Courbet

Blackbird, I'm glad to see you're still commited to this project. As for the number of parts in the Crane Loader, I really don't know... yet. It's big but not that dense, although there are some areas that use a lot of parts, the counterweight in particular which is a stack of small plates. Including the train, switch and unloader it surely will make it to the top three.

His modules are so great to look at, it's really not surprising this thread exists. Time to dig those SW planet sets and buy more trans-clear antennas ! In the meantime, my Crane Loader is built and is working (well, most of the time...): Some MPDs will follow soon, including Akiyuki's first (and indeed more reliable) GBC train loader. @Blackbird, you haven't updated your first post nor posted here in a while, are you done with the project ? I can make PDF myself, but it won't be to your high standard (and I still need to learn LSynth for Archimedes Screw).

I know Blackbird is busy with big white cars now but I'm still hoping my 2 previous mpd will get his treatment eventually. In the meantime I'm working on Akiyuki's Crane Loader module, though I'm not sure I will succeed. As a warm up, I have reproduced Akiyuki's GBC train as seen in the latest available video (Japan Brickfest 2015), is someone interested in that one ?

Hello everyone, I have modified my MPD file of Akiyuki's Elevator by adding an indexer as seen in his Marble Run (and other more recent) video. It's a simple addition, it really helps controlling the ball flow if you add another GBC module after it (like a... Marble Run perhaps?), the only drawback being that some balls get stuck in corners, only to be dislodged by the next batch. GBC_Elevator_with_Indexer.zip

Here is a zipped MPD file of Archimedes Screw, with a building sequence... but still no ribbed hoses !

Hello everyone, I have build and made a file of Akiyuki’s Elevator using MLCAD like I did with Archimedes Screw a couple of weeks ago. My knowledge of MLCAD has improved so this time it’s a MPD file (zipped), with steps and rotation and a building sequence that make sense - hopefully less work for Blackbird ;-) I have designed it as close as possible to the original as seen in 2011/09 Akiyuki’s blog entry. Nevertheless, some parts are never seen (the output from the XL motor for example) so my model might not be 100% Akiyuki. Some more remarks: - I didn’t find a way to add a clutch gear, and really don’t know if there was one in the first place, but imho the shock absorber prevents it. - It is important to use a smooth axle joiner inside the transmission driving ring and to orientate it with the least friction like in Sheepo’s sequential gearboxes. - it takes some time to adjust the length of the string and of the vertical rod, but once done the module works very well. @Blackbird : I have reworked my Archimedes Screw file as a MPD as well with steps and rotation, tell me if you're interested or if it's too late.

Practise cut and paste from Notepad

Blackbird, here are all my subassemblies. I hope they will make things easier for you. By the way, I have built the Basket Shooter yesterday. Did you really insert the clutch as in the intructions on yours ? It multiplies the output speed by 3, which seems too fast for me, and not the speed of Akiyuki's original. That 8t after the clutch shouldn't be a 24t instead ?

Testing Quote

Blackbird, I have made the Ldraw file after having built it for real. I didn't use it for my build so there might be a missing pin (I have just seen one today), a duplicate one or another glitch. Also I have files with sub-assemblies still flat, I can make them available for download if it's of any use.

Hello everyone, I have built Akiyuki's Archimedes Screw Type 3 as close as possible to the original (not the reworked version seen in latter videos). Blakbird, I have got a LDraw file for you. It is complete except for the ribbed hoses, I don't know how to handle those. The spiral is 12L purple and 14L black. Being relatively inexperienced with MLCAD, I have struggled with all those weird angles. I hope you will be able to get something out of what I've done. Can't wait for the result !

Ok, trying to post something with a Ldraw file attached. Nothing interesting, it's only a test.

Hello everyone, Just a quick word for those who want to build the Marble Run. I have built it today using Blackbird's excellent instructions. For the rails I used the 28L Rigid Hose in Reddish Brown that is found in Jabba's Sail Barge and Ewok Village and which is still available at Lego Bricks and Parts for 0.97 € (in France at least). Exactly 52 were enough for the whole run (11,64 m), no cutting necessary and at the bottom of the run the inner rail is longer than the outer one by less than 1 cm. If you build your Marble Run that way, you will need exactly 45 Plate 1x2 with Clips Horizontal (60470). I agree reddish brown is not the best possible colour for the Marble Run, but since I didn't find usable cheap non-Lego hose in my area (and I'm always reluctant in using non-Lego parts anyway) I think it's one of the best options.

It was in page 118 of Step Module instructions (sorry I didn't pay attention numeration restart with each sub-module) but I tested the build again, and it works. Stresses parts a bit, clearly 'Illegal' but works. I don't know why I really struggle with that back then with the Ball Factory - different moulds for the parts I used ?

First post here, and first a big Thank you to Blackbird and all others contributors for the incredible work on Akiyuki's so brilliant modules. So far, I have built the Ball Factory (BF), Bucket Wheel Tower (BWT) and Pneumatic Module (PM) and I'd like to share some feedback for anyone interested. PM was hard to make it work, the top part refused to turn full 180° whatever the settings were. I was thinking about taking the turntable apart for sanding but before that I tested the whole module with a regular manual Lego pump (2797c02) and amazingly it worked perfectly with it, so it was really only a matter of air pressure. I found out that switching the two gears from the motor to the pumps give enough added pressure to make the whole module work at last - no sanding necessary! Then I tested PM with a couple of 5,5L pumps (yellow ones) instead of 6L pumps and it worked just as well. I added 3 liftarms to Blackbird's design to create the necessary 0,5L offset. I shall add that instructions for BWT and PM are flawless (except pins placement in step 3 of page 32 in PM, but correction is obvious). Finally, I noticed in step 38 of Step Module instructions the same thing that didn't work for me when I built the BF using Blakbird's mpd file (an amazing experience) : 2x headlight bricks with the headlight stud against a regular 2x2 brick.On my BF, I used a 1x2 Technic brick with holes (32000) and a classic 1x2 brick instead of the 2x2 - still an illegal build I believe, but I could cover the bricks with plates without forcing them. Back to building now. Next in line : Six Heads