Lego Tom

Fair question to which I cannot knowledgeably reply, having never tried to 'collapse' mine for transport. While it may be doable, you may run into issues with the rigging when trying to reassemble. W/O the booms, the unit stands about 8" or 20cm high.

So here is stock vs modified, with the boom attachment joint relocated:

That's the next mod!

As I stated, I ordered a spool from an earlier link. Although I got it a couple of weeks ago, I've been busy with other things, until today. I added 4 sections to my crane's boom, necessitating a longer cord. The Amazon cord is very similar to the LEGO product. I measured the new cord using the old one and adding 3 feet to the end. Everything worked as hoped. Unfortunately, they did not have any dark grey in stock so I went with silver to simulate new cable. I may try using an old modeler's trick called 'black washing' to add some darkness to it and make it look more used.

I added 4 sections to the boom. I have to admit, it looks better but it skewered the lift. If I adjust so it lowers to the ground, it won't pick up all the way and vice versa. So I changed out the 'cable', adding a total of 3 feet or just shy of a meter. That helped but the when lifting from the ground, the spools run out of revolutions before the load is as high as it should be. I'm thinking I can compensate by wrapping something around the spools to make their diameter bigger. I believe the control works off a set number of motor/spool turns and by increasing the spool diameter, it will spool more 'cable' with each revolution. I'm open to suggestions in this regard...

Great concept and execution! The lurch when lifting is a bit disconcerting however.

Hasn't been much of a hardship for who - you or LEGO? I'm pretty sure it hasn't been a hardship for them unless you used to buy several hundred thousands of dollars/Euros a year.

OK, I am late to the table but I just acquired this kit last week. I am about 80% finished and have some observations. The kit I bought was NIB, but an early release as it had several of the early mistakes in the instructions. Additionally, the build ground to a halt when I discovered several pieces (6371442) were missing. All the bags were sealed so this was not a case of a previous owner losing them. I bought the replacements as they were cheap and the last time I asked LEGO for replacements parts it took nearly 3 weeks. Although not completely done, I do have some observations. So far, the things that are supposed to move do and those that are not, do not. Fit has been mostly OK though one side of the front end does not match the other as well as it should. The instructions suck a lot. At times, details are overly simplified (pictures showing the addition of a single part taking a full page) while other times, they are clear as mud concerning location of parts and marriage of assemblies. I don't know if LEGO fixed this in subsequent releases or not, but I hope so. This kit is difficult enough to put together without poor drawings adding to the confusion. For the price, the kit is nice. The extra pictures in the instructions are beautiful but... they also serve to remind one that the model you build will not look a whole lot like the original automotive work of art. I bought it mainly because I was bored and wanted something to do, plus I wanted to see what LEGO's flagship Ferrari had to offer. While it's an OK kit, my next purchase will be back in the construction equipment area I love so much. Carry on!

My favorites are construction equipment found in the Technic line.

Really cool build - but you better fix those doors or you'll go flying out when doing donuts!

In many cases though, fishing line thinness makes it out of scale. The cable on heavy lift cranes is quite thick, as is required by the weights they are rated to lift. Additionally, most fishing line is black while cables tend to be silver/grey because they are made of steel.

Indeed - next year looks like NASA took over LEGO's future product division.

If I didn't love my excavator so much, I'd build this. Very well done!

Please allow me to add that on a forum that allows posting in English only, with many participants to whom English is a second (or third) language, misunderstandings can and will arise. Even the best translator can make mistakes, whether it's a person or a computer.

I'll readily admit I broke into a smile when I saw the trailer hitch on the rear. After all, no self respecting pick-up truck doesn't have one! Nice build!

Got it - fictional intergalactic killing machines OK, real earth bound ones, not. Alrighty then!

Might be more appealing if they included a smaller truck with it like this:

Well, if you're going to use the term "Flag Ship", why not go for a model of the battleship U.S.S. Missouri done on the same scale as the Titanic - or perhaps an aircraft carrier like the U.S.S. Gerald Ford? I don't have a clue where the heck I would put it, but I'd work to find space somewhere.

Any more news on the JCB 220X LC?

As one who spent many hours playing the game, I find this build both fascinating and immensely appealing! Please keep at it and keep us updated.

There are .8mm cotton cords listed on Amazon: .8mm waxed cotton cord

If I count right - there's 16 universal joints? Holy cow! Regardless, it all works, and very well at that. Great build!

I ordered a silver roll from Amazon. Will post comparison when it arrives.

Very cool!

As one who has had a hand in building and owning full size buggies, I find your MOC amazingly true to form - especially the engine! Well done!