An alternate model of the Lego Technic Set 42115 Lamborghini Sian, as a lowered modified version of a Ford F150. Features 4×4 drivetrain with 8-speed sequential gearbox, fake V8 engine, HOG steering with working steering wheel, adjustable suspensions height, opening doors, hood and tailgate, with building instructions.

Direct purchase of the instructions

Lego Technic 42115 Model B – Ford F150 step by step  PDF instruction. Rebrickable partlist (2742 parts). Preview of the instructions at the end of the article. Presentation Video (youtube).

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Context

I had the 42115 Lamborghini Sian for a while now, I wanted to make an alternate model when I saw the potential of the set. But I was struggled on other projects, then when I wanted to start, they were many other alternate models available for this set, mainly made by James Tilson. So, I have to find an interesting idea. I come up first with a SUV idea : a Lamborghini Urus, but the shape was to difficult to make with only the part of the 42115 set (especially the rear mudguard with opening doors). Then I started to work on a Aston Martin DBS which fits the available parts for the lights, but the green parts was too restrictive to have the correct shape for the side.

I continue to search and find this pickup truck, a lowered and modified version of a 2019 ford F150 made by Vossen Wheel which fits very well the look of the Sian wheels and enabled me to make something different than a supercar with a hidden key feature.  This is my first 1/8 supercar, but, well, it is not a supercar, but more a “super”-pickup (and it is more a 1/11 scale regarding the huge size of the original model).

Functions

The model is equipped with D+N+R 8 speeds sequential gearbox with endstops (1th and 8th gears) from modified version of Didumos69 and Jb70 projects on “pimp my sian“. It enables to have a low profile gearbox to place the rear seat above compared to the Sian’s one. The modifications are reducing the gearing friction by changing axle length and bracing, and the placement of the knob / lever connection between the two gearbox which is inside the gearbox and not outside. The steeper mechanism is a modified version from “Lego Technic Mastery” micro steeper, which enables to fit it between the two seats, instead behind the steering wheel, which I find more easier to reach. The red lever is the Drive – Neutral – Reverse and the yellow is the speed selector.

The steering is operated by a classic rack and pinion, which is operated by a Hand of God but also has a return on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, as the front is heavy and the tires generate lot of friction, it is hard to make turning the wheels with the steering wheel. Therefore, is has to be operated by the Hand Of God preferably in movements. I find anyway that the steering wheel is hard to reach to play in supercar, like in the Sian that is why I prefer the HOG. 

Regarding the suspensions, the front suspensions are double wishbones and the rear is a live axle. The key feature of this model is the adjustable riding height of the suspensions. As the original inspiration model is low as possible for styling, I wanted to create this features to use the travel of the suspensions (it is still a pickup, isn’t it ?). Therefore the upper fixation on the shock absorbers are mounted on a rotating lever with two cusp positions. Each position has different endstops which create the two different height. Position which can be adjusted by removing the 1/2pin or adding a 1×1 round plate or other parts to control the riding height.

The highest position can be used also for putting other wheels if you have in stock, like “muddy” shape tire. You can see 3D ghost view of all the mechanism below :

To finish with the openable elements : the hood can be opened, revealing the fake V8 engine, but also the four doors and the tailgate. You can note that the tailgate is attached to the frame with two small levers, it is to enable the opening without colliding the bumper because of the round shape of the rear panel. That is why the tailgate can be locked by the two grey side levers.

Design Process

The design was of course an important point of this creation. Combined with the part restriction of the 42115 set, that is why I started the project by the bodywork. I created first a raw chassis for proportions, then created the side and the front as they use the majority of flat panels and green parts. But also because the particular shape of the front was indeed the most important to have the truck recognizable. Then I was able to see which green parts were left, and design the other element accordingly like the rear trunk. After that, I created the front and rear axle with adjustable height suspensions and start working on the gearbox. At the first time, I wanted to use the 42115 gearbox, but it was too big in height and there were not endstop to avoid gear changing from 1th to 8th or 8th to 1th. That is why I have used the gearbox of the project “pimp my Sian” which I modified to put the knob / lever in it and reduce the friction. Then, I create a chassis to connect all the element and starts reworking the bodywork attachment. When finished, I worked on the interior / dashboard and the final details to have a neat look.

Of course this creation as some default mainly due to the part limitations and its size. First is the steering, as written before, it is preferably to operate the steering though the HOG instead though the steering wheel because it is harder. If I would have more gearing, I would be able to gearing down the steering wheel to have a more functional steering wheel. Second drawback is that the levers which hold the suspensions are not locked in place (only locked by the weight), which means if you lift the model, the wheels fall in their lower position. It doesn’t affect the suspension height but it would have been better to have a automatic locking device which I was not able to make because of part limitation. The last default is about the side design, as I ran out green panels and beams, I have to choose between green sides or green hood. I preferred the green hood so I put the leftover black panels on the lowest part on the side. It gives a nice black trim design which is in the continuity of the black bumper, but I think it would have been better with green instead.

Creating an alternate model is always a compromise between part restrictions, neat design and uncommon features. The idea is not to propose the same thing as the original set with some modifications but something different which enhances the possibilities of the set, without removing the value proposition for the original set. And for this one, despite some defaults, I think it is rather successful, with a clean and powerful look, and interesting features !

Pictures and Video

 

Find the English spoken video version of this article here [youtube].

Specs : Scale 1/11, 52cm (L) x 21cm (W) (23cm with mirror) x 18cm (H) 2.15kg 

Building Instructions

As a B model, I have of course created the instructions, which are step by step high resolution computer generated instructions with partlist, flexible parts, highlighted parts in the same way as official Lego one. Regarding the bill of material, as an alternate model, if you own the #42115 Lego set, you have all the needed parts. But you can checked the exact bill of material on Rebrickable and export in whatever format you want. The picturing bill of material are also visible in the instruction previews and includes in the instructions.

Want to know if you can build the Ford F150 ? The model has been indexed to rebrickable, check it !

You can buy the instructions with the following button for 15€. You can also buy other building instructions and get an automated discount, 15% off for 2 PDF, and 20% off for 3 PDF on the total). The automated discount is available for all the instructions for sale on nico71.fr.

See it on the shop

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Here is some preview of the building instructions :