allanp

Ah, well that shouldn't be too complicated. One way of doing it would be to have each steering axle connected to their own 2 speed gearbox (12, 2 speed gearboxes total). In the first position (crab), the ratio in every gearbox is the same, so they all turn the same distance. In the second position (standard steering), each of the 12 gearboxes has a different ratio, which would then turn each wheel by a different amount according to what ever ratio you have. This could be simplified a little by having only 6 gearboxes, gearbox 1 connected to axle 1 and 12 (as they would always bee the same angle), gearbox 2 connected to axles 2 and 11 and so on. But remember, when using the clutch gears there is some slack, so you will want to have a lot of gearing down after each gearbox to mitigate it. You will also need to make sure all wheels are steered straight ahead before changing between steering modes, otherwise they will go out of sync. Another way of doing it would be to have steering arms that change length, or an adjustable linkage that would give the same affect. This is more of a headache to figure out, but it has the advantage of not being able to go out of sync.

All was well until you mentioned multiple steering modes, which is a head ache to achieve in Lego. I real life the many steering modes require a complex computer controlled hydraulic system. The computer takes into account all the proper Ackerman geometry which is going to be the tricky part as each steering mode will require a different geometry which is why each steered wheel (not axle) has it's own steering hydraulic and valve gear. The best and most authentic way to replicate that would also be the most costly in this case as it would require multiple NXTs. having the computer work out and then control all the angles of each individual wheel is the most efficient, reliable and mechanically simple way of doing it, which is why they do it that way. If you want it all done mechanically then you will need what is basically a mechanical steering computer, like the ones you see in the various Jeep hurricane MOCs, such as my own unfinished but working version with 4 steering modes. http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=473387 Which steering modes do you have in mind BTW? .

That 80 cms is for the b model, correct? That is described as a twin rotor, like a Chinook. so with the length including the blades 80 cms is very impressive but not unbelievable.

very nice! I really like the suspension and overall look

I can't remember a single set that wasn't a flagship model having a working gearbox, and now we seem to have 2 in the first half?! That makes me very happy and I smell new parts. Could it be a response to this post? http://www.eurobrick...0 And the helicopter sounds slightly better than I thought it would be with the moving flaps and nose wheel. I wonder what controls them? Looks like it's going to be an expensive first half for me

You missed a bit!

All you would need to change is the wording to make the rotating grey beam the output and the yellow gear is stationary. The equation is correct.

Pretty sure. In the picture you posted above the output is the yellow carrier, which would be equivalent to the grey beam.

There is a small mistake with the planetary calculator. If the yellow gear is the output then the ratio equation is just the same as two spur gears, so 16 and 48 would still equal 1:3. However, if the yellow gear is fixed and the rotating grey beam is the output, then you would add 1 to the ratio, so 16 and 48 would then be 1:4. Great tool by the way.

Nice, I didn't know about that. Thank you.

I have an idea that might be useful. Lets say I want a gear ratio of 60:1 for example, with the final gear to be driven being the new 60 tooth turn table. right now I have to fiddle around and try a whole bunch of combinations until I get a 12:24, 12:24, 8:24, 20:60 which equals 1:60. what would be great is if I could just type in somewhere a desired ratio into to boxes. So in the left box I type the number one, and in the right box I type the number 60. This would then return the 10 simplest combinations of gear to achieve that ratio. there could also be a place to select which start and end gear I want. Is that possible?

Love it!

Well they should not have made it fit perfectly into a technic hole then should they!

I fixed one by dropping it onto a hard tiled floor . I think it must have unjammed some gears.

Go for it, would like to see your version of the go kart.

Because they have been requesting that all images of 2016 sets be removed. I guess you have not received such a request.

Maybe they let us see pics intentionally to gather some feedback before final release, and now they want us to forget about those pics as the final release could have changes, though I am not sure what changes they could make so close to release. But then, why this cloak and dagger stuff instead of just asking? Or maybe they just didn't think somebody wouldn't find them in their website cache .

All very good points. But you can't really please everyone and on the whole the reaction to these pics has been pretty positive. I don't usually find the very small sets that appealing but the go kart does look really good. I am eager to see exactly how they have done the gearbox.

Nothing that could be shared on here.

I have seen the heli but most people have not. I have not seen the dragster, rescue vehicle or jet plane. Would love to see them.

I was talking about the axle the steering wheel is connected to.

The go cart appears to have a red 4M axle going to the steering wheel.

The B model won't be any less challenging than the A model. Does this link work for you? remember to click "show more". https://wwwsecure.us...rue#?text=42043

These look really really good I'm glad the mine loader has a grabber (more interesting to me than a bucket) and a large 60t turntable. My favourite so far is the go cart. That lever and clutch gear have to mean something, I'm thinking gear box. Will be very interesting to see if there are any new parts there to achieve that, which might give insight into a future flagship, much like the clutch gear released in 1993 in a hovercraft gave a clue as to what functionality was coming in 1994, the 8880 gearbox. That go cart also looks gorgeous!