Zerobricks

I use LDD, which I keep updated form this source: https://www.customlddupdates.com/ I tried other programs but LDD has the most snappy interface and grid system IMO.

It's really cute! Too bad there's no mirrored version of the prop.

ACTUALLY, a stud is around 4,85-4,90 mm. But yes, they are spaced 8 mm apart which is the LEGO's basic's grid.

A stud is 8 mm. Just do the math

I recommend getting a caliper and measuring it.

Indeed, a rubber band returns the rack. After further research I noticed, I messed up the side of the control stick, so I put it on the correct - left side. I also switched the side of the winch and the cameras, since most helicopters seem to have the winch on the right side.

Thank you for the praise. I could have built a longer part out of pins and axle joiners, but I wanted something more robust. Also I made a mistake, it collective control not cyclic.

Here we can see that indeed there is a new 4,5L axle with central stop present in 42226 and 42227:

It literally has wide tires on the photo of the rear. It's just marketing doing the usual...

Had a very productive today and finished the 3D model of the helicopter and built a prototype. Colors are inspired by 42145, I really like the neon yellow highlights. Note, the a winch mechanism with a ratchet on the left side. Here's how the helicopter looks from the right side. A couple of cameras are visible along with the worm gear that controls the landing wheels. Notice the orange colored beam which activates the propellers. Pushing the rack inside spins the gears, turning both rotors. The green glutch gear is placed on a movable beam that acts like a one-way ratchet. Collective control is controlled by blue half beams and by a lever inside the cockpit. The linkage carries the movment to the suspension arm, through a fake engine rod and up to the rotors. Turning the axle with an 8 tooth gear and a worm unfolds the landing gear. By using the worm gear, the mechanism becomes irreversible so that the landing gear can't collapse under the weight of the helicopter. Due to limited space I used a simple 2x2 round tile as the front wheel. Winch is moved using a couple of 12 tooth gear. 8 tooth gear with the combination of a connector and rubber elements forms a one way ratchet which can be released at any time. All the functions have been succesfully implemented in the prototype so the only thing now is to record both models in action!

That's a really awesome set, perfect for family, team building, LUG gatherings and competitions, etc... Reminds me of old 4 in 1 sets, very nostalgic.

Such a clean and cute design!I really like the mix of classic studded and studless bricks to give it details, yet nicely rounded corners. Also good idea with old tyres for the headlight casing. Featured!

So much functionality in such tight package! How do you keep the rear steering centered when only front steering is engaged? Is there a lock? I will feature this model in the near future!

It was a good idea, but since weight is very important here, I used the gears instead. There's not much difference in slack, since there are only 3 gears, but that's 3 parts instead of 10!

Today I built the trophy truck which required the following changes: Front suspension now uses 1 shock absorber per wheel Rear suspension had to be adjusted for better responsivness and shock abosrber position/geometry Steering mechanism was switched from links to gears to reduce part count and weight V8 engine was expanded and recolored to red Rear wing was removed to stay in the 300 gram weight limits. It was a bit unrealistic anyway, since most trophy trucks don't have much in the rear. Here's a few quick, dirty photos of the finished trophy truck: The doors and hood can open to reveal a full interrior with two seats, steering wheel and the V8 engine: Bottom view showing the mechanics and the total weight: I'm really happy with the progress so far, I think this is as functional as you can get with 367 parts and 300 grams. Next, the helicopter!

For my 8000th post, I'm presenting my model ideac for the TC30. I got the idea for the models by watching Bajd and Dakar racers, especially from the perspective of the helicopter. The same helicopter that records the races could also be used to provide support and rescue. One of the models will be a trophy truck with the following functions: Independent suspension in the front Live axle in the rear RWD with a fake V8 engine Steering actuated by a spare tyre in the rear Full interior with 2 seats and a steering wheel Opening doors and hood Monster livery Here's the current digital progress. I'm using the new large, thin tires and suspension parts to keep the model as compact as possible. The rear suspension uses a ball joint to attach to the rest of the bodywork. The angled spare wheels provides the HOG input. I am really proud of the following drive and steering solutions. The driveline basically goes directly from the axle to the fake V8, while the steering system uses linkages to transfer the steering input from the spare tyre to the steering rack. I think this is a more compact, and a cleaner solution than using gears. This being a trophy truck it needs some proper suspension system. Currently the suspension system is compressed a lot, so the physical should have a much higher gorund clearance. The front suspension is sharing a single shock absorber which is placed longitudally between the wheels. The rear suspension is an interesting hybrid of a ball joint and a trailing arm suspension. The suspension arms not only center the rear axle, but also act as levers for the suspension system, supported by hard shocks in the rear: That's the plan for the trophy truck, I will build and weigh it soon. it should just be under 300 grams according to the Studio. The second model will be some kind of a Rescue/camera/support helicopter which supports the race by providing video coverage and a means to a rescue if needed. The idea is to implement the following functions and features: Spinning rotors using a gear or a hidden rack trigger mechanism Collective control for the main rotor Winch with a ratchet mechanism Foldable landing gear Add lots of cameras, sensors, antennas, etc. Colorful livery, using neon yellow, red, white, black, etc. Modern styling with lots of curved surfaces Current progress so far is the basic concept of the collective control uisng a small turntable. Basically the central axle can move up and down and thereby change the angle of the rotors: So far that's all, I will update the topic as I go along.

A really great alternate for sure. Also should be easy to reproduce since there's no rare parts such as PF servo or the large shocks.

Well done! I think the new 4,5L alxes with center stops will be perfect for projects like this. Here are my suggestions regarding drivelink though: Avoid using U joints for the main drive axles. They are very prone to breaking especially at high angles. Use large CV joints for all of the drive axles Perhaps using normal steering hubs in the front axle would be a better solution. You'd get a closer steering pivot point and a way more robust mounting point with no need for axles sticking out I'd use use non steered axle hubs in the rear just for better wheel mounting too I would also recommend putting the steering motor as close or even on the front axle as possible. Again i'd avoid using U joints, but in this case because they have more slack than big CV joints Just a few tips for the future. Regarding looks, it's just perfect!

You could use the old 9V components, the sirens have 2 types of ringing according to the polarity. You can connect the siren via 8886 PF extension cable and a 9V cable. For lights, the old 9V system also had flashing lights. Or you can use PF/PU lights, but to there is no support for blinking in the BuWizz app... Yet

No worries, sorry if I was a bit too harsh. Good luck with your fix, lets us know how it goes

There are lots of new parts coming in the new education sets, amongst: Studded C frames - perfect for meshing gears New pulley wheels 1x4 plates with jumpers MONORAIL TRACKS! and more... Edit, source: https://www.lego.com/en-gb/aboutus/news/2026/january/lego-education-cs-ai

Could be possible with the all-in-on hub.

The search button does wonders!

There's a saying in my country. The one who works - sins. It's normal for sh!t to break when you're working, good thing you have backups.

Can confirm the same. Also wish everyone a happy new 2026!