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rskamen

Eurobricks Citizen
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Everything posted by rskamen

  1. rskamen
    Thanks @Doug72. If you had to rebuild the robots, then I certainly need to do the same. I don't feel as bad now :) I might also dissect the internal gearing and rebuild that. I don't have any friction and when the robots are not connected, everything else in the drive train runs smoothly. Once I get this sorted out, I can move on to my GBC Train modules. I have managed to accumulate almost all of the parts.
  2. rskamen
    I finished the Catch & Spin robots. Have been trying to adjust it for quite awhile now. The robots want to keep spinning, even with no balls, and they are constantly jamming. They do not lift high enough for the wheel to raise above the internal "well" or track. Any ideas or suggestions? There does not seem to be any friction or drag. I might do back and rebuild the robots if I have to.
  3. rskamen
    The loop-back is very clean, uncomplicated, and appears to be totally reliable since it is not a mechanical element. I would like to try to incorporate the conveyor belt in my return system as I have in V2. It runs perfectly with no issues. I am sure it can be raised the required height, use the original input tray for the spiral lift, and keep the conveyor intact. Since timing is not an issue with the return conveyor, I am sure there is a gear and axle that can accessed to make it work. Even if it has to be repositioned slightly and a short run of hose is used to feed it. Are you listening @Berthil? No pressure :)
  4. rskamen
    Without using parts from V2, I'd have to purchase almost 100% of the parts, except buckets and balls. Plus, I don't have room for both. I would just use everything possible from V2, keeping the RED theme as much as possible. I love the way my V2 looks, even if at times it can get rather cranky. I think in the long run, I'd rather go for reliability and portability.
  5. rskamen
    Perfect. Thank you for all your hard work, and the work yet to come. Has anyone done a parts comparison between Version 2 and @Berthil Version 3? Just wondering how many parts can be reused in version 3. Certainly a lot of the chains, treads for conveyor belts, gears, axles, etc. I built my Ball Factory in almost all RED. Not sure if it is worth changing all the colors, or mixing colors for those parts that I will need. I have learned that going forward with new projects, I will be building in the LBG and DBG. https://www.bricksafe.com/pages/rskamen/
  6. rskamen
    Although you state that you cannot add the hoses in your instructions, are you able to add the hose connections and clamps? Are you able to show where the hose connections mount to the ball factory? I do need to build this as a standalone module and will not be interfacing with any other modules.
  7. rskamen
    I like that you will be working on making this a continuous loop. All of my builds are "stand-alone", so it is important to be able to feed the balls back to the beginning module. Once I finish all my "immediate" projects, I will go back and finish ordering the final parts for the Invisible Lift, and build that as a stand-alone as well. Keep up the good work. I am traveling through the Caribbean for a few weeks, so I will be looking forward to more good information when I return.
  8. rskamen
    Probably can do the ball return much like you did the ball loader ramp on the Invisible Lift, using the 3mm x 11 tubes, or the corrugated silver tubes (the ones used in the elevator). That would simplify things and eliminate more mechanical links and possible issues. I am still pretty much a novice, but if I can help you in any way with creating instructions, of help you with funding some of the work, it would be my pleasure.
  9. rskamen
    I am in AWE at this rebuild and re-engineered Ball Machine. You have whet my appetite to rebuild my Ball Machine. Love how it is raised off the base, and all of the mechanical components are visible and accessible.. I also like how it is operating with precise movements and things seem to click into place. I assume that adding the conveyor ramp to return balls back to the elevator should not be a big problem, That would allow it to be a stand-alone Ball Factory. Hopefully someone will reverse engineer this and create a complete set of instructions. I am no where talented enough to work from a video and pictures. Maybe a model that can be imported into LDraw or Stud.io? Congratulations are in order for this outstanding piece of work. I hope you had time to enjoy the Easter Holiday with your family.
  10. rskamen
    I recently ordered three M motors and three AA Battery Boxes directly from Lego. Their prices was very competitive and the shipping was the lowest I have seen. I too usually just go to Bricklink, but Lego should be a good source as well. Tat rebuild of the Ball Factory is looking great. I do like how open and accessible everything is. How are the modules synching up?
  11. rskamen
    @Doug72, thank you for that quick reply and explanation. Makes perfect sense to me.
  12. rskamen
    @Doug72 I have a question about step 2, on page 60 of the pdf instructions. It shows a blue pin/axle holding a 8T gear in place against another 8T gear held in place with a brown 3T axle with stop. With the blue pin, it does not turn very freely at all. Is it meant to be hard to turn (so it does not spin too freely)? I was thinking of substituting a light tan frictionless pin/axle so that the gear turns easier. Sorry I don't have any pictures to post. I have been building very slowly and carefully, constantly checking the appendix for alignment and "phasing", as Akiyuki puts it.
  13. rskamen
    @Doug72 While awaiting parts for the Train layout, I started building the Catch & Spin Module. Glad you were able to figure out your timing and speed issues. I always get nervous I won't get it done properly. I am following the instructions carefully and reading the appendix at the end of the pdf file. I am about halfway finished. May need to supplement with a few different colored pieces as well. I will keep you posted. Let me know if you have any specific do's or don'ts, or what to watch out for. Hopefully will get this finished before Easter and my northern family comes down for a weeks visit to the warm Florida sunshine. Thanks
  14. rskamen
    @Doug72 That is an impressive piece of engineering and build. I am almost ready to start the Akiyuki train reverser module, with the rubber band mods instead of the spring loaded original. Hopefully the postman brings the few needed parts I ordered. Once in hand, I think it is a relatively quick build. I am awaiting, among many other parts, the simple 1 x 2 technic brick with 2 holes. That is how bare my parts cupboard is. As I order parts, I do order a lot of extras for inventory and future builds. I built my Ball Machine in almost all RED. I am learning that most GBCs are built in Black, Dark Gray and Light Gray. Therefore I will be buying only those colors for inventory purposes.
  15. rskamen
    Thanks for the information. You should be very proud of that model.
  16. rskamen
    Wow @Doug72, I am impressed with your Lego room and your models. I like the Triple E Container Ship. I too built the Volvo 8043. My grandkids like to play with that one. We scoop up the piles of bricks and elements from the floor after I search for a few parts. I need to take some photos and post them of my machines and Ball Factory. These new Florida houses are built on one level. Even with 2,400 sq ft of air-conditioned space, they are "open concept" with not a lot of rooms, or walls. With 2 cars and lots of "stuff" stored in the garage, that area is not an option. What is that large yellow crane? Is it a MOC? Are there plans or parts lists available? I'll keep building and eventually will give some of the models away to the grandkids. The studying of the projects, pursuit of parts, and building, is where the enjoyment lies.
  17. rskamen
    That is exactly correct. It was a little hard to see the correct placement on the pdf file. I am learning. Thank you for creating/modifying this module.
  18. rskamen
    I just completed @Berthil passing module. At first I had a problem with the train units wanting to jump ahead and not stay in the "waiting position". After some trial and error, I saw that the inside gear racks were one stud too close to the outside tracks, and not close enough to the center. Therefore the rear 8T gear of the train unit would catch the gear rack after the train unit should have been in the stopped and "waiting position". Can't believe I got this done, tested, corrected, and working. Took awhile as I had to wait on parts. I will either work on the Loader, or the Elevator next. I am getting very familiar with the Stud.io program and it has been a big help. I have no idea where I can store these completed units, no less set them up. Minor problem until my wife realizes the total scope and size of this project:)
  19. rskamen
    @Doug72 I certainly understand your perspective on cruising. I no longer enjoy going into printing plants. But I must admit that as a passenger on a luxury cruise ship, they do take pretty good care of you. Back to Lego...thanks for the continued clarification on the worm gear system. I love the counterweight system that @Berthil did. I am hoping he can send me some more detailed photos so I can copy his work. I downloaded the Stud.io program just for this build and starting to feel my way around the program.
  20. rskamen
    Wow, thank you for these additional comments. I had no idea that the controller needed a transformer. I have plenty of these transformers lying around the house. If one does not work, I can always order it from Amazon. Thank you for the clarifications.
  21. rskamen
    Got it! I understand. That was a convincing argument indeed! @Doug72 By the way, we are leaving in 2 weeks for our 65th cruise. We have many, many trans-ocean voyages. I love being on the water and being aboard ships. I have nothing but the highest respect for your profession! Almost envious, as I spent my career in the printing industry wearing a suit and working behind a desk in executive management. I have spent almost my entire life in the boating world, owning many large yachts.
  22. rskamen
    Thank you @MajklSpajkl and @Doug72 for your quick replies and your details on the specific pages and minor mods.. I did buy the thin 7 x 0.5 beam so I have it if needed. I was thinking of going with the original lift mechanism, not the worm drive, unless someone has a convincing argument for the worm drive. I am still a few parts shy, so I cannot begin building just yet. I am awaiting a few more packages on parts that have already shipped :)
  23. rskamen
    @Killermike Thank you for that quick reply and the link. Looks like only European resellers. Do you know if it will have an American style plug for the wall outlet?
  24. rskamen
    Can anyone give me the part number, or point me in the right direction to buy the old 9V train controller that people use to power their GBC modules? I am not sure of the exact name, or how to find one.
  25. rskamen
    I like how that module has been developed. The movement looks very precise and deliberate. The studless build looks more open and easier to see the internal workings. Of all the modules on the "therebricker" build, this one seems a bit complicated, but I must admit, it is probably the least problem prone module. I do have one axle that keeps slipping out of it's connector. I've been tempted to glue it in place, but will try a few different connectors to see if any have a tighter fit before I glue. If you ever do produce pdf instructions where it easily marries in with the original components, I will give it a try and report how well it works on this side of the pond. Still being a rather novice with very limited inventory, I find pdf instructions and parts lists the only way forward for me at this stage.
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