Subject:
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Re: Best sets for parts, was ( Welcome to lugnet.build.mecha )
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.build.mecha
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Date:
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Fri, 4 Feb 2000 23:03:57 GMT
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Viewed:
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1743 times
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In lugnet.build.mecha, Lance Scott writes:
> Let's start this one off.
>
> Which are the best sets to get for the Technic pieces most folks use to make
> their models with?
>
> More to the point, the articulation bits.
Hi Lance,
Generally, I've found that my ideal building style varies by the scale of the
model.
I've explored mecha articulation with several differnt mechanisms, and I've
decided that articulation styles can be catagorized into 3 general categories
by size: Small, Medium, Large.
By "Small" I mean between 5 and 15 bricks tall. Generally, these are
microfigure scale or "power armor" scale. For these models, I usually use
simple articulation by means of technic beams and connector pegs "with
friction". These models are small enough and light enough that this simple
construction is strong enought to support the weight of the model without any
extra persuasion (ie: rubber bands, springs, etc). An example of this kind of
construction is at http://www.etymon.org/kn/pallas/Products/fu.html
"Medium" to me means between 15 and 30 bricks tall. An example of this size of
mecha is at http://www.etymon.org/kn/pallas/Products/landmate.html. These guys
get heavy enough that simple "connector/beam" joints are not strong enough to
support the weight of the model. In the past (as seen in the above link), I
have used a hybrid joint style that uses technic beams and connectors and Shock
absorbers or rubber bands where needed, with the body of the mecha integrated
into the structure. Recently, I've begun to really appreciate the
Ball-and-socket joints that are available in the "Thowbots" series. I don't
have any pics up yet, But I have designed two new mecha for Pallas Spaceworks
that use these joints for hips and shoulders and then use the Starwars locking
hinge bricks for knees and elbows. IMHO, these pieces, used properly, are the
best way to build a medium sized mecha. The trick to using the "throwbot"
components is building a shell around the piece by means of the technic holes
in the strut.
Anything larger than 30 bricks tall gets oo heavy for any sort of "simple"
joint system. My solution for this type of construction is to design a
composite structure that uses technic beams, large & small shocks, and even
sometimes the stiff plastic tubing to achieve a strong, stable internal
structure and then build a "skin" that totally encloses the armature. An
example of this type of building is at http://www.etymon.org/kn/dragon.html
So given that long essay :), other than general technic elements, the pieces
that I find invaluable are:
Ball & Socket struts (Throwbots)
Locking Hinges (Starwars models)
"arm" hinges with technic pegs (found in Divers sets as the waldo arms, etc)
Shock absorbers-large & small (best source for these is to order them from S@H)
Anyway, Hope that was what you are interested in.
--Karim
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