The 8868 Air Claw Rig

[quorneng]

The original 8868 was a spectacular model. The way the pneumatics run through the turntable is particularly impressive and the pneumatic slewing action is very clever, but the single rear tyres rather spoil the overall look of the thing.

The other issue was the way its 'engine' is driven - via the fan belt!

Double tyres.

Not quite as easy as it first looked as the vertical chassis reinforcing beams are in the way and had to be relocated to the inside of the chassis which in turn meant some of the internal components had to modified to make room but the final result looks much better.

The engine drive.

By moving the engine down a bit it was possible to arrange direct gearing, albeit still to the front of the engine and with the fan still connected directly to the crankshaft.

To finish the job I added some transparent red & yellow bricks front and back for side lights & indicators.

[DLuders]

Yes, the #8868 Air Tech Claw Rig set from 1992 is very good, but you made it better. Be sure to see Blakbird's review of the original model at http://www.ericalbrecht.com/technic/8868.html . I wish I had that set!

[CP5670]

These are some nice mods for what is still my favorite Technic set.

Does the engine still go at the same speed as before? I always liked how the engine and fan on this model spin so fast.

Edited February 12, 2010 by CP5670

[allanp]

These are some nice mods for what is still my favorite Technic set.

Does the engine still go at the same speed as before? I always liked how the engine and fan on this model spin so fast.

It looks to be geared the same so I think it would spin at roughtly the same speed, if not just a tiny bit slower. If i'm honest tho, I think I prefere the look of the belt drive. Love the double back wheels tho. 8868 is among my all time favorite sets lego ever produced.

[RohanBeckett]

Another improvement, that adds a lot to the playability... is to replace the fake airtanks/fuel tanks with real ones.

You can now get white tanks, via Lego Educational.. but I just have the old blue ones.

With a fresh set of batteries, and then letting the compressor run for about a minute, to build up a lot of pressure... all the functions are a LOT faster, and more accurate to control!

RB

(oh.. and first post! ;) - is there a 'welcome-introduce-yourself-thread for the Technic forum?)

Edited February 13, 2010 by RohanBeckett

[grepin]

Those extra wheels on the back do make it look a lot better, but I don't think I'd replace the rubber band at the front.

Another improvement, that adds a lot to the playability... is to replace the fake airtanks/fuel tanks with real ones.

You can now get white tanks, via Lego Educational.. but I just have the old blue ones.

With a fresh set of batteries, and then letting the compressor run for about a minute, to build up a lot of pressure... all the functions are a LOT faster, and more accurate to control!

That's been in my mind for some time now, as the compressor, albeit very good, just can't keep all the pneumatics running smoothly.

RB

(oh.. and first post! ;) - is there a 'welcome-introduce-yourself-thread for the Technic forum?)

Well, there's the Hello! My name is... section, but it's not Technic-specific. I guess the best way to introduce yourself is to post constructive material

[CP5670]

Adding an airtank is a popular modification for this set, but I tried it once and don't think it really improves the model. The compressor in this model is pretty weak and it takes a long time to fill up the airtank. If you use the pneumatics by opening a valve first and then turning on the compressor, the functions work more smoothly and precisely than if you do it the other way around.

[quorneng]

Thanks for the comments. The next version was rather better.

[DLuders]

Maxlegotechnic just posted this

showing the 8868 Airtech Claw Rig in action. I've added one of Blakbird's beautiful renders from his Brickshelf gallery:

[Anio]

Two other very nice 8868 :

[Jurgen Krooshoop]

The double rear-wheels really add to the looks of this amazing model. Although, I don't have this set, I once built it using instructions from peeron. Those studless versions look really nice too.

[jantjeuh]

Studless version looks nice indeed.. another project for the months to come