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In lugnet.technic, Mark Bellis wrote:
> This monorail
> http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/mbellis/Technic/Power-Functions/Roller-Coaster/pf_roller_coaster_2.jpg
> is built with tracks from Snowmobile 8272 and the forthcoming Bullozer 8275.
> The Power Functions system
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=226241 allows IR remote control
> of the train.
>
> I found it runs smoother with these yellow wheels than with the smaller black
> ones from the Snowmobile, but smaller size might be an advantage for town and
> space enthusiasts. Variation of vehicles is possible and designs can depend on
> the application. I'll try using a PP3 battery box to reduce weight, though this
> will require some work on the electrical interface unless I wait for the
> official parts that will make the Power Functions system compatible with the 9V
> system.
>
> The curves I've built
> http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/mbellis/Technic/Power-Functions/Roller-Coaster/pf_roller_coaster_3.jpg
> are as sharp as those of the old monorail, but they can be widened if space
> permits. To widen them I suggest adding multiples of 6L to each beam in the
> corners, since the tracks have a pitch between centres of 1.5L. The support
> centres for raised track on a baseplate will then widen by 12L in each
> orthogonal direction.
>
> Points are possible with this system, using sliding track sections. The train
> is OK with a track link missing, to permit the sections to slide, as long as a
> bar or equivalent piece is used on the end of the last track, so that the wheels
> have something to grip. I'll add pictures of this once it's running.
>
> I've tested a hill as a concept, but this is waiting for a proper build. Again,
> pictures to follow. The vehicle is easily capable of climbing vertically, so I
> intend to extend the hill concept to work for a full loop for roller-coaster
> applications - pushing the limits a bit beyond the old monorail!
>
> I shall add pictures of a 360 degree barrel-rolling track soon. This concept
> works but needs to improve on reliability of the gravity-defying part of the
> roll. The IR system is particularly useful for this function as it removes the
> need for wires that would wrap around the track!
>
> The best thing about this monorail concept is that its availability is up and
> coming, not in the obsolescence market! A snowmobile has 28 track links and a
> bulldozer will have 84, so better save up for those bulldozers!
>
> Gallery when moderated: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=237939
>
> PLMKWYT
> Mark
it's a cool concept but not very cost effective. i imagine those tank treads are
going to go for .20 cents or more on bricklink. i could see this being feasable
for something large and possibly space, but i'd concider trying something
cheaper. 1x2's or 1x3's stacked in a 3-4 brick tall wall as the track with
rubber tires for the drive mecanisum would be alot cheaper and more flexable.
ondrew
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In lugnet.technic, Ondrew Hartigan wrote:
> In lugnet.technic, Mark Bellis wrote:
> > This monorail
> > http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/mbellis/Technic/Power-Functions/Roller-Coaster/pf_roller_coaster_2.jpg
> > is built with tracks from Snowmobile 8272 and the forthcoming Bullozer 8275.
> > The Power Functions system
> > http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=226241 allows IR remote control
> > of the train.
[snip]
> > The best thing about this monorail concept is that its availability is up and
> > coming, not in the obsolescence market! A snowmobile has 28 track links and a
> > bulldozer will have 84, so better save up for those bulldozers!
> >
> > Gallery when moderated: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=237939
> >
> > PLMKWYT
> > Mark
>
> it's a cool concept but not very cost effective. i imagine those tank treads are
> going to go for .20 cents or more on bricklink. i could see this being feasable
> for something large and possibly space, but i'd concider trying something
> cheaper. 1x2's or 1x3's stacked in a 3-4 brick tall wall as the track with
> rubber tires for the drive mecanisum would be alot cheaper and more flexable.
>
> ondrew
The track link price range is currently $0.50 to $0.90, so you're quite right
about it being unfeasible for now, but I was surprised to find that the
break-even point, below which the track link price would make a tracked monorail
track as cheap as the old monorail (assuming structure parts such as Technic
beams are already in one's collection), is above $0.20 for some monorail track
pieces (due to their rarity and popularity):
Taking the Bricklink price guide average prices, and assuming that it takes 44
track links to make a 33L straight equivalent to a 32L old monorail straight,
the track monorail is cheaper if the links are under $0.266 each.
For short straights it's $0.239 and for a short curve it's $0.304. For the more
common 90 degree curves it drops to $0.041 (I wish the tracks were that cheap
but it will never happen as they weigh 1.38g), and for ramps it's $0.075. It's
more difficult to calculate for points.
I'd like to think the scheme could become more feasible if the track link price
drops when the bulldozer is released. I hope it will! My hope is fed by the
recent drop from $1.00 to $0.90.
The additional possibilities for roller-coasters also increase the appeal...
Mark
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