]

Very nice 'Selander'....very nice indeed.

Now advice.....yes, use 1x1 tile clips with flexible thin tubing to give the flexible barrier front to back of the tray especially over that wheel arch, likewise up top to.

Also the operating top loader, some basic hydrolytic parts or alike might allow true operation.

I'm a conformist! !

[sens1992]

Very cool truck Selander... Nice to see all those different colored small cars!!!

[dr_spock]

Very nice. Maybe add some more supports like the real transporter truck.

[Fuzzylegobricks]

its beautiful!

crazy truck details!

i love the size very differant than other ones.

i thought about making one when i saw this set..... [

keep you awesome designs up!

and please if you have a layout could you post some pics?

uh its set number: 6753

Edited October 25, 2010 by Fuzzylegobricks

[Ricecracker]

That's amazing, Selander! Dark Red has got to be one of my favourite LEGO colours, and you've definitely done it justice here. I know you've built an Actros before, and you've captured all of the details to make it instantly recognizable. As Prateek mentioned, using the 1x2 Grilled Cheese for the hump looks great.

For your problem, the truck in the picture you've shown us appears to have a three-section upper deck, which is connected to the four columns. You might want to try building the front and back sections stationary, and have the middle section able to fold down to the lower deck. I will try to come up with something tangible and take pictures for you.

[XimenaPaulina]

Great work Selander! I like the details you've put in there. Though it would really have been better if there is a lowering mechanism for the car rack above. But still this is an excellent creation!

[Selander]

That's amazing, Selander! Dark Red has got to be one of my favourite LEGO colours, and you've definitely done it justice here. I know you've built an Actros before, and you've captured all of the details to make it instantly recognizable. As Prateek mentioned, using the 1x2 Grilled Cheese for the hump looks great.

For your problem, the truck in the picture you've shown us appears to have a three-section upper deck, which is connected to the four columns. You might want to try building the front and back sections stationary, and have the middle section able to fold down to the lower deck. I will try to come up with something tangible and take pictures for you.

Thanks Ricecracker and all others for positive comments.

My original thought was to keep the upper deck in two sections, where the part over cab is static,

and the rear upper part is possible to lower so it will be positioned just over the lower deck,

enabling cars to easily drive on to it, and after that raise the deck with cars on it.

My main problem is to find out what kind of "mechanism" which will look good an still get a reasonable

functionality/playability.

Once again, if you can come up with something and post here, I'd certainly be most grateful.

[anna]

very beautiful smart transport,

i like the colors of the truck and the smarts!

Very good idea!

[Jan]

Looks absoltely great with these smarts, you added a lot of nice details, especially like the realistic looking cabin.

Just one remark, I would give the carrier part a little space above the cabin. With that space its a little more articualted, and the top half isn't flat anymore and will look a bit more dynamic

Take a look at this brickshelf brickshelf link it's just brilliant and fully functional.

[ACCURATEin]

Very nice idea and great job!

[Mrlegoninja]

This is beautiful! Great work!

I can't stop staring at the way you made the truck beds.

[danim]

uld it be possible to see the interior of the cab as I would like to build a fire version of this for my lego city

[Ricecracker]

As it happens, I'm actually working on a car transporter based on an Actros as well!

Here's what I came up with. Using the 1x4 fence pieces as anchors, I attached 1x8 plates as the four pillars. I've used the fence pieces in different ways for the front and the back so you can decide which to use. Both are surprisingly sturdy. The picture shows the upper rear deck at the full angle it can reach, as well as the upper middle deck down as the ramp up. If you need any more pics of it, just let me know!

Edited October 28, 2010 by Ricecracker

[The Soup Nazi]

As it happens, I'm actually working on a car transporter based on an Actros as well!

Here's what I came up with. Using the 1x4 fence pieces as anchors, I attached 1x8 plates as the four pillars. I've used the fence pieces in different ways for the front and the back so you can decide which to use. Both are surprisingly sturdy. The picture shows the upper rear deck at the full angle it can reach, as well as the upper middle deck down as the ramp up. If you need any more pics of it, just let me know!

Sorry to say, but I like Ricecracker's gate better IMO

[Fuzzylegobricks]

nice behind the scenes!

or yo u could say behind the bricks!

[Selander]

As it happens, I'm actually working on a car transporter based on an Actros as well!

Here's what I came up with. Using the 1x4 fence pieces as anchors, I attached 1x8 plates as the four pillars. I've used the fence pieces in different ways for the front and the back so you can decide which to use. Both are surprisingly sturdy. The picture shows the upper rear deck at the full angle it can reach, as well as the upper middle deck down as the ramp up. If you need any more pics of it, just let me know!

Now, that's an intersting input. I was hoping for these kind of constructive proposals.

I'll continue to do some thinking, and see if I can come up with more ideas, as well as

evaluate your good idea.

Thanks for sharing, Ricecracker !!!

Would it be possible to see the interior of the cab as I would like to build a fire version of this for my lego city

I am afraid there isn't much of cab interior, except for a steering wheel and an antenna as gear shift.

If you study this, and my earlier Mercedes:es, (see links below) I am sure you are able to copy the design,

it 's pretty much just what you see, no special tricks...oh I can mention the use of a technic plate 1 x 4 to

reverse direction of plates/tiles/slopes in the front grille arrangement.

[danim]

Hi Selander

After posting the messsage I printed out the fist shot of the transporter and then spent about 4 hours studying it and working out what sections were built with what bricks, I was not sure how you inverted the cheese slopes so I took it on myself to guess and now have it pretty stable just sitting on. I will post pics of my fire appliance once I get my computer back as the fan gave up on me on monday

Also as a quick question, how many figs can you fit into the cab

[Selander]

Hi Selander

After posting the messsage I printed out the fist shot of the transporter and then spent about 4 hours studying it and working out what sections were built with what bricks, I was not sure how you inverted the cheese slopes so I took it on myself to guess and now have it pretty stable just sitting on. I will post pics of my fire appliance once I get my computer back as the fan gave up on me on monday

Also as a quick question, how many figs can you fit into the cab

First I wish you good luck with building your own Mercedes truck, I am sure you'll figure out a nice design.

Secondly, given the width of 6wide and considering doors (or panels)the available width internally for minifigs is

4studs. Normally I put the steering wheel + driver on the two studs nearest to the left door, and since a minifig

is wider than two studs there is not room for a second minifig. Unless you rip off the drivers right arm, as well as

the passengers left arm to form a siamese twins (then two minifigs will fit)