M_longer

OK, maybe I wrote it in wrong way. This B model should be built without all that gears and that bulky middle part. I think that it could look better then. Buliding process, completed model and leftover parts:

Anyone wants to see model B in action? 42054 B model by Marek Markiewicz, on Flickr There's not too much to say about it. I think that it is based on some silage plows like this one: As you can see real one is basicaly few sheets of steel and some hydraulics, LEGO version is much bulkier, because it has gearbox in the middle. It is even worst than the crane, because both functions in this plow could be manualy operated. And tilting is limited to very small range.

It is not so great as it sounds - it barely tilts the plow. I'll post some pictures soon.

I am bulding it right now, it allows to change angle of the plow.

Two manual and two motorized functions. Enough?

Well, I like that purely mechanical reverse system, implemented twice in this set. But I do not think that they'd use three driving rings. Actually, it seems that prototype had more detailed areas than final version (seat in the cab, front light bars, crane), but 42054 has better looking cab ans stairs. I think that difference comes from balance between parts count, functions and overal cost of production. I'd love to see that prototype crane in final version, but it could also mean that Xerion could be built differently, with less parts etc.

I am still thinking how changing direction of functions worked in the prototype. It could used standard battery box switching, and then crane could have only two driving rings (and two levers). Possible?

This is the most valuable combination, because you will get great big wheels, pneumatic parts, M-motor and lots of useful parts.

Hmm, costs? Xerion itself looks to be built differently, maybe crane part count had to be cut down to have better tractor?

This: For me final version looks like prototype when compared to prototype version.

It seems that there's a knockoff version :/ http://www.aliexpres...2697929965.html

So it seems that they did not changed too much, because model B is still a different attachment ;)

Well, it is better in recent sets. For example 42054 has axles in both colour versions, and those red/yellow are hidden inside the model, or covered by other pieces (like those: )

Your "Scania" looks like slighlty modified cab from 8258:

Claas: Bigger wheels, no suspension, no pneumatics, alternate model is a dozer blade. Unimog: Smaller wheels, suspension, pneumatics, alternate model is a dozer blade. :D

:) I am glad that you like it. I got used to those small pictures, all reviews that I have made were using Brickshelf's thumbnails. BS gallery that contains all pictures used in this review is not public yet, so you will have to wait :/

Do you have some pictures of those not working solutions?

They will be probably listed on the last day of July, they are still not present also on polish S@H.

You will have problems with axles, becuase it uses hubs from Porsche. I have finished writing review of this set. My longest review ever (over 150 pictures!), but only in polish, sorry :) http://www.lugpol.pl...pic.php?t=28119 In short: Wheels, wheels, and wheels. Also great steering system, absolutely lovely colour scheme, very good base for modding. On other hand that logging crane is awful and model B is only another attachment. But who cares, it has one of the best tires LEGO ever produced. Frame is very robust, and packed with elements. Just go and buy it, you will not regret it.

I have spent some time with MLCad to make schematics for review. Does they look clearly?

As someone said in the comments, he turned another model uggly as usual.

Except when you need to pull out batteries from upgraded version. I needed batteries for Claas and it seems that you have to take apart part of the chassis to pull the battery box out.

So far most interesting MOD for me would be rebuilding TRAC VC version into SADDLE TRAC:

I have started writing review, I must say that this tractor is one of the best models in Technic line. It does not have empty spaces, almost whole chassis is packed with elements (mostly steering linkages and gears). Hood is very nicely designed, cab is a little wobbly, due to use non-friction pins. It could work very well with pneumatics, I think that there is enough space for a compressor behind the stairs on left side. It has few technic never used before, like three way steering achieved with complex linkage system. Just take a look how many angles are used inside the hood:

In short: Very, very well designed set, with only two flaws, which first are few visible studs on the arm (it looks like at the end of designing process someone decided to remove few slopes to make set cheaper...). Second are stickers on the back of the superstructure, which requires handling almost completed model to add seven small stickers. I suggest placing them right on the step 162 (you can see which stickers should be used on page 196). Rest of the model, with cab on the first place is very well designed, all pneumatic functions work very well, even motorisng it with 8293 is quite enjoyable (at least for me - because you have to rebuild middle parts of the chassis to add battery box). Front blade could be more stiff while locked, because sometimes it can go up under weight of the model. But within its price range, with its pneumatic pack and other parts it is a must buy for everyone interested in Technic line. I have bought two of them and I do not regret it.