We run a tight ship here at The Lego Car Blog. Models need to be of the highest quality of course, but so does their presentation. We have a whole page explaining the need for clean uncluttered backgrounds, so, um… here’s a model with a messy cluttered background.
It looks fantastic though doesn’t it? Just look at that reflection. Martin Spunkt‘s Kübelwagen shows how outdoor photography should be done, and there’s more to see of the model that’s earned him his TLCB debut via the link above.
We’ve all been there when off-roading; you get stuck in a muddy river bank, lose your glasses, and then you’re eaten by a velociraptor.
Flickr’s 1saac W. has captured the number one off-roading danger perfectly with his early-’90s Jeep Wrangler, resplendent in Jurassic Park livery and with the prerequisite velociraptor courtesy of a LEGO 76958 Dilophosaurus Ambush set.
Join the off-road adventure via the link above, or click here to see a velociraptor eat a fat guy.
Supercar manufacturers might sell more SUVs now than actual supercars, but their foray into the 4×4 market is actually nothing new. Because in the mid-’80s if you were an oil sheik you could be the proud owner of this; the mad Lamborghini LM002.
Designed mostly for the Middle East, the LM002 featured bespoke sand tyres, the V12 engine from the Countach, and a 169 litre fuel tank.
301 units were produced between 1986 and 1993, with owners including sultans, princes, dictators, sons of dictators, and Tina Turner.
This one however is owned by previous bloggee Zerobricks, who has recreated the LM002 in Technic form complete with BuWizz-powered remotely controlled all-wheel-drive, steering, and high/low gearbox, independent suspension with planetary hubs, opening doors, hood and tailgate, and a working V12 engine.
There’s lots more of Zerobricks’ ‘Rambo Lambo’ to see at the Eurobricks forum, including renders of the drivetrain and a video of the model in action, and you can join such LM002 owners as Beyonce, Mike Tyson, Sylvester Stallone, and Uday Hussein via the link in the text above.
LEGO’s brand new Technic 42177 Mercedes-Benz G 500 Professional Line set is proving to be a veritable goldmine of parts. Despite only launching a few weeks ago, several superb 42177 B-Models have appeared here at The Lego Car Blog already, and today we have another; this fantastic Ford Bronco by Eurobricks’ Alex Ilea.
Featuring four-wheel-drive with three locking differentials, working steering via the wheel or HOG, independent front and live-axle rear suspension, a high/low range gearbox, a V6 engine, opening doors, hood, and tailgate, a folding bench, plus removable body panels and roof, Alex’s Bronco is as packed with functionality as the official G-Wagen set on which it’s based.
91% (2,625) of the donor set’s pieces are used in the Bronco’s creation, and if you prefer your 4x4s with American fun rather than German assertiveness you too can turn your 42177 Mercedes-Benz G 500 into a Ford Bronco, as Alex has also produced building instructions for his alternate design. See more at both the Eurobricks forum and Bricksafe, plus you can also click here to watch a video of Alex’s Bronco B-Model in action.
Here at The Lego Car Blog we’re the best place to find the highest quality images of the finest Lego vehicles anywhere on the internet. OK… we’re a place to find said vehicles, but whist the quality of this site may be dubious, the vehicles and the imagery that appear here are top class.
Our Submission Guidelines set out what we look for, and key among these are clean, clutter-free images, preferably on a white background. This is the easiest way to ensure your creation is blog-worthy, but if you want to play in ‘hard mode’, then you can take your images to a whole new level…
Recent bloggee Nathan Hake has done just that, taking his previously blogged remote control MAZ-537 8×8 off-road truck (presented beautifully on a clean, clutter-free, white background), and chucking it onto the snow and mud.
The results are spectacular, with the Model Team MAZ looking almost life-size when set against a backdrop that the real vehicle was built for, and it also gave Nathan the chance to test his model’s off-road credentials.
You can watch how Nathan’s MAZ-537 got on in the snow by clicking here, where you can also find these stunning new on-location photos alongside the studio-based originals. Take a look via the link above, and perhaps be inspired to take your models outside too.
In the vehicular arms-race raging around TLCB Towers, a normal SUV is no longer enough. Range Rovers, new Defenders, and G-Wagens (all in black of course) appear to be the minimum entry requirements, and thus we’re convinced it won’t be long before little Isabella is picked up from her private school in an actual tank. Painted black.
Or one of these…
The Hummer H1 was the ‘civilian’ version of the military HMMWV ‘Humvee’, designed to appeal to those convinced that civil war will start any day now, and they must protect themselves, and their family.
Constructed solely from the parts from the official LEGO Technic 42177 Mercedes-Benz G 500 set, Eric Trax’s brilliant Hummer H1 B-Model captures the outrageousness of the real deal wonderfully in brick form.
Using around 2,500 pieces (86%) of the original set, Eric’s H1 features four-wheel-drive with a centre locking differential, a V8 piston engine under an opening hood, HOG steering, a high/low gearbox, independent suspension, plus opening and locking doors and a dropping tailgate.
Presented as beautifully as it’s been made, there’s more to see of Eric’s fantastic 42177 alternate at his ‘Hummer H1 – Lego 42177 Model B’ album on Flickr and via the video below, where you can also find a link to building instructions.
Convert your Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen into a Hummer H1 via the link above, and win the SUV arms race once and for all! Unless Isabella’s Mom gets that tank…
YouTube Video
A simple, efficient, small, pick-up truck would probably do brilliantly in 2024. But because they don’t cost much less to produce that monstrosities like this, guess what manufacturers choose to make…
Back in the ’80s though, and you could buy a simple, efficient, small, pick-up truck, with Toyota’s being so simple it didn’t even have a name, being called simply the ‘pick-up’.
It did in the rest of the world though, where the ‘Hilux’ gained a legendary reputation. This neat grey Technic recreation of the ’80s icon (pictured in front of some equally grey ’80s wallpaper – buy some white card paave!) comes from previous bloggee paave, and features four-wheel-drive linked to a 4-cylinder engine and a high/low gearbox, leaf-spring suspension, working steering, plus opening (and locking) doors, hood and tailgate.
There’s more of paave’s ’85 Toyota Hilux to see at the Eurobricks forum, where a link to building instructions can also be found. Build yourself a simple, efficient, small, pick-up truck in 2024 – even if it is from the ’80s – via the link above!
This astonishing vehicle is a MAZ 543, an enormous Soviet 8×8 truck developed in the 1960s as a strategic missile carrier. Powered by a near 40-litre tank engine, the 543 could weigh up to 41 tons loaded, featured eight-wheel-drive, four wheel steering, planetary hubs, and an on-board tyre inflation system.
The single-cab ‘M’ variant followed in 1976, with the amazing creation pictured here representing part of the ‘A222 Bereg’ coastal defence force, which consisted of around half-a-dozen artillery units, a couple of support vehicles, and a central command centre (which is this one), all based on MAZ 543 M platforms.
Samuel Nerpas’ incredible Technic recreation of the MAZ 543 M-based central command centre recreates the enormity of the real ‘A222 Bereg’ coastal defence force vehicles brilliantly, and is packed with working functionality.
Six Power Functions L-Motors drive all eight wheels, a Servo steers the first four, two M Motors power pneumatic compressors that operate the stabiliser legs and engine compartment blinds, whilst three more lift a rotating radar antenna and observation equipment through an opening roof hatch.
It’s a terrific example of Technic engineering, and you can take a closer look at this gargantuan creation via Samuel’s Flickr photostream and at the Eurobricks discussion forum, where a full build description and several videos of the model in action can be found.
If you subscribe to ‘Guns n’ Ammo’, election conspiracy theories, and the NRA, this post is for you!
The U.S military’s High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (or ‘Humvee’ more colloquially) has been in service since the mid-’80s, operating in a quite staggering number of conflicts, wars, counter-terrorism and anti-drug operations.
The invasion of Panama, the Gulf War, the Somalian Civil War, the Invasion of Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, the Philippines, Iraq again, and – currently – the Yemeni, Israeli, and Ukrainian conflicts, have all involved Humvees, with over sixty nations (plus independent militaries, armed groups, and even dickbags Islamic State) on the operators list.
It could be argued that few vehicles have had as much of an impact on the world as the Humvee, and this splendid ‘M1025’ variant captures the immense U.S. military export brilliantly in brick form.
Constructed by previous bloggee Jakeof_ there’s more of the build to see at his ‘M1025 HMMWV’ album on Flickr, where it’s photographed and presented beautifully. Shout ‘Freedom!!’ whilst clicking the link above, plus you can click here for a bonus civilian Hummer, which really is driven solely by ‘Guns n’ Ammo’ reading, election conspiracy theorising, NRA members.
Slightly less Russian military hardware will be unleashed on Ukraine of late, what with the latter’s decision to bring the conflict of Russia’s warmongering president to his own soil.
At least two Russian bridges, used to transport weaponry amongst other things, have been destroyed by Ukraine in recent weeks, making the scene above a little less common than it was a fortnight ago.
Said scene comes from previous bloggee Nathan Hake, whose MAZ-537 and gorgeous bridge-based diorama was built for a recent Lego show.
Fantastic attention to detail, presentation, and construction techniques are evident in abundance, with the MAZ packed with working functionality too, featuring remote control all-wheel-drive, steering, and trailer hitch lock, whilst the trailer also includes motorised legs and ramps.
There’s more to see at Nathan’s photostream and you can head to a bridge somewhere in Eastern Europe via the link above.
It seems like only a week ago that that LEGO’s brand new 42177 Technic Mercedes-Benz G 500 set was wonderfully converted into Mercedes’ most extreme off-road vehicle. Because it was.
But as per gloves, bookends, and TV cops, 42177 Unimog alternates come in pairs, because today we have another.
Like Eric Trax’s previously-blogged U423, M_longer’s U437 uses only parts from the official 42177 set, and is packed with brilliant working functionality.
Featuring suspended portal axles, all-wheel-drive with differential lock, a 4-cylinder piston engine, HOG steering, high/low transfer case, opening and locking doors, a tipping bed, and an elevating snow plough attachment, M_longer’s 42177 B-Model includes very nearly as much functionality as LEGO’s own 8110 Mercedes-Benz Unimog set, all constructed from the parts of a G-Wagen.
A huge gallery of top quality imagery is available to view at Bricksafe, full details (including a link to building instructions) can be found on Eurobricks, and you can check out more of M_longer’s incredible 42177 B-Model Unimog via the links above.
It’s been a while since a remotely controlled vehicle trundled down the halls of TLCB Towers in pursuit of a fleeing group of Elves.
However today normal service was resumed, thanks to previous bloggee keymaker, and this excellent Star 266 trial truck, driven by twin XL motors, steered by a Medium motor, and powered and controlled by a BuWizz Bluetooth battery.
All-wheel suspension and a detailed cab also feature, with the model built for a Polish truck trial competition.
Best of all, free building instructions are available, and you can find all the details of keymaker’s Star 266 at Eurobricks, plus the complete image gallery via Bricksafe. Take a look via the links above whilst we see how the ongoing machine vs. Elves chase here in the office plays out.
What do you get if you cross an Audi RS Q with the Batmobile? A Toyota Tacoma-ish pick-up truck. Obviously.
This superb Technic truck is the work of newcomer mirrorbricks, and is constructed using only the parts from the excellent 42160 Technic Audi RS Q e-tron and the rather less excellent 42127 The Batman Batmobile set.
Remote control four-wheel-drive and steering, a V6 piston engine, front and rear suspension, opening doors, hood and tailgate, plus LED lights all feature, as do some glorious retro decals and ‘KC’ lights, and there’s more to see of mirrorbricks’ brilliant double-B-model at the Eurobricks forum.
Click the link above to take a look at the best and only Batmobile-Audi mash-up we’ve seen. Unless you count Bruce Wayne’s Lamborghini of course…
The misplaced patriotism continues here at The Lego Car Blog, with another American automotive icon. The Ford Bronco first appeared in the 1960s, and now – after a twenty-five year absence – the new sixth-generation model has reignited Ford’s rugged go-anywhere reputation.
Powered by a range of turbocharged engines with up to 400bhp, the 2021 Bronco continues the nameplate’s legacy, with body-on-frame construction, two and four-door variants, a removable roof and doors, and about two hundred different trims named after various outdoorsy-things.
This phenomenal Model Team/Technic replica of Ford’s most sought-after 4×4 comes from previous bloggee DamianPLE, who has recreated the off-road icon brilliantly in brick form.
Underneath the superbly recreated exterior Damian’s model features four-wheel-drive, a high/low gearbox, locking centre and rear differentials, working suspension and steering, a highly detailed V6 engine, folding seats, and – like the real thing – easily removable doors and roof.
A huge gallery of stunning imagery is available to view at Damian’s Bricksafe gallery, which includes close-up photos of the chassis as well as on-location shots, plus you can find the model’s discussion topic and further details at the Eurobricks form, where an excellent video of the Bronco’s working features can also be found.
Take a closer look via the links above, whilst we try to remember our own automotive heritage and post a model of a Morris Marina or something…
This fantastic creation is a ZIL 131, a Soviet V8-powered 6×6 off-road truck built from the 1960s right up to 2012, as used by all manner of dodgy dictatorships and communist regimes around the world. And Finland.
It’s also a vehicle that has appeared on this site several times over the years. This one however, is a little different from most…
Fitted to the bed of Samuel Nerpas’ Technic version is an enormous radar system, as was mounted on the real AMU variants of the ZIL 131. Powered by two separate gasoline engines, the P19 radar antenna would raise, unfurl, and rotate, allowing the Soviet Union to deploy radar in even its most inhospitable parts.
Samuel’s incredible recreation of the ZIL 131 AMU includes that P19 radar system, with four Power Functions motors raising and unfolding the antenna, powering a decoupling clutch, and rotating it 360°.
Four more motors drive all six fully-suspended wheels, whilst another powers the steering, and yet another a compressor to deploy the pneumatically-operated stabiliser legs.
There’s loads more to see of Samuel’s astonishing build at both his Flickr photostream and at the Eurobricks forum, where full build details, imagery of the amazing antenna deployed, and videos of the model in action can also be found. Click the links above to get on the radar.
