Trophy Truck
Simple high-performance model built for off-road speeding. Features RWD propulsion system and long-travel suspension. Building instruction for its chassis is available in the Downloads section.
Datasheet:
Completion date: 23/11/2013
Power: electric (RC unit)
Dimensions: length 45 studs / width 29 studs / height 24 studs (not including antennae)
Weight: 1.127 kg
Suspension: front – independent / read – dragged axle
Propulsion: 2 x RC motor geared 1:1
Motors: 2 x RC motor
Top speed: 12.6 kmph
The building instruction for the model’s chassis is available here.
This model was put together in a total of 6 hours, simply because I wanted to put the new suspension arms from the 42021 Snowmobile set to test, and because I was interested in how much speed I can get from two RC motors rather than four. It was ugly and it looked nothing like a proper trophy truck, but its performance has far surpassed all my expectations.
Typical trophy trucks are by definition the fastest off-road vehicles in existence. Their relatively low weight coupled with powerful engines (reaching well over 700 HP of power) makes them spend a lot of time in air, thus requiring robust and long-travel suspension systems. Their front suspensions are particularly characteristic as they employ extra-long suspension arms.
I have built a chassis that had all the characteristics of a regular trophy truck while being extremely robust, then put some crude body on top of it, basically trying to keep the weight low. Interestingly, the weight could not be too low, because when it was less than 1 kg, the traction on rear wheels was so poor that the chassis tended to spin uncontrollably due to the lack of a differential.
The performance of the model is best seen on the video below. The suspension turned out to work phenomenally, with the 9-studs long suspension arms and vertical shock absorbers, in front and the single axle built around the RC motors in the back, capable of going up and down, but also having enough backlash to tilt left and right slightly. It was robust enough to withstand jumps from any height and onto any surface, driving around in mud and water (luckily the wheels were set too far apart to splash the RC unit in the middle) and it was easily fixed after numerous collisions. The combination of weight, power, traction, suspension softness and steering lock was splendid – while the model’s acceleration wasn’t too high, its stability, its speed and the way its steering system reacted provided the best driving experience I’ve ever had with a Lego model up to this date. And the final weight was exactly right to make the model spin only intentionally and never by chance.
I feel the model has achieved all the important goals, despite its evident ugliness. It was extremely fun to drive, it sustained literally zero damage after all I put it through, and I’ve had tons of fun working on the video.
It kind of worked…
“It was ugly and it looked nothing like a proper trophy truck, but its performance has far surpassed all my expectations.”
I completley dis-agree, it looks awesome.
I tried to make something that drives as close to that as possible, but without the rc motors and that stuff. as such, it is not very impressive in comparison…
Or not very impressive at all…
@Alexander Epple
Thank you. These are common wheels, found e.g. in the 8651 set.
Hi Sariel, this is one of my favorite videos you made. I can really feel the fun you had with that trophy truck! I decided to build a buggy that shall have similar characteristics as your truck and i have one questions: What wheels are those, from wich set?
By the way: I can’t wait to see what you build with the new rare shock absorbers !
@Davide
I don’t have any instructions other than what you can find here: http://sariel.pl/downloads/
Hello, I’m Davide and I’m 13 and I write you from Italy.
I like your protect and I’d like to ask you the instruction of the trophy truck to build it.
Many tanks in advance.
Ciao Davide.
Wow!!!!!! I like the suspension! Funny sponsor, HAMSTER, it fits!
@Witherley
They’re both good.
@Sariel
Also another question: Seeing you use the old style steering hubs with the 42021 suspension arms put a question in my head; Which is better, the old or new suspension arms?
@Witherley
Yes, it does.
Does the RC unit have return to centre steering? Because I want to make Tumbler-like vehicle and I want to find out if it’s worth my while to buy the RC system and motors or to simply use PF.
@Michael
Well, I guess you can modify it if you’re into electronics.
As far as the RC… can you use another controller or will the receiver only pair with a Lego controller? -Your stuff is awesome BTW. I love the gear ratio calculator, I used it to calculate the final out put of a series of gears I built for SNG.
@langero
RWD.
is this 4wd or rwd
@ethan24
It’s radio-controlled, so of course the range is much better.
thanks for telling me where i could get it
is it worth it or is the range the same as the ir receiver
@ethan24
I don’t know if you should change the motors, and the RC unit is here: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=6272c01
i am making an rc car it works like a tank (no steering) it is 4wd it uses 2xPF medium 2xPF xl
should i change motors? also where can i find the rc unit you used in this
Ok I now see what you mean.
@Alexander
Because I already did that and it sucked?
http://sariel.pl/2013/10/dakar-truck/
why not make it a bit longer or higher and give it 4 rc motors and two units? wouldn’t it give it more speed?
@Lamboguy59
What’s the difference?
Your shocks are upside down. Its coil over shock.
@Zach
This is the RC unit: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=6272c01
What is the weird piece in the beginning of the chassis instructions? And we’re did you get it? Thanks
Thanks so much!!!
@Zach
Sure: http://sariel.pl/downloads/
Is there any way to get full instructions for all your sets or just some, I’m a big fan. Thanks
I love these trophy trucks! It isn’t ugly one bit, and I really like the suspension system.
@Dubesta11
Is there anything wrong with the gallery above the video? These thumbnails are clickable.
Hello, I was wondering if you had a gallery of those full sized photos, they would be good for my background 🙂
lol, great video and great job!! Congrats from Catalonia.
so awesome!!
great work. i would really try to dump the suspension with small pneu cylinders. i know it’s too late.
@Antony
It’s the standard antenna of the RC unit. It’s radio controlled, you know.
Ey sariel i have a question! what is that antenna you got? is it to broaden the signal? if yes, is it custom or pre-made? good work as always btw 😀
Thanks for the model and thanks for the instructions ! I wanted to make such a model since 3 years… (but I do not have your skills…)
@Zippopotamus
Not really, live axle should tilt sideways to a large degree.
Excellent work as always. And there is always a trade off to get what we want. I say a little ugly to get the best and most fun driving a creation is well worth that trade. Keep pushing the envelope bub.
What do you mean by “Dragged Axle”? Isn’t it a Live Axle?
@christian
Errr… the RC unit?
Hi Sariel, great work!
Only a question….what part is the central balck block in the chassis instruction???
Many thanks
Christian