Hello, Everyone!
This is my debut on eurobricks.com, but I've been having a ton of fun tinkering with LEGO Technic for quite some time. In this post series, I'll be sharing cool components for your MOCs. Here's my take on it: these components are worth recommending to fellow LEGO enthusiasts if:
They've been road-tested in real models and passed a bunch of exciting trials.
They come with straightforward assembly instructions using standard LEGO pieces and top-notch add-ons like BuWizz.
They can be easily slotted into your MOCs thanks to their compact design, tons of attachment points, and, most importantly, the fun factor.
They're accompanied by detailed descriptions, plus you can hit up their creators with any questions, especially about the cool control features.
I promise to meet all these conditions. It would make my day if you joined in, shared your fun components for MOCs, and gave this thread a big thumbs-up.
So, let's get this fun ride started!
A Three-Stage Gearbox for Your 4X4 RC Models, Plus a Cool Trick: Center Differential Lock in Low Gear
What's in store:
The brainstorming behind it, some quirky lab tests, and the thrill of real-life trials. You can see only a small part of this in the video: https://youtu.be/jYv_sIpuESY?si=8nn1lrpqEIrzYyR6. This gearbox, in various model setups with different motor combos, has clocked over 20 kilometers of testing. I'm sure it's been fine-tuned to near perfection.
A free guide to help you: https://reb.li/m/158485.
The guide includes tips on when and how to incorporate this gearbox into your MOCs.
Here's the lowdown:
It boasts 3 gears with nifty gear ratios (output rotations per input rotation): 0.33; 0.67; 1.00. A center differential lock in low gear.
It's designed with 1 (nope, not 2!) BuWizz motor or two L-motors from LEGO.
It's perfect for mid to large-sized all-terrain models: think wheels >80mm, hubs with built-in planetary reducers or those cool portal axles, and power differentials set at 12:28.
It works best with models weighing less than 2 kg. Anything heavier, like the 2.2 kg MOC Mercedes Zetros 4X4 I showcased, need a bit of extra tweaking for optimal fun on wheels.
Oh, and you can steer the fun using software that you can grab for free (find "Controlz" in the App Store & Google Play).
Enjoy the ride!
P.S. I'll soon share information about the front axle, which has successfully passed all tests alongside this gearbox. Following that, I have plans for an ambitious project - a monoblock (semi-automatic 4-speed gearbox + BuWizz motor + BuWizz 3.0 + steering motor) designed for a 4x4 rally car, all within the scale of the LEGO Technic set 42160.
You are absolutely right! In the instructions, I mentioned that these elements are just examples for attaching suspension arms. However, in this configuration, the front axle has traveled over 10km in various conditions. There were some slight vertical movements of the 4x2L elements, but they were minimal. The reason it works even in this less than ideal setup is simple: Frictionless pins or axles are used to attach the arms to the frame. The axle is assembled on hubs with planetary gear reducers and a 12x28 differential. This results in a reduction of about 1:12. There are no standard LEGO or BuWizz motors that can make a model with such an axle go very fast. Even with large 107mm wheels. This means there won't be significant vertical stress on the suspension during operation. This aspect primarily depends on the speed at which the obstacle is approached. Even BuWizz motors connected directly with a fast output will provide a modest speed of about 4 km/h. Therefore, in this case, these attachment points for the suspension arms are sufficient for practical use. Thank you for your constructive comment!