THE UNOFFICIAL WHAT WILL YOU BUILD?™ THE UNOFFICIAL The LEGO® Technic system opens a new realm of building  Build custom differentials, suspensions, transmissions, possibilities. Using motors, , pneumatics, pulleys, and steering systems ® linkages, and more, you can design LEGO models that  Pick the right motor for the job—and transform its proper- really move. ties to suit your needs LEGO TECHNIC The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide is filled with  Combine studfull and studless building styles for a stun- building tips for creating strong yet elegant machines and ning look mechanisms with the Technic system. Author Paweł “Sariel”  Create remote-controlled vehicles, lighting systems, Kmiec will teach you the foundations of LEGO Technic build- motorized compressors, and pneumatic engines BUILDER’S GUIDE ing, from simple machines to advanced mechanics, even This beautifully illustrated, full-color book will inspire explaining how to create realistic to-scale models. Sariel, a you with ideas for building amazing machines like tanks with world-renowned LEGO Technic expert, offers unique insight suspended treads, supercars, cranes, bulldozers, and much into mechanical principles like torque, power translation, and more. Your Technic adventure starts now! ® ratios, all using Technic bricks. You’ll learn how to: GUIDE BUILDER’S TECHNIC Paweł “Sariel” Kmiec about the author  Create sturdy connections that can withstand serious stress Paweł “Sariel” Kmiec (http://sariel.pl/) is a prolific blogger  Re-create specialized LEGO pieces like casings and and Technic model builder. He is YouTube’s most popular u-joints, and build solutions like Schmidt and Oldham LEGO Technic builder, a guest blogger for the official LEGO , when no standard piece will do Technic blog, and a 2012 LEGO Ambassador.

INSPIRATIONAL MODELS, COMPREHENSIVE BUILDING ADVICE, AND BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OVER 40 MECHANISMS

THE FINEST IN GEEK ENTERTAINMENT™ THIS BOOK IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR ENDORSED BY . www.nostarch.com

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2838 motor, 164–165 arches, 34 Note Italicized page numbers refer 8041 set, 151 arctangent (inverse tangent), 202 to illustrations. 8043 Motorized Excavator set, 25 arms of levers, 67 8048 Buggy set, 25 automated pressure switch, 123–124 Numbers 8070 Super Car set, 24, 34 autovalve, 120–122 2L , 32 8262 Quad-Bike set, 25 AWD (all- drive), 7 2-speed transmissions 8263 Snow Groomer set, 25 axle joiner, 252 linear heavy-duty, 254, 262–264 8265 Crane Truck set, 70 axle joint, hose connector with, 110 orbital, 255 8275 set, 242 axle pins, 11 ratchet, 256, 267 8285 Crane Truck set, 25 in linear clutches, 83, 84 RC motor, 255, 264–265 8288 Crawler Crane set, 154 with towball, 12 synchronized, 254 8296 set, 297 , 31–34 3L axle, 32, 33 8421 Mobile Crane set, 25 categories of, 32 3-speed linear , 256, 268–269 8422 set, 299 convergence of, 199–202 4×4 (four-by-four), 7, 47 8436 Truck set, 30 with differential lock, 81 4-bar linkage, 69–70 8448 Super Street Sensation set, 24 driven, 203 4L axle, 32, 33 8460 Pneumatic Crane Truck set, 71 driven and suspended, 209–224 4-speed transmissions, 257–258, 270–271 8466 4×4 Off-Roader set, 24 pendular suspension with turntables, 4WD (four-wheel drive), 7 8480 Space Shuttle set, 24 210–213 4.5 volt motors, 163 8485 Control Center II set, 302 portal axles (geared hubs), 213–217 5L axle, 32 8850 Jeep set, 24 flexible, 23, 32, 34 5-speed linear transmission, 258 8855 Prop Plane set, 303 holes for, 10 5.5L axle with stop, 33 8865 set, 197 independent, 227–229 6L axle, 32 8880 set, 197 independent steered, 226–227 6L cylinder, 107 43362 motor, 165 modified, 33 7L axle, 32 47154 motor, 166 pendular portal 8L axle, 32, 33 53983 turbine, 319 heavy duty, 230–235 8-tooth gear, 49, 58 71427 motor, 165 with worm gear, 236–240 9 volt motors, 163–170 pendular steered, 225 A 9L axle, 32 standard, 32 10L axle, 32 AAA battery box, 174 with stops, 33 10-speed synchronized transmission, AA battery box, 174 structural reinforcement with, 31 259, 271–275 Ackermann steering geometry, 195–198 supporting, 140–144 12L axle, 32 actuators. See linear actuators transferring drive with, 31 12-tooth gear, 50 adapter plugs, 186 14-tooth gear, 50 adders, 277–280 B 16/24-tooth differential gear, 53 aging of LEGO pieces, 159–160 back iron, 49 16L axle, 32 air deflectors, 296–297 backlash, 5 16-tooth gear, 50–51 air pressure, 112 with 8-tooth gear, 49 24-tooth gear, 52, 53, 58 aircraft, 302–305 avoiding, using pneumatics, 47 32L axle, 32 airtanks, 111 between driving ring and gear, 253 36-tooth gear, 53 and automated pressure switch, 123 and delay in motion, 5 40-tooth gear, 53, 120 non-LEGO, 112 from pendular axle with worm gear, 236 1969 Dodge Charger, 295 all-wheel drive (AWD), 7

326 Index The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć ball joint, 38–39 cars, 295–296 crank mechanisms. See eccentric balloon tires, 317 1969 Dodge Charger, 295 mechanisms balls, 55 8070 Super Car set, 24, 34 cruciform, defined, 38 batteries, 174–175 8448 Super Street Sensation set, 24 C-shaped frames, 144 battery boxes, 171, 174 Dodge Viper, 296, 311 curb-to-curb turning radius, 6 beams, 12–14 Ford GT40, 23, 26 custom mechanical solutions. See aligning bricks with, 13 Pagani Zonda, 296, 307 mechanical solutions, custom connecting to bricks, 27–28 casings, reinforcing custom-chroming, 320 in eccentric mechanisms, 85 differential, 144–148, 203 CVTs (continuously variable transmissions), height-to-width ratio for, 13 worm gear, 149–150 260, 276 orientation independent of, 13 catapult, 83 cylinders, 103 reinforcing parts using, 138, 141 catch, transmission changeover, 80, 6L cylinder, 107 versatility of, 13 252–253 bracket for, 110–111 bevel gears, 48 center of gravity, 7 large, 107 blueprints, 307–314 center of turning radius, 199 in New LEGO pneumatic system, 104, dimensions in, 309–314 chains, 57–59 105, 108 finding online, 307–308 changeover catch, 80, 252–253 in Old LEGO pneumatic system, 103, using photos instead of, 308 channel selector, 173 104, 107 BMR-2 personnel carrier, 322 chassis, 151–153 in pneumatic engines, 124–134 body frames, 151–153 Chebyshev linkage, 73 single-cylinder, 125–127 Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter, 303 chromed pieces, 320 two-cylinder, 128–134 bogies, 246–247 circular elements, 316–319 small, 108 booms, on cranes, 49, 69–71, 154 clearance from ground, 7, 8, 205 brackets clutches, 83–84, 185 D for cylinders, 110–111 colors, 319–320 dead gears, 251 for linear actuators, 184 compressors, 113, 115–119. See also dead spots, in pneumatic engines, 124 bricks, 9–10 autovalve delay in motion, and backlash, 5 aligning with beams, 13 connector pieces, 321, 322 Demag H135 model, 324 connecting to beams, 27–28 constant ground clearance, 205 dependent suspension, 204 height of, 9 continuous rotary motion, 89 details, 320–323 height-to-width ratio for, 13 continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), differential casings, 144–148, 203 holes in, 10 260, 276 differential gears, 53–54 with lights, 91 control module, 103 differential locks, 78–82 Technic vs. regular, 18 convergence of axles, 199–202 differential mechanism, 44, 77–78 with two plates, 19 counterjib, 158–159 differential pulley system, 63–65 Brown truss, 155–156 motors, 277–280 dimensions, in blueprints, 309–314 buggies, 8, 25, 297 couplings, 87–88 distribution block, 103, 104, 106 builder showcase, 135 cranes distribution transmissions, 260–276 bushes, 35–38 8285 Crane Truck set, 25 Dodge Charger, 295 connecting modules using, 37 8288 Crawler Crane set, 154 Dodge Tomahawk concept motorcycle, 300 half, 35–37 8421 Mobile Crane set, 25 Dodge Viper, 296, 311 with long pin, 37–38 8460 Pneumatic Crane Truck set, 71 double tackle, 64 regular, 37 body frame of, 153 double-axle turntable transmission, booms on, 49, 69–71, 154 96–100 C levers on, 71 double-beveled gears, 50, 51, 251–252 Liebherr LTM1200 mobile telescopic cab-over-engine trucks, 296–298 double-wishbone independent suspension, crane, 310 cams, 124, 130 206–207 string and pulley systems on, 61–62 Cardan joints. See universal joints drifting, tires for, 4 tower cranes, 154, 158–159

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide Index 327 ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć drive frames, 151–153 24-tooth with crown, 55 transferring to linear actuator, 184, 185 friction, 4 36-tooth, 53 transmitting through turntable, 96–100 friction pin, 11 40-tooth, 53 driveline, 6 front loader, 70 differential, 53–54 driven and suspended axles, 209–224 front-wheel drive (FWD), 7 double-bevel 12-tooth, 50 pendular suspension with turntables, fulcrums double-bevel 20-tooth, 51 210–213 of levers, 67–69 driver, 44–45 portal axles (geared hubs), 213–217 of suspension systems, 204 follower, 44 driven axles, 203 function. See form vs. function Hailfire Droid wheel, 55 driver gears, 44–45, 48 fundamental LEGO unit (FLU), 9 idler, 44–45, 59 driveshaft, 6 FWD (front-wheel drive), 7 knob wheel, 55 , 6 obsolete, 56 driving rings, 252–254 G planet, 278 single-bevel 20-tooth, 51 gear ratios, 45–46, 58–59 E single-bevel 20-tooth with in transmissions, 251 pin hole, 51 E motor, Power Functions, 167 when using adders, 279 spider, 278 eccentric mechanisms, 84–85 gearboxes, 143, 149 turntables, 54–55 efficiency, 5 geared hubs (portal axles), 213–217, 318 used with chains, 58 of gears, 46 gearing down, 43, 46, 48–49 wear of, 160 of pneumatic engines, 130 gearing up, 43, 46 Geneva mechanisms, 89–90 and size/weight of parts, 5 gears, 43–56 GIMP application, 310 effort, of levers, 67 acceleration of, 46 gravity European trucks, 296–298 backlash of, 47 center of, 7 even and odd width, 30 controlling rotational direction, 47–48 and ratchets, 83 excavator, 25 efficiency of, 46 grease, 4 extendable driveshaft section, 6 hard-coupling Power Functions grip, defined, 4 extension driving rings, 253, 254 switches with, 92–93 ground clearance, 7, 8, 205 extension wires, 186–187 reduction of, 46 gun tackle, 63 reinforcing gyn tackle, 64 F differential casings, 144–148 perpendicular gears, 142, 143 fantails, 303 H by supporting axles, 140–144 flashing lights, 91–92 where to reinforce, 138–140 Hagglunds BV 206 personnel carrier, 300 flexible axles, 23, 32, 34 worm gear casings, 149–150 Hailfire Droid wheel gear, 55 floating axle (trailing arm) suspension, 209, transforming speed or torque with, 43 half bush 222–224, 248–249 in transmissions smooth, with cutout, 37 flotation, 244 dead, 251 thickness of, 60 FLU (fundamental LEGO unit), 9 double-beveled gears, 251–252 toothed, 35–36 fluids, in pneumatic systems, 113 engaging of, 251–253 toothed, with cutout, 36 flywheels, in pneumatic engines, 125 reverse gear, 254 variants of, 35 follower gear, 44, 48 types of. See also worm gears half pins, 11, 12 Ford GT40, 23, 26 8-tooth, 49, 58 half studs, 14–15 form vs. function, 295–305 12-tooth, 50 half-track truck, 301 aircraft, 302–305 14-tooth, 50 hard plastic tracks, 242–244 cars, 295–296 16-tooth, 50 hard-coupling motors, 277, 280 motorcycles, 299 16-tooth with clutch, 50–51 height, of bricks and plates, 9 tracked vehicles, 299–301 20-tooth, 51 height-to-width ratio, 13 trucks, 296–299 24-tooth, 52, 58 helicopters, 302–305 four-by-four (4×4), 7, 47 24-tooth with clutch, 52 high torque, joints for, 38 four-wheel drive (4WD), 7

328 Index The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć hockey spring, 195 fulcrums of, 67–69 long pins, 11, 12 Hoeken’s linkage, 73 law of the lever, 67 longitudinal subtractor, 282–287 holes in bricks, 10 and linkages, 69–71 longnose trucks, 296–298 hoses load of, 67, 70 LPE (LEGO pneumatic engine), 124–134 connecting, 110 mechanical advantage of, 72 L-shaped beams, 143 non-LEGO, 112 parallel, 70, 71 luff tackle, 63 pneumatic, 108–109 remotes with, 179–180 splitting, 110 Liebherr LTM1200 mobile telescopic M use of term, 109 crane, 310 M (Medium) motor, Power Functions, hubs, 305 Liebherr R944C, 243 28, 168 , 26, 312 liftarms, 12 Maltese cross mechanisms. See Geneva hydraulic system, turning pneumatic lights mechanisms system into, 113 flashing, 91–92 MAN TGS truck, 298 reverse, 90–91 I manometer, 112 turn signals, 92–95 maximum steering angle, 6 idler gears, 44–45, 59 linear (sequential) transmissions, 252 mechanical advantage, 61–62 independent axle, 226–229 linear actuators, 183–186 levers, 67, 72 independent suspension, 220–221 flawed, 184–185 pulley systems defined, 204 large, 183–185 differential pulley system, 64–65 double-wishbone, 206–207 vs. pneumatics, 185–186 power pulley system, 65–66 input axle, 44 production code on, 184–185 simple pulley system, 62–63 interacting gears, 45 small, 185 mechanical power, defined, 3 intermittent rotary motion, 89 transferring drive to, 184, 185 mechanical solutions, custom, 77–101 inverse tangent (arctangent), 202 linear clutches, 83–84 differential, 77–78 inversely proportional, speed and linear motion, converting rotary motion to, differential locks, 78–82 torque as, 44 71–72 double-axle turntable transmission, linear speed, defined, 3 J 96–100 linkages, 71–76 eccentric mechanisms, 84–85 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 297 Chebyshev linkage, 73 flashing lights, 91–92 jib, 158–159 Hoeken’s linkage, 73 Geneva mechanisms, 89–90 joints, universal. See universal joints and levers, 69–71 linear clutches, 83–84 jumper plates, 15 pantograph, 73 Oldham couplings, 87–88 Peaucellier–Lipkin cell, 74 ratchets, 82–83 K rocking motion of, 71, 74 reverse lights, 90–91 Sarrus linkage, 74–75 Kenworth Road Train model, 18 Schmidt couplings, 88 scissor linkage, 75–76 knob , 55, 203 Scotch yokes, 85–86 Scott-Russell linkage, 75 knobs stepper motors, 88–89 Watt’s linkage, 76 hard-coupling with, 280 turn signals, 92–95 live axle. See floating axle suspension wear of, 160 universal joint, 101 load mechanics, vs. pneumatics, 47 of levers, 67, 70 L Medium (M) motor, Power Functions, rotating under large loads, 55 28, 168 L motor, Power Functions, 168 load-bearing structures, 151–159 microleaks, 103 large cylinder, 107 rails, chassis, and body frames, 151–153 Micromotor, 166–167 LEDs, 91–92, 187–188 trusses, 154–159 Micromotor pulley, 59, 65 LEGO pneumatic engine (LPE), 124–134 Brown truss, 155–156 mineral oil, 113 Leopard 2A4 tank, 301, 323 choosing, 157–159 misaligned pieces, 27 levers, 67–71 triangular Warren truss, 156–157 MOCs (My Own Creations), 17 classes of, 68–69 Warren truss, 156 Model Team approach, 26 effort of, 67 locking mechanisms, 82–83

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide Index 329 ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć modeling process, 315–324 Oldham couplings, 87–88 pneumatic devices, 115–136. See also circular elements, 316–319 old-type gears, 48 pneumatic system colors, 319–320 one-way valve, 104 automated pressure switch, 123–124 details, 320–323 output axle, 44 autovalve, 120–122 odd angles, 321–322 overdrive, 46 builder showcase, 135 size considerations, 315–316 motorized compressors, 115–119 P wheels, 316–319 motorized valves, 119–120 modified axles, 32, 33 Pagani Zonda, 296, 307 pneumatic engines, 124–134 module, 9 Paint application, 310 overview, 124–125 Monster Truck model, 17, 207 pantograph, 73 single-cylinder, 125–127 motorcycles, 299, 300 parallel levers, 70, 71 two-cylinder, 128–134 motorized compressors, 115–119 pawls, 82–83 water pressure pump, 135–136 motorized valves, 119–120 Peaucellier–Lipkin cell, 74 pneumatic system, 103–113. See also motors, 163–170 pendular axles pneumatic devices 2838, 164–165 portal, 230–235 avoiding backlash using, 47 43362, 165 steered, 225 vs. linear actuators, 185–186 47154, 166 with worm gear, 236–240 microleaks in, 103 71427, 165 pendular suspension, 208–209 modifying, 112–113 complexity of, 316 stabilized, 211–214 non-LEGO airtanks, 112 controlling stabilized with portal axle, 214–217 non-LEGO hoses, 112 manually, 171–172 with turntables, 210–213 pneumatic suspensions, 113 remotely, 172–174 perpendicular gears, reinforcing, 142, 143 removing springs to create motorized coupling with adders, 277–280 personnel carriers compressors, 113 Micromotor, 166–167 BMR-2, 322 turning pneumatic system into NXT motor, 167 Hagglunds BV 206, 300 hydraulic, 113 Power Functions E motor, 167 RG-35 4×4 MRAP vehicle, 26, 214 New system, 104–105 Power Functions L motor, 168 Peterbilt truck, 298, 313 Old system, 103–104 Power Functions Medium (M) motor, 168 photographs, using instead of parts of, 105–112 Power Functions Servo motor, 169 blueprints, 308 6L cylinder, 107 Power Functions XL motor, 169 pin holes, 10 airtank, 111 RC motor, 170 pins cylinder bracket, 110–111 stepper, 88–89 axle, 11, 12, 83, 84 distribution block, 106 mudguards, 317 friction, 11 hose connector with axle joint, 110 My Own Creations (MOCs), 17 half, 11, 12 large cylinder, 107, 108 long, 11, 12 manometer, 112 N overview, 10–12 pneumatic pump, 103, 104, 105–106 specialized, 11–12 pneumatic tubes and hoses, 108–109 N•cm (Newton centimeters), 3 three-quarter, 11, 14–15 small cylinder, 108 new LEGO pieces, vs. old, 159–160 with towball, 12 T-piece, 109–110 Newton centimeters (N•cm), 3 using to connect bricks and beams, 27 valve with studs, 106–107 Newton’s law of action and reaction, 138 planar trusses, 154 PTO (power take-off), 110 nonlinear (regular) transmissions, 252 planes, 302 points. See fulcrums nonrigid connections, 21 planet gears, 278 points of reference, 309 number:number ratio, weight distribution, 7 plates portal axles (geared hubs), 213–217, 318 NXT motor, 167 disadvantage of using, 20 power, 3 height of, 9 Power Functions system, 171–188 O reinforcing parts using, 141 extension wires, 186–187 obsolete gears, 56 plugs IR receiver, 28 odd angles, 321–322 adapter, 186 LED lights, 91–92, 187–188 old LEGO pieces vs. new, 159–160 stackable, 171 linear actuators, 183–186

330 Index The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć motors, 163–164 receivers, 172–176 rotors, 303–305 controlling, 171–174 receiving mechanism, 6 RPM (rotations per minute), 3 E motor, 167 rechargeable battery, 175 rubber bands L motor, 168 red pieces, strength of, 160 used for self-centering steering, 195 Medium (M) motor, 168 regular (nonlinear) transmissions, 252 used with CVTs, 260 Servo motor, 169 regular LEGO bricks, 18 used with pulleys, 60 XL motor, 169 reinforcement, 137–160. See also load- rubber tracks, 241 power supplies, 172–175 bearing structures RWD (rear-wheel drive), 7 receiver, 175–176 choosing strongest pieces, 159–160 remotes, 176–177 defined, 19 S controlling, 172–174 of differential casings, 144–148 Sarrus linkage, 74–75 modifying, 177–182 right way to reinforce, 140–144 scaling, 307–314 switches, 28, 90, 92 where to reinforce, 138–140 and blueprints, 307–309 power pulley system, 65–66 why things fall apart, 137–140 and points of reference, 309 power supply, 173 of worm gear casings, 149–150 Schmidt couplings, 88 power take-off (PTO), 110 remotes, 176–177 scissor linkage, 75–76 powertrain, 6 with central steering wheel, 181–183 Scotch yokes, 85–86 pressure generator, 103 modifying, 177–182 Scott-Russell linkage, 75 pressure switch, automated, 123–124 multiple, using simultaneously, 174 seams, weak, 138 production code, on linear actuators, with sideways lever, 179 sequential (linear) transmissions, 252 184–185 with steering wheel, 178 Servo motor, Power Functions, 169 propellers, 302, 303 using many receivers with single sets, Technic, 24–26 PTO (power take-off), 110 remote, 173 shock absorbers, 209, 211 pulleys, 59–61 resistance, and surfaces, 4–5 alternative to, 248–249 vs. chains, 60 return rollers, 245 flexible axles as, 34 in Micromotor, 167 return-to-center steering, 194–195 for road wheels in a track, 247 ratios between, 59–60 reverse gear, in transmissions, 254 Tatra-type suspension stabilized with, rubber bands used with, 60 reverse lights, 90–91 217–220 slippage, 60 RG-35 4×4 MRAP vehicle, 26, 26, 214 trailing arms suspension with, 247 string and pulley systems, 61–66 ride height, 8 used with chains, 58 differential pulley system, 63–65 rigid connections side gears (spider gears), 278 power pulley system, 65–66 vs. nonrigid connection, 21 sidecars, 299 simple pulley system, 62–63 between perpendicular beams, 22 sideways lever, remotes with, 179–180 pumps, pneumatic, 105–106 using single axle, 21 Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low helicopter, in motorized compressors, 115–116 ripple, of motorized compressors, 115 303, 313 in New system, 104 road wheels, 245, 249–250 single-bevel gears, 50, 51 in Old system, 103 rocking compressor, 116–117, 118 single-cylinder pneumatic engines, 125–127 pushrods, 84 rocking motion size considerations, 315–316 converting rotary motion to, 84–85 size of parts, and efficiency, 5 R converting to linear motion, 71 sliders, 130 of linkages, 71, 74 rack gear, 193 sliding worm gear, 120 rolling resistance, 4–5 rack-and-pinion gearset, 191 slippage rotary motion racks, driving with worm gear, 49 of 24-tooth gear with clutch, 52 continuous, converting into radius, turning, 6–7, 199 and differentials, 78, 80 intermittent, 89 rails, 151–153 in pulley system, 60 converting to linear motion, 71–72 ratchets, 82–83 small cylinder, 108 converting to rocking motion, 84–85 RC motor, 170 smooth half bush, with cutout, 37 rotational direction of gears, controlling, reach stacker, 7 snow groomer, 25 47–48 rear-wheel drive (RWD), 7 soft axles. See flexible axles rotational speed, defined, 3

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide Index 331 ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć solid tracks. See hard plastic tracks subtractors, 280–292 and extension driving ring, 253 space trusses, 154 longitudinal subtractor, 282–287 and knob wheels, 55 specialized pins, 11–12 reasons for using, 281–282 and mechanical advantage, 61–62 speed transverse subtractor, 288–292 overview, 3 and mechanical advantage, 61–62 surfaces summing with adders, 277–279 traction, 3 and friction, 4 torque ratio, 45 transforming using gears, 43 and resistance, 4–5 torsion bars, 248–249 speed control remote, 176–177, 181–182 suspension systems, 246–249. See also Tow Truck 2 model, 153, 316 spider gears (side gears), 278 wheeled suspension systems tower cranes, 154, 158–159 spindles, 191 bogies, 246–247 T-pieces, 109–110 splitting hoses, 110 pneumatic, 113 tracked vehicles. See also chains; tanks wheels, 243, 244–245, 250 trailing arm suspensions, 247–249 favoring form or function, 299–301 sprung suspension systems, 205 SUVs, 7, 296 hard plastic tracks, 242–244 stabilized suspension 8466 4×4 Off-Roader, 24 with road wheels, 249–250 pendular, 211–217 8850 Jeep, 24 rubber tracks, 241 Tatra-type, 217–220 switches speed control remote for, 181–182 stackable plugs, 171 automated pressure, 123–124 tracked wheel systems, 244–246 standard axles, 32 Power Functions, 28, 90, 92, 172 using subtractors with, 280–281 steering geometry, 195–198, 317 synchronized transmissions, 251–252, 261 and weight distribution, 7 steering lock, 6 traction, 4 steering systems, wheeled, 178, 181, T trailing arm (floating axle) suspension, 209, 191–202 222–224, 248–249 T-72M tank, 301, 320, 321 convergence of axles, 199–202 transmission changeover catch, 80, tanks, 299–301 return-to-center steering, 194–195 252–253 barrels of, 320, 321 steering geometry, 195–198, 317 transmission driving rings, 51, 259 British Churchill, 245 stepper motors, 88–89 transmissions, 251–276. See also gears guns of, 323 stopping vehicles, 177 2-speed Leopard 2A4, 301, 323 string and pulley systems, 61–66 linear heavy-duty, 254, 262–264 road wheels on, 245 differential pulley system, 63–65 orbital, 255 Sherman, 246 power pulley system, 65–66 ratchet, 256, 267 Soviet, 245, 250 simple pulley system, 62–63 RC motor, 255, 264–265 suspension system, 244 stringers. See rails synchronized, 254 T-72M, 301, 320, 321 structural reinforcement. See reinforcement 3-speed, 256, 268–269 turning radius of, 6 stud measurement, defined, 9 4-speed, 257–258, 270–271 using wedge wheels with tires, 250 studfull vs. studless building, 17–30 5-speed, 258 Tatra-type suspension, 207–208, 217–220 aligning studless pieces with studfull, 13 10-speed, 259, 271–275 Tchebycheff’s linkage, 73 combining styles, 23–30 changeover catch, 252–253 Technic sets, 24–26 matching widths, 28–30 combining, 254 threaded axles, 33 methods for connecting bricks and continuously variable (CVTs), 260, 276 threefold purchase, 64 beams, 27–28 distribution transmissions, 260–276 three-quarter pins, 11, 14–15 Technic sets, 24–26 double-axle turntable, 96–100 tie rods, 193–194, 196–197 overview, 17–18 driving rings, 252–254 timers, in battery boxes, 174, 175 studfull, 18–20 regular (nonlinear), 252 tires. See also wheels studless, 19, 20–23, 29, 144 sequential (linear), 252 size of, 317 studless transverse subcontractor, synchronized, 251–252, 261 traction, 4 291–292 transverse subtractor, 288–292 toothed half bushes, 35–36 studs tread hubs, 241 top mast, 159 half studs, 14–15 triangular Warren truss, 156–157 torque. See also axles; chains; gears; pulleys valve with, 106–107 and coupling motors, 277–280

332 Index The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć trucks, 296–299 wedge belt wheel, 59 Windows Paint application, 310 8436 Truck set, 30 at center of hub, 305 wings, 302 half-track, 301 in differential pulley system, 63 worm gears, 48–49 Kenworth Road Train model, 18 in pneumatic engines, 124 backlash with, 47 MAN TGS, 298 thickness of, 60 boom-extending mechanism with, 49 Monster Truck model, 17 use with tracked vehicles, 249–250 as driver gear, 48 Peterbilt, 298, 313 weight distribution, 7 driving racks with, 49 Tow Truck 2 model, 153, 316 weight of parts, and efficiency, 5 gearing down with, 48, 49 trusses, 154–159 wheelbarrow, 69 to lock mechanisms, 82 Brown truss, 155–156 wheeled steering systems, 178, 181, pendular portal axle with, 236–240 choosing, 157–159 191–202 reinforcing casings of, 149–150 triangular Warren truss, 156–157 Ackermann steering geometry, 195–198 sliding, 120 Warren truss, 156 convergence of axles, 199–202 in valve-switching mechanism, 120 tubes, pneumatic, 108–109 return-to-center steering, 194–195 wear of, 160 turn signals, 92–95 wheeled suspension systems, 203–240 turning radius, 6–7, 199 dependent suspension, defined, 204 Y turntable transmission, 96–100 driven and suspended axles, 209–224 yellow pieces, strength of, 160 turntables, 54–55 pendular suspension with turntables, yokes two-cylinder pneumatic engines, 128–134 210–213 defined, 38 portal axles (geared hubs), 213–217 Scotch, 85–86 U driven axles, 203 floating axle (trailing arm) suspension, universal joints, 38–39, 101 Z 209, 222–224, 248–249 alternative to, 87 ground clearance, 205 zero, turning radius of, 6 and high torque, 38 independent suspension, 220–221 length of, 38 defined, 204 making sturdy, 101 double-wishbone, 206–207 unsprung suspension systems, 205 pendular suspension, 208–209 US trucks, 296–298 stabilized pendular suspension, 211–214 V stabilized pendular suspension with valves portal axle, 214–217 motorized, 119–120 sprung/unsprung, 205 in New LEGO pneumatic system, 104 Tatra-type suspension, 207–208, with no studs, 107 217–220 in Old LEGO pneumatic system, 103, 104 wheels with studs, 106–107 knob wheels, 55, 203 voltage, 3 and modeling process, 316–319 road wheels, 245, 249–250 W sprocket wheels, 243, 244–245, 250 wedge belt wheels, 59 wall-to-wall turning radius, 6 at center of hub, 305 Warren truss, 156 in differential pulley system, 63 water pressure pump, 135–136 in pneumatic engines, 124 Watt’s linkage, 72, 76 thickness of, 60 wear of LEGO pieces, 159–160 use with tracked vehicles, 249–250

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide Index 333 ©2012, Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć