[MOC REVIEW] Ferrari 458 Spider by Brunojj1

[Blakbird]

(I apologize in advance for the poor pictures taken with my iPad. Future reviews will use my real camera. Larger versions of all pictures at my Bricksafe.)

I first saw Brunojj1's Ferrari on YouTube a couple of years ago and was immediately impressed. Although here was a pure Technic model, from a few feet away you couldn't even tell it was LEGO. This is unusual especially for Technic which is usually full of gaps. The model was instantly recognizable as a Ferrari 458. The only problem is that I didn't actually know this Brunojj1 guy. He was not on Eurobricks or any of the other forums I frequent, so I didn't have a good way to contact him. His YouTube video was filled with the usual "instrucshunz plz!!!' types of comments from 10 year olds so I didn't really want to jump on that bandwagon, but I did manage to send him an offer to help with instructions if he ever felt like doing them. Finally, earlier this year we began the process. He sent me piles of photos and I recreated the model in LDraw and made some draft instructions. Then I built the model to test the instructions and changed a bunch of steps to make things easier and/or more robust. I was so impressed with the model that I thought I would write a review.

We'll start with the parts. This is an expensive model to build due to the Power Functions and some rare parts, but it would be entirely possible to make it considerably cheaper with a few simple changes:

• Use only one battery instead of two.
• Limit the number of LED lights or don't use them at all (which would also eliminate a pole reverser).
• Use V1 receivers instead of V2 (I did this).
• Omit the wheel covers.
• The red 5x11 panels and the suspension arms were rare when I built the model, but with the new 42029 truck the prices should come way down.

Here are some pictures of the collected parts. For Power Functions we have:

• 2 Rechargeable batteries
• 2 XL motors
• 1 Servo
• 1 M motor
• 6 LED lights
• 1 Pole Reverser
• 2 V2 IR Receivers

   

Here is the front suspension and steering assembly. You can see the servo which gives it return-to-center steering.

Here is the nearly completed chassis. The pole reverser will operate the lights, and the drive shaft channel under the floor actually contains the M-motor which will drive the convertible top. At this point there is not much wiring but that will soon change. The second image shows the addition of floorboards. One of things that is unusual about this model is how solid it is. The cabin has no holes and therefore looks much very much like a real car! Even the inside of the doors are detailed.

   

 

A lot has happened between the last image and this one, though it may not look like much. You can easily see the batteries, XL motors, and receivers. What is harder to see is the massive pile of LED wiring which is mostly hidden under the dash. Brunojj1 did a great job of providing places to stash all the connectors and wiring so that it is well stowed once the model is complete. You can also see all the gears on the rear deck which operate the convertible top. There are two sets of gears here which must be linked and have a ratio of roughly 2:1 compared to each other so that the roof can pivot 180 degrees which the cover goes up 90 and then back down.

Here are a couple of shots of the interior. I love the detailed dash, instrument panel, and steering wheel. The seats are pretty awesome too.

   

Now I've started the front end body work which captures 10 of the LED lights (the other 2 are for tail lights).

   

Here is a back and side view. The back is highly detailed, even including the rear diffusers. From the side, you can see the brake calipers behind the wheel spokes.

   

 

The completed model. I just love how it looks. Some of the additional details include the windshield wipers and radiators.

   

So how does it work? This is the fastest Technic car I have ever built (or even heard of) which is impressive considering the weight. This is accomplished by the fact that there are a pair of XL motors gear UP 3:1 in parallel for drive. Each motor is powered by a separate receiver and battery pack which means the transmitter needs two channels bussed together. With the servo steering, it is quite easy and fun to drive. The convertible top works flawlessly and is endlessly fun to watch. I can't deny that this is a challenging build due principally to the wiring. The render below shows just how much is involved, although the neatness of the picture makes it look easy.

This model is quite different from many Technic supercars in that its focus on not on technical functions like a gearbox but rather on accuracy and performance. I think it has succeeded on both counts.

(Instructions are available on MOC Plans. Brunojj1 demonstrates the features on YouTube.)

[jantjeuh]

I ordered 3 more PF LEDs just for this MOC, heh. Those front lights look badass. Can't wait to build it.

[camaudio]

looks great and thanks for all the effort.

do you have a parts list?

[jantjeuh]

looks great and thanks for all the effort.

do you have a parts list?

Parts list can be found here. It will also be on Rebrickable soon.

Edited July 11, 2014 by jantjeuh

[Meatman]

This is a must build. Are there any hard to find parts on this model?

[Rishab N]

Dang this moc is realistic. Just wondering how does it look without the wheel covers?

[jantjeuh]

This is a must build. Are there any hard to find parts on this model?

Red 14L soft axles aren't very common I guess. Wheel covers are very rare, hope you own a 8145.

Edited July 11, 2014 by jantjeuh

[Blakbird]

Dang this moc is realistic. Just wondering how does it look without the wheel covers?

Not as good.

The wheel covers hold in the calipers, so if you omit the covers you will lose the brakes as well. If you omit the wheel covers I think it might look better with gray wheels instead of black.

Red 14L soft axles aren't very common I guess. Wheel covers are very rare, hope you own a 8145.

You might notice that I used different wheel covers than are used in the instructions because I happened to have some.

[Conchas]

Really awesome model!!!

Great work from Bruno and Eric!

[jantjeuh]

You might notice that I used different wheel covers than are used in the instructions because I happened to have some.

Yeah, I noticed that you used the 8653 covers instead. Can it be? I actually own some parts Blakbird doesn't own?

[Blakbird]

On 7/11/2014 at 2:58 PM, jantjeuh said:

Yeah, I noticed that you used the 8653 covers instead. Can it be? I actually own some parts Blakbird doesn't own?

I have lots of them, they are just in use on other models. I didn't have any extras so I used the others. I happen to like the 8653 covers better anyway on this car.

For those of you wondering what the technical bits on the inside look like, here is a render which shows the mechanical parts:

And here is another that adds in all the electrics:

For those of you interested in building the model in black, here is an idea of what it would look like with leather:

Or yellow:

[Alasdair Ryan]

Could you replace the newer style panels with the older style and make it silver?

Standard Lego technic colors does get boring sometimes.

[Blakbird]

Could you replace the newer style panels with the older style and make it silver?

Standard Lego technic colors does get boring sometimes.

Most of the body is liftarms, not panels, so you couldn't make it in silver.

[brunojj1]

Those renders are so lovely - I`m falling in love again ...

Thanks!!!

[Duky]

For those of you interested in building the model in black, here is an idea of what it would look like with leather:

A Ferrari must be in red. like a Ducati ;) Perfect Job anyway.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Blakbird
Removed large quoted images.

[Black-Build]

Really want to build this. Was thinking about making it red, but after seeing the black one, I'm not so sure any more...

Edited July 12, 2014 by Black-Build

[Polo-Freak]

I build my Spider in RED, best Look :)

[jantjeuh]

It's up on Rebrickable: http://rebrickable.c...jj1/red-spider.

[Duky]

i have to restart building this model. i have a problem with the gear. there are two xl motors on each side, but i have only acceleration on one side. Blackbird any advice?

[Edwin Korstanje]

I love your renders and review Blakbird :thumbup: .

But i loved more the stunning model by Brunojj1 more

Edited August 13, 2014 by VFracingteam

[Blakbird]

i have a problem with the gear. there are two xl motors on each side, but i have only acceleration on one side. Blackbird any advice?

Hard to guess without seeing your model. Each XL motor should go to a different receiver and each receiver to a different battery. Both batteries need to be on, and those two channels need to be connected together on your transmitter. It is all in the instructions.

[Duky]

solved, don't know why, but it works!

Edited August 15, 2014 by Duky

[kamsohal]

has anyone made it in other colour apart from red and black im.thinking of orange.

[Jim]

This is one of the best looking super cars I have seen to date. Reminds me that I need to get an extra rechargeable battery and two or three extra PF LEDs, so I can start building this baby.

Nice work Blakbird, and Brunokjj1 of course!

[Paul B Technic]

Well done to both of you with this, it really is a stand out MOC :)