Jetro

First off, thanks for all the replies! More than enough. I first tried with a single reduction stage but added a second because the truck moved too fast Actually I hadn't seen that (or if I had I'd forgotten about it. That solution implies moving the XL motor up which I didn't. At first I thought the extra frame was very low, but on second thoughts... the frame below the gearing for the arm already has a frame at the same height to which this one is an extention Hadn't thought of making one, but I'll see what I can come up with...

I normally build my new sets following the book first and after that start thinking about any changes I'd like to make. This time I did things a little different, mainly because of the MODs proposed by Han in two great PDFs available at his website. Those MODs include twin wheels for the rear axles. Not happy with that I decided to take things a little further and include ea second differential: you can see my first attempt to connect the second diff in this picture, but the final version is a little stronger: I then added a driving motor on top of the 8V: And a steering motor behind the cabin: Finally I also changed the doors so they open: You can see a few more pictures in my Flickr gallery

Your not the only one who thought the truck needed a trailer, although mine is still in the planning stage. I was thinking to include mechanical steering based on the angle between the truck and the trailer. First I need to find enough space to be able to build it though... The design is quite nice and looks especially good with the excavator on top. Next up: ramps!

Inventory as in Bricklink inventory: what parts are in the box. Not available yet.

PF lights will require some redesign because the current lights are built on plates and there is no way to push the lights through those But it is certainly an interesting option.

To be quite honest, I'm waiting for the inventory to decide whether I like the truck or not..

If you want a really simple MOD how about this: you only need to swap some pins

Well, when you get your next set you'll have extra parts Have you built the secondary model yet?

I've finished the model - for now (more mods coming) and can say that after some testing I have noticed what you mention (the base of the arm moving slightly, but only when the left yellow lever didn't fully disengage the driving ring. I've modded the twin wheel mod and now have a second differential working...

I'll second that!

A cut off switch. Cool!

I'm building mine right now and the extra parts required to do the Mods are realtively few and common (except maybe for the clutch gear). However, a few weeks bak I had the opportunity to see the model at a show (built by a firend of mine) and there were no problems with any of the functions. (So then why do I do the Mods?... because I can! and they make sense)

Looks really good. I'm surprised to see you have use a small piston to build the compressor instead of a small pump ??? I like the valve design and would love to see some close ups if they are available.

Thanks for the confirmation I'll wait and see the inventory before I say anything more about this model...

Looks great. I'll try and build it this afternoon if I get some time. As for the dmac design, have you got a link where I can see it in more detail?

This must be a joke. or a very bad premonition €39,95 ~ $49,99 makes sense seeing the exchange rate (finally!!), but €164,99 ~ $149.99 is a very bad joke! (according to today's rates 149,99= €104,48)

Really nice. Pity the steering is so slow, specially compared to the speed of the 4x4.

Thanks - should have guessed they were there

So is there an official updated set of rules out there somewhere?

Let us know how you get along

It's not "there too" but rather everyone has picked up on the TechnicBRICKs article to talk about those metal parts. I'm not a big fan of those parts, but it's out there and custom made to integrate with LEGO.

You've got me curious. Are you saying LEGO made such a valve for internal use?

It's yellow all right. And as you can see in this pic from TechnicBRICKs it's a simple and effective setup... Although it doesn't take full advantage of the stroke of the small pump. You can however change the crankshaft part for a couple of liftarm 1x2 thin to solve that.

it's not fair! You are making me home-sick

hear hear! Also, I'm quite new to Truck Trial - or car building for that matter - so maybe a small glossary would be nice: what are live portal axels?