dr_spock

It is the same with the Haunted House. It only works with the PU motors specified in the set. Would it be possible to fake the ID of the Technic L motor?

Nice work. Do you have pictures of its left side?

I haven't encountered cracking yet. I had mine sitting in this cylindrical shape for the last couple of years before finally getting around to disassembling it this spring.

Do these have to be new models or layouts never shown before to qualify?

I guess someone didn't double check the technical aspect of the translation before going live. It doesn't even jive what's on the product's box.

Fun story. Was it a small company you worked for? Times were different back then.

Maybe clear silicone hair elastics?

Do the 12V power rails fit in the 9V tracks? Why do one when you can do both?

Burned out PF motors from running Great Ball Contraptions is a good source. Make friends with your LUG's GBC guys/gals. If you can wait for shipping, there is AliExpress. If you have a 3D printer, I printed this one from Thingiverse to make a PU to PF cable. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2718236

There are pros and cons to using metal tracks. If you're ok with the cons like corrosion and regular maintenance, then why not? You can implement stuff like DCC. You can 3D print or buy PF/PU connectors so no LEGO will be harmed in the making of adapter cables.

Maybe a way to nail the track down to the table? It doesn't appear to have the screw holes found in the LEGO tracks.

You could probably replace the disc with a Technic pulley wheel, some Technic pins and Technic beam. I think a 9L beam is long enough connect those two wheels and the disc together. A train wheel with a tire would have enough friction to turn wheels and disc. Be sure to quarter the connecting rods (beam).

It probably used to be no questions asked. Maybe they found too many people were abusing the system. A few years ago, they replaced my Mindstorm NXT with questions like my name and address. All I had to do was ship back the broken one to them. Hopefully, they'll be good with replacement parts for the Crocodile since it is reddish-brown. I seem to encounter more breakage with reddish-brown than other colors.

If you use rechargeable AA batteries or hack in some LiPO at your own risk. They probably want you to use the smarter hubs if you need speed control. Every few cents and/or extra minutes in production can add up some big accounting number.