1970 German Army Unimog 404
The Unimog is, in my opinion, the greatest factory 4x4 available. The average 1960-1990 Unimog comes with atleast 35" tires, locking differentials, portal axles, extremely flexy coil spring suspension front and rear, the ability to handle a 42 degree side slope, solid axles, deep fording ability, a twisty frame with seperate cab and box, and extensive crawler gear ranges. The sole problem with a Unimog is that it cannot go above 90km/h, except for the brand new ones, which happen to no be as good 4x4s as the old ones.
The Unimog was developed as a Universal Motor Gerat, or, Implement, in Germany after WWII. Its width was based on 2 rows of turnips and was envisioned a a revolutionary tractor. However, the army saw more use in it, and numerous European countries scooped them up once Mercedes Benz started pumping them out.
The 404 is the most common, being a long wheelbase, gasoline engine (4 or 6 cyl), all-round use rig. Every other Unimog is diesel, with options such as 4 door cabs (DOKAs), tractor gearing (20 spd), hydraulic implements, many wheel bases, etc.
Enough about the real deal, here's the model:
The suspension is similar to my hummer, but features a solid axle, rather than independent suspension. The portal axles were tricky to build, but neccesary. The frame flex is simply a pin connecting the cab to the bed, with pivot limited by built-in stoppers (the model actualy pivots less then the real 'Mog, which flexes 20 degrees easy). The front end is full of SNOT, and even has what I figured was as close one could get to the Benz symbol in minifig scale lego. The model comes in either soft top with fold down windshield, or hardtop with stationary glass.
neat little driveshafts, tucked way up thanks to the portal axles.
the front suspension. note the steering elements, which are slightly modified, but totaly useless.
portal axle design. tricky. well, not really. maybe just new.
the SNOT secrets of the complicated (probably unneccesarily) front end.
A note about the variations in suspension in the pics: I wanted to extend the range of my suspension design using the 2x1 grey technic pins, so I crafted looser joints using standard rod and shaved studs less then a mm thick placed on the ends of the rods to retain them in the suspension system. The idea worked great (Lego Plate Articulation Index of 11 with no binding), but could use some sway bars or linkage. However, if you are a diehard no-customization fan, then know that the suspension can be done with no modifying (LPAI of 10 with some binding). Also on that note, the fold down windshield can be replaced with my new legal widnshield frame on my jeep.
The Funkwagen (Radio Van):
-Used for high-comman communications where mobility is key. For some reason there are A LOT of 'mog Funkwagens around. In the back are 2 seats, desk, generators, batteries, and misc radio eqiupment. The grilles on the doors are supposed to be windows, but I dont have and flat 1x2 clear elements. The doors are deffinetly too chunky, and I admit to having difficulty in streamlining them. There is one thing I don't know about Unimogs, and that it what the junk is attached to the top front of the radio van box, hanging over the cab. I have seen many pics of the contraption, but no details.
looks almost too greebly. doors should be sleeker, I know.
sorry for the blurrness. it was supposed to be a "menacing" picture. but that's cliche. so now it's ambiguously menacing.
good stance.
the ladder unclips from the door and goes underneath for getting up in to the van body.
fancy funk interior. note lights on ceiling and white fire extinguisher.
yes, all doors open.
the roof handily comes off cleanly and easily.
details galore. all this is based on pics of the real deal.
i've always wanted a mercedes benz convertible.
grrr...
oohhhh...
getting boring yet?
crazy suspension with frame flex is what makes the real unimog amazing.
the secret behind the frame flex.
The Cargo Carrier:
-Used for the obvious. Plain-jane, nothing fancy, just brute strength. Tailgate is pretty cool though I think.
flexing it's muscle.
boring? nah, just plain and ready for work. this is the longwheel base version.
nice rearend.
ready for loading.
damn, she's a nice ride.
yup, the pickup flexes just like the funkwagen.
fold down windshield. which is a ladder with rungs shaved off and shortened a little. this would now be substituted with my new non-cut and glued folding window design, which is seen on my new American jeep.
lots of room!
