Rikus

OK, sorry, I didn't realize you ordered the eBook version... I already received my order receipt, by email, as soon as I completed payment through Paypal, but there was no link to the files, in it, nor there is any related download available in my account page, on their site... Maybe I'm only too much eager to read it!

I already purchased only the digital version (I live in Italy, so shipping expenses should have doubled the price!) at NoStarch, but still didn't receive the download link... Anyone else, by ordering the sole ebook, did receive it, already?

I own this model, too, bought used, but even changing the Shock absorbers with new ones (same type), the problem still persist, especially when playing with the model... To better the recoil of the front suspension, without having to change the springs (or the whole shock absorbers), I exchanged the two 1x7 liftarms where under the engine with two 1x9 liftarms, attaching the shock absorbers at the tips. Doing so, the suspension works much better, increasing efficiency by slightly reducing the tire excursion. Tomorrow I'll take some pictures of it.

2) 1 vote (excellent example of Lego techinc used to reproduce advance technics) 8) 2 vote (really original) 10) 1 vote (really impressive, it's plenty of functions and features) 13) 2 vote (Think different... I love it!) 15) 1 vote (exceptional microcosmos)

Unfortunately, I confirm... The model is really wonderful, but it has a problem with jerking tracks; the reason is the very long drivetrain from the motors (on the upper body) to the tracks. Especially, the jerking is produced by the elasticity of the long axles that go through the Turntable and by the many gears used in the motion transfer... Even Jurgen, in his Ultimate 8043 MOC, speaks about this problem, but even his revision of the model (that I already built) shows the same problem.

About the problem on the tracks, going unevenly in forward, you can try this: Step 1: look at it in forward and in reverse, if it turns in opposite directions, the problem is that the torque of the two motors is different if they turn CW or CCW. To solve this, simply add a 1:1 gear to one of the motors, so they will turn in the same way to go forward/reverse. Step 2: If the first fail, simply invert the connectors on the RC receiver and try it; if the tank turns in the other direction, the problem is in the receiver (this cuold happen, but is very unlikely) Step 3: This time, try to invert motor positions and make a test; if the tank turns in the other direction, the problem is in the motors (different performance), you have to find another motor or you can try applying a 1:1 gear to one of them, to introduce some friction and lower performance of that motor. If none of the above works, it could be a problem with link friction... in this case all I can think is to check if both of them are mounted in the same way on the wheels...

You can find more info about this system, applied to a tank, on Sariel's website. HERE You'll find a lot of useful info on Technic building and on Tank building on his site, too. Of course, as Sariel says, there is the possibility that the axles used for this purpose cuold be damaged, but the results are excellent. Otherwise, you should try using simple "pendular" suspension system to the wheels, linking them in couples with a liftarm, with a friction-free pin in the middle.

You should try to use torsion bar suspension, for the small wheels, as Sariel did in his Leopard 2A4 tank. This is a very effective and simple system, much simpler to implement than using rubber bands and other.

I built it! (Jurgen maybe remembers me: I was building it during winter holydays and I wrote him because of a missing part in the BrickStore inventory ) It's a great upgrade for the 8043: all 6 functions operating simultaneously, without the need of a switch, working lights and some minor aestetic fixes. I really enjoyed building and playing with it!

I know, let's say I like both of the two style of building... I started building Technic since they where sold... I still own an 853 and 8860 Car Chassis and even a 8851 Pneumatic Excavator, and I can say that they seemed to me "plenty of tech" over 30 years ago... But the new parts and new studless tecnique are far above. I adore some "pure technic", manual TLG sets (8455; 8265; 8466), but I like PF sets, too (8043, with the 6 functions driven by 3 motors +1, is a good set and very playable). Sets from last 2-3 years are a little bit disappointing looking at tech functions, I agree, but there are some very good exceptions (8110, 8265, 8043, 8053, 8258) the problem is the modern market: IMHO, TLG has to sell a lot of small & medium, low on tech but high on coolness, models, to afford the production (and engineering) of new pieces and the design and production of the flagship models (that, probably, have limited sales because of the high price). BTW, I think TLG introduced quite a lot news in the last years: new PF system, Linear Actuators, Turntables, New connector types; they all give us much more opportunities to build the complex devices and to stuff many functions in our MOCs. Just my 2cts.

You're right, but since TLG isn't providing these kind of models... ...there's a Sheepo for that... (His RC Porsche is really awesome... it even includes a working and PF controlled braking system... I've a lot more to learn...!)

I think so. There are many Racers sets done 100% of Technic pieces: - 8653 Enzo Ferrari - 8145 599 GTB Fiorano - 8386 F1 Racer 1:10 They all have excellent design, very nice bodywork (mad of panels and flexible hoses), but really minimum technic features: only a fake engine and steering, not even working suspension not speaking of transmission. The nice part of these sets (at least of the first two of them) is that there is plenty of space inside them to add those features (I own a 599 GTB, and I added font and rear suspensions, a working gearbox and connection between the steering wheel and the HOG steering system, making it mote "techinic"!).

Can't wait to buid mine (I'm waiting for some last pieces I just ordered from BL few days ago, but still missing the 19L black hoses!)...! BTW... where did you buy the red-chromed wheels?

This MOC is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen... It's a really nice combination of "technic" modeling and standard "brick" building, with a really carefull work on shaping curves and surfaces of the vehicle, while reproducing all of the main functions... I really admire your work! I just come out from my "dark ages" and I'm discovering Lego for the 3rd time (1st time, in early '70s, with strandard bricks, then in late '70s-'80s with studded Technic, now with the new studless and PF building...) and I'm wondering if I'll ever be capable of building such a wonder...!

No, sorry. It's not possibile, since lego pneumatcs use an open circuit: 1) The Air goes from the pump to the piston chamber you select with the switch, but the air in the second chamber is discharged by the same switch to open air. 2) the pump is a single effect one, meaning it suck air from above (around the stick) and pushes it to the circuit. Should you use air, you wuold have to use the pump submerged and you would spread water all around!

I've seen the indirect gear control on the Nico71 Convertible, it's a wonderful ideea, but it was done with only 4 gears in that MOC, if I've seen well... Here you did it with 8 total gears, that's a good improvement, indeed! Should you find time to do it, I'd really like to see some closeup of your transmission system... Although I'm over-40, mechanical engineer and long time Technic fan (I built the first Car chassis 853 when I was 7yo), I still have so much to learn about the new opportunities given by studless building and new technical pieces.

I'm impressed! You are really fast in MOC building... And the result is awesome! Many compliments! I'm only surprised that no one asked you about the transmission. As I can see from first pics, it's a manual 7 speed + R, with indirect control. The shift stick needs only 4 studs width to change the 8 gears... Is it working smoothly? I think it's a wonderful idea; any chance to see more detailed pics of it and of the transmission as well?

Tank you for sharing this wonderful MOC

Nico, first of all, I'd like to say the Crawler really Rocks! You're a really good builder, I've so much to learn... Are you planning to release instructions to build the Orange Crawler?