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DrJB

Eurobricks Dukes
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Everything posted by DrJB

  1. To regulate the speed, you need either a pressure regulator (speed is a function of pressure) or a slowing-down mechanism such as the sticky silicone they used in the air-shock absorbers. The other option would be to reduce the inner diameter of the inlet/outlet, but I doubt this'll be the case. Most likely the new cylinders have a longer stroke and that's all, I doubt they have a better 'speed control'.
  2. The RCX ultimate Builder's add-on had some clear tubing, but it had one clear cylinder as well.
  3. I always get 8285 and 8258 mixed up, and I bet I'm not alone.
  4. Well, strictly speaking 8455 (and the Case picture I showed) is called a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe, or TLB for short. In the construction industry, we use TLB and backhoe interchangeably.
  5. Has MOCPlans 'died-down' ? Many links return empty results :( Also, I prefer to work better off-paper (call me old-fashioned). Is there a way to sell PDF instructions as well, granted, maybe at a higher price than the live instructions. It would be nice if, when I want to buy a given set of instructions, I'm offered two options (live connection or PDF?downloadable). I know it's a bit difficult to control PDFs, but freeloaders will always find a way.
  6. Typically no. A Backhoe operates in rough terrain, and as such uses 'agricultural' tires i.e., those with big tire lugs (as shown below). The closest thing is the balloon tires and the largest (Power Puller / 8466) are not available anymore. Yes, you can use the Unimog's but those would look really 'odd'.
  7. As much as I'd want to see one, I'm doubtful I'll get to see a Lego Variable Volume pump (with a swash plate) during my lifetime. The complexity of such component, with barrel and pistons, and the bronze port plate (with kidney shaped openings) are way beyond Lego, and even if made in plastic, not sure they'll sustain the test of time (durability ought to be very poor). That said, I would definitely welcome an air pump that is a bit more efficient than the current reciprocating cylinder. Rambling a bit more: Can you imagine a VV Pump with Load-sense? i.e., that the swash plate destrokes automatically when the load gets too high? Such component, based on the one you have on your brickshelf, would be awesome to run 'air-power logic circuits' with. One can only dream.
  8. Again, I fully respect your position and the dedication/perseverance you put in to build such a (beautiful) beast. Real sorry about the mishap with that other person, but such is life and there are always bad apples. Lastly, hopefully we get to see more awesome creations coming from you. Keep at it, and wishing you all the very best.
  9. Nice looking concept, but such articulated vehicle would be very difficult to drive, because it'll be unstable. There is no 'mechanism' to keep all the wheels aligned on the same trajectory and those would naturally have a tendency to 'wiggle' and thus are unstable. The dynamics of articulated vehicles are more tricky than those with a single chassis.
  10. Now that we've all had a 'glimpse' of the pneumatics' future (i.e., new parts in the upcoming Mercedes Truck), have you thought about how to put those to good use? I'm thinking/hoping/wishing for a remake of the 8455, but in a larger version. Of course that means TLG will need to bring in larger tires as well. The other vehicle that now seems more 'feasible' is a moto-grader. Those tend to use different-sized hydraulic cylinders, and of all the constructions machines I've seen (and operated), has one of the most 'complex' hydraulics/pneumatics. So, here's what I'd love to see. 1. Remake of 8455, larger, as a flagship 2. Grader, with as many functions as the real thing Anything else?
  11. Yes, I agree that another shade of red would open up many possibilities.
  12. Have we reached a dead-end with this MOC or, way too many other MOCs out there?
  13. This has got to be the most ingenious/elegant use of this part, as support for the track sprocket. Bravo!
  14. Not to twist your arm but, in this modern day and age, if any one wanted seriously to replicate your MOC, we would have seen pics/attempts already. Also, have you ever built a MOC by someone else? I have, many, and I now have more respect to the ingeniousness of those MOCers. If anything at all, people copying YOUR MOC should give you pride. That will not take anything away from you, on the contrary. In any event, while I do not agree with your position, I do respect it. It is YOUR design and you're entitled to keeping it 'unique'. Cheers.
  15. Good Catch. I do not recall ever seeing a 1×5, and in any color. This reinforces my theory as to, if TLG had to choose between using a (1×5) or (1×2+1×3), they (Marketing would twist everyone's arm) sure would opt for the latter, just to up the number of advertised parts. The recurrent slogan 'largest set ever' does not come by pure chance, there is a deliberate effort to use as many small parts as possible.
  16. That's exactly why I asked, because the 8455 (I have 2) does not fit such rule/pattern.
  17. I was looking at my collection of original sets and tried to establish a pattern. Is there some logic as to the coloring of pneumatic tubes e.g., black for high pressure and light gray for return lines? I thought I was onto a 'pattern' but then some sets use 3 colors (black, grey, blue). Is the choice of color simply done for differentiation and ease of assembly or there is some 'hidden' rule?
  18. Very nice. Reminds me of the Michelin Tweel https://www.google.c...ire.htm;370;247
  19. Good progress so far. However, if I may be blunt, styling with stacked beams/liftarms can be 'boring' at times. That said, the styling may need to be refreshed, try to start with some 'defining' lines (with flex axles or panels), then fill in the empty spaces. I know, easier said than done, but still worth a shot. Maybe 8448 is a good inspiration: The car has very little in terms of panels, but the flex axles define the car lines in a very 'elegant' way.
  20. Look at the oblique tiles under the grille (just above the license plate): Why a non-symmetric construction with a mix 5x1(?), 3x1, and 2x1 tiles? Also, looks like we're getting few more of the rare 1x6 thin liftarm in yellow. It was first seen in the Power Puller and not since, but then again this year in 3 sets (Volvo, Dozer, Container Truck). That should help push BL's prices down.
  21. Go to the lego link mentioned in post 12, or look for 'Lego Technic Lots' on eBay. Every now and then you can get decent deals. Avoid the "100 random pieces for $X" scams, as the pictures typically show BETTER parts than what they send.
  22. I had that happen twice, once with Walmart, other with Target. I was suspicious of course and in both cases I called Walmart/Target and inquired (spoke to a live person). I was assured that the purchases were legit. Unless the scheme/scam involves people from those e-stores as well. The plot thickens ...
  23. Have you tried our new pneumatics? It's very much like the old, but with enhanced performance (thanks to 'Sildenafil Citrate')
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