Miniature Lego Technic Mobile Crane with Steering

thingiverse

My second 5-stud-wide vehicle is now live on Thingiverse, a major upgrade over my disposal truck with a brand-new linkage-based steering system that steers in the right direction. My biggest issue with this model is its lack of a block and tackle (with the hook attached directly to the end of the boom). The design of the cabin leans towards the "cab-over semi" end of the spectrum, especially with its tall headlights and fairing atop the cabin. However, the cabin's position in front of the front wheels and its low floor are characteristic of conventional mobile cranes. **Steering system:** The hand-of-god gear is connected to two Pitman arms by a 3M beam. The steering geometry is parallel, which is expected of such a simple mechanism. **Boom locking system:** The body-coloured 2M levers on either side of the outer boom fit into channels created by swiveling the exhaust assemblies (behind the cabin) out of the way. Rotating said assemblies back into place locks the boom onto the truck. **Inserting a microfigure into the cabin:** Rotate the front side panels outward by a small amount and then remove the front grille assembly. Insert or remove the microfigure using a long flat tile placed on its head (a plate will not fit between the stud and the cabin ceiling). Once the microfigure is inside the cabin, tilt the flat tile to remove it from the microfigure's head; pulling it out directly will remove the microfigure. When you are done, reattach the front grille assembly and press the front side panels back together (while also pressing on the front outriggers to prevent them from swiveling out).