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 Building / Mecha / 7053
7052  |  7054
Subject: 
Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.build.mecha
Date: 
Mon, 19 Aug 2002 21:22:47 GMT
Viewed: 
378 times
  
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 have seen it, there are only two things left to
do. (1): Decide which picture to set as my new computer wallpaper. (2): Tear
like heck back to my legos and SBD joints to make something myself.
Tim
iMt Design Cheif

In lugnet.build.mecha, Christopher Snead writes:
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 :-)

-------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------

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



Message has 1 Reply:
  Re: New joint technology, and a new mecha
 
(...) Thanks for the kind words and encouragement! I was hoping you would approve of the final product; after sitting with the model in my room for a couple of months, I beging to grow weary of it. At that point, it's hard to tell how it will be (...) (22 years ago, 20-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)

Message is in Reply To:
  New joint technology, and a new mecha
 
Hey, everyone! Here is my new Andromeda, my new mecha: (URL) 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 (...) (22 years ago, 18-Aug-02, to lugnet.build.mecha)  

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