Thirdwigg

Agreed.

Finished 01.01.2021 A couple of years ago I started a modular Unimog project with the hopes of having a build that would be flexible enough to support a number of different versions and options. It certainly was. However, the Unimog 437 project was intended to provide a U500 cab option, but for a couple of reasons (namely those tires), it was not a great fit for the project. So in the back of my mind I figured I would do a proper U500 version at some point. The 437 was pretty popular, and it fits within my current design language; mid-sized, manual, truck/car, feature packed. Then when I saw the first reviews of the 76139 Batmobile set, and saw the new 68.7mm tires, and I knew it was time to resurrect the project. I would keep the scale at 1:17.6 as I did with the 437, and those tires would equate roughly to a 445//65/R22.5. Off to the races! I am partial to the 1st generation (2000-2013) U500, plus @I_Igor did a great 423 series already (Eurobricks). Also, I like the 500 more than the 300 or 400. The 300 looks tiny, and the 500 SWB gives me two extra studs on the wheelbase (24st) over the 400 (22st). I guess if I have enough space I'll switch to a 400, but I (generally) never need less space. I pulled a PDF for the scaling, and I started to set my build parameters. I build my MOCs by making a first draft with all the constraints: wheelbase, length, height, width, and general bodywork ideas. I try to keep the colors correct, but if the part is not in front of me, I move on to replace later. Then I start working in features, and rebuild as needed. The first draft came together pretty quickly. While I managed to buy the first tires available on Bricklink, I was not willing to wait for their arrival before I started building. At this point, I determined the features of the truck: Front and Rear Live Axle Suspension (sans portal axles) (With dual leading/trailing links and Panhard rods) Front Steering Fake Motor Tipper Bed Tipping Cab Front PTO Rear PTO Rear Bodywork PTO Front Mounting Plate Modular Rear Bed Attachment Points Realistic Bodywork The tires arrived in time for the second night of building, and they look perfect. By now, all the functions were in place. Loosely. Below you can see the general Front Mounting Plate, and the front PTO. Currently in front of the bed is a Gear that will power features on a mounted body (al la TC9 Entry) Below you can see the rear bed system. I have found this three way tipper option to work great on my 437 and the MAN TGS truck. The control input is currently on the left side, but it will need to move. The orientation of the lift is backwards, which does not allow for good tilting leverage. Turning the mechanism around will need to move the input to the rear. This compounds the issue with the rear PTO. It is currently in place just above the hitch, but will need to move when the tipper input is placed in the rear. Few U500s have a rear PTO, so I'll have to decide if this is a feature I want to retain. More to follow... Until the next post, hope you enjoy the next Thirdwigg Motors project.

@I_Igor I can post a picture in about 12 hours. But, I'll do it. @jorgeopesi You bet. I already took them off the tractor for another project. I really like the size and shape.

@Arioh Glad you have been converted. It's a fun little set with lots of MODability. @sirslayer I like to keep as much of the visual feel of 8081 as I can.

These new 68.7mm tires are pretty awesome.

Now the rear plow has a matching front plow. Enjoy.

Glad you like it. I don't plan to do a LDD, but I'll take some more photos of it as I take it apart. Should happen soon. Video is up.

Just finished another MOD! After all the Defender talk a couple of months ago I finished a V-8 4x4 version after the Defender 110 pickup. I tired to keep the styling as close to 8081 as I could. Maybe someday I'll venture out a little more creativly. Enjoy. Topic here.

Another MOD of the fantastic 8081 set is done! Styled after a LR Defender pickup, this MOD features the following: 4x4 drive. Steering Front and Rear live axle suspension with Panhard rods Opening doors and tailgate Seating for four V-8 fake engine Roll cage Fischertechnic 80mm tires. Full album is here. Driveline From the left Articulation I'm still working on the sport pickup, but this should be good for now.

Instructions for the 911RS are posted if you are interested. Find them here. .

Just bought 2. I get more excited about new parts then new sets, so it gives me a little flexibility on cost. Also, I'm sick of waiting for Bricks and Pieces just so I check them out. I'll know soon if it was worth it. Still less than getting all those Batmobile bricks. I'll buy more when the price comes done. Maybe bricklink + TLG might not be all bad. Maybe....

Welcome back. I look forward to seeing this project develop. A lack of ideas generates Unimogs for me. Helicopters are more interesting. Keep it up.

@Ludo Visser I am glad to know my MOCs are resonating with you. The Deere turned our great, so I hope you have a chance to build it, and I hope you enjoy the process. Design another implement for it, and let me see it. Don't worry, I'll try not to apply much pressure to do my builds quickly. Also my kids love the Volvo Refuse truck because it is super playable and easy to operate with tiny hands. It's a good one. I look forward to seeing your completed MOC first. @proran Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you like this truck, and thanks for the feedback on the differential/rear axle solution. I felt a little like I was giving up, but it was the best solution for the application. I still believe there is a good solution out there for a diff in a 15 wide truck with dualies. More MOCs are coming soon....

@Ludo Visser I'm glad you like it. Which other MOCs of mine are still on your list? @I_Igor which solution?

I tried all the options for this and the DuraStar. The 5.5 axles leave only 1/2 stud to hold the outside tires. Using the part you listed and two 1/2 bushes works, but the wheels are pretty wobbly since they are only supported by one stud. And at times still pulls out from the diff. And since the diff is not fully braced you get skipping with the bevel gear. Playability drops which is not the best solution just for a differential. I'll keep working on finding a solution for this scale, but this is the best I have found. I encourage others to find a better option as well. There are lots of applications for a good solution here. @tom1 I tend to make instructions for most of my MOCs, but when I am ready to take them apart. So it may take a little time before they are ready.

Nope. But I'll start checking daily now. If I remember from the Chiron and Leibherr, the new parts became available a couple days later.

Thanks all for your praise. @grego18f @I_Igor a differential will fit, but nothing keeps the axles from coming out of the differential while driving. Using two axles with stops keep both tires on both sides firmly connected to the truck.

After all this time working on the geometry of the lift and tilt, I am finally ready to show this truck. Full gallery here. The truck features (all manual): Steering, HOG Opening Cab Opening Doors Rear Outrigger Rear Skip Hook (for tilt and lift) Lifting Arms V-4 Engine Trailer with Skip Lock Much more at thirdwigg.com. With Trailer Lift Function Enjoy.

My post from The Pub. I saw this morning that Bricklink.com was acquired by TLG, and my mouth hit the floor. While many of us can list the set that brought us out of the dark ages, for me, it was Bricklink, so I am a little apprehensive about this change. Bricklink has opened up this hobby to me, and has allowed me to do a number of MOCs. I hope moving forward, this acquisition will will not be too disruptive to element acquisition.. I will say, that in the last two years, I have bought more pieces directly from TLG as their Replacement Bricks site gets better. While there are some organizations issues that Bricklink does better, maybe this change will help them provide improved access to new and used elements.

I saw this morning that Bricklink.com was acquired by TLG, and my mouth hit the floor. While many of us can list the set that brought us out of the dark ages, for me, it was Bricklink, so I am a little apprehensive about this change. Bricklink has opened up this hobby to me, and has allowed me to do a number of MOCs. I hope moving forward, this acquisition will will not be too disruptive to element acquisition.. I will say, that in the last two years, I have bought more pieces directly from TLG as their Replacement Bricks site gets better. While there are some organizations issues that Bricklink does better, maybe this change will help them provide improved access to new and used elements.

That's what I would do.

That's my guess too. It seems the ratchet is to keep it from sliding back down since I cannot see a worm gear for extension. It seems like an odd workaround, but I guess it would work.

Looks great. I also can't believe we are seeing a Technic structure in 4 studs wide. I love the weirdness of that.

@johnnym yeah the doors were one of those time I found myself saying "come on LEGO, this is too easy not to include in the set."

Great job, and a fine entry to the contest. You did a great job keeping the spirit of 8081, while taking it to a new place. I love the roof rack, and the interior detailing. The removable front gives a great view of the mechanicals, and the gold bars work great as an engine cover.