I decided to join you fine folks for another competition.
For the purpose of the WTT I built 3 models from scratch and modified one exisiting one.
Let's start with the light crawler first
As usual I first made the model in LDD and than the real physical version:
As per rules you can use a max of 4 motors, but I also wanted a gearbox, so I used one-way clutches that allow me to change gears when one of the drive motors is reversed. This way I still have an abiltiy for the model to drive backwards, albeit at half the power and a working 2-speed gearbox.
Final functions and features:
- 997 Pieces
- Powered by 4x L motors
- Controlled by a single BuWizz 2.0
- 2 speed gearbox
- Bogey styled suspension with shock absorbers
- LED lights
- Cabin with 2 seats and a steering wheel
- Modular desisgn for easier transportation
The second model is the battlebot
I saw an opportunity to try something new since the rules require a minimum weight of 2 kg and this is what I came up with:
The model features two additional functions besides the driving, first a one being a working flip ramp powered by 2 PU XL motors.
Of course the most notable secondary function are the spinning wheels which job is to transfer the weight of the competitor onto my bot and help push them away. They are powered by 4 medium angular motors, from the Mindstorms Inventor Set.
Model is designed to be flippable, so turning it around will not disable it. For aesthetics I decided to go with the Octane color scheme just because I can
Final functions and features:
- 1381 pieces
- 8x PF L motors for diving
- 2x PU XL motors for flipping the ramp
- 4x PU Medium Angular motors for spinning the defensive wheels
- Controlled by 3x BuWizz 3.0
- 8448 driving wheels for maximum traction
Airboat is my third model built for this competition
This was actually one of the hardest models to build and it took a few more tries and in the end I came around back to the first version.
The first and mostly final version uses the Education blades coupled directly to a BuWizz motor to generate enough thrust to move on ice.
At the time of building the models I didn't know the competition wil be held on ice, so I was struggling to overcome friction when used on normal floor.
That is why I experimented with the following concepts
The first one was a bigger version using 4 motors and blades, but this one was never built from real bricks:
The second version used 2 BuWizz motors to drive the 2 coaxial propellers:
I soon discovered that even with the lubrication, there was simply too much weight and friction for the 16L axle which caused it to melt, stick the bricks together and overheat the motors.
Once I received the information that the competition will be held on ice, I took my first, simple version on a local ice skating ring and succesfully tested it.
Final functions and features:
- 233 Pieces
- 1 BuWizz motor powering the propeller
- 1 PF servo motor for rotating the drive motor and propeller assembly
- Controlled by a single BuWizz 2.0
- LED lights above cabin
- 2 seats and a steering wheel inside the cabin
- Can be used both on ice and water, making it amphibious
And finally the unlimited ice crawler
This is the only modification of an existing model. I decided to use The Universal offroader as a base and to give it some tracks, simillar to the 42069 set.
The reason I didn't use the Wildcat 6x6 as a base are the following:
- Wildcat 6x6 is much more heavier
- The wide tracks from the Cat dozer would not fit on the Wildcat 6x6
- Luggage space
- Mercy
As mentioned above, the tracks used are from the Cat dozer and should provide enough area to crawl over snow. Because I'm using smaller wheels to drive the tracks, the model should have enough torque to crawl over snow, hopefully also in high gear. I will also bring the usual wheels too to test them in the snow.
Final functions and features:
- 1146 pieces
- 4x BuWizz motor to drive the wheels
- 2 Speed gearbox
- 1x PU M motor for switching the 2 speed gearbox
- 1x PU L motor for steering
- Controlled by 2x BuWizz 3.0
- High travel independent suspension on all whaeels
- Detailed cab with 2 seats and a steering wheel
- Easily removeable bodywork to access and charge the BuWizz bricks
To summarize, I really enjoyed designing, building and testing these models and hope they will perform well at the competition.
But what matters to me the most is to hang out with my fellow friends/builders and to have a fun trip. See you soon!
