DarkShadow73

This question probably has been asked before and I might have asked, who knows, but I can't find anything on it. What is the best way to clean up corroded pneumatic cylinder rams? I guess this might be asked of LA rams too. I have a few older Technic pneumatic sets, and I'm not sure the safest way to get the slight corrosion off the exposed rams. I thought about a very light sandpaper and then wipe mineral oil on them as suggested for lubing LA rams in a topic a while ago, but I'm not sure if this applies to pneumatic cylinder rams too. I'm not sure if the ram metal is the same in both, but I have an old 8464 Front Loader that I recently fitted with a forkset and even though it has the airtank and only 3 cylinders on it, they move rather creakily and slowly now as opposed to my 8455's and other Front Loaders I have that are pneumatic, but the cylinders are cleaner on those. They aren't real bad on the one, but enough that it takes more air to move the rams. My worry is if I take any meat at all off of them with say a fine sandpaper is I might get air leaks in the cylinder openings. I can expose them all fully to clean them on the model itself without disassembly. Any ideas? Thanks

Thanks, I went to a bit different approach, the 8265 was a bit big for what I wanted to accomplish, and appreciate the b-day wishes ...I work nights at Fed Ex so I was just got to this... @Alasdair - you are right the 8439/64/59 is a better front end loader, I have 3 of them. I took the bucket off and created my own unique forkset somewhat similar to techniclego55's, but I had to modify the 'cage' for pallets lean against as they are tilted upwards, I'm really impressed at the outcome, it works perfectly, just too bad that set is so old-school it isn't motorized, but I just feather the pneumatic valves, I can lift the entire the loader off the ground with the forks like techniclego55 did in 1 of this Flickr pics...the cage isn't exactly a quick coupler like techniclego55's is, but you only have to remove a few parts to release it and can slip the bucket right back on, lots of frustrations and remakes for the assembly that attaches to the loader but after 3 hours of cussing and finding parts I got it the way I liked it, beats the crap out of the 8295 Telehandler's forkset in that nothing is manually the way the tilt of the forks were on that official Lego model, it is all operated with the pneumatic cylinders, glad that model has an airtank on it, then plan to build the 'b' model of that set for grabbing logs with the claw and loading them onto my 9397's logging fleet...I'm getting better and better at modifications and MOC's with help from looking at this forum's creations...pics to come of that mod to the front loader with and without the forks and my long semi trailer I built from the ground up with independent suspension on all 4 sets of dualies and a landing gear that I created. It hooks up with a fifth wheel(log sides and crane gone, but it is a WIP on the 9397 to create just a motorized winch... Next project is modifying an 8043 Excavator without the third boom with just the 2nd part of the boom assembly to create a logging yarder I've been carefully planning...it will incorporate 2 full spool winches with a few pulley guides for both the skyline and the 2nd winch for the skycar line and a hook with 3 attachments for chokers (The Ax Men - 5th season red yarder that Big Gun logging uses). The 2nd LA will control the pull back the skyline with the skycar line under it with the chokers, going to be a challenge but I'm tired of building 'out of the box', I want some machines that are unique. It will have a third winch on the back using the 3rd motor that would have operated the bucket LA for that, that will be hooked to a dozer like Big Gun utilizes for its yarder stability. I have a Bruder (sorry) CAT dozer that has a rear hook that I will tie it to. Then onto some smaller projects, I'm into dune buggies. I have copies of the 8048 Buggy, the 2 police ones from the 8454 'b' model's set (but plan to use them as dune buggies), and have 3 of the new 9393 Tractor sets to build the 'b' model buggy, what I plan to do with all of them except the 8048 is install off-road suspension, see if I can install 4-cyl engines on the 9393 and off-road light sets, that should be an easy project. Glad I got a ton of spare parts, just wish I had room for a good sorter setup for them, right now I use some sorters I picked up from an arts and crafts store, the bulk of it is in shoeboxes though...so that's a pain, I basically have to dump them on 1 of my card tables and fish for parts...

One question - when I downloaded the LDD file, it showed a violet (probably meant to be red as other red parts showed as violet too) thin 5L beam with a dk grey 3/4 pin on one end, but when I looked at it in view and build mode it just floated in thin air, what is that part for and how does it connect to either the quick coupler or the machine itself? I see 2 yellow beams that connect to the lt grey 2 hole plus crossblock pieces on either end with what looks like a 3L axle and two half bushes on either end for the lifting LA's, and one 2L axle that connects what looks like 9L or 11L black full beam to connect the tilt LA, is that right, but that black beams. I can see the quick coupler stays on the machine, but wouldn't you have to manually push that 2L axle for the tilt LA out for connection or deconnection to the forkset? Thanks Alasdair, appreciate your noticing, yup its tomorrow, years fly by now, never enough time to do all you want to do with life's craziness, 40 soon enough, I'll stay 39 for a while...hope it will be a good day I can't believe you don't own a 8265, its a great set. I had thought most on this forum owned all Technic sets out there nowadays, at least the larger ones, I passed on the Rock Crawler, just a bit above my money limit this year, got the helicopter (too bad the motor doesn't make it lift off the ground, but fun to watch anyhow) and lime green tractor (for the b model though). The 8265 is what I'm attempting to connect this too, I have plenty of spares for the coupler and forkset, just have more questions, see above...be patient with a dude who kind of has to be babied through modifications. I don't plan on building his model, no LDD file on that, just the coupler and forkset, but there's that odd floating thin 5L beam hanging in mid-air, that was what my post above was about.

Thanks buddy, your MOC is the best design I've ever seen...I'll download it now with your link... _techniclego55_ Little confused, I only got just the forks and the other assembly in LDD which is what I wanted really, but I am going to just try to modify my 8265 Loader with just this fork/bucket setup with your ingenious quick connects as your LA setup is very similar to that one, but I am a bit confused on on what beams to connect to what to get the bottom LA's for lift and top LA for tilt. The standard buckets for this and other models in its class have off set (meaning a bit more lugs forward and back then the forks assembly which seem to be more inline top to bottom. Any ideas on this? I am assuming your forks assembly and quick coupler would just connect right up, maybe with a bit of a beam modification to the top LA for tilt? I can't seem to get enough of a look at your main model to see exactly how it goes together for the forks and quick connector to fit onto a stock 8265 with the front end modified a bit. Please be patient, I'm not great at MOCs or MODs that aren't real clear. Sure I'd love the whole model to build, but I'd just be happy with how the connections to the LA's lineup in comparison to the 8265 so I'd know what parts to change out. If you can help out that would be great... Thanks, Eric

ANy chance of LDD on this model? My most wanted section is the fork assembly and how it hooks up with the quick coupler. I could see my 8265(or possibly one of my pneumatic loaders) is very similar to the front bucket tilt and up/down assembly as your model, just need to get a better picture of how it goes together and hooks up... Again, one of the best MOCs I have seen in a long, long time...

Very nice job...only thing I'm a huge fan of the lime color, but orange is very nice too, love the fact you added a diff to it and the yellow half bushes for the top of the 'fake' engine pistons...would love to see an RC Excavator scaled in between the 8043 and 8294 in all orange...we have the oranges around my neck of the woods along with the same 'ol yellow ones...I think Hitachi makes the orange excavators...I bought the set just for the 'b' model to add it to my collection of mini-buggys/racers..I have the two from the 8454 Rescue Truck set, the 8048 Buggy and now two of the 9393s...

Your model is ingenious...I've tried without success to add forks to my 8265 Front-End Loader or my 8439 Pnuematic Front Loader...I'm not very good at MOC's, but I wonder if you might be creating instructions for the forks, I've taken the bucket off both the models I mentioned but I can't seem to figure out to add a fork assembly to my front loaders so they can offload pallets off my tractor-flatbed trailer. The 8295 Telehandler is too large scale for what I am looking for, but I know many front and wheel loaders (really rather one in the same with some slight differences) in real life where you can unlock the bucket and a forklift assembly, its done in nearly all construction sites, and Lego hasn't made a decent medium size Telehandler, 8283 is too small, I did retrofit forks, but its too small, the 8295 is just too large and bulky. I focused on the 8265 for its LA action and ability to motorize, and the 8439 for its pneumatics, since it has an airtank and you don't have to pump and pump. Any help appreciated. I've got all the pieces I can see, but its just attachment and fork part I'm stuck on with your MOC. I know you created a unique MOC, but the 8265 LA action is nearly identical from what I can see.

Rather like this version too, more like a dune buggy...cool looking I've noticed especially with the 8043, straight alkalines work much better than the rechargeables, they seem to have more punch...sure they are wasters if you play with the model frequently, but I play with my RC stuff just some, so alkalines last a pretty long time, I have found the Energizer brand alkalines have the most life... That's a LOT of lights Denny, very nice indeed though...my only complaint other than the odd color scheme, is that it just sits way too high off the ground, if it was similar in height, maybe just bit higher, to the 8297 Off-Roader or the 8466 4X4 it would be a definite buy, they worked great alone (well maybe except for the winch on the 8297), too bad neither of those models are RC. For example too, take the 9393 B model buggy, enlarge it to this scale and I'd buy it no questions asked, just dump the white pieces, and either all orange and black, or lime (my all-time favorite color) and black and it would be no question...I recall last week standing in a local TRU and looking at it (the 9398) and considering, considering, but in the end I didn't buy it.

I used to keep the boxes too, but my garage was a mess of open boxes, at one time back until I quit doing this and tossing the boxes in 2006, I'll bet I had about 40 empties, then no room for new sets, then little by little I got into Technic more and more and out went the car, never to return to the garage except the little bit I could get it in after moving some of my card tables and my trash tote ahead for my shade tree mechanics...all I got is about a 7 feet wide strip, 30" tables on both sides of the garage for building, displaying and all my new stock under the tables except for 2 so I can get my legs under, and most of the upper shelves of my plywood and metal frame shelving is Legos, the rest for chemicals, my huge tool box, and normal garage stuff. Its like my own little haven to get away from it all, or my own dungeon of pissed-off-ness when I can't get an MOC to work out, I'm concentrating and learning from this forum and putting together my own MOC's mostly now, I took the inspirational model of the 8275 Bulldozer set and am designing a cab and a way to hide away the wiring harnesses in back, going to be cool, got the semi trailer done last week, so kind of working on both in tandem, still have to build the tractor for the trailer and design a working 5th wheel, and hope my design of a cab and other mods on the b model 8275 work like I laid out on paper and in LDD...

I just use an Amazon shipping box that perfectly fits 2 sets of instruction booklets and downloaded b model instructions side by side. A bit heavy, but I only keep 1 set for each set #. Works well, and it keeps them neat and tidy, I just go from lowest Technic set # (e.g.: 8264 is about my lowest, then up to 9397 the highest set # I have), really can't hold any more, but works fine for now.

I had the 8448 also before giving it away to a fellow Eurobrick member. It has lots of boxes inside unlike today's sets, and they don't inventory each box, it is inventoried as a whole as DLuders indicated. Another good source for inventory verification is www.peeron.com I tend to use both, most times Bricklink is much faster in having sets inventoried, only real difference is that Bricklink inventories by color, so since the 8448 has tons of black pieces, you can weed out the other colors fast, then just set about to find the black parts, I find that nice as I have inventoried a lot of loose parts I have into actual sets lately, I was actually able to come up with 2 complete 8294 Excavators and a 8264 Hauler out of my spares since those sets have skyrocketed in value, especially the 8294. Believe I have enough in spares to even put together an 8258 Crane Truck too. I wanted to see what a new set that just came out a little over a week ago had in it, and it was already up and inventoried. Easiest way is to sort out pieces by color first, then by same part, (e.g.: all red flexible axles, lined up in sizes smallest to largest sorted in one place, then 16L black studded beams, I know the 8448 has lots of those in the chassis, etc, etc), it has always worked well and with the larger sets like the 8448 makes sorting and bagging much easier and faster, instead of fishing through 1408 pieces in that set. Obviously you would have to disassemble the chassis completely and clean the parts (dish soap and water I found works well, stop up a sink and fill it, just don't let the plunger out or bye bye some smaller pieces, been there done that, then a good clear water rinse, again making sure you don't let loose any parts into the drain, then let them dry on a large tray or towel of some sort for a day or two). This has never done me wrong, I end up with clean pieces, some with a water spot or two, but who cares if its not sealed or MISB, you would have to market it as Used anyway. But, I for one, and I'm sure lots of others are the same way, hate dirty/dusty pieces even in Used sets. Btw, if you are interested in selling, send me a PM, I might be interested if price is right, but I'm sure I'm not alone here, that is a coveted set for Technic fans...

Built the trailer legs assembly and also one of mini LA's, unfortunately both won't work. I thought my only problem with the assembly would be to pin it with the 2 open holes on the triangle on the outer sides would be to the underside of the decking(with the panels). Except those panel undersides have holes that for pins or axles but I cannot attach anything, the holes are partially up into the panel itself on the underside, making it impossible to attach anything. Same problem with the mini LA setup I tried, should have known it wasn't going to work, the large flatter gears that mesh with the smaller single bevel 12-tooth gears are too high off the top of the assembly to work and same problem with attachment, also there is that issue with the 3L wide span of beams going in between panels to reinforce them, they are level with the panels underneath, and still the holes being partially obstructed on the underside of the panels. I don't know how to do a landing gear and I got the trailer perfect otherwise, super frustrating, I tried forcing the pins through the obstructed holes, but only succeeded in whatever I attached to the pins to come partially out, the mini LA's were a nightmare, they kept twisting one way or the other. Guess I'm SOL on landing gear except for sliding some blocks under it, which is way unrealistic when the trailer itself is ultra-realistic...all I think of is all the work in creating a great wheelbase for the dualies and independent suspension, sucks...

Thanks Alasdair, got it, and printed in a lighter color so I could make out the pieces, when I tried last night to print them in black, well they were so dark I couldn't even read them, I did changed the color to light pink (don't laugh buddy)and it showed up much better...late last night I located all the pieces required and will build tonight and hopefully the triangles will be able to be pinned to the underside of the trailer deck w/ no issues. Yeah his creations are unbelievable, might download some of them to see if they have instructions attached, I particularly liked the yellow tractor with forks and an upper grabber...Thanks again Alasdair...

I am attaching a reply to one of my topics below about adding a landing gear to my MOC trailer that will be finished once I have LG in place. No offense to Alasdair, don't mean to copy and paste his reply and image. He indicated to use Lego digital designer to get or make instructions for this, but I'm not sure where to grab them and I'm itching to get this project done. It looks simple enough to build, I just don't know all the parts involved and how everything pins together as all I Can see is a 360 degree image, I can rotate and zoom on it, but need to see all the parts I would need and basically how it all pins together. Again Alasdair, don't mean to one-up you, please don't take that it that way at all, I just like this design, its much better than the simple, I don't think would work anyway, mechanism I had planned to use...if anybody has instructions I could readily download, or whatever, I'd much appreciate it. Thanks. The pic and link won't copy and paste, so here is the URL,or you can scroll up to Alasdair's reply, not the gear rack pic, but the whole image of the assembly. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x248/Terexdemag/LDDScreenShot61.png This is a pic from somebody with the handle Terexdemag, not sure if he is a member of this forum or not, but his design is excellent and I'd like to use it. They can be emailed to me as well. E-mail: ehulliberger@live.com Thanks, Eric Posted 27 July 2012 - 09:25 AM Here is a idea I had. trailer legs.lxf (16.91K) Number of downloads: 13

Update: Got the LDD downloaded from the internet, was able to open the file and explode the assembly, thanks much for your reply. Alasdair- I thought it looked like a gear rack of some sort that the 12-tooth gear was meshing to...what is Lego digital designer? How would I get this program, there is a lot more to this assembly that even turning and rotating and zooming with the installed programs on my computer doesn't work, a lot of parts are hidden. If you could direct me to that program and how I would go about grabbing the image or whatever you have to, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Eric

Alright, I looked at the pic good, but can't exactly tell what parts are in the middle, do you happen to have instructions on how to build this assembly? Never mind, I didn't think of clicking on the pic itself, I got the full pic, thanks... Thanks Alasdair - I can't make out the pic of the landing gear clearly and my computer can't open the attached file...it looks like exactly what I want. I have trailer almost completed, it is impressive, I created a unique wheelbase for the double set of dualies on the rear, nothing like anybody would have guessed but it works perfectly, each dualie has independent suspension, not spring loaded, just independently they will rise just enough that they don't hit decking. Decking, underside reinforcing are done, and side marker lights and rear bumper with USDOT type brake and driving lights as is the kingpin assembly (hope it lines up with the 9397's rear end, haven't built the 5th wheel yet mainly because I don't have the 9397 built yet, just might have to raise it up as I look at the 9397 pics, they look a bit on the low side, but the I have the rear dualies on the trailer right within about a bushing length to the deck above so it should line up I would guess, I'm using the same size tires and rims as the 9397 utilizes, but the 5th wheel will be easy when I look at the frame of the rear of the 9397 with log holders and underpinnings removed, maybe I'll keep the crane on it, seems to be pretty compact right behind the cab, only 1 question, does the crane fold up somewhat? I'm sort of guessing no since it is a claw assembly and not really a crane, if so, might remove that as well, got a few other 9397's for the real main and b models. Also plan on removing the bottom bar of the bumper on the front to install some driving lights, put more heavy duty lighting on the either side of the cab topmost sides and put some lights on the back of the cab to face backwards to aim at the load to make sure it is safe with straps (plan on using some light duty zip strips to tie down loads or the 16L dk grey chains for smaller items on the deck, got enough holes on the decking to use the chains. If you ever watch Ice Road Truckers it will be identical to their lighting setup. I hope to add a couple of LED light kits to power some of the lights on the tractor, and might install another battery box with more light kits to attach to the rear lights. If you can blow up or make your landing gear pic into a jpg or something to that effect I might use it, looks more realistic than the mini LA setup that Saberwing suggested. That might be a lot as I would have to do a lot of gearing and figure out how to anchor it to the bottom of the deck. Can't wait to show my first real MOC to the forum, should be done by the weekend or early next week if time allows, it along with the 9397 will be large and impressive. I'm real happy with my work so far, frustrating with the wheelbase attachment, but worth it in the end.

A bit off topic, but I believe the 8275 was the best RC Lego ever produced, even the 8043, though the b model track loader was great too, both the 8275 and 8043 track loader both work smoothly and flawlessly, luckily I picked the 8275 up since it had such a short production run. Sometime in the winter of '07-'08 I even plowed through an inch of snow with it (powdery snow, not the wet stuff, didn't want to damage the motors) and it went right through it, just shook loose the snow when I was done, the neighbors were impressed. Even the inspiration model intrigues me, I dismantled the dozer and am going to build that model, install a cab, and try to figure out how to hide all the wiring harnesses in back and use it as a logging tree feller. I don't have the $$$ for the 9398 now, but I'm more into construction vehicles anyway, but the 9396 helicopter looked real interesting especially with the PF added in, so I picked that up along with the 9393 just for the 'b' model buggy racer. Why you might ask? Because I love the color lime, last good model with lime was the 8649 Nitro Menace, though it was in the Racers lineup technically, most all the underpinnings were pure Technic.

Thanks a bunch DLuders - I sent you an e-mail so you could send me the pdf. Eric

Hi - I have a huge collection of instruction booklets and printed out alternate instructions, also all the mods I have attained for models, however I cannot find the one for the rear wheel lift on the 9395 Tow Truck that makes it more realistic when cornering with a vehicle hooked up. I had printed it some time ago, but I wonder if anybody might have it handy to re-post or PM me with the instructions for it? I gave away the one I had that had the swivel in place... Thanks...

Thanks DLuders - I will check it out. I figured with the openness in the frame that the 5th wheel would fit in fine, even if I had to make a stud or two narrower than other models fifth wheels, that were basically for looks, not usefulness. Its just the trailer part I'm stuck on, the deck I have figured out to the tee, just the underpinnings for the wheelbase, kingpin and landing gear I am bit confused on how to implement so it all comes together. Saberwing gave me an idea on the landing gear in a PM using mini LA's which sounds good, and I might use that, only problem is the gearing for the LA's would come up above the deck, where I was hoping to have completely flat like real-life flatbeds. I'll check out Hans's collection.

On a lot of recent instruction booklets, well back to about 2007 or 2008, you could hardly tell the difference between some of the dk grey and black pieces, hence the bley...

I was thinking about taking a 9397 and removing the crane and log sides and putting on a fifth wheel and building a trailer to make a realistic looking semi tractor-trailer. Only things that are stumping me is how to install a kingpin on the trailer bed (plan on using black flat panels from parted out 8041 Race Truck sets, probably 2 sets on either side about 3 or 4 long(similar to the 8063's trailer, just without the sides) and a middle three wide setup of beams for attaching the setup for 2 sets of dualies on each side at very back of trailer, how to install landing gear underneath when trailer is unhooked and how to set up the dualies on the rear, then a rear bumper(no-brainer there, just a 15L beam with brake/running lamps, all red like all N. American tractor/trailers. That would make the trailer 15 studs wide. There isn't much room on the back of the 9397 for a full 5th wheel like on the 8436, 8041 Race Truck and the 'why is it there' one on the back deck of the 8258, all I would need is something for either a 3/4 dk grey pin to fall into, or at worst a 3L axle with stud, or 4L newer style with stop, but I kind of wanted realism, so the 3/4 pin would be my choice as I could just guide the 9397 back until the fifth wheel hit the pin and it hitched to the fifth wheel. Also, I wanted to make it so the 9397 fifth wheel and the trailer were exactly level with each other like flatbed trailers usually are. Any and all ideas appreciated.

@davidmull - I know, in retrospect I should have thought a bit more and gotten the Crawler, but man that steep price intimidated me, you can motorize the Helicopter w/ an 8293 PF set, but still I keep looking at that Crawler and thinking well, can't afford it now, I ordered just the copter and the tractor just for the 'b' model dune buggy, that's kind of cool looking... @sted - Holy cow!! They came to the USA before the UK for the first time in a long while with summer releases? I bought a Tow Truck(9395) with just the VIP points I had, it covered that, the shipping, so my total was $0.00 owed and I still had another $15 to spend beyond that, so I used them on the copter (wish the motor was strong enough to make it lift off, that would be ultimate nuts, but with my flying skills, I'd probably end up crashing it if it were RC) and the tractor(blah, looks like a repeat of the 8049's tractor w/ the really blah 8284's rear rotor blades), but I plan to make the b model racer. For some reason, I love lime colored parts, have 3 8649 Nitro Menaces, even though the only lime on the 9393 is the fairings... @JsG - you make me feel a bit better then, I actually was more into the copter from the start, it has lots of gears and some incredible looking mechanisms, I was actually enthralled with since seeing the preliminary pics...I thought well, the Crawler is just another 4x4" Off-Roader(albeit RC this time), and I already have the 8466 4x4 from 2001 and the 8297 from 2008, so figured I'd try something non-land based for a change. I do have the 8068 copter and the 9394 plane, but obviously those small sets don't hold a candle to this thing, when I read the S@H description that it was 28" long, its got to be the longest Technic model I have and I have most all since 2004, and a few I have acquired during my come and go dark ages. Then maybe come Xmas time like you said, maybe I'll pick up the 9398...maybe

I think you all might have forgotten one - the 8448 Supercar, that has been my absolute favorite, however I had my time with it and now its in the hands of camaro365 for him to enjoy. Other sets notable for me: 8455 Backhoe Loader (pneumatics galore and like many have said it is ultra realistic) 8043 Excavator (now that I can get it to run, beware, lube your turntable(by separating it in the middle) first if it doesn't spin freely...)) - b model tracked loader is impressive as well 8053 b model Harbor Crane - something really impressive about that model 8275 Bulldozer (RC heaven) 9397 Logging Truck (even the b model is great with mod to enclose the bed and cab) 8110 Unimog (it is about as much fun putting together as it is playing with it, too bad it isn't RC) 9395 Tow Truck (if you are from the US and Canada it is about as realistic as the real thing) 8294 Excavator (just because it changed the construction pace from just yellow and black) 8421 Mobile Crane (big set, lots of goodies) 8285 Tow Truck (another American/Canadian icon with the snout nose for some heavy duty lifting 8436 Truck (don't know why, but this one is just cool) 8070 Supercar (not good as the 8880, never owned one, price is too high now, or the 8448, but it is a great build and fun to play with) And last but not least, the 8466 4x4", all the great features of the 8448, just a bit smaller I just ordered the 9396 Helicopter, looks real good, the 9398 Crawler is just too expensive and I already have the 8297 and 8466 Off-Roaders, so figured I might try to get into non-land based Technic for a bit...