The Easter Funny

March 26, 2016, 3:26 am

≫ Next: 853 Redux

≪ Previous: Home Brew

$

0

0

It’s Easter, and this is about as close as our Elves are going to get to anything seasonally appropriate. It’s only one letter away anyway. It is of course a ‘Funny Car’ – in effect a dragster chassis with a silhouette car body added atop it. This one comes from Technic legend and TLCB Master MOCer Crowkillers, and it’s got working steering, a blown V8 and the Funny Car necessity of hinged bodywork. Suggested to us by a reader, you can see more at Crowkillers’ Brickshelf page – click the link above hit the drag strip.

---

853 Redux

March 27, 2016, 9:54 am

≫ Next: Turbeot

≪ Previous: The Easter Funny

$

0

0

Our review of LEGO Technic’s 853 / 956 Car Chassis set is the most viewed individual page on the whole of The Lego Car Blog. It might have been flawed, but 853 is the grandfather of LEGO’s Supercar range, without which we probably wouldn’t have had some of LEGO’s best ever sets.

Previous bloggee, Master MOCer and Lego Professional Nick Barrett thinks it’s the most important set LEGO have ever made, and he’s given it and brilliant re-boot for the modern age. Updated using the latest Technic parts Nick’s 853 redux costs about half as much as the original 1977 set, yet retains all of its charm.

There’s an inline four-cylinder motor up front, a two speed gearbox in the middle, rear-wheel-drive, working steering and adjustable seats, all as per the original set. We think it’s the perfect candidate for the LEGO Ideas platform, and if you think so too you can let Nick know; take a trip to either MOCpages or Flickr to see more.

Turbeot

March 28, 2016, 4:45 pm

≫ Next: Ferrari Ferrari LaFerrari Ferrari

≪ Previous: 853 Redux

$

0

0

TLCB has a long-standing apathy for Peugeot, but it hasn’t always made unreliable, ugly euroboxes. Back in the 1980s Peugeot made some seriously cool cars, and this is one of their highlights; the insane Group B Peugeot 205 Turbo 16.

Flickr’s _zux_ has recreated one of the finest cars of the ’80s in both WRC and Pikes Peak specification, each with all-wheel-drive, steering, suspension, and the mighty mid-mounted four-cylinder turbocharged engine. There’s lots more to see on Flickr – click the link above to make the jump.

Ferrari Ferrari LaFerrari Ferrari

April 5, 2016, 3:17 am

≫ Next: Barney

≪ Previous: Turbeot

$

0

0

BrunoJ’s incredible Technic recreation of the world’s most ridiculously named supercar has appeared here at The Lego Car Blog before, and since then a paying customer asked the builder to revisit his original model to create a new and even more spectacular version.

This is the result, and it’s a phenomenal showcase for what can be achieved from our favourite little plastic bricks. Underneath the stunningly accurate 1:9 Technic bodywork is a working V12 piston engine, all-wheel independent suspension and a suite of Power Functions electrical functions.

These include the usual remote control drive and steering plus; remotely opening doors, LED lighting including turn function and active aerodynamics – just like the real LaFerrari. In all there are six Power Functions motors, two LiPo rechargeable batteries, two IR receivers and seven pairs of LEDs, which all rides on four realistic 3D-printed wheels with custom special-width tyres.

There’s lots more to see – including detailed chassis images and a video of the LaFerrari in action – at the Eurobricks discussion forum.

Barney

April 10, 2016, 8:57 am

≫ Next: Classic Spechnic

≪ Previous: Ferrari Ferrari LaFerrari Ferrari

$

0

0

We never understood why Barney the Dinosaur was so friendly. Always happy to dance awkwardly and sing a humiliating song, we longed for the day when he’d go feral, eat the children and maul a producer. We’re still waiting for that day to come, but in the meantime we can get our fix of destruction and violence (and an excuse for a clever title) with this brilliant LEGO Friends-themed remote control Dodge T-Rex.

Powered by an XL Motor, plus another two for steering, this colourful 6-wheel-drive creation will climb over almost anything. And it’ll easily squash a group of fleeing Elves if one of their number is at the controls.

Previous bloggee Desert752 Kirill is the builder and you can see more of his friendly T-Rex on MOCpages via the link above, or at the Eurobricks forum here, plus you can see it in action on a tough-looking Truck Trial course courtesy of the video below.

YouTube Video:

Classic Spechnic

April 11, 2016, 6:35 am

≫ Next: Red Letter Day

≪ Previous: Barney

$

0

0

Who’d have thought Classic Space and Technic could go together so well? This marvellous Classic Space themed Technic truck trial off-roader was suggested by a reader and comes from Flickr’s Horcik Designs. There’s XL motors for drive, bouncy suspension and an oversize (but no less cheery) Classic Spaceman at the wheel. You can take a look at all the images via the link to Flickr above, whilst we ponder other possible theme mash-ups!

Red Letter Day

April 17, 2016, 11:50 am

≫ Next: Lancia Stratos – Picture Special

≪ Previous: Classic Spechnic

$

0

0

Only one Elf returned to TLCB Towers with a find this weekend, but fortunately you guys earn yourself a Smartie* too as we also have one of your suggestions to post.

First up is the Elven discovery; this superb classic Plymouth Barracuda drag car. Built by TLCB regular ER0L it’s one of the coolest mini-figure scale cars we’ve come across – it has flames and everything! There’s some very creative brickwork used to create the famous ‘Cuda shape and you can see all the images at ER0L’s photo stream via the link above.

Our second creation has been built by a newcomer to TLCB, Eurobricks’ tfcrafter, and was suggested by a reader. Featuring all-wheel independent suspension, a 4-speed gearbox, working steering, a V8 engine,and opening doors and hood tfcrafters’ ‘Mercury’ supercar is flying the flag for mechanical Technic. There are full details and an extensive bank of images available at the Eurobricks discussion forum – click the link above to see more.

*Collection only

Lancia Stratos – Picture Special

April 18, 2016, 4:20 pm

≫ Next: Unstoppable

≪ Previous: Red Letter Day

$

0

0

We like the Lancia Stratos very much here at TLCB. Styled by Bertone, powered by Ferrari, and winner of three back-to-back World Rally Championship titles, few cars can match the pedigree of Lancia’s incredible 1970s sports car.

The two gorgeous models shown here both come from James Tillson, and they’re amongst our very favourite creations of the year so far. Underneath the wonderfully replicated bodywork is a full mechanical Technic Supercar chassis, featuring all-wheel independent suspension, working steering, opening doors and front and rear clamshells, a transversely-mounted V6 engine, a working 4-speed gearbox and pop-up headlights. There’s also some absolutely beautiful decal-work giving the models fantastic period authenticity.

There’s lots more to see of both the Alitalia and +1 Racing Stratoses at the Eurobricks discussion forum and via James’ Flickr photostream – making the trip to view the Lancias’ full gallery is recommended hugely! We’ll see you there…

---

Unstoppable

April 18, 2016, 4:44 pm

≫ Next: Iveco Trakker 8×8 – Picture Special

≪ Previous: Lancia Stratos – Picture Special

$

0

0

Lego Technic is getting seriously hardcore. When throughly engineered, a remote control Technic truck with all-wheel-drive can make its way through almost anything, no matter how many TLCB Elves are clogging up its tyres. With most of our workforce squashed beneath it, or clinging to the front bumper screaming, this monstrous 8×8 behemoth finally came to a stop against the foot of our unimpressed intern as the Elf that found it abandoned the controls and escaped cackling into the dark of the archive hall. It won’t get its meal token payment in there, but it didn’t seem too bothered – violence is often prioritised over hunger.

Anyway, the creation, which is something rather special. Built by Alexey Tikhvinsky aka SilenWin it’s based on a previously featured model by Lucio Switch and has then been extensively modified. With all eight wheels powered by four LEGO Buggy Motors, twin Servo Motors steering the front two axles and two third-party SBricks allowing control by mobile device, Alexey’s build can go anywhere. How anywhere?… Just watch the video below;

YouTube Video:

You can see the full gallery of images – including WIP shots and chassis details – on both Flickr and at the Eurobricks forum, plus you can check out the original creation that inspired it by clicking on the link in the text above.

Iveco Trakker 8×8 – Picture Special

April 21, 2016, 3:29 pm

≫ Next: Busy Bus

≪ Previous: Unstoppable

$

0

0

It’s time for something very very special. This incredible Technic creation is the latest build from the brilliant Lucio Switch, and it’s one of the finest examples of Technic engineering that you will find anywhere on the ‘net.

Based on the Iveco Trakker 8×8 dump truck Lucio’s creation is packed full of magnificent technical wizardry. The extensive list of functions includes a working 8×8 remote control drivetrain, with four XL Motors providing the drive whilst another two Servo Motors steer the first and second axles. Each axle is suspended, with Technic shock absorbers damping the front two axles and working leaf springs managing the rearmost two.

A fifth motor powers a pneumatic pump that supplies pressure to three cylinders and valves which tilt the cab, raise and lower the load bed, and allow pneumatic pressure to reach a rear trailer hitch. Four sets of LEDs illuminate the front and rear lights, a sixth motor controls a working winch, and there’s a realistic inline 6-cylinder piston engine mounted under the cab. All of these functions can be controlled via a bluetooth device thanks two two third-party SBricks linked to twin on-board LiPo batteries.

Full specification details, images and chassis shots are available at the Eurobricks discussion forum, Lucio’s Flickr photstream, and MOCpages – plus you can see everything this astonishing creation can do via the excellent video below.

YouTube Video:

Busy Bus

April 25, 2016, 2:34 am

≫ Next: Cruiser Crawler

≪ Previous: Iveco Trakker 8×8 – Picture Special

$

0

0

This neat Technic bus was found by one of our Elves today, and being remotely controlled you would expect the usual Elven carnage to have occurred in the office. However, as it’s very low and quite slow the targeted Elves simply climbed on board and enjoyed the ride, much to the annoyance of the Elf at the controls.

Slow it may be, but there’s much clever packaging going on inside. Both the front and rear axels steer giving the model reasonable agility, and each of the three doors can be opened and closed remotely. You can see how it all works in the video below, and you can check out all the images and build details via damianple’s Brickshelf gallery and the Eurobricks discussion forum.

YouTube Video:

Cruiser Crawler

April 25, 2016, 2:52 am

≫ Next: Busiest Bus

≪ Previous: Busy Bus

$

0

0

Toyota’s FJ40 Land Cruiser is something of an automotive legend, and it’s been well represented by the Lego Community over the years. Regular bloggee Madoca 1977’s latest build expands on one of these previous Land Cruiser creations and takes the classic Japanese 4×4 into the Crawler / Truck Trial arena.

With 4-wheel-drive powered by a single XL Motor, Servo Motor steering, a remotely operated 2-speed gearbox, working headlights, a powered winch, an on-board rechargeable battery, and SBrick mobile-device control, Madoca’s creation is a throughly capable off-road machine. It also looks – as you can see above – absolutely brilliant.

There are more details and images available at the Eurobricks forum here, plus you can see Madoca’s FJ40 Crawler in action via the video below.

 YouTube Video:

Busiest Bus

May 2, 2016, 2:53 am

≫ Next: Top of the Line

≪ Previous: Cruiser Crawler

$

0

0

Lego Technic buses are becoming a more common occurrence here at TLCB. It’s easy to understand why, as they are the perfect shape to fit a wide variety of LEGO’s Power Functions components. This one, a Solaris Urbino 12 IV by Porsche96, has taken the lead in the ‘I’ve Got More Motors Than You’ competition with no less than seven.

Powering the drive, steering, a 2-speed gearbox, the opening and closing of the doors, and the bus’s ‘kneel’ system – where the suspension lowers to assist passengers as they step on and off – it’s an great bit of kit. There’s lots more to see, including a video of all the above, at both Brickshelf and Eurobricks.

Top of the Line

May 5, 2016, 2:11 am

≫ Next: Guess Who’s Back

≪ Previous: Busiest Bus

$

0

0

This magnificent Scania R730 V8 Topline comes from TLCB favourite Shineyu of Eurobricks. Brilliantly blending Technic and Model Team style construction, Shineyu’s Scania looks superbly accurate and yet also manages to include good functionality, with remote control drive courtesy of two XL motors and a Medium motor for the steering. There’s more to see at the Eurobricks discussion forum – click the link above to make the jump.

Guess Who’s Back

May 6, 2016, 9:08 am

≫ Next: Size 12

≪ Previous: Top of the Line

$

0

0

Back again. Shineyu’s back. Tell a friend.

It’s seem like only yesterday that Shineyu featured here at TLCB with an incredible Technic truck, and that’s because it was. His newest creation is a stunning Mercedes-Benz Actros 8×4, and like his previous build it’s fully remote controlled. There’s lots more to see at MOCpages and Eurobricks – click the links for all the images.

---

Size 12

May 16, 2016, 4:01 pm

≫ Next: Trolleyed

≪ Previous: Guess Who’s Back

$

0

0

Paul Boratko aka Crowkillers is back at TLCB, thanks to an eagle-eyed reader. This is his latest creation, and you might have noticed that it’s quite a lot smaller than his previous builds. However, somewhat remarkably Paul has still squeezed in a range of Technic Supercar functions, including working steering, opening hood, engine cover and butterfly doors, and a mid-mounted miniature V12 piston engine.

There’s lots more to see via Paul’s MOCpages account, and you can check out our interview with him via the Master MOCers interview page here.

Trolleyed

May 19, 2016, 4:01 pm

≫ Next: Smushery

≪ Previous: Size 12

$

0

0

Looking like a normal bus, but powered by electricity via overhead cables (just like a dodgem), the Trolleybus is a very smart solution for emissions-free urban transport. With the current focus on air quality and global warming it seems very strange that the humble trolleybus is now completely extinct in TLCB’s home nation.

However trolleybuses do still exist in other parts of the world, and in Ukraine amongst other countries they’re still a reasonably common sight. This ZiU-9, a remnant from the extensive Soviet trolleybus system constructed in the 1960s, is the work of previous bloggee paave, and it’s packed with functionality.

Hidden within the realistic bodywork are three Power Functions motors, five linear actuators, a LiPo battery, two IR receivers, and a set of LED lights. An XL motor takes care of the drive whilst a Medium motor controls the steering, and a Large motor completes the set providing power to each of the automatic opening doors. All of this is remotely controlled via LEGO’s excellent Power Functions infrared system.

There’s lots more to see, including a video of the trolleybus in action, at several of the key creation-sharing platforms; click on a link to climb on-board: MOCpages, Brickshelf, Eurobricks.

Smushery

May 28, 2016, 3:34 am

≫ Next: LeGoGo

≪ Previous: Trolleyed

$

0

0

It’s been quite a peaceful few weeks here at TLCB Towers, with the Elves quietly going about their business hunting for the best Lego vehicles that the web has to offer. Too quietly…

Today, thanks to this epic-looking remote control off-road buggy by Flickr’s Hajdekr, days of pent-up Elven aggression came spilling out as a dozen Elves were mown down in the corridors of the office. With twin motors driving the rear wheels and the mightiest suspension we’ve ever seen fitted to a Lego creation, Hajdekr’s buggy is a seriously effective Elf-squashing weapon. The non-LEGO tyres help too, as the deep tread is the perfect size to embed Elven body-parts.

With the buggy crashed into the water-cooler, and with a trail of Elven hit-and-runs the length of the corridor, the joyous victor abandoned the controls and ran off out into the sunshine. We have a fair bit of clearing up to do, although we are getting quite skilled at glueing bits of Elf back on (mostly to the correct owners too), so we suggest heading over to Flickr to see all the images of Hajdekr’s build via the link above, and we’ll be back later…

LeGoGo

May 28, 2016, 11:38 am

≫ Next: Land Rover Defender Camel Trophy – Picture Special

≪ Previous: Smushery

$

0

0

We’ve heard of the Toyota Hiace here at TLCB (because whilst the Hiace isn’t sold here, they are ubiquitous pretty much everywhere else in the world), but we hadn’t heard of GoGoVan. A straw poll in the office returned some fairly detailed knowledge of another word with ‘GoGo’ in front of it, but we can’t share that here.

Anyway, a bit of research later and it turns out that GoGoVan are an app-driven Hong Kong based logistics company, sort of like Uber for boxes, and their vehicle of choice is of course Toyota’s trusty Hiace.

Previous bloggee Shineyu has recreated the boldly-painted Toyota used by GoGoVan across Hong Kong perfectly in Technic form, and he’s packed it with working functions too. LEGO’s versatile Power Functions components are employed giving the Hiace remote control drive, steering and sliding doors.

There’s more to see at the Eurobricks discussion forum – click the link above to book a delivery.

Land Rover Defender Camel Trophy – Picture Special

May 30, 2016, 4:21 pm

≫ Next: G63 AMG

≪ Previous: LeGoGo

$

0

0

We rarely feature modifications of other peoples’ creations here at TLCB, but when a builder as accomplished as RM8 decides to use a design by Master MOCer Sheepo as the basis for a build, we think we can let that rule slide a bit…

This is RM8 (real name Egor Karshiev)’s brilliant Technic Land Rover Defender 90 in full Camel Trophy specification. Based on the original Defender design by Sheepo, Egor has extensively updated the hardware using his own significant Lego off-roading experience.

Power Functions motors control the drive and steering whilst tough all-wheel-drive and suspension systems allow this little Lego Defender to go anywhere the real car can (if it were really small).

Egor’s presentation is top notch stuff too, with both studio and on-location shots taken superbly, and he’s created several excellent videos showing how the Land Rover was built and what it can do outside in the rough stuff.

There’s lots more to see at the Eurobricks discussion forum, Egor’s MOCpages account, and via the YouTube video below, plus you can see more of Egor’s rival in-house designed Technic off-roader (which coincidentally was the real Land Rover’s key rival too) by clicking here.

YouTube Video: