January | 2023 | Thirdwigg.com

2022

January 17, 2023 Leave a comment

Another year comes to a close in Thirdwiggville, and it was another year that saw some challenging MOCs, and some fun little builds. For 2022 I was able to build: Synthe Combine, LEGO 42126 SVT8/10, LEGO 8440 Update, John Deere Scout, End Loader, Skid Excavator, LEGO 42136 Articulated Dumper, John Deere Axron, Off Road Knuckleboom Truck.

It was a prolific year for me, and this list even includes as couple of MOCs that I have not yet posted. I was even able to upload my 100th (!) MOC to Rebrickable, which was a goal I had for the year. In addition, I made good progress on the building goals I made for the year.

A Combine to match the Atmos Tractor (completed)
Another 42126 MOD (completed, twice)
An attachment for the Unimogs (no, but I made different Unimog and made 4 attachments for that)
A Garbage Truck (No, but coming soon)
A small truck (completed)
A system airplane (completed)
A remake of 8440 (completed)

I am now fully committed to the small manual technic build. I recognize this is not what gets the likes and views, but it’s what I enjoy building, so this is what I’ll continue to build. It does mean that I am building faster, and getting to enjoy more types of builds, which works well with my desire to keep creating new things. Looking over what will come in 2023, it will be more of the same. Some builds I have started I am really excited about.

Just a quick note about Rebrickable. In 2021, I taught myself how to use Bricklink Studio, and I’m happy I did that. I have been able to create and upload some great instructions to Rebrickable and I have received some great feedback and affirmation. I’ll keep doing this as I enjoy it, and I am always excited to see another build make one of my designs. I try to keep as many of the builds free as I am able, but I do value Rebrickable, and want to forward some funds to them. I hope this will continue to bring value to the online LEGO community. You can follow my builds on Rebrickable here.

For 2023 here are my goals:

Finish the Garbage Truck (finally)
A 15 wide Unimog U5000
Another alternative build
Another old set update
Some aircraft
A spaceship
A 15 wide car

Finally, As more people move to Instagram, feel free to see what I’m building there.

https://www.instagram.com/thirdwigg/?hl=en

On to 2023!

Filed under Planning Tagged with 2022, Planning

Off Road Knuckleboom Truck

January 5, 2023 2 Comments

It was time for another truck! Free instructions can be found at Rebrickable.

I have been building a lot of tractors and construction vehicles lately. I love building them as they offer a lot of movement and features. But it was time to build another truck. LEGO truck MOCs are beginning to coalesce around the “Mack Anthem standard” which is a 15 module wide truck in about 1:20 scale. Many MOCs are being designed in this scale as it is a good playable size, and fits the scale of some of the more recent LEGO trucks that have been released. I wanted to offer another truck in this scale, with some fun playable features.

I started with a chassis that uses a simple pendular suspension on the rear axle, which is damped by 2×1 rubber connectors. The rear axle drives a simple I3 fake engine under the cab through a two speed transmission. The transmission changeover is on the right side of the truck. Front steering is controlled though the HOG light on the top of the cab.

I have found a simple way to add a three way tipper bed in my trucks, and I have used it many times before. A mini linear actuator moves simple linkage under the bed that can pivot in three different directions. Each corner of the bed has a removable axle that allows control for which way the bed tiles. But in the past the control for this tipping function was in a tricky place to reach, so I wanted to route the control to the top of the cab. I managed to add this right next to steering light. I used a top pivot design on the bed sides and rear, locked by a 3/4 pin on the bottom.

Finally, I added a crane, and since I had a little space left over, two stabilizing outriggers. The outriggers are a simple two link design that are controlled with a worm gear mechanism. The crane is a little more complicated. It is mounted on a small turntable with a rotation control on the left side of the truck. The first lift mini linear actuator is controlled by the third HOG on the top of the cab. The second lift stage is controlled by another mini linear actuator. Finally, the third stage has an extending boom that allows the reach of the crane to extend a little more. The crane can lift some; not a lot, particularly when the boom is fully extended. By removing the three HOG knobs, the cab tips to show the engine. Also, both doors open.

I loved the way this trucks looks. The beefy tires, and the cabover design give the truck presence and look of toughness. The crane was a lot of fun to play with even if it could be a little stiffer. However, this may be the last time I use this three way tipper design. I am happy I moved the control to the top of the cab, but the linkage does not have the power it needs at the start of the tip. I will have to come up with something better for the next truck.

Stay tuned, and happy building until then.