This is a model of a Kenworth 953 6 x 6 oilfield truck as they are used a lot in desert oilfields. Like with all my other models it is again in the scale 1:17,5. It features PF for both power and steering, PF lights, loads of details, solid axle suspension on all three axles and a fully functional fifth wheel.
About this creation
Kenworth's largest model family is the 953 series. It comes with big wheels and power full engines, transmissions, axles and all other power train parts. Since I am attracted to both trucks and off-road vehicles the 953 is the ultimate. Searching the web for collecting pictures and stuff for my other models displayed here I ran into this specific truck quite a lot. A model had to be build once, I couldn't stand...
For more pictures on this model click this to check out my Brickshelf Gallery.
In the last couple of years I spend quite some time on building a powered steering axle. On other design was quite OK, but I never documented it. Out there a lot of amazing trail trucks where build by very talented LEGO builders that caught my eye. I started thinking on building one my self but hey I wanted it to have a sort of cabin like my other models. A studless design with liftarms and panels would suite the job much better because of the lighter weight, but I don't like to do so.
What I basically did was building is a combination of a trial truck and my other truck models. I fused a large wheel holding floating axle chassis with a truck body. After this I started working on all the new challenging odd details that makes this truck so distinguished. I had some trouble installing the battery box. Installing it at the back of the cabin would have given this model much more ground clearance. Doing so would have drastically altered the center of gravity which is not good. The realy life trucks do have tanks and stuff at the exact same spot as where the battery box is so it felt right.
What I also like about this type of truck are the odd details. The designers of the 953 reused the cab that was installed on conventional truck too. This is what gives this truck its quite “funny” looks since all other parts and details are huge. In a way the cab is way to small for this truck.
In order to cover the large engine a large hood was installed. Basically it is in the same width as the conventional trucks but stretched. The same goes for the front wheels, to cover these rather large wheels big simply shaped fenders where used. These fenders give more then enough room to hold the extremely large air cleaners.
What is unique for this specific truck and what I like a lot about it is the odd exhaust stack arrangement. These are located in front of the driver in stead of at his back. This will probably block the drivers sight but I guess that it is a problem with this vehicle anyway.
As you can see it holds extremely wide mirrors because of the very wide loads hauled. On top of the roof there is this air conditioning unit. On more interesting detail is the location of the spare tires...no where else to hide these monsters.
In stead of the conventional way to attach wheels, using technic axles, I used technic turn tables as hubs. To reduce the vehicles overall width I did not apply hub reduction. In a future model I will give this a try, but I realy wanted this specific model to be realistic in scale and dimensions. Since these turn table have a lot of friction it is buy far the best solution but the advantages won. With heavy models the weight give technic axle attached wheels an angle, axles bent. This is not what I wanted, the wheels should be vertical and with the use of turn table this was accomplished.
Steering was one of the toughest quests on this model. Limited space reduced the options drastically. With fist attempts I installed the M motor in the chassis and used a linkage construction to transfer movement to the wheels. It didn't work well and it was to space consuming I had to change this design. Finally the M motor was installed in the axle it self and this works just perfect. Not that this isn't space consuming, but there was plenty of room to use this solution.
Quoting Jonah L.
Ah, so that's why it is slower. Do you think it would be possible to add power functions to all the wheels, so it would go faster?
Maybe that could help, but don't expect it to be a rock crawler... :-) My models are build for strength and not for speed. Of course you should give it a try and see what happens...!!!
Quoting Jonah L.
Outstanding! It actually reminds me more of a Hayes log truck than a Kenworth. One thing I noticed is that it seems to be slower than your other trucks, when I watched the video. Maybe it's just my imagination.
You could be right too I guess, but the KW 953 basically was the inspiration for this model. You are right about the speed, it is slower. I hoped it could be used as trial truck as well. It is to heavy and to much friction by the use of turn tables for wheel hubs...
Outstanding! It actually reminds me more of a Hayes log truck than a Kenworth. One thing I noticed is that it seems to be slower than your other trucks, when I watched the video. Maybe it's just my imagination.
I think this is my favorite truck on MOCpages. It looks so beastly, and has a whole lot of awesome accurate features. I especially like the suspension. I've got to say, growing up around trucks, all your MOCs are very accurate. I hope you keep building them!
Quoting Chris Melby
I added you as a favorite builder, I want to take some time and scope your stuff, this one in particular is out-standing. Super hd semi trucks are always fun, and I love the suspension on this rig. Nice
Thank you very much for adding me and the kind words. Please take your time to scope my stuff, there is more then enough... :-) Also is there more to come...
I like it
Chris Melby
January 8, 2012
I added you as a favorite builder, I want to take some time and scope your stuff, this one in particular is out-standing. Super hd semi trucks are always fun, and I love the suspension on this rig. Nice
Nice, very nice. Those wheels a re a real treat to see. The overall shape is monstrously good and all in all there you go, You just made yourself a truck for the trials
Thanks again for all the kind words. This is very encouraging...not that I was about to stop building anyway... :-)
Quoting Victor ruiz
i swear each creation gets better.
Don't we all develop our building skills. In my opinion it is a process, I agree that with each creation one knows more... Thanks for the very kind words...
Quoting Nick Barrett
Love the fusion of trial truck ruggedness and realistic detailing.
Thanks, that is exactly what I was up to. Make a rough truck with loads of details...
Again, a beautiful truck. You are the best truckbuilder around this place. A truckmaniac in the possitive way. If you want to rebuild a truck..... go to Ingmar.... :-)
This is a monster of a truck! I think i remember seeing the real truck before and you've recreated it very well! It wouldn't break any land speed records though lol ;)
It's a beast - I like it. A very professional looking and functional moc. Great work all round. I also prefer to use traditional bricks rather than panels but I do like the new studless beams however, you can't beat old technic beams for strength and rigidity when building a chassis
big thumbs up. I'd love to see the hub reduction drive in place, as that would be prototypical! I really enjoy your attention to detail, and this model is no different. Well done!
