Portal axles, Compact Power and Nearly 100 Bearings: Jirka & Ondra Reveal the Secrets Behind the Mogster

After the success of our last interview with Jirka — when we talked about the Max Team XL challenge — today’s episode is a special one. For the first time, we’ve got both of you here!

“Jirka, are you glad you’re not doing this alone this time? Last time you seemed to enjoy it quite a bit!” 😅 “Really? Then I must be a better actor than I thought… 😄 No, just kidding — it was actually fun,” laughs Jirka.

The 20th, jubilee model is finally here! The Mogster brings a wave of new solutions, pushing the standards of 3D printed RC models even further.
We sat down with Jirka and Ondra, founders of 3D Sets, to take a look behind the scenes — and find out why this legendary model became their choice for the milestone project.

Why the Unimog?

Although neither of them has a deep personal connection to the Unimog, Ondra immediately recalls a memory from childhood: “As a kid, I had this exact type of truck as a sandbox dumper.” When it came to choosing the model, though, the decision was deliberate: “For the jubilee model, we wanted a vehicle that perfectly represents off-road toughness — the kind of models we started with years ago. It was time to go back to our roots.” Jirka adds: “Our very first model was also a 4×4. We wanted to make the ultimate off-roader with portal axles — and you simply can’t imagine a Unimog without them. So, the choice was clear.”

It’s also the first truck in the 3D Sets lineup — yet thanks to the selected version, it’s surprisingly compact and versatile. “The 4×4 version is only a bit larger than the Buggy,” Jirka laughs. And that’s how the Mogster was born.

A Technical Revolution: Portal axles & the Tipper

Fans have already noticed that the Mogster isn’t just another model. Both agree that the biggest revolution lies in the portal axles. “We ran a ton of tests and drove countless kilometers to make sure the portals could take it. We wanted the model to behave like a real truck — just in smaller scale,” says Jirka.Ondra elaborates: “Portal axles are a sophisticated design that boosts ground clearance without using oversized wheels. In simple terms, there’s plenty of room under the chassis, so the Mogster won’t get stuck on every rock.”

And Jirka adds: “Everything works using standard materials. We wanted anyone to be able to print it — not just those with professional 3D printers.”But that wasn’t all. The guys also wanted a fully functional tipping bed.“ At one point, it looked impossible,” admits Ondra. “But in the end, the Mogster can tilt to all three sides — and that’s something we’re really proud of.”

Jirka smiles: “The challenge wasn’t figuring out the portals — it was fitting everything into such a small truck. If we had just a few more centimeters, it would’ve been easy. But then… it wouldn’t be the Mogster.”

Endless Variants and an Army of Bearings

Compact design and flexibility are what make the Mogster stand out. “The possibilities are endless,” says Jirka. “The real Unimog was made in countless variations, and we wanted to capture that spirit.”

The Mogster now comes in 4×4 and 6×6 versions, with both two-door and four-door cabins. By mixing parts, builders can create endless combinations — and the 3D Sets team is excited to see what the community will come up with next.

And then there are the bearings. “There are a lot of them — nearly 100 in the 6×6 version!” laughs Ondra. “In the next model, we promise not to use a single bearing,” adds Jirka. “Just to balance things out a bit.”

The Community and Its Energy

Behind the scenes of the Mogster release, there was also a lot of fun. The community tried to guess what the 20th model would be, and the 3D Sets team followed all the comments with amusement. “As soon as we drop a hint, there’s always someone who figures it out right away,” says Ondra.
“Everyone guesses the model they personally want on their desk,” adds Jirka.And once the Mogster was revealed? The community wasted no time — 3D printers started buzzing all over the world. On Facebook, the first builds and creative mods appeared within days. Exactly what the team had hoped for.

What’s Next?

At 3D Sets, development never stops. “We’re always working on something,” says Ondra. “Every model brings new ideas — and sometimes a few dead ends. But that’s part of the process.” He adds a little behind-the-scenes detail: “Not every model we’ve worked on has been released. Some just weren’t good enough, or it wasn’t the right time. The community doesn’t usually see that side of things.”

Meanwhile, Jirka teases what’s coming: “Personally, I love our 1:16 models. In the future, we’re planning something that I think will melt the hearts of even our die-hard 1:8 fans.”

A Message to the Builders From the Creators

To wrap things up, Jirka and Ondra have a clear message for the community — especially for those who already have a Mogster printing on their 3D printer:“Enjoy the build and the drive! Don’t be afraid to modify, customize, and share your creations with others. We love seeing your ideas, color combinations, and variants come to life.”

A big thanks to FabLab Brno for letting us use their space to film the interview.