Subject:
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New joint technology, and a new mecha
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.build.mecha
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Date:
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Sun, 18 Aug 2002 21:53:37 GMT
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Highlighted:
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(details)
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Hey, everyone!
Here is my new Andromeda, my new mecha:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=21561
This project began early this summer, when I bought a Super Battle Droid. The
joints were interesting, but the model didn't seem to utilize them well. I
started toying around with combining them with the click boxes that came with
the Alpha Team subs, and became encouraged by the range of poses available:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=229406
The core model is more or less done, but there are two things I plan to add to
the model - a flight backpack, and a handheld weapon. Andromeda is currently
borrowing a weapon from a VF-IJ:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=229395
In the meantime, TLG can see that mecha don't absolutely have to have large
weapons to work (although this one will, ultimately).
In case anyone missed it, the hands are only a minor variation of the brilliant
and elusive Gla Gla. Special thanks to him (or her).
Also, thanks to Bryce Mcglone and Dave Johann for loading me up with some good
parts and giving me some good feedback during my last trip down there; those
guys are great :-)
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The Legs on this mecha utilize the new Lego click joints entirely. Although
the model (12.5" tall) is easily capable of standing and achieving some
interesting poses with the inherent stiffness of these joints, I found it
advantageous to stiffen these multiaxis joints in the hip area (the knees were
left unstiffened):
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=229382
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=229384
The wires are 20 gauge (.80mm); this is the same thickness as I used for my
plate stiffening technique. The photos may not be clear; one wire is inserted
inbetween the clips and the technic pin (this is the part of the joint that
would fit into a turntable box). Of course, the wire must be cut into pieces
of the same length as the thickness of the notched tabs. By inserting twire
pieces in these tabs, the tabs will not bend as easily, thus making the
clicking motion stiffer.
A similar technique is used to stiffen the other axis, as well. There are two
round notches at the bases of each inner tab; gently insert the wire in those
notches, then clip to size.
Both of these techniques are reversible, and I haven't noticed any
deterioration or additional wear of the joints.
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Finally, the upper torso shoulders use one of my favorite joints (which I also
use on Eros and Arcturus):
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=229380
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=229381
By restricting a C3P0 ball to one axis of rotation, the joint becomes much
stiffer. In fact, as time passes, these joints actually become stiffer! I
haven't quite figured out why this should be... Anyway, this is one of my
favorite joints, and I encourage people to try it (if they already haven't);
it's completely natural, requiring no special techniques.
With the exception of the stiffened hips, Andromeda is completely pure - one
could in build it without any special techniques. I only hope Lego continues
to feed our mecha community new exciting joints (next on my wish list are high
friction ball sockets and more rigid axles).
That's it for now!
Later, Chris
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Message has 7 Replies:
 | | Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
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| Chris, this is one of your best mecha yet. The articulation, as always, is nothing short of stellar (well, IMHO anyway). Design wise, I really love the legs, spine, and shoulders. You even sneaked missiles into the hips; you're finally adding (...) (22 years ago, 19-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)
| | | Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
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| Chris this is awesome!! the articulation is fantastic as always, such awesome poses you have there. you used the super battle droid parts so well. This mecha looks so awesome as well, (not saying your old ones don't) so smooth and round. I love the (...) (22 years ago, 19-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)
| | | Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
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| Chris, this is just stellar. I really dig the spiney lower torso and the hips. And your use of the Bionicle feet really works well with this mecha. I also agree with Mladen; I like how you keep features consistent with your mecha. Not only is it (...) (22 years ago, 19-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)
| | | Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
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| (...) Wow! I am working on Super Battle Droid MS as well and is it is two shoulders and a head short of being finished! I completely agree with you, the Super Battle Droid set is nice, but with those hinges it could have been a lot better! You have (...) (22 years ago, 19-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)
| | | Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
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| Well, Chris, after waiting forever with only those "sketchy" teasers to satisfy me, I must say that finally seeing this mecha it did not meet my expectations. No chris, it EXCEDED them! I can's believe it! That creation is just amazing. Now that I (...) (22 years ago, 19-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)
| | | Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
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| OMG! Dude!!! Professor Snead strikes again! WOW WOW WOW! Shuuwweeet!! Ok, where to begin? Notable Sneadified Mecha points: The Head: Very Snead. I like the flat and rounded contours of the head. The Shoulders: Oooohhhh! Look at the curves and smooth (...) (22 years ago, 20-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)
| | | Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
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| (...) Wow! Wow! ok one more Wow! You really used those joints to their fullest! Mr. Snead still reigns supreme as the 'King of joint tech'. I have been trying to use those blasted Alpha Team joints, but you just make them better! Kudos!! out Tony (...) (22 years ago, 20-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)
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