Sariel.pl

Model of a racing truck inspired by Volvo FH12. Features full suspension, lightweight body and lights.

Datasheet:

Completion date: 27/08/2008
Power: electric (Power Functions)
Dimensions:  length 45 studs / width 19 studs / height 25 studs
Weight: 1.58 kg
Suspension: front independent / rear dragged axle
Motors: 5 x PF Medium

Promptly after my first racing truck was completed, I started to build a completely new one, trying to eliminate all the flaws I have noticed in the first one. The result is a truck, which is much lighter, though almost identical in size, more stable and slightly faster. The dimensions and the look were based on the Volvo FH12 this time. The drivetrain was entirely different, with 4 PF Medium motors connected directly to a common drive shaft. Thus, I intended to test whether or not a greater number of weak motors performs better that the few strong ones. The rear axle was driven via an universal joint and the new type of the differential. Instead of pendular rear suspension, I have used a dragged rear axle to improve the truck’s stability at the cost of its off-road performance, which was not much needed. The front suspension, though still independent, was rebuilt from a scratch. All the 8435 set components were removed, and replaced by a combination of the 8297 and 8448 suspension parts, which offered slightly larger steering lock and much better robustness. The chassis was much less massive and used panels and axles instead of bricks to save on weight. The spoiler was replaced by a trailer catch, just to compare the aesthetic effect, as both solutions are present in the real truck racing. The chassis housed a vertical battery box behind the front axle, while the IR receiver was moved to the cabin. The cabin had some basic interior, and its front wall was made from vertical plates instead bricks, again – to save on weight. For the same reason the number of lights was significantly limited, and the lights off/on switch completely removed.

The truck still had the excellent manoeuvrability of its predecessor, this time supported by much lighter body and better weight distribution. The drivetrain’s performance was clearly worse, it could barely hold all the torque, and the improvement of truck’s speed was possible only thanks to the smaller weight. Given full weight of the previous truck, the drivetrain would probably completely fail.

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