[WIP] JCB Fastrac Two

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 6/15/22

The virtual model is pretty much finished. I've modeled the hood and the front bumper. I've also been working on the instructions for the past week or so, hence the lack of updates. In fact, now I gotta go back and rework some parts of the instructions as I had to modify some parts of the chassis in the front to accommodate the hood and bumper lol. Unless something comes up during the building process, this should be how the finished model will look.

Modeling the hood was challenging. In fact, I'd say it was the hardest part of the modeling process. The hood had to stay rigid even with all of its curves, and had to be "hollow" inside due to the fake engine. It made me really wish that LEGO would release more curved/tapered panels that are 1L thick. The current panel fairings are 2 studs thick at the widest point, which means the panels automatically take up 2 studs of width. I didn't want to make the hood a System build as such a proportion of System to Technic would look pretty weird, not to mention it would make the model heavier. The panel fairings also leave gaps at the front of the hood that are difficult to cover up nicely. Even as I tried to avoid using System pieces for the hood, I still ended up using some towards the rear of the hood as there was no way I could fit in curved Technic pieces in that area and still maintain a 1-stud thickness. In the end, the hood ended up being too wide. It could be two studs shorter. But with the difficulties in modeling it I'm just tempted to leave it as it is and too lazy to make any more major changes lol.

I originally expected the front bumper to be the hardest part to model, but I actually found it more straightforward than modeling the hood. I know that modeling the real JCB Fastrac Two's front fenders with its complex curves won't be easy, but I came up with a design I'm overall pretty satisfied with given the complexity. Using panel fairings that sit at angles, I feel that I was able to decently replicate the front fenders. I'm also pretty happy with how the center part of the front bumper turned out. It's primarily composed of 3x11 curved panels, but I also added some System details for a more polished finish.

Renderings:

[1gor]

Can you please provide top view? Somehow I remember that bonnet is thinner as it goes closer to cab

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 6/24/22

I've finally gotten started on the physical build. Because the model is fully designed in Stud.io with instructions, most of the build is just following along with the instructions. Given that there's still more than a month until BrickFair VA, I plan to bring this MOC to BrickFair. The only limiting factor for the building time is waiting for Bricklink orders to arrive, as I do need to order some parts for this model still.

So far, the model is coming along as expected. I'm about 1/3 of the way through the build with the chassis fully completed. The good news is that there doesn't seem to be any major issues, such as with rigidity. However, I did have to modify the steering rack setup a bit as the previous design was prone to skipping. The new design has the transverse axle stabilizing the rack placed one stud closer to it, which reduces the tendency for the rack to deflect and thus cause the pinion to skip. There were also some minor modifications involving part usage/colors in order to improve the building process or to reduce the number of parts I have to order for this model.

Photos:

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 7/8/22

Made some more progress on the physical build. The lower body panels and cabin side panels are in place, as well as the rear section of the body. My Bricklink orders for this MOC have all arrived or soon to arrive. Given that I'm just following along with the instructions I created (while making changes where needed), I'm pretty confident that I'll have this MOC finished by next week if not sooner.

Photos:

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 7/9/22

The JCB Fastrac Two is finished! I was able to finish the MOC yesterday as it was just a matter of following along with the instructions I made. I still need to make a Powered Up control profile for this MOC as well as custom stickers, but the physical build is complete. Final part count is around 1770 pieces. I plan to bring this MOC to BrickFair Virginia next month (my first time attending since 2019), along with my New Flyer XD60 Articulated Bus model.

Photos:

[Jundis]

It looks almost too clean :D

[JLiu15]

UPDATE 7/27/22

The MOC topic is published:

 

Edited July 28, 2022 by JLiu15