[Project] Custom flatbed transporter

NinjaTruncs

So I’ve decided to build a custom transporter for the Motorised Excavator (8043), this thread will be my build diary.

Here's a plan of what I hope to do.

Cab:
1. I have 9395 for the Cab, I plan to use the B-model
2. I'll modify the back of it to have a connector to attach the trailer to.
3. The side loading device on the original model will be moved
4. I will hope to add two XL motors to drive the wheels (I think I'll need XL motors as the total weight will be quite high. I don't yet have these so I'll work the mod to allow for these to be added afterwards.
5. I'll get an IR receiver so I can use the remote from 8043 to control the Cab

Trailer:
1. This kind of shaped trailer I have in my head http://www.fabrequipa.com/FabreWeb/img/mainImage.gif
2. There will be motorised ramps at the back to allow the excavator get on/off the trailer (however if the ramp is too steep I could work it so the entry point via the side, I'll just need to keep the ground clearance very low when the trailer is detached.
3. I'll have two linear actuators at the front to lift the trailer up and down to allow for connection to the Cab.
4. Most likely I'll use the same power supply for both the cab and the trailer (for cost and weight reasons)

I’ll probably break the construction into four phases.
1. Mod of the Cab
2. Design the back of the trailer
3. Design the front of the trailer
4. Design the mid-section of the trailer

I don’t intend to complete them in that order, I expect to do 2 first, then 1, followed by 3 and finish with 4. However 1 and 3 will overlap as I try to get the connection mechanism right, I would prefer to have little to no human interaction need for the entire rig once completed, which will mean I’ll need two power supplies, 1 for Cab and 1 for trailer, which I can cannibalise from other sets, however this could add to much weight so I don’t mind needing manual intervention to control the trailer functions.

To keep costs down I’ll be making it in Black, with some red trim, would have preferred yellow but those parts would have added a lot to the final cost. I’m also using these plates http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=3027 rather than my preferred choice of these http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=64782 again for cost reasons.

I’m not sure if any of you are interested in my little project but if you are I’ll keep this thread updated as I go along. I expect to start the building over the weekend and as I go along I’ll update this thread with pictures of how it’s going.

Wish me luck

prospect

I'm certainly interested.

Best of luck.

sirpsycho

Something like this: http://www.designer-han.nl/lego/truck8x4lowloader.htm ?

ShadowHearth

Go on m8! Thats what we need, more projects and more socialising!

If i remember right, you hoarding parts for this project for quite a while!

NinjaTruncs

Something like that sirpsycho, I don't like how the trailer detaches from the cab, it's as if the trailer breaks in half which I'm not too keen on.

I'll take a pic of all the parts later this evening, I've bought about 1500 pieces for the trailer, if that will be enough I don't know, but I'll add to it if I have to.

Shadow I've been buying the bits since the start of Feb, but I still need to get all the motors and related bits which I'll order at some point, just a pity the only real place to get them is from Lego.com so no chance of a discount.

NinjaTruncs

Just a little update, well no update in fact. I didn't get the time I hoped for over the weekend to start building this, then there was a little accident with the excavator (my little girl knocked it off a table) which means I need to rebuild that before I move onto the trailer. I'll hopefully have an update over Easter weekend at the latest.