Litterbug

The oldest set I can remember owning as a kid is the 6649 Street Sweeper. The Litterbug aims to expand on that set by enlarging it and adding functionality based on the later 8961 Crystal Sweeper set. This allows it to pick up tiny pieces - such as the spare 1x1 parts found in every set, adding playability to what would otherwise be leftovers.

As the design started to look crab-like during the build, I chose to emphasize this aspect for a more unique result, but some elements of the original set remain: the brushes, the distinctive windshield, and the minimal cab without chair.

Images:

1. Front-Left

2. Front-Right

3. Rear-Right with open hatch and engine greeble.

4. Rear-Left with closed hatch and driver's steps.

5. Front view to show off the crab face.

6. A cutaway view to show the functional parts and the internal space.

7. 'Silverback': This is not a true alternate build as it is too similar to the main, but an even more crab-like build can be created with this set by leaving out the mechanical parts.