gmshades

This is the greatest crane Lego came out with. The use of the motor is great. Much better than 42009. By the time I'm done helping the outriggers lower on 42009, 8421 is fully setup and ready to go to work.

Well, one question will be does it have to have string and a hook? Because the definition of a crane is a peice of equipment that lifts, transports, and lowers its load.

Yes the cabs and bumpers are the same. Matter of fact, a lot of the frame in the front is the same, including the structure behind the cab. Compare the instructions before you tear everything apart. Glenn

I would like to present my mod of this set. First, I turned the front wheels around and added dbg 1.5 pins to the pulley wheels. Also Made a red version with the front of the B model and the rear suspension from the A model. I plan to change the beaker lights to trans-orange and the rear wheel covers to dbg. Let me know what you think. Glenn

15 : 10 9 : 6 16 : 4 14 : 3 2 : 2 18 : 1

I just found out from calling Lego that the Mercedes-Benz logo for the grill is not available for sale because of the license. Now what to do for my separate truck I'm building....

Anyone else confused on calling the new pneumatics "v2"? Should be "v4" in my opinion. First we had the square bottom 1 port cylinders. Then the square bottom 2 port. Then the 2 stud wide round bottom 2 port. Now we have 1 stud wide round bottom 2 port.

I just finished building this set. All I can say is WOW!!! Here's my take on it: Building experience - 10/10 I built all 6 assemblies first before final assembly. I spread it out over a couple days to fully appreciate the build. It never felt redundant. I did the crane last. I cut a few pneumatic hoses so that I had a cleaner look for a finished product. I also rigged a stop in the front of it to hold the crane in a fixed position while adding all the hoses. This made it easier to guide all the hoses through the turntable. Final look - 9/10 The attention to detail on the front of this truck is exceptional! Looking at the final product, the wheels and tires look great compared to seeing the pictures. If I had any complaint, it would be the crane being too high above the cab. Also, it would have been nice if the crane folded up like on 8258. This may be a mod I try to it. Playability - 9/10 Everything works smoothly as designed by Lego. I took my time after every step to ensure all gears worked smoothly during assembly, and that the crane will rotate smoothly from lock to lock. I did add a second pneumatic cylinder to the clamp. Operation of it opening and closing work much better than in the videos I watched with only 1 cylinder. The new battery box is great with the switch being easier to change direction of the motor. Thank you Lego! Final thoughts - Lego really nailed this truck on the head!! It definitely goes to the top of my favorite list, right next to 8285 and 8258. If you are unsure to buy this set or not, do not hesitate and buy it. You will not be disappointed!! This set is the definition of Lego Technic. I know Technic sets can only get better, but how they will top this set I have no idea. I am already in the process of building the B model truck. I have all the pieces I am missing ordered through Bricklink. I will be giving Lego a call to try to get the new pneumatics and Mercedes Benz emblem for the front. Glenn Mead

Watching those latest videos, I wonder if adding an extra small cylinder to the bucket would help or if there is no hope for it to have any clamping force.

Was on the Lego shopping website. Coming August 1st: 42043 Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245 $229.99 42042 Crawler Crane $149.99 42040 Fire Plane $49.99 42039 24 Hours Race Car $129.99 42036 Street Motorcycle $39.99 Only can see the picture of 42036 & 42039.

Great videos! I can't wait til they are on the shelves.

The truck drove around fine with the Lego controller, even over doorways. I feel like I loose power with the s-brick, but it still rolls on carpet fine, just not as good as Lego PF.

I just hope they realize the excitement for the set and decide to sell it after the contest. It would look great next to the tumbler!

I haven't had much time to do the finishing touches on it. Only had the back seats and bed cover to complete. I put in the s-brick to drive it around, but not totally satisfied with the performance as compared to Lego's controller.

The AAA box probably would fit better. Because of my frame design, if I tried making it a "tool box", it would hide the back window. Using LBG would not be a bad look. The real truck as pictured is a crew cab work truck, which comes with black bumpers, black grill, and gray wheels. The picture is with the all black edition, that comes with black bowties and 20" black rims. However, the 20" black rims could not come on the crew cab, only regular and double. As it sits now, the truck weighs 4 lbs, 15 oz (2.2 kg). The 8110 Unimog weighs 4 lbs, 11 oz.

I was going to use panels like on 9398 crawler, but could not get the front fender to look right, so removed it. The front tires haven't rubbed yet, but the ball with axle connector keeps popping off the steering side. I like the idea for the toolbox. Thank you. I'll think about what to add to the engine bay, but as you said this model is relatively heavy. I separated the motors and only have the reduction at the differential. Works great! Thank you everyone for you're praises and ideas! Glenn

Thank you for the praise! I'm going to put a cover on the bed to hide the battery box, I just haven't decided to make a Lego one or just use black construction paper.

Well, it's 95% done. Still needs back seat, left rear tail light, and a few odds and ends. As you can see in the last post, I have both XL motors connected. The middle differential splits the power to the front and back. There is a 3:1 reduction before it gets to the wheels. If I just used an xl motor to run the front axle, and one to drive the rear axle, would that eliminate the need for the power reduction? This truck is heavy, but super slow. Thanks for the comments! Glenn

You're impala is looking great! It seems to be the same 1:10 scale as the truck I'm building. Only question I have for you is are you having problems breaking gears?I see you have the speed geared up 1:3. I have 2 xl motors that gear down at the differential 7:5, and 3:1 after the differential You should have seen how high the broken 12t half bevel gear flew out of the differential before I made the body.

Well, as far as suspensions go, I think this would have been a great set to introduce some type of leaf suspension and a new rear axle piece. Let's bring the suspension to real life scale. I have never seen a road truck where: The shock is over 6" round and 3 foot tall. 2 foot clearance between the top of the tire and the bottom of fender.

I made the front bumper with those parts. I made a version of the grill, but could not find a way to connect the beams for a clean look across the front.

I agree with you. I changed the size to 1x2x3. Still don't like it but I'll wait til the truck is nearly done before changing it again. Also raised the fender openings 1 stud. Looks much better now. Bed of truck is done. Working on the left side doors and front fender, then will tackle the roof and hood. More pics soon!

Progress report. Wheelbase shortened 4 studs. Vehicle width narrowed 2 studs. Only has 4wd. Side is done. For now.

I'm at a roadblock, which always happens when it comes to looks. Should I make the body in Technic pieces or sloped/tile pieces? The doors alone are 12 studs long x 9 studs high, not including the windows. If anyone has ideas, don't be afraid to share! Thank you. Glenn

Wheel arches are easy thanks to the square openings in the real truck. You can kind of see the outline of the side of the bed. I need to find a way to fill it in. The front is heavy. The spring setup in the pictures was sagging with the weight. I changed out the 4 small springs for 4 yellow ones. The front is real stiff. The rear received 4 gray small springs. I changed the gear ratio from 2:1 to 3:1. I haven't broken another gear yet. I just have to stay away from the walls. haha. The body work is going to be a challenge. I'm hoping I can utilize panels without sacrificing too much of the look to save weight.