DrJB

I'm not sure I agree that the problem is less with balloon tires (If I understood your comment correctly). The scrub radius, which is the distance between the center of the tire's footprint, and the point where the kingpin axis intersects the ground, is the same no matter which tire you use. Such scrub radius depends solely on the wheel's offset. The 'problem' with flat profile tires (as in 8285/8258) is that the contact area between the tire and ground is large, and that cause a large friction moment when steering. There are ways to make the scrub radius very small, and that entails using a multi-link suspension. Such geometry is typically reserved to high performance cars where handling (how fast the car responds to steering inputs) is a primary attribute.

This is the one I was referring to. In fact, I even built an LDD model of it, that you can get from below Sequential GearBox.LXF Not to hijack this thread but, I wonder if Sariel's motorized version can somehow be adapted here. PS. I do not know who the author of Gearbox is. Certainly it is not mine. I only did the LDD/LXF file.

Thank You. I'll have to hold off until I get the 5571 set then. Looking forward to your review of such iconic MOC.

Not to go off-topic but I believe one of the pre-requisites to build this truck is to start with a 5571, and those are difficult/pricey/rare to get. Question: Can the truck be built with the more common tires/wheels such as those of 8258/8285?

Very nice/unique. Only one comment though: Seat belts are MANDATORY!

Very nicely done. How are you managing the alignment and 'continuity' of the tracks where they meet between turntable and fixed segments? I saw a train bridge on the train forums where the OP designed a collapsible bridge, and it seemed tricky to have the tracks come into alignment every time the bridge was lowered/lifted. These real-life challenges make one (us) even more appreciative of the real solutions out there, and replicating them with Lego is not easy feat. Edit: Found the link to the collapsible bridge. http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=106216

Very nicely done, as always coming from Sariel. If I understand the build correctly, the 'operator' knows there is a gear shift after he/she hears 2 clicks. Then, the operator must be careful to start/stop the motor at the right 'time'. Is there a way to add (maybe a servo-motor) so that every motor actuation does only one complete gear shift i.e., rotates the 24 tooth gear by exactly one fourth of a revolution. I seem to remember a build a long time back where the author did something similar, but the gear shift was manually actuated. Still, a very nice contraption that opens up many opportunities to build upon ... in my humble opinion only, naturally.

Looks very nice. While your post is about a certain part of the plane only, would it be possible to share pics for the rest-of-the-plane? Looks like you have a large structure/skeleton, and some of us (I) are rather curious. Also, as pointed to by dhc6twinhotter, would be interesting to see more of the mechanism that changes the blades pitch.

Not to dwell too much on the topic, as the limitations of some lego parts are obvious to the long timers (not necessarily everyone though), but your opening statement was/is mis-leading: ... This is very true for real cranes. It is NOT a correct statement for Lego cranes, especially with the stock pulleys. As many have said on here, Lego is about functionality and realism, at least to many amongst us, and when I see something fundamentally 'wrong', isn't it the point in this forum to discuss? Lastly, I'm not after impressing anyone with my credentials, but only share what I know, as I've learned a lot too from people on here. So, what's the point behind your post: That threads come off easily? The answer is very simple: 1. They do come off easily because they're not rolling with the pulleys, they're sliding... and 2. For the threads to remain on the pulleys, the latter need to be heavy. But of course you knew this already ... *peace*

Few points that need clarification: 1 - Need to be 'precise' about what is exactly meant by lifting capacity. Using multiple pulleys simply enables you to use a smaller motor to lift heavy loads. The lifting capacity of the actual crane is determined not only by the motor's horsepower, but also by the strength of the structure and what's the max it can carry. 2. The pulleys you're using are not suitable for such application. In real life, all pulleys rotate at different speeds and as such, they need to be free-rolling on the same/common axle. Those you're using have an axle hole, and thus are not suitable. 3. Because (I'm assuming) you're using stock pulleys (non-modified), whatever you gain in lifting capacity, you'll be losing in friction as the thread will be sliding on the pulleys. Yes, it looks neat/realistic, but it works nothing like the real thing. I believe efferman has special pulleys he designed precisely for this application ... though not for the 'purists'.

Is it simply a 'touch' sensor? There are plenty of those in MindStorms, but none that easily works with PF. As for applications, well, train switch is the first one that comes to mind.

Good point. One needs to make the distinction then, between Technic parts and Technic sets. While the technic sets use a majority of technic parts, those parts find their way into non-technic themes/sets, via cross-pollination, as you eloquently phrased it. Though at times it seems it's only a one-way pollination. Technic parts seem to pop-up in many themes, yet only a limited number of parts from such themes make their way into technic sets. The only two 'parts' I can think of are classic (not sure what to call those, System?) and on rare occasions bionicle.

The distinction is getting more blurred. It seems as TLG designers become more comfortable with Technic pieces, we'll see more of them in non-Technic sets. I recently got an 'Elves' set for my daughter, and there were Trans-Blue thin 4L liftarms in it. Though that color was never seen in Technic models.

You can fill the holes with these ... but you'd need many many many of them, and they also come in few colors only. It is true that Lego has evolved in ways not many of us 'like', but, what's the alternative? Like most 'grown' men (with big hands) I find the plethora of tiny pieces ludicrous (especially while helping my daughter with her 'friends' sets), but ok, can't do much about it.

Yes, many many years ago ... On a different note, and while the OP is interested in applications for 'youngsters', it might be worthwhile to extend the scope a bit and cover ALL WeDo applications. It seems there are 'more' users than initially perceived. What other interesting WeDo projects can the EB community share on here?

Where did you get such impression? Sure, let those people come forward and offer constructive feedback. The OP has started several threads related specifically to WeDo and everytime he did, he got very few answers, simply because WeDo is not that popular. I was merely suggesting he tries a 'different' audience (younger) to see what feedback he gets. And, why the 'personal/targeted' attacks against my topics? Duh! ... you must be having a rough day . I'm fully aware of WeDo and did look into that. Though, primarily because it uses software developed by my Alma Mater. To me it was a remake of the Control Lab (below) with more emphasis on actual coding and newer sensors. In closing, can you show US what YOU have been building with WeDo? For sure, one gets bored very quickly with TLG basic examples. Good! And no one (including I) said otherwise. Again, I was merely pointing that the OP might get a better response if there was a dedicated WeDo subforum. It is a bit like FLL, there are few mentions of it in this forum, but to get the best FLL coverage, go to LegoFirst, where most forum members share the same platform/interest.

Very nicely done. Reminds me of the AstroMechs, described in link below. http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=88811

This is a good introduction that you've presented here, Thank You. In all honesty, and I'm sure many would agree with me on this, this EB forum is primarily explored/run by young/old adults, and as such, we tend to go after the best / more sophisticated Lego has to offer. While WeDo is certainly 'appealing' to a younger audience, I do find it very 'limited' in what it can do, and prefer to use the MindStorms EV3/NXT Sets. I wonder if there is an EB_Juniors sub-forum ...

As said above, the 8275 is your best example to replicate/copy. It has precisely 'H' controls, and you'd need two remotes as the switch to change channels was not meant to be changed frequently, in my opinion, naturally.

Nice find, I've always been fascinated by machine-tools, and re-creating them in Lego brings back many wonderful memories. Is that your own MOC? Also, here is another find, in a thread I started several weeks ago http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=105955

You got it right. One of the many benefits of the multi-link suspension is that you can adjust the scrub radius of the tire, and as such, make the car have better handling.

There are two types of controls for SkidSteers, and these typically can be switched to either on the machines equipped with electro-hydraulics controls. 1. H style, where the left/right handles control the left/right tracks/wheels. You turn by pushing the left handle more/less than the right handle. 2. ISO style, where the right handle controls the forward/reverse motion, and the left handle controls the steering. I prefer the H style as it's more 'natural'.

Very nicely done, and ingenious height adjustment mechanism. Reminds me of the 8297 4×4 Off-Roader, which had an adjustable/motorized height.

Very nice. You've captured the shape/lines and functions beautifully, and the design seems very compact (solid/full). However, I find the many small pieces distracting as they give the body a 'tiled' look. Maybe if it were in black it would not be too obvious. Again, just a personal 'opinion' that should not take away from such masterpiece.

You threw me off for a minute. I think you meant: What functions are needed in a supercar? That said, for me it as simple as replicating as much as possible of the real life features: Indepenedent suspension on all wheels, Gearbox with remote linkages, 'fancy' suspension angles (ackerman, scrub radius, ...), boxer engine (too tired of the V-10). Anything you can dream up.