Technic Fairground Rides

[Deuce]

Hi all, just joined to ask this question!

When I was younger I used to build a lot of Technic fairground rides, and I thought I would now (as an adult that can afford the pieces I needed but didn't have a child...) have another go.

So I started with a few Google web/image searches to try and see how ambitious Technic fairground ride recreations are, and I'm really surprised to see there are hardly any decent attempts out there at all. I have seen a lot constructed quite crudely using mindstorms components but hardly any that are actually complex and move in a realistic way. Which is odd, as I would ahve though that fairground rides would be an ideal subject for Technic users.

The sort of thing I'm thinking of building is this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbiter_(ride)

Has anyone seen any really good Technic recreations of this or similar?

I'm planning to build something that meets the following criteria:

- Roughly to scale (probably to be dictated by Technic Man figures)

- Fully automated with stop/start, 2 stage speed and closing harnesses start/finish of ride

- Using just one motor (possibly 2 through differential link but essentially just a single 'motor unit'

- No electronic/mindstorm/control centre parts, just mechanical operation and mechanical automation.

- Smooth operation, probably using a large flywheel and clutch to feed torque gradually to the ride.

Quite ambitious but I think possible! I really did hope to find more examples built by others so I can see how far this type of model has been taken by others.

Edited April 16, 2014 by Deuce

[TinkerBrick]

Quite ambitious - can't wait to the results. I found this on Brickshelf some time ago:

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?m=discobol

[Deuce]

That is he only one I could find too! It does look quite good, but sadly there doesn't seem to be any video anywhere so hard to say how functional it is, and how well it replicates the motion of a real ride.

I will certainly keep the forum posted on my progress with this... I'm thinking it may be a slow process to overcome some of the limitations of technic!

[Hrafn]

This is a great idea! You might want to do a proof of concept at a smaller scale, say minifig-scale - Technic fig scale is enormous.

[JM1971]

This is a great idea! You might want to do a proof of concept at a smaller scale, say minifig-scale - Technic fig scale is enormous.

I would also go with minifigs unless you have a massive collection, this would make a good competition me thinks, meteorite was one of my fav rides as well as the zipper and of course the orbiter.

And you can see what happens if the ride suddenly stops

[Deuce]

I would also go with minifigs unless you have a massive collection, this would make a good competition me thinks, meteorite was one of my fav rides as well as the zipper and of course the orbiter.

And you can see what happens if the ride suddenly stops

Yes the scale is pretty big, but I want it to be impressive. I think I'm on the right track using a flywheels to control the motion of what will be a very heavy ride. I do have a suitable collection I think :)

Although having said that... I'm sure I'll un short of something and need to go shopping!

I would love this to be the start of something where others pick up the baton and try and build something bigger/better along the same lines. I built a large 'topscan' ride model a few years ago but to be honest, technic just wasn't up to the job to do it properly. I think the twister type ride will be much better balanced and controllable.

[Deuce]

I actually got started on this last night and ran straight into a problem! I want 6 arms to the ride, and around a standard technic turntable I can only arrange 4 arms (baring in mind each arm needs to pick up drive from the outer geared track of the turntable).

Anyone ever managed to get 6 driven arms arranged equally around a turntable?

Not a problem just having 4 arms, but it feels like a pretty big compromise so early on in the build..

[Hrafn]

I actually got started on this last night and ran straight into a problem! I want 6 arms to the ride, and around a standard technic turntable I can only arrange 4 arms (baring in mind each arm needs to pick up drive from the outer geared track of the turntable).

Anyone ever managed to get 6 driven arms arranged equally around a turntable?

Not a problem just having 4 arms, but it feels like a pretty big compromise so early on in the build..

Do you have any of these parts? They are the only Technic parts I know of that have 120 degree or 60 degree angles between adjacent arms.

There's also but it's sort of a strange part.

If you can post a picture of what you've built it might help others understand exactly what you're trying to do.

[dhc6twinotter]

Somebody over in the City section built a really neat bumper cars ride. There have been numerous roller-coasters posted here as well.

The LUG I'm part of just started a theme park that they display at various events. I haven't seen it in person yet, but I do know they have a carousel and one of those drop rides (nxt powered). I'd like to contribute a log flume, rotating observation tower, and maybe a few other rides.

I think a theme park or fair ground is a great idea, and it adds some nice movement to a layout. It will be neat to see what you come up with.

[weavil]

After long time of searching, I found this Brickshelf again. http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?m=matthi

I could not remember who it was or if I had a bookmark any where.

[Technyk32231]

Look at the pneumatic cylinders on the sides...

[Jim]

I actually got started on this last night and ran straight into a problem! I want 6 arms to the ride, and around a standard technic turntable I can only arrange 4 arms (baring in mind each arm needs to pick up drive from the outer geared track of the turntable).

Anyone ever managed to get 6 driven arms arranged equally around a turntable?

Not a problem just having 4 arms, but it feels like a pretty big compromise so early on in the build..

I think creating an attraction with Lego Technic is all about making compromises. Unless you build in really large scale, there simply are complications to overcome, which will need some compromises. Starting out simple, possibly with 3 arms (or 4), instead of 6 might do the trick.

Really looking forward to your progress!

And welcome to EB

[Paul B Technic]

This sounds like a great idea and something I have thought about myself in the past, good luck with it and keep us updated on your progress.