DLuders

Here's a Lego Technic "Linked Cranks" puzzle made by aeh5040. He wrote that it is "My Lego implementation of the "linked cranks" mechanical puzzle, invented by Oskar van Deventer and Bram Cohen, as seen here: ", where "The object of the puzzle is to turn the wheels and have all the dials point in the same direction." Maybe one could design a 6-face analog clock with this, or maybe this could be a "stress ball"-type thing to relieve tension at work? Or, you could calm and hypnotize yourself with ssugawara1955's powered "Lego Technic 8 20 24 Teeth Gears Combination" gizmo:

What I would recommend is to look at the detailed, closeup pictures of models created by Firas Abu-Jaber on MOCPages: http://www.mocpages.com/home.php/12960 . Scroll to the bottom of that webpage, and see his various MOCs ("My Own Creations"). He has several different Muscle Cars to see, like this Shelby Cobra GT500 Super Snake: http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/81974 . No, there are no instructions, but there is INSPIRATION on how to make the exterior of the car "look right". As stated by others, the TECHNIC style of building is from the inside-out. MODEL TEAM builds from the outside-in. There are enough examples of excellent TECHNIC cars above that could get you the MECHANICALS of the Muscle Car you want -- that's about 90% of the work already done for you. Then, you can select various ways of getting the TECHNIC-style EXTERIOR of your Muscle Car built with various Technic panels, soft hoses, etc. as shown on the cars above. Experiment a bit -- you can do it!

Jurgen Krooshoop also made Building Instructions for his Yellow Racecar ( http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=435349 ) and his Red Racecar ( http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=437168 ). Download the excellent instructions at his website http://www.peregrinestudio.ch/JTC .

On the webpage http://militarylego.blogspot.com/2010/08/can-i-have-instructions-part-2.html , Ralph_S has made downloadable Building Instructions for the Grumman F6F Hellcat: The Hellcat is the third WWII aircraft for which he has made Building Instructions: http://militarylego.blogspot.com/2010/07/can-i-have-instructions.html Great work, Ralph!

You may enjoy building a small (but fast) Technic car, like the "Snow White Drifter" car: http://technicbricks.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-techvideo-2009-36-snow-white.html . You could build the chassis per the instructions on BrickInside, then clothe it with your own Muscle Car design.

Brickset talks about this San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) exclusive set and lists it as "sdcc2010-1: San Diego Comic Con 2010 Exclusive - The Clone Wars Edition" : http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=sdcc2010-1 . Neither Bricklink nor Peeron has anything in their Catalog with the term "Dudes". Here's an article about them (with pictures of Star Wars-style Cube Dudes): http://www.walyou.com/blog/2009/10/11/lego-star-wars-cube-dudes/ . Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image

In order to possibly locate the extent of problems that SOME AFOLs are having with their Lego 8043 Motorized Excavator set, please answer the various questions below. The poll results may help indicate where the problems (and possible solutions) may exist. As you evaluate your 8043 over time, you may (of course) DELETE your answers and start over. As the data comes in, one can see how your 8043 ranks with others worldwide. Select one or more answers to the 4 questions below. Thank you for your assistance.

Here's a Lego 4156 V-22 Osprey set video made by MattGEllis: "The video features a sequence of the assembly of one of the engine blocks, the operation of the propellers, landing gear, and the angling of the engines"

For the MODEL TEAM AFOLs out there, here's a walk-around video of a full-size Volvo XC90 car made in Lego bricks. It was shown at the 2006 Portland [Oregon, USA] International Auto Show. Now, after the show was over, I wonder if they ever did THIS to the XC90 model:

Here are some complex Lego Technic renderings that have been animated by Jacques-Michel Hache, using the PRO ENGINEER WILDFIRE software : "Pro Engineer Lego 2" by JacquesMichelHache: "Lego robotic animation in Pro Engineer Wildfire2 ! VISIT MY WEB SITE AT: http://jacquesmichel.tripod.com ": "3D Animations Pro Engineer" -- "Here are some animations that i made with Pro engineer wildfire. The clip's order goes from the latest to the oldest ones": "Pro Engineer Backhoe": "almost exact replica of a lego modal that i had. -more the 650 assembly pieces -over 50 sub assemblies -10 hours of rendering": -- .Here is the direct link to his other, similar work: http://jacquesmichel.tripod.com/id13.html .

On Eurobricks' "Advanced Search" feature (at the 2:00 position on the edge of any Eurobricks page), I typed in the search term "LDRAW" and got these results: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?app=core&module=search&section=search&do=quick_search&search_app=core&fromsearch=1 . You could do the same thing with other terms too. Be advised that there is also a subforum named "Lego Digital Designer and Other Digital Tools" ( http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showforum=128 ). You should be able to locate lots of model files now.

In augment JunkStyleGio's answer, if you copy the URL of the YouTube (or other) video into the "Insert Media" icon (three icons TO THE RIGHT of the one circled below), your video will appear on your post. Don't use any "imbedded" text string obtained from within the video itself; just Copy/Paste the URL right off the address line at the top of your web browser.

Maybe this article is what you're looking for: http://mightor.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/control-the-world-with-the-hitechnic-ir-link/ . Here is the HiTechnic IRLink Sensor: http://www.hitechnic.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=NIL1046

@ grohl: I think that TLG would accept your Sandhill Crane contest entry, because they accepted our FAVORITE Chicken (below) as a Finalist in the April "Farming" challenge:

Do you think that it's time for somebody to contact Lego Customer Service about the (apparent) defective Linear Actuators for the 8043 Motorized Excavator set? After all, TLG issued a "Fix" to the 8275 Motorized Excavator (scroll down to the last item listed in the dropdown menu on http://technic.lego.com/en-US/buildinginstructions/8258/8258%20crane%20truck%201%20of%204.aspx#8275 Group ). If you download that 1-page "fix", it says: "Why do the front blade and back ripper not raise and lower properly? This problem is caused by improper alignment of the crossaxle in the model. Symptoms: The bulldozer struggles to raise and lower the front blade and back ripper. What causes the problem, and how can you solve it? You did not properly align the crossaxle in the model. The two functions, front blade and back ripper, affect each other. The crossaxle must not stick out of the beam. Part of the model must be disassembled to solve the problem. Push back the crossaxle to make sure that it is aligned and not sticking out of the beam. Location of problem: BOOK 1, PA GE 45, STEP 22" [shows picture with circle around troublesome area] Maybe a similar "fix" needs to be issued by TLG. It seems a real shame that, in the course of several weeks and multiple posts, this 8043 set has gone from possibly being "the best Technic set ever" to a non-functional, $200 shelf decoration. We paid too much to settle for poor-quality parts. Lego Customer Service can be contacted by the links on http://us.service.lego.com/en-US/BuildingInstructions/default.aspx ; "Change Region" at the top-right corner of that webpage to get the appropriate Customer Service for your country. Everyone says that they're super-helpful and replace defective parts. Ask for replacements for your messed-up Linear Actuators, and reference this Eurobricks topic. Here's the Bricklink part reference ( http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=61927c01 ) and the Peeron part reference ( http://peeron.com/inv/parts/x1918cx1 ) for the x1918cx1 "Electric Power Functions Linear Actuator". EDIT: Better yet, maybe the Lego Technic Designers (Sariel, Blakbird, and Conchas) could contact the 8043's designer ( Anders Gaasedal Christensen -- http://technic.lego.com/en-us/Designers/Bios/Anders%20Gaasedal%20Christensen.aspx ). It would be good to confirm that the parts he DESIGNED WITH are the same quality as what is being MASS-PRODUCED by the manufacturers. Maybe he could issue a "fix" notice just like the 8275 had.

Two more days have passed, and still no change. I think that the rumored "Brick Update" is bogus.

Those are mighty homely-looking dudes (with faces only their mothers could love). They're really bizarre-looking for my taste (except for R2-D2):

Hey "Batman", check out this Lego Technic "Tumbler" MOC: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=45071 . The "Batman" theme can live on with MOCcers making their own creations.

For those folks who have already built their own Lego 8043 Motorized Excavator: How does your own 8043 perform (and sound) relative to ssugawara1955's in this YouTube video? There doesn't APPEAR to be anything wrong with that one: In regards to the idea that it's better to leave ground-up plastic filings UNLUBRICATED inside a used Linear Actuator, think about an analogy. Would you leave your lawn mower engine underlubricated, because there are metal filings in the engine's cylinder walls? I doubt it.

Miha2548 has posted additional videos of his "Challenger 2" MOC: Indoor Trial: .Outdoor Trial:

Over on Brick Truck Trial, Portuguese AFOL Raus posted his "Rockcrawler - Rockcrawlego" MOC. He said "Hi guys, it is my model for Rock Crawler, hardcore performance and up obstacles very dificult. Modify tires for best traction....I PROPAGATE I BEQUEATH 4X4 CATEGORY ROCK CRAWLER, ESCALADOR OF ROCKS. EQUIPPED WITH 02 ENGINES XL FOR TRACTION." "Scale (wheels used) 94.8 x 44 R Width 25 studs Transmission 4x4 with rear block Motorization 2 motor(s) - PFS-XL Steering PFS-M motor with steering wheel Onboard Battery Box PFS unit Total Weight 1,200 grams" There are 8 photos on his Brickshelf gallery . [ [ It has a great ability to climb VERTICALLY up and over couches, stairs, etc. Raus has made a series of short videos on YouTube, some of which are listed below. "ROCK CRAWLER OUTDOOR TEST": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIaoVvAcXw0&feature=related "ROCK CRAWLER LEGO 14 -- OUTDOOR TEST 2": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNqwmQMfASQ&feature=related "ROCK CRAWLER LEGO 3": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmlTxy4TSuM&feature=related . "ROCK CRAWLER LEGO 9": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GOJAAoepL4&feature=related . "ROCK CRAWLER LEGO 10": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4UL2lmGxWI . "ROCK CRAWLER LEGO VERTICAL CLIMBING": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCkL45A2uXo&feature=related . "ROCK CRAWLER LEGO VERTICAL CLIMBING 2": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgf118Oq7y8&feature=related .

On the stagnant Lego Technic Designers Blog website http://technic.lego.com/en-us/Designers/AskADesigner/Default.aspx , I specifically asked TLG months ago whether there would ever be a Power Functions "Small" motor. I got no answer. I e-mailed Lego Customer Service again in mid-July 2010 with this message: "Why does nobody answer my question about possible future Lego Power Functions "small" motors on the Lego Technic Designers Blog website http://technic.lego.com/en-us/Designers/AskADesigner/Default.aspx ? No new answers have been posted since November 3, 2009. This page is static, so does anybody even update this? If not, get rid of it." Here's the non-answer I got from Lego Customer Service: "As for the lack of updates to the Designer's Blog, I do not know when our Designers will have the opportunity to answer your questions. I have forwarded your comments to them in the hope that the web page is continued and does not remain stagnant." I'm still waiting for an answer.

Sariel used Hailfire Droid wheels in his Bucket Excavator project: http://sariel.pl/2009/11/big-bucket-wheel-excavator-cancelled/ . The wheels were mounted vertically to hold the scoops: Of note is the cab's turntable that uses 16 rollers and is 21 studs in diameter. You'll have to visit the webpage above to see the picture and description of it.

Did anybody TRY to use Olive Oil (as discussed in this Eurobricks post here) to lubricate the Linear Actuators? If they don't work well, what have you got to lose? If you REDUCE FRICTION, the maxxed-out Power Functions Medium Motors will have a better chance to lift the arm without binding up. Pneumatic cylinders need to be lubricated, so why should Linear Actuators be any different? Maybe the Chinese didn't adequately lubricate the batch of LAs for Set 8043. When you next go to the market, head over to the Cooking Oil section and get a bottle of Olive Oil. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_oil (1/3 of the way down that webpage), you can see the various Olive Oil grades used in your country.

All of the WeDo products for sale are shown on http://www.legoeducation.us/store/default.aspx?KeyWords=wedo&searchtype=0&sport=3&by=20&c=0&t=0&l=0 . The WeDo hub appears at the bottom of that webpage; it costs USD 45. From http://www.legoeducation.us/store/detail.aspx?KeyWords=wedo&by=20&ID=1655&c=0&t=0&l=0 , it says: "Designed specifically for the LEGO® Education WeDo™ Construction Set, the LEGO USB Hub controls sensors and motors when connected to your computer’s USB port via the LEGO Education WeDo Robotics Software. The two-port hub controls motors and sensors, transmits power and data to and from the computer, and is automatically detected by the WeDo Software when connected to the computer." It's In Stock now. The WeDo software and site license costs USD 280. From http://www.legoeducation.us/store/detail.aspx?KeyWords=wedo&by=20&page=1&s=32&ID=1677 , it says: "Easy-to-use software and 12 theme-based activities for the WeDo™ Construction Set in one package! The drag-and-drop software v1.0, powered by LabVIEW™, is icon based, provides an intuitive programming environment, and features a digital Getting Started Guide with building tips and programming examples. Activities are divided into four themes – Amazing Mechanisms, Wild Animals, Play Soccer, and Adventure Stories – and provide up to 24 hours of instruction and project-based learning. Teacher notes, glossary, and building instructions included. When the software is used with the WeDo Construction Set, students will: •Program using software. •Design and create a working model. •Use software to acquire information. •Use feedback to adjust a programming system output. •Work with simple machines: gears, levers, and pulleys. The site license allows for the installation of the software on all of the computers at a single school or institution." "Microsoft Windows: •Intel® Pentium® processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum •Windows operating systems XP or Vista with the latest service packs •256 MB of RAM minimum •150 MB of available hard-disk space •1 available powered USB port (500 mA minimum) •CD-ROM drive Apple Macintosh: •Apple MacOS X v. 10.5 •Intel processor •256 MB of RAM minimum •150 MB of available hard-disk space •1 available powered USB port (500 mA minimum) •CD-ROM drive"