Thirdwigg

Hi Jim, I'm not in Europe, but I would be happy to help. We have a local Truck Trial, and battery performance is critical. We could run it through the paces and I'm happy to review it.

Thanks. Me too, and it matches the hooklift too.

Maybe one more version of the NPR?

I like LEGO 42213, but I found that making an alternative build of the set was difficult. Here is a little Pinzgauer of the set. Features: Steering with HOG Fake V-6 engine with rear wheel drive Front independent suspension Rear pendular suspension Jerry can and lunchbox Instructions are at Rebrickable.com. Alright, I'm done with this set. Off to the next thing...

Unimog=Thirdwigg Approved Another great build, and I'm happy with all the functions you were able to add into this build. 42082 really gives a lot of parts for functional alternative builds. Great job again.

Looking good, and I like the engine module. I can't figure out yet how you are routing the rear steering control. Pickup for me. The looks always works best for my eyes on Monster trucks.

A follower asked if I could turn the Isuzu NPR into a Glass Pane Transport Truck. I was happy to oblige. Instructions are available at Rebrickable.com. Features: Steering with HOG RWD with fake I4 engine Tilting cab Opening doors Glass pain locks A simple locking mechanism keeps the window panes stationary (sorry, I only have baseplates). It was fun little build, and I hope you enjoy too.

Have no fear, this project continues. My favorite part of the Launch and Load Seaport was the ship. I enjoyed all the stories I could create moving containers, opening and filling the holds, and deciding what to hide in the bowels of the ship. Lego Police always got involved. But this part of the project caused me some trepidation. This past week I was able to overcome some of the problems I have had and found some workable solutions. There were two main problems I was encountering. One, the frame kept bowing. With the future weight of the craft, this needed to be resolved early. Second, the height of deck kept climbing, and scale was becoming a problem. The first problem was resolved by redoing the rear steering three times, and finding a way to extend the frame through the rear steering wheels and link. This helped support the two marine engines that were added. But this didn't solve the second problem. I had no more space (what!?!) for the container mounts, doors, and locks. Also, I was finding no way to support the impending bridge. So I created a smaller rear steering wheel assembly. This allowed for even more rear frame bracing, and a side frame. This helped a lot. When I added a draft side hull, the frame got even stiffer. This shift made it so I was finally able to install the container locking mechanism, and an adequate support for the hatches. Now I have been working in Studio, and the chassis is almost done. I have a little more work to do on the sides, and the top center spine. Then I'll add the deck, and then the front frame for the bow. I still do not have a bow shape finished. The build has 3538 parts right now, and will only increase. With a build this large, every small change means moving hundreds of parts around. There is a lot of work to be done, but the chassis is always the hardest part. At least on a red and white box like this. Also, at this stage, I'm really happy I started with the containers first. Setting the standard right from the beginning has been significant helpful.

Thanks, and I'm glad you like the boat. I'm having a lot of fun with the whole project, so I'm happy that you are enjoying following along. This was definitely what I wanted to do as a kid, so it's pretty cool to finally be able to do it. Yeah, and so many rubber connectors. But I don't think I need anymore for the rest of the project.

Thanks, the rubber parts were the result of a "I wonder if this will work?" I'm glad you like the color too. I kept taking out red, and I'm happy to know that worked for you. Thanks, yeah, I had to get some big engines in there. Thank you, it was fun getting the ratchet working internally. Thanks, I stole the idea from the last tugboat I built. Thanks! Stay tuned. It will be a lot of work to get the remainder done, but each build encourages me to keep the project going. I'm glad you think it keeps getting better.

Great job again. And like so many of your builds, I see the colors together and think "I would have never put them together, but they look fantastic." Great job on the presentation as well.

Thanks for the response, and the extra photos. Yeah, the cherry picker will be in Mack scale as an attachment for my Unimogs. I'm trying to figure out an outrigger right now, and I might have to leave this feature out.

I am happy to present the first of two ships for this project, the Tugboat. This project keeps getting more difficult, and the last three builds will be even harder to complete. But for the time being, this one is done, and I like how it turned out, all things considered. Instructions for the Tugboat are at Rebrickable.com. The Tugboat Features: Steering with HOG Front main winch with lock Dual V-8 marine engines Rear secondary winch with lock Front and rear bumpers I based the build on the Robert Allen Z-7000 series of tugboats as this matched the general shape and proportions of the 6542 Pilot Boat the best for a tugboat interpretation. This kept the wheelhouse towards the rear of the hull, and allowed for good space for the engine, steering, and winch mechanisms in the superstructure. It was hard to get the hull shape exactly how I wanted, but considering the limitations it turned out fine. Some more photos: The dual engines are removable after removing the side and top panel of the superstructure. I used some simple nylon string for the front winch. And here is a render of the Tugboat with the original pilot boat to see them together. Finally, a little video to show the functions. This means I have completed 9 of the 12 builds that are needed for this project. Don't get too excited, the last 3 are going to be the most difficult. Here is a render of the current project status. I'll keep building...

Very cool. I'm working on a little cherry picker right now, and I may have to use some of your ideas here. I love the mechanism you used for the lifting arm. Thanks for sharing.

I think the tugboat is done. It's not perfect to my eyes, but it is a faithful tugboat interpretation of the original pilot boat. There are a couple of details that need to be fixed like the rear bumper and the mast, but it's pretty close. Steering is in a working, as is the drivetrain for both V8 engines. A front and rear winch is present, both with a locking function. I added two fire hoses as well, just in case this huge project starts on fire. There is no door to the wheelhouse, so the captain needs to climb through the window. If you have any final suggestions let me know, otherwise, I'll publish this in the next week or two.