JLiu15

UPDATE 10/10/22 The MOC topic is published:

A classic-style dump truck model with BuWizz. Features drive, steering, dumping, V6 piston engine, and working headlights and taillights. Functions/features: Drive Steering Dumping Working headlights and taillights Oscillating rear axle Opening doors and hood V6 piston engine Instructions available on Rebrickable: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-125516/JLiu15/classic-dump-truck/#details This model was originally conceived as a MOC I would make with the sets and parts I got at BrickFair VA. My initial plan was to make it in lime, as one of the sets I got was the 42138 Mustang and that one had most of the lime parts I would need. I have not made many lime MOCs due to not having that many lime pieces, so this felt like another good opportunity to make a lime MOC. However, I could not help but feel that green would be a strange color for a dump truck, so I then changed the cab color to red. My initial finished design in Stud.io had a red cab and dark bluish gray cargo hold. I also tried a white cab with black cargo hold and rims, but felt that an orange cab and black cargo hold with white rims and accents was the best color scheme to go with. I decided to use BuWizz to control the model despite it not being made for speed - due to the smaller scale, it would be difficult to fit both a battery box and SBrick so using a BuWizz which has battery/control all in one unit was the best option. The model is built very compact - the drive and cargo hold elevation motors (both PF L motors) are placed side by side, and the PF Servo motor for steering is placed directly below the cab to leave room for the fake engine. Unfortunately, due to the small size of the model and the oscillating rear axle, there isn't much room for reinforcement (there's only one pair of beams going over the oscillating rear axle) so the chassis tends to bend. I was concerned that the chassis would bend too much as the cargo hold elevates due to the forces exerted on the end of the chassis, but fortunately it didn't seem to be much of an issue in the finished model. As for the functionality, I decided to take advantage of BuWizz's 4 speed modes to adjust the power supplied to the motors and LEDs. While the model is not that big, it does pack quite a punch when driving in ludicrous mode. And because I'm not using the power-hungry RC motors, there's no issues with power cutting out. The LEDs are also brighter on fast and ludicrous modes, which I like. The oscillating rear axle worked very well on slightly rough terrain as seen in the video - the only downside is the ground clearance as the L motors for drive and dumping sit pretty low in the chassis. There weren't any issues with chassis reinforcement either despite my concerns. I was also concerned that the Servo motor being connected to the steering mechanism via a CV and U-joint would lead to excess play in the system (as the Servo motor is not placed directly next to the steering mechanism due to the space the fake engine takes up), but steering always functioned properly without any major issues. Overall, the small size of this model and the use of BuWizz made all the functions work very smoothly. It did not take long for me to finish the virtual model in Stud.io and the building process is straightforward, but this MOC still turned out to take longer than anticipated. I ordered most of the parts I needed in a single Pick A Brick order so I can avoid buying from multiple Bricklink sellers, but because my order consisted of all "standard" parts, it took over a month for me to receive it. My order was also on "In Warehouse" status longer than usual. In retrospect I should have ordered all the parts for this model from Bricklink if I wanted to finish it earlier, but being able to order all my parts in a single order was definitely convenient. Overall, while the functionality turned out pretty well for this model, it was still a project I felt that I started too hastily. I had to modify the virtual build several times (including three color changes) before starting the build IRL. A number of features had to be included (there's no interior due to the BuWizz unit taking up most of the interior space), but I am still happy about being able to include a fake engine at this scale. This was also my first MOC to use multiple pairs of PF LEDs - after getting one pair in late 2013 I always wanted to get a few more but never had a MOC where I thought of including multiple PF LEDs. Last summer I got a set of PF/WeDo elements from a friend which included two pairs of PF LEDs. This MOC felt like a good opportunity to use them as I used PF elements with no power-hungry RC motors. The amount of electronic elements in such a small model (3 motors and 3 pairs of LEDs) meant a lot of wiring to manage, but I was able to get the wires to all fit nicely inside the model. Video: Photos:

UPDATE 9/25/22 I made a small Bricklink order to get me some necessary pieces that could help me get a little further in the build before my PAB order arrives. The pieces I ordered allowed me to start moving on to the cab. The panels in the rear of the cab are in place, as well as the BuWizz unit. The electronic elements are also connected to the BuWizz. Routing the wires was challenging for such a small model, especially the PF LEDs, but the wires near the BuWizz all fit within the cab and the wires for the tail lights shouldn't interfere with the oscillating rear axle or cargo hold. The chassis does have a tendency to bend, especially in the rear due to the space needed in the chassis for the oscillating rear axle, but it shouldn't be too big of a problem as I've tested the dumping mechanism and it doesn't exert too much force when tilting the cargo hold. Photos:

Thanks! My Pick A Brick order from late August has STILL not shipped...I'm starting to make BrickLink orders of the pieces I need since I just want to get this MOC done. Maybe I'll just order everything I need from BL and when my PAB order finally arrives I'll just have some extra pieces, lol. EDIT: just checked my orders page on the LEGO website and looks like it's finally shipped. Now to wait another 4 long weeks for them to arrive, lol.

UPDATE 9/12/22 I've gotten started on the physical build. I already have a preliminary version of the instructions made, so I'm just following along with that as I build. So far, I have the basic chassis built. I'm still waiting on a Pick A Brick order, and those take a while to ship as they come from Denmark so I might not make any more progress on this model until around October. Hopefully the parts don't take too long to arrive so I can get to finishing the model. Photos:

The only reason why I originally went with the gray bed was because I didn't want it to look too similar to my dump truck from 2014 lol, which also had a red cab/black bed color scheme.

UPDATE 8/18/22 I've decided to recolor the model to orange. The cargo hold has also been recolored to black. This reduces the number of pieces I'll have to order for the model, and it allows me to use the 3x11 curved panel with more pin holes to allow for stronger connections, especially where the cargo hold attaches to the bottom frame where the linear actuator is connected to. As for recoloring the model to orange, there will still be some parts I'll have to order, but it at least avoids having to buy 6 2x3x1 panels in red for nearly $8 each, lol. It's also been 3 years since I built an orange MOC, so it would be nice to create something in orange again. I got the 42038 Arctic Truck set at BrickFair this year, so that'll also provide me with some more orange pieces. Because I designed the model in Stud.io before getting to the actual build, I'll likely make instructions for it. However, the cargo hold wold have to be shown in the up position. This is because the large LA is by default in the extended position in Stud.io. I could've used the new black LA from the 42131 set, which is shown in the retracted position, but the LA actually doesn't retract all the way when the cargo hold is fully lowered. While this may be negligible due to play in the system, it prevents me from properly designing the mechanism in Stud.io if I have the cargo hold in the down position. I know someone created custom extendable LAs for Stud.io, but I never really figured out how to get those pieces to work. It'll also mean the LAs show up as separate pieces in the instructions which could cause confusion for the builder. Leaving it in the up position will also make it easier to see where to insert the axle that'll attach the upper end of the LA to the cargo hold. Piece count according to Stud.io is 1313 pieces. Note that this doesn't include the LEDs (which are not available in Stud.io), the attachment points for the 2x2 brick in the middle of the LEDs' wire, and the BuWizz (now a LEGO element but still a part for this MOC). Final piece count should be around this number. Photos:

UPDATE 8/17/22 I've finished designing the model in Stud.io, for the most part. It has everything except the linear actuator for lifting the cargo hold, the BuWizz attachment, and attachment points for the brick on the PF LEDs. The model has a red and white cab with a dark bluish gray cargo hold. The rear axle features pendular suspension (unsprung, since the front axle is fixed). Honestly, I might go for a different color scheme for the model. Currently I don't have a lot of the red and DBG parts needed for the model, and some of them are quite expensive. For instance, the 2x3x1 panel in red only has two listings on BL as of right now, and costs $7.95 a piece for the US listing. I could use Bricks & Pieces instead, but I'm not sure if it's available there and shipping can take 6+ weeks in my experience. I might consider a white cab with black cargo hold, as this color scheme will require much less orders of new pieces. Photos:

It actually won't be possible for me to go back to lime now, lol. Some pieces I used after redesigning the cab (e.g. the thin 1x5 liftarms with axle holes), don't exist in lime, so I won't be able to build it in lime now lol. Tbh red is a pretty good color for a classic pickup-style vehicle.

UPDATE 8/15/22 Made plenty of changes to the cab and got some work done on the chassis. I've changed the color to red - I'll make a lime MOC another day. It's also got a white trim (bumpers, side steps, and grille) for a more classic look. The doors now look more complete with a "frame" around the window, the area behind the cab has been shortened by one stud, and the roof is covered with tiles to hide the pin holes and make the roof look slightly higher. It's not a big MOC, but I managed to fit all the motors and mechanisms I need in there. Under the hood is a V6 engine with mini pistons connected to the drivetrain (similar to the one on the 42098 Car Transporter, but in gray). Because of the space taken by the fake engine, the servo motor for the steering sits right under the cab. Immediately behind the cab sits two L motors side by side - the left one for drive and the right one for dumping. This allows the chassis to be as space efficient as possible. I did have to make the front axle fixed due to not having enough space for a pendular suspension. The fake engine took up more space than I expected. I should still be able to incorporate a pendular suspension on the rear axle though, depending on if the rear of the chassis can remain rigid enough. Photos:

The scale should be around the same as the 42098 Car Transporter, judging by the wheel arches and tires used. And speaking of that set, I might just go with the rim/tire combination from the 10279/10290 sets. Tbh I just wanted to build something in lime because I've been wanting to build another lime MOC for the longest time and finally have sufficient lime pieces lol. I might also try it in red, although I've built plenty of red MOCs already lol.

A new project I started working on. It'll be a model of a classic dump truck, with a pickup truck style body and two axles. It'll be something similar to the following: https://www.thedrive.com/news/33102/ive-already-been-humbled-by-my-55-year-old-ford-dump-truck So far I've only done some preliminary Stud.io modeling, but I already have a general idea for the cab. The model will feature a lime green cab with a gray or black dump bed, two axles with pendular suspension, and BuWizz (not for speed, but to save space as the battery/controller are all in one unit), a fake engine with mini cylinders under the opening hood, and lights. I'll either use the tires from the 42122 Jeep or the the tire/rim combination from the 10279 VW Camper Van and 10290 Pickup Truck. I've wanted to make a lime MOC for a while now (haven't made one since my CLAAS Challenger 95E MOC from 2018). I've expanded my collection of lime pieces a bit after getting the 42138 Mustang set at BrickFair this year, so I decided to make at least the cab for this model in lime. I'm definitely planning to further expand my lime collection in the future, especially with pieces from the 42115 Lamborghini Sian set. Photos:

BrickFair VA Photos:

BrickFair VA Photos:

I've thought of building the Torion as a MOC before (as I already made a CLAAS MOC back in 2018), but looks like you beat me to it, lol. Great use of the lime Technic bricks for the arms - that was what I was thinking of using for the arms if I were to have done this MOC. The arm should look even better now that we have the DBG pneumatic cylinders.

UPDATE 7/27/22 The MOC topic is published:

Model of a modified JCB Fastrac. Features drive, steering with working steering wheel, 6-cylinder engine, opening hood, and custom stickers. Functions/features: Drive Steering Working steering wheel 6-cylinder engine Opening hood Instructions available on Rebrickable: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-118212/JLiu15/jcb-fastrac-two/#details After publishing instructions for two of my MOCs, I realized that both of them would cost a lot to build if you didn't have all the pieces. My Azure Racer XL, while simple with just over 600 pieces, had the expensive and hard-to-find RC motors. My large New Flyer XD60 Articulated Bus model mostly used currently available pieces, but 5000 pieces is still a lot. Furthermore, both models used third-party electronics: the Azure Racer XL used BuWizz and the articulated bus used SBrick. Because of this, I wanted to build a medium-sized MOC that is not only functional, but can be built without potentially spending a ton of money on LEGO pieces. I thought of making a model of the JCB Fastrac tractor, but then I found something that looked even cooler: the JCB Fastrac Two. I originally started designing the model in Stud.io back in February, but got bored of it after a few days. I did not make any updates to the model until May, which was when I got into designing the bodywork. I finished the digital model in early June, and built the physical model over the past few weeks. Thanks to already having worked on the instructions along the way, I was able to simply follow the instructions I made while building the physical model, allowing me to finish this model much faster than some of my other ones. Some information on the JCB Fastrac Two: it is a modified JCB Fastrac tractor that is built purely for speed. It is the world's fastest tractor, and more information on the original JCB Fastrac Two can be found in this video. While the real-life JCB Fastrac Two is the world's fastest tractor, my model was not intended to break any LEGO speed records. I decided to use the Control+ system for this model, as the system is widely available and I can keep the model 100% LEGO. The model is powered by two Control+ L motors sitting above the rear axle. The chassis essentially consists of two halves with the hub in between, with the whole structure reinforced with longitudinal beams. The placement of the hub allows for easy battery access, and the hub is turned on via a hidden switch by the driver's seat. Steering is controlled by a Control+ Large Angular Motor (the one from the 42114 set). I preferred it over using a L motor as it has more torque, and it just feels more suited for steering operations to me. The rack and pinion setup is placed sideways, with transverse reinforcement for the rack. My initial setup was prone to skipping at either end of rack's range of movement, but moving the transverse support closer helped eliminate this skipping. Additional gearing from the steering mechanism connects it to a working steering wheel in the cabin, and the drive motors are connected to a 6-cylinder fake engine in the front. My plan was for this MOC to be a primarily Technic build, with System pieces used where needed. However, the model still saw a fair amount of System detailing, and it has nearly 90 half pins (not including the new friction ones), which goes to show the amount of System pieces that went in to add additional detailing. The cabin area of the bodywork was largely straightforward, with most pieces connected at right angles with an occasional slanted or curved section. Modeling the hood and fenders were more challenging, as these parts have much more of a curvature. While I'm not totally satisfied with how some of these parts turned out, I was able to model the design digitally before physically building it thanks to Stud.io which eliminated the need for trial and error. After finishing the build, I designed custom stickers for the model which were printed on opaque sticker paper at Staples. The paper is very good quality (beats the label paper I started out making stickers with), and is easy to apply to LEGO pieces. As for the performance and functionality, the model is decently fast for a Control+ model. It isn't crazy fast (e.g. RC motor/BuWizz speeds), but is fast enough while not straining the drive motors. And while there are only two independent controls (drive and steering), I feel that the fake engine and working steering wheel really gave the model something extra. Mini piston engines (the ones made with half bushes) are always satisfying to watch, and the rattling noise when running is pretty nice too. I feel that there could've been a better way to open the hood that did not require a prop (e.g. a locking linkage), but there wasn't as much space to install a linkage mechanism especially with the fake engine occupying the space right under the hood. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with this project. Although I quickly got bored of this project after starting the design in February, my interest quickly rebounded after I got back to working on the instructions in May. Some parts could've been better, such as the hood and fenders, and I feel that the model could've gone a little faster. Still, the model isn't exactly light, and achieving a higher speed probably would mean compromising on some parts of the build. Video: Photos:

UPDATE 7/9/22 The JCB Fastrac Two is finished! I was able to finish the MOC yesterday as it was just a matter of following along with the instructions I made. I still need to make a Powered Up control profile for this MOC as well as custom stickers, but the physical build is complete. Final part count is around 1770 pieces. I plan to bring this MOC to BrickFair Virginia next month (my first time attending since 2019), along with my New Flyer XD60 Articulated Bus model. Photos:

UPDATE 7/8/22 Made some more progress on the physical build. The lower body panels and cabin side panels are in place, as well as the rear section of the body. My Bricklink orders for this MOC have all arrived or soon to arrive. Given that I'm just following along with the instructions I created (while making changes where needed), I'm pretty confident that I'll have this MOC finished by next week if not sooner. Photos:

UPDATE 6/24/22 I've finally gotten started on the physical build. Because the model is fully designed in Stud.io with instructions, most of the build is just following along with the instructions. Given that there's still more than a month until BrickFair VA, I plan to bring this MOC to BrickFair. The only limiting factor for the building time is waiting for Bricklink orders to arrive, as I do need to order some parts for this model still. So far, the model is coming along as expected. I'm about 1/3 of the way through the build with the chassis fully completed. The good news is that there doesn't seem to be any major issues, such as with rigidity. However, I did have to modify the steering rack setup a bit as the previous design was prone to skipping. The new design has the transverse axle stabilizing the rack placed one stud closer to it, which reduces the tendency for the rack to deflect and thus cause the pinion to skip. There were also some minor modifications involving part usage/colors in order to improve the building process or to reduce the number of parts I have to order for this model. Photos:

UPDATE 6/15/22 The virtual model is pretty much finished. I've modeled the hood and the front bumper. I've also been working on the instructions for the past week or so, hence the lack of updates. In fact, now I gotta go back and rework some parts of the instructions as I had to modify some parts of the chassis in the front to accommodate the hood and bumper lol. Unless something comes up during the building process, this should be how the finished model will look. Modeling the hood was challenging. In fact, I'd say it was the hardest part of the modeling process. The hood had to stay rigid even with all of its curves, and had to be "hollow" inside due to the fake engine. It made me really wish that LEGO would release more curved/tapered panels that are 1L thick. The current panel fairings are 2 studs thick at the widest point, which means the panels automatically take up 2 studs of width. I didn't want to make the hood a System build as such a proportion of System to Technic would look pretty weird, not to mention it would make the model heavier. The panel fairings also leave gaps at the front of the hood that are difficult to cover up nicely. Even as I tried to avoid using System pieces for the hood, I still ended up using some towards the rear of the hood as there was no way I could fit in curved Technic pieces in that area and still maintain a 1-stud thickness. In the end, the hood ended up being too wide. It could be two studs shorter. But with the difficulties in modeling it I'm just tempted to leave it as it is and too lazy to make any more major changes lol. I originally expected the front bumper to be the hardest part to model, but I actually found it more straightforward than modeling the hood. I know that modeling the real JCB Fastrac Two's front fenders with its complex curves won't be easy, but I came up with a design I'm overall pretty satisfied with given the complexity. Using panel fairings that sit at angles, I feel that I was able to decently replicate the front fenders. I'm also pretty happy with how the center part of the front bumper turned out. It's primarily composed of 3x11 curved panels, but I also added some System details for a more polished finish. Renderings:

Thanks! Dealing with complex curves in LEGO are the worst, lol.

UPDATE 6/6/22 Added some more paneling to the bodywork. I added some panels above the rear wheels to form the wheel arches. This was a difficult part - there's not many LEGO pieces small and thin enough to create the distinct curve here. I ended up using the new 3L extensions for the #21 and #22 panels. They're thin and have a bit of curvature to them. I also added the paneling around the hood. In a video, it's shown that when the hood opens, the black section below it does not open with it, so all the paneling here right now is connected to the chassis instead of the separate hood module which I will be making later. It was difficult getting the paneling here right due to the complex flowing nature of the black sections, and the panels here are all placed at angles. Speaking of the hood, I also added the attachment point for the hood behind the fake engine, as in the video the hood opens upwards and is hinged near the cab. Photos:

Thank you!

UPDATE 6/5/22 A small update - I've added dish pieces to the rims to hide the spokes, as well as windshield pillars. The rim inserts are similar to those on the 42054 CLAAS Xerion. I originally wanted to use flexible hoses for the windshield pillars, but decided to use rigid pieces instead as there's very little curvature to the real JCB Fastrac Two's windshield pillars. Additionally, positioning flexible pieces is a pain in Stud.io (I could never get it to work right), so this will also make it easier for me to make instructions for this model. I've also changed some blue pins/red axles to black, as well as changed the firing order of the fake engine to match a real straight-6 engine. While real straight-6 engines use crankshafts spaced 120 degrees apart (which is not possible with LEGO axles as they only allow for 90 degree spacing), I still prefer it over the seemingly random firing orders of mini piston engines in official LEGO sets. Stud.io rendering: