ao. Is it truly possible to use LEGO Power Functions with LEGO Mining truck (42035) set?

QUESTION:

Is it truly possible to use LEGO Power Functions with LEGO Mining truck set (LEGO set number 42035)?

ANSWER:

Though LEGO Mining truck set was not designed for the LEGO M-motors to be added, LEGO Mining truck set still contains all the basic mechanical components to enable truck's front wheels turn simultaneously by rotating an axel (steering shaft). LEGO Mining truck set also contains two cogs needed that transfer mechanical power from a single rear wheel to the internal combustion engine mock up. If we replace the internal combustion engine mock up with a true motor, we can easily propel the rear wheel. The only problem is how to add two LEGO M-motors and the battery pack. The original mining truck undercarriage seems to be too short, but as we redesign the truck's caisson and remove nonstructural parts and we remove unneeded parts from the truck's front, we get enough spare parts to lengthen the undercarriage. The trick is not to disassemble the whole undercarriage, but rather dismantle it from each side and insert longer rods. The front of the truck must also be lengthened and strengthened to support the cabin with remote controlled control circuit. It is probably not a bad idea to build the control circuit casing from ordinary LEGO bricks, because only a few opening remain and therefore the circuit is better protected.

One more thing! It is also possible to replace your the internal combustion engine mock up with an electrical motor and add the original LEGO battery pack at the rear, but without remote control and fixed front wheels position the toy mining truck quickly crush into an obstacle.... You can find more information on redesigning LEGO Mining truck into a remote controlled truck here.