Sariel.pl

Model of a classic hotrod. Features full independent suspension, rear axle drive, functional steering wheel, V8 piston engine, openable doors and custom stickers.

Datasheet:

Completion date: 26/07/2009
Power: electric (Power Functions)
Dimensions:  length 51 studs / width 30 studs / height 22 studs
Weight: 1.78 kg
Suspension:  full independent
Motors: 2 x PF Medium, 1 x PF XL

I have previously created a numer of variations on the ever-popular hotrod theme, until recently, having bought the Technic Racing wheels with the substantial help from donors, I have decided to finally build a classic hotrod. It was inspired by a number of hotrods built for the drag racing, and especially by the Wild Thing based on a Chevrolet Independence.

My important point of reference was my own model built eight months earlier, called the Flamboyant Hotrod. I wanted to explore the direction it set, that is a relatively small, short vehicle with curved sides, but this time I wanted it to look much more realistic. I was so pleased with the final effect that this is actually my first hotrod without the word “hotrod” as the part of its name – I felt that the type of the car is finally clearly apparent.

The front part of the vehicle was kept as simple as possible, and I think it served it well. The V8 piston engine was fitted with a large front fan and two side turbines – all of them moving together with the pistons. It should be, however, noted that I cared little for the realism of the engine design, so it has some features of a real engine, but is mostly made up. Since the engine was complex, and the drive motor was located far from it, I decided to do something very inappropriate and use an extra motor only to drive the engine. It is a blessing in disguise that both motors are coupled and hence both have their speeds controlled remotely, which looks particularly spectacular for the engine.

The cabin houses a drive motor, two IR receivers and the 8878 rechargeable battery, along with a simple interior. Both doors are openable, and the receivers are located at the rear windshield, under the roof, which causes some difficulties with the model’s remote control. Two notes about the cabin’s look: firstly, the rear part of it may look odd, because I intended it to appear as if the rear mudguards have been removed along with the adjacent body panels. It was actually the only way to fit the rear suspension and big rear wheels in. Secondly, the cabin is entirely black and only decorated by stickers. That is because I wanted the body to look sort of shabby, and the stickers seemed the only way to obtain that.

The suspension system is based closely on the solutions from the 8448 set, with rear axle driven through a differential of a new type, with a bracing I have developed some time before. The rear axle was also deliberately made wider. The steering system is quite typical, with a safety clutch and a functional steering wheel. The transmission system is trivial, and consists of a single PF XL motor, a single gear and a single differential. Since the motor already required much space inside the cabin, and I had the speed-control enabled handset at my disposal anyway, I didn’t feel it necessary to make it any more complex. Finally, the 8878 battery is located in the trunk, and it’s small dimensions are very useful here. There is a small flap on the side of the trunk that allows to turn the battery on or off.

The model, which took me only one week to build, enjoyed a good reception. Despite the technical simplicity, it was acclaimed for its classic look and for its impressive piston engine.

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