A motorised and remote-controlled version of a Volvo A40D aka LEGO set 8264.
About this creation
Here is my take on LEGO set 8264, additionally using parts of the bulldozer set 8275, besides the Power Functions lights, a switch, and a cord.
LEGO set 8264 is an articulated hauler, with powered dumping. It is a really nice set. I wanted to add powered driving and steering, but feared that the model would be too small to add that.
However, i found that a differential would not be needed if i relied on "skid-steer". Further, by exploiting (=occupying) most of the spaces left empty in the original, i managed to fit in two medium PF motors length-wise. To give the extreme power of the real thing, and get managable speed i use worm wheels. This also allows for a 90 degree angle for the drive shafts.
Fitting in the 4x4 studs infrared receiver module was a challenge as well. Again i tried to have it disappear in unused space, while the "eye" remains visible for the infrared light pulses from the remote control. This required an overhaul of the engine compartment lid.
After looking up the folders of Volvo, i decided to change the color scheme to resemble more like a Volvo A40D, with the black center part. Also, i replaced the side "cheeks" using the "banana" shaped pieces from the bulldozer set. BTW these changes, like the ones to come are entirely optional if you want to rebuild it.
Because the battery switch cannot be used to control dumping anymore, i added a power function switch to separately control that manually. In the original model the dumping motor is mounted directly at the linear actuator. This causes the actuator to make a machinegun sound when it is shifted fully in or out. In this model i made the dump bucket operate the switch, such that the motor turns itself off when fully down and when fully up. For the former the dumping bucket pushes a small lever on the switch axle. For the latter i use a cord to the dumping bucket, that pulls a lever on the switch axle.
As a nice additional feature, you can lift the bucket by pushing on its top. This comes with the drawback that a bumpy road may cause a suddenly dumping truck! :)
I took pictures upon taking it apart, so you can re-build it yourself now. I used sets 8264 and 8275. For optional lights and the dumping switch i used the Offroader set 8297. Just follow the slideshow in reverse on photobucket.
This model is surprisingly powerful, as it can drive, corner and dump 1 kilo, and can even push 2 kilos up a hill. At the same time it can take very tight turns. It has excellent maneuverability like the real articulated haulers, because it can change its heading on the spot.
See the YouTube clip above for features and operation.
I never took pictures, but I managed to fit an M motor under the hood, powering the truck with a wormscrew connected to the front axel. For the steering, I mounted an M motor with an 8 tooth gear vertically next to the turntable. I don't have any pictures (I meant to take some, but didn't realize I hadn't till it was too late) and your take on this is probably long gone, but this is certainly useful for others who read this.
Dear Piotr K, thanks for your comment and for alerting me of the broken link. I updated my photobucket albums and adapted the links on my homepage here on MOCpages, but i forgot this one.... it is repaired now. Let me know if you still have issues. Happy building!
Thanks Nick, nice fortification you suggest, be it at the expense of losing the left/right independence of the suspension.
I feared that cornering two kilos might actually break an axle, good tip!
Well what can i say, blush...
Thanks for your comment.
Indeed i'd like LEGO to be more into rc models, or at least provide rc motorised modifications of their technic models.
On the other hand, i find it way too much fun not to do that myself :)
The design is so simple it is genius. You have come up with the most simple and effective way to make an rc truck. Excellent work, submit that idea to lego, Im sure they will use that for future models.
Thx for your comments Riley!
Yes, the best way to refer to the steering principle is indeed front part skid-steer, with a trailing trailer as 'tail'.
Funny you mention the "push rod", because my current project is an articulated wheel loader that does have these rods! Probably it'll still take some weeks to finish, but i hope to be faster than LEGO and be out before they do with the new wheel loader...
Nice job! Waaaaay better than the out-of-the box version. So the truck is steered via the front axle skid-steer? No "push rod" between the halves like an articulated loader or truck? It works great and good thinking! I'm impressed! Later.
Yes there is, see my first sentence above:
Here is my take on LEGO set 8264, additionally using parts of the bulldozer set 8275, besides the Power Functions lights, a switch, and a cord.
Probably other sets may also give you all parts, i really cannot tell you easily...
Good luck!
Hi Ryan!
Thx for your comments.
Yes I've planned for an album on Photobucket, but realistically it may still take weeks...
I think you can already see how i ensured that the dumping mechanism doesn't grind. See the pictures above and the video (in high quality) at YouTube. essentially it is a power functions switch that is operated by a lever on an axle. A first lever is pushed down by the bucket itself when coming down. A second lever is pulled by a rope tied to the bucket going up.
Good luck,
Any chance you add this to photobucket in the future? Mostly so I can see how you added the clutch so the dumping mechanism doesn't grind. Think it was a somewhat lazy design by Lego in that regard. Another good job!
Hello Egel,
thx for your comments.
I just made up that the hauler is after that Volvo, since it seems to come closest to me. So i am not sure that that was what LEGO modelled too.
Similarly, i have no clue about the excavator. But we can try to make it up ourselves... most liebherr is yellow, maybe this one custom painted for Mammoet? Place your bets, anyone?
Quoting Egel Vuurzoon
Hello Liftboy, Impressive again, your latest RC vehicle! You know how to use every cubic mm.... I like the restyled front of this Volvo hauler. Question: The hauler is a model of the Volvo A40D. Do you also know which excavator was used as inspiration for the 8294 lego design?
Hello Liftboy, Impressive again, your latest RC vehicle! You know how to use every cubic mm.... I like the restyled front of this Volvo hauler. Question: The hauler is a model of the Volvo A40D. Do you also know which excavator was used as inspiration for the 8294 lego design?
very interesting! just a suggestion you should try using one of those pistons in the middle to control the steering, it might be more acurate & it would be more like the real thing!
email me if your confused about my suggestion( i write to wordy)
Hello Kieran:
There is no separate steering motor!
One drives the left wheel and the other drives the right wheel, that's all. Simple yet effective for steering just like the bulldozer.
See also my more detailed explanations on youtube. I still plan for instructions, but do not hold your breath for it as it may still take weeks or months to actually do so...
Quoting Kieran -
Hello Love that set. I'm planing on getting that set and putting motors in it. You have given me inspiration. But where did yoy put the motor that controls the steering?
Hello Love that set. I'm planing on getting that set and putting motors in it. You have given me inspiration. But where did yoy put the motor that controls the steering?
The hauler is a very good start if you want to try LEGO Technic,and has a nice alternate model too.
The off-roader has much more parts allowing for bigger models, but is pricier at the same time. Also i like the big wheels, but they are less general applicable then the hauler ones.
So my advice would be to buy: the hauler for a start, but the off-roader if you already have Technic.
MIND YOU that the hauler set and the off-roader both only come with a single motor, i added two motors and remote control from the bulldozer set to make my MOCs and the video clips.
Good luck and happy building, whatever you decide :)
Quoting Joey Kelly
What do you like better?: The Technic 8297 off-roader or the Technic 8264 Hauler?
I want to buy one of them, and I want an opinion.
