Christmas is almost over, and that means a bumper load for the bin men to haul away. Wrapping paper, boxes, and – in the case of the TLCB – many many empty bottles, are all ready to be thrown out.

Some of our more astute readers may have noticed a subtle message in this post’s title. We’ve given the job of sorting the office’s yuletide rubbish to TLCB Elves, who’ll be arranging it by material for our refuse collectors, or – if it’s even slightly edible – ‘disposing’ of it themselves. And if the Elves can recycle, so can anyone.

Oh, the model. It’s a rather brilliant remotely controlled Technic bin lorry / garbage truck with a whole host of thoroughly engineered working functions. Find out what it can do at Waler‘s Brickshelf page.

European, rear engined, rear wheel drive… the Fiat 126 was nearly identical to a Porsche 911. Except in every other measurable way.

We’ve often derided the little Fiat and its siblings here at TLCB, because they spawned more hateful Communistical automotive landfill than almost any other vehicular design. However, before the 126 was handed over to Eastern Europe to be badly built by dictatorial regimes it was actually a damn good car. A segment leading one in fact, even to the point that Ford benchmarked it when designing their new supermini in the 1970s; the Fiesta.

This Technic version of the 126 has, somewhat confusingly, been built by Porsche96 over on Brickshelf. It’s got opening doors and trunk, Power Functions remotely controlled drive and steering, and a working gearbox too. You can see the Fiat’s full gallery by clicking the link above.

This neat Technic/System tractor was discovered on Flickr. Bobofrutx is the builder, and you can see more at his photostream by clicking here.

Ask a 12 year old who the best racing driver ever is and they might very well say ‘Ken Block’. He’s not of course – in fact he seems to simply crash a lot – but what he has done it tap into the power of YouTube magnificently.

Block’s ‘Gymkhana’ series has become one of the most watched things on the internet, and has attracted big sponsorship as a result. Ford provide Ken with his current wheels, but unusually his most recent video didn’t use something from their current range. At least on the surface. Instead Ken built the world’s first (probably) all-wheel-drive first generation Mustang, which he used to tear up the streets of LA in spectacular style.

It’s a car ripe for reproducing in Lego form, and Technic legend (and the first builder in our ‘Pro’ series) Sariel has done just that. Powered by two RC LEGO Buggy Motors, with working headlights and independent suspension, his Technic Ford Mustang looks as cool as Ken’s real deal. And it works. You can see all the photos on MOCpages, but before you do, make sure you watch the amazing video below…

 YouTube Video:

Another day, another Elf, another meal token, and another model to show you. This remote controlled Technic Baja Buggy was found on Brickshelf. It’s the work of Pipasseyoyo and it’s packed full of functionality. There’s lots more to see at the link above, plus you can watch a video of it in action below.

YouTube Video:

This beautiful Technic motorcycle with sidecar comes from TLCB debutant hirnlego, and it looks a fine way to reuse two of LEGO’s 42036 Sports Motorbike sets. You can see more of this creation via the first link, and you can read our review of the official Technic set on which it’s based via the second.

This Lexus-LFA-like Technic supercar was suggested to us by a reader. As with many recent creations this model includes LEGO’s Power Functions parts to provide remote control drive and steering, plus it adds a working V8, 4-speed gearbox with auto-clutch, and all-wheel-drive to an impressive list of functions. MOCpages’ Rage Hobbit is the builder, and you can see all the photos, including detailed chassis images, via the link above.

Today we saw the return of two Elves, both clutching things of much redness. The first red thing turned out to be this, Rabbitdesign‘s superb Technic Land Rover Defender 110, which has one of the most thoroughly engineered chassis we’ve ever seen (a trip to MOCpages via the link above is highly recommended to see how he’s done it).

Coincidentally this year will be the Defender’s last. Emissions and safety laws have finally caught up with the 1940s design, signalling an end to more than 60 years of continual production.

Elf No.2’s red thing was discovered on Flickr. It’s a German target tug by Sydag, used for towing things into the sky to be shot at, and it’s a wonderfully smooth build. There’s more to see at the link above.

…Or according to the picture below, just red and blue ones; but as everyone knows, they’re the best Smarties….

Under Starter’s Orders…

The Technic Go-Kart. These have been delighting lovers of oversteer and leaving tyre marks on kitchen floors since 1978. Time to see what’s what.

First up, the dear old 854, whose under-tyred front wheels and odd-sized seat mattered not a jot when it came to whizzing it along the carpet, engine singing away as it zoomed around in ever decreasing circles. It was strong enough to handle it too (not always the case with the early efforts..) so long as those grey toggle joints around the steering column haven’t cracked. Did someone say kragle ? Banish them! This set is a little blue bundle of fun, there’s the usual early set selection of alternate models on the box, it was wildly popular when new and therefore cheap and numerous now. If you haven’t already, get one; TLCB will give you your money back if you don’t love it* 10/10.

A great score, but how does it do in the handling test ? In the interest of consumer research (nothing to do with playing with toys, you understand..) this and 5 other Technic Go-Karts have been subjected to an exhaustive analysis of their handling. This encompasses such vital aspects as controlability, grip, weight distribution, sound effects, strength and breakaway characteristics. A go-kart is not a Go-Kart if it isn’t fun to fling around…

Technic Lewis Gets A Wiggle On…

First up, the 854. Flinging it around holding on to the steering wheel is possible (provided it’s assembled carefully and the joints aren’t cracked), the single cylinder engine clatters away at 3x wheel speed nice and smoothly, the hard tyres lack grip. This is excellent. Thanks to it’s relatively long wheelbase and slight rearward weight bias, it can be persuaded to perform graceful drifts at any angle you like. Too slow, though, and it’ll understeer. Overall, a very respectable 8 on the oversteer-ometer.

Next, the tiny 98 piece 1972 from ’85. A larger gear acting on the steering rack makes this exceptionally flickable; it’s short wheelbase makes it very tail-happy and grip of the softish tyres is easily overcome. A winner. It’s strong enough thanks to it’s lightness and the only thing really lacking is noise – the engine’s a dummy. 8.

The largest of these sets, at 281 pieces, is 8842 from 1986. It took Lego 8 years to dare to replace 854! They used the time well. This machine’s Model Team tyres afford an amusing lack of grip, the overall design is interesting and unusual, it repeats 1972’s trick of a very flickable steering rack and it’s long wheelbase makes it effortlessly controllable. This machine is king of the high-speed J-turn. The engine could be louder (it runs at wheel speed) but that’s easy to modify. Overall, a successful model and a fun steer. 9.

The 8815 ‘Speedway Bandit’ promises much. It looks like a 1972 with the bonus of an engine. At 78 pieces it should have been the ultimate in cheap thrills in 1991. However, it’s handling was hobbled by new steering parts that include that awful flexible rack that Lego foisted on us for a few years; this makes the steering wheel feel far too flimsy in your hand as it has no other support. The engine’s nice, if a bit quiet, and not at all smooth thanks to the crank only being supported at one end! It’ll oversteer nicely though, if you’re gentle. 5.

Next up, the 8219 ‘Racer’ from 1998. This is definitely one of the better efforts from that year… At 103 pieces it’s still small and cheap, it looks good and, despite using the same steering rack piece as it’s predecessor, it feels sturdier thanks to a little extra support. It’s longish wheelbase, slow steering and soft, grippy tyres curtail the oversteer fun somewhat, but it’ll do it on a smooth surface. It’s engine runs at 3x wheel speed and provides a chattery soundtrack. 7.

The most recent go-kart is 8256 from 2009. Since I don’t have this, I made one up from my collection, minus the lime green panels but in all other respects the same. It’s certainly the most realistic looking of these (even without the panels) and it’s plenty strong enough, but the steering system kills it. Instead of a rack, you have a pole reverser handle flailing about in a gap along the track rod and, while quick-acting, it feels loose and there’s not enough lock. With that and the long wheelbase and grippy tyres, oversteer is pretty much off the table. Boo. The ride-on lawnmower B-model looks more fun. 4.

Speaking of B-models…

The big red one is from the 853 car chassis set, and the blue comes from the 5541 ‘Blue Fury’ Model Team set, reviewed not long ago by m’learned colleague.

Unfortunately, nice as they are, they can’t challenge the best of the players above. In 853’s case, the steering column WILL come off with any even slightly vigorous twist action, and it’s really too big and top-heavy to handle well. The twin cylinder engine is nice, if conservatively geared as standard, but that can’t save it. Like most early sets, better B-models are illustrated on the box without instructions. 3.

5541 does a bit better, mostly because it looks ace, but it’s also a tad heavy, meaning the steering column connection isn’t quite strong enough. Thanks to those slidey tyres it will shake it’s booty if you can muster the right combination of speed and finesse. This is much more of a display model, and I actually prefer it to look at than the very nice Hot Rod main model. The engine’s a dummy as well, but it’s a pretty dummy. 5.

Clockwise from left: 854, 1972, 8842, 8815, 8219, 8256, 853, 5541.

So. Which is best ? If it’s sliding you want (and why wouldn’t you ?) you’ll need an 8842. This machine’s sheer chuckability hasn’t been equalled before or since. Just don’t even look at it’s B-model. Honestly, it will hurt your eyes. 854 is the best set here and the go-kart comes a close second in the oversteer stakes, so that’ll be 20 quid very well spent. 5541 waltzes off with the catwalk prize, which it nicked from 8256, while 8219 would probably kill them all for cornering speed.

Golden raspberries to the Speedway Bandit and 853 B-model, and an honourable mention to the dinky little 1972.

Technic Go-Karts. The most fun you can have in your bedroom. So I’ve been told…

*Cheque’s in the post. Truly, it is. Probably. OK, not really.

One of the reasons that we originally created The Lego Car Blog and unleashed the Elves on an unsuspecting world, was our belief that quality vehicle builds were being neglected by Lego bloggers. It is therefore with some pride* that we can announce that one of the “proper Lego blogs” beat us to this beautiful Technic sports car by quite a few days.

Jeroen Ottens has skilfully used Technic panels and flex rods to produce a mid-engine machine with a smooth, curved body. He has based the car around the look of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider and included some built-in Italian stripes to emphasise this. The car also has full Power Functions features, including a working gear box. Click this link to Jeroen’s Photostream see more.

*This is our excuse and we’re sticking to it.

One of The Lego Car Blog Elves has just staggered back into the office, having been lost in the Hardnuary group on Flickr for a while. It’s demanding a blue Smartie as a reward but as this build isn’t a vehicle of any kind (and Hardnuary finished 5 days ago), we’re saying, “No”. However we are blogging this model by Dicky Laban because we think it’s a neat bit of work, it’s car related and it also gives us an excuse to post a link to this classic tune from 1987.

Crowkillers is back!

The Technic master builder’s latest work – entitled ‘Assassin’ – is a mid-engined V10 supercar, with a remote linkage four-speed gearbox, independent suspension, working steering, opening doors and engine cover and, more unusually, the option to come in blue and white with some flashing lights on the roof…

You can view all the photos of the new Supercar on Brickshelf, all of Crowkillers’ previous vehicles on his website, and you can read our interview with the man himself here.

Our smelly little workforce has a history with remotely controlled construction machinery. It has in the past been used by individual Elves to exact revenge on colleagues, pre-emptively attack colleagues, and smush other colleagues into the carpet for – as the kids would say, ‘lols‘.

Today’s calm was shattered by the arrival of the creation above, a huge remote controlled Komatsu WA 600 wheeled loader by MOCpages’ Jorge Garcia. And then things got much worse.

Another Elf, successful after a day’s MOC hunting, returned with the MOC below, Limitless Bricks‘ (previously Ultimate Design Bricks) remote controlled Liebherr LR 634 tracked loader, and thus a sort of Lego Robot Wars ensued.

Things are mostly back to normal now, and the two creations have been placed in the care of TLCB office – much to the annoyance of the Elves. Still, we wouldn’t dream of using such brilliant machines in a battle to the death. But nevertheless we do have a very busy afternoon of remote controlled ‘evaluation’ planned, so we’ll sign off now…

LEGO’s Power Functions are an excellent way to add play value to your models. Cheaper than the previous 9V motors, more powerful, and with the added benefit of being remotely controlled if desired, they have quickly become the electronics of choice amongst Lego builders.

MOCpages’ Mate Lipkovics shows how versatile the Power Functions system can be with an installation in his fantastic hot rod wrecker. The remotely controlled functions include steering and drive, a two speed gearbox and the crane winch. You can see all the detailed photos of how Mate has squeezed that lot in via his MOCpage – click the link above to make the jump.

Two of our favourite builders are making an appearance here today; both have formed part of our ongoing interview series and their latest builds show why they were selected.

First up (above) is the most recent creation from the incredibly talented BricksonWheels, who is one of the builders in our Master MOCers series. His magnificent Harley Davidson lowrider shows what an amazing eye for detail, and access to a chroming machine, can do! You can see more of the Harley on Flickr, and you can catch up on BricksonWheels’ interview by clicking here.

Today’s second creation comes from fellow interviewee, and published author, Sariel. Sariel’s latest work is one of his smallest, yet features all the remotely controlled brilliance found in his work twice the size. You can see more of his Tiger tank on MOCpages here, and you can read his interview in our ‘Become a Pro’ series by clicking here.

This might be the best Technic creation we’ve seen so far this year. It’s a Hyster forklift truck and it’s been built by friend of TLCB, published author, and Technic genius Paul Kmiec – better known as Sariel.

Sariel is famous for his functioning Technic models and his latest takes the genre to a new level of engineering accuracy. Underneath the smooth yellow bodywork there are several Power Functions motors powering the drive, steering, and raising, lowering and tilting of the front-mounted lift.

Sariel has then incorporated the newly-designed ‘SBrick‘ into the build, meaning that all the functions can be controlled via Bluetooth through a mobile device. It’s a very clever piece of kit and something we’d love to explore further here at TLCB Towers.

The forklift can also be fitted with a range of interchangeable attachments, some of which feature pneumatics controlled by an in-built compressor, including a grab and an excavating bucket. LEGO, hire this man please!

You can see more of Sariel’s incredible creation on MOCpages and via the excellent video below, and if you’d like to understand how creations such as this are designed and built we highly recommend Sariel’s ‘Incredible Lego Technic’ book – click this link for a preview.

YouTube Video:

Looking a bit like Postman Pat’s ride from a post apocalyptic future and named after a small-ish lizard we’re not really sure what to make of Horcik Designs‘ ‘Salamander’. However our workforce of annoying little Elves love it. There’s more to see of Horcik’s remotely controlled hot rod van at the link above.

This beautiful Technic Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser pick-up was discovered by one of our Elves on MOCpages. It’s the work of Egor Karshiev aka RM8, who has continued to develop his original FJ40 Land Cruiser design that we featured here on this site a few months ago.

His updated Land Cruiser is now fitted with a brilliant snow-plough attachment controlled by LEGO’s Power Functions motors and the new SBrick that’s starting to make waves in the Lego Community. Egor’s classic Toyota has also got RC all-wheel drive and servo-motor controlled steering, a two-speed gearbox and live axle suspension. There’s lots more to see of the FJ45 on MOCpages – you can visit Egor’s page via the link above.

This simply excellent Technic Cadillac ATS appeared online courtesy of friend of TLCB Thirdwigg, who has – whilst normally famed for his construction machinery and a very big plane – decided to join the elite ranks of supercar builders.

His first entry into the Technic Supercar club is a good one; his ATS features everything you’d expect from a large scale Technic car, including all-wheel suspension, working steering, a 6-speed gearbox and – more unusually – three interchangeable engines of different configurations (I4, V6 and V8).

There’s lots more to see on Flickr, and on Thirdwigg’s own website where instructions for the Cadillac can be downloaded.

Ex-LEGO set designer, published author, and generally nice chap Nathanael Kuipers is back with a bang. This is his latest creation, a V8-engined fully-functioning Technic supercar entitled ‘Predator’. The aforementioned V8 is mid-mounted, with the 5+R gearbox mounted behind it and controlled by linkages to the cabin. There’s also steering, independent double-wishbone suspension and opening gull-wing doors.

Nathanael’s Predator can be found on several sites, including MOCpages, Flickr, and his own excellent website NKubate, plus you can read TLCB’s interview with him by clicking here.