After all, it is also built in parts...

Certainly you have already seen the super-scaled 8880 that uses to exhibit at some LEGO events, or in some LEGOLAND parks. At least it is not the first time it is mentioned here at TBs [1, 2].

I've just crossed with the photo below and well... Besides its huge size, it is still assembled in parts, at each event setup.
Ok!... quite larger "parts", but still parts!

Or was this just taken after a crash test?....

Photo taken at LEGO World - Copenhagen 2012, last February.

New mindsensors.com GlideWheel-M

Xander Soldaat has been testing one of the next products from mindsensors.com. It is an encoder sensor or motor controller that allows to precisely control the position of your LEGO motors - the GlideWheel-M.

According to the pre-release information available from mindsensors.com, there will be three versions available of this:

• One model will allow to connect PF motors to NXT motor port.
  The encoder support enables precise control (1 degree precision).
• Second model will be similar to the first one, but for use with old RCX motors.
• Third model will be a digital angle sensor, to measure angles with 1 degree precision.

The first version which has been tested by Xander, can connect to a PF XL-motor as seen on the videos below. From the axle-holes present in sensor, it seems specific for utilization with the XL-motor and not compatible with other motors like the M-motor!?
Still I wonder why it got named with an '-M' suffix.

The sensor has two tethered connectors. One PF cable that delivers power and control to the motor, and another cable with an NXT plug that allows you to control the PF motor position from the NXT.
Also It has one single unit thick (1L) for easier integration with everyone's MOCs.

As one can see from Xander's tests above, this sensor is very accurate (at least as accurate as the NXT motors) and easy to control.
On the left we have a short video to see generally how it works and on the right a concrete use case where it is applied to a Pan & Tilt rig. It turns evident how smooth and precise the GlideWheel-M, can control the PF XL-motor.

It comes in the moment where we are also about to get a PF-Servo motor from LEGO. Apart the obvious difference from the native NXT integration, soon we will see also how these new products compare and complement each other.

Week TechVideo, 2012 #21 - A different Tow Truck

Milan (TheUltimateDesign) presented us with an amazing model and quite different for awhile. An old Tow Truck based on the Russian truck Zil Amo F15.

It is amazing how the original forms and angles from this old truck, were preserved into this LEGO recreation.

It includes two PF M-motors well hidden inside the chassis. One for drive and another one for steering. Both are controlled from PF Speed Remote Control for a more realistic set of movements.

The winch is operated manually from both sides of the truck and has a very nice old style look.


For additional photos you should refer to Milan's Brickshelf folder, here.

Black Vampire auctioned for 1.626 bucks!...

Crowkillers' Black Vampire GT hit $1.626 on its eBay auction, with all the proceedings going for Make A Wish Foundation.
Yes, there are also some PayPal fees (about $66) which will be entirely supported by Paul, to keep on his promise that all proceedings will arrive at their destiny.

The Top Bidder who won this Charity Auction is from UK and his name is Derek Ward.
Congratulations Derek for helping someone, somewhere and the best of luck to you as well!

This is an absolute record as the highest bid that Paul got for one of his cars before, was about $1.000 for an old Camaro model he did.

Guess we all could have the Vampire for far less, if we manage to make it reach the 10.000 supporters on LEGO CUUSOO and it eventually succeeds in the formal LEGO review for production...


Let's make a Wish to become real from this Vampire!

More images on 2H2012 LEGO Technic sets

Since yesterday new other pictures from the 2H2012 LEGO Technic sets were brought to surface by Cypr-21 at EB.
These included images for the respective B-models, which in a couple of cases were still unknown, and one or another further detail. Click on each image to see it in full resolution.

Let's look on each reference then.


9393 - Tractor / Buggy

Except for a new image from the rear view, nothing else to add about the main model.

However, new images reveal the B-model that one can build with this reference. A very nice looking buggy I'd say.

9396 - Helicopter / Intermeshing Rotors Helicopter

Here the introduction of the model rear view (in the middle) where we can see also a PF M-motor attached to the main rotor in order to make it spin, and the hatch in its lowered position.
Recently we got to see from the box details and the arrows in it, that we're going to get pitch control on the main rotor blades.

This B-model for the helicopter (another helicopter) is probably the most unexpected piece of information we got in this round. An helicopter with intermeshing rotors is definitely something new in the LEGO Technic products range.
Intermeshing rotors on a helicopter are a set of two rotors turning in opposite directions, with each rotor mast mounted on the helicopter with a slight angle to the other, in a transversely symmetrical manner, so that the blades intermesh without colliding. The arrangement allows the helicopter to function without the need for a tail rotor besides we got one in this particular model, also at an unconventional orientation. This configuration is sometimes also referred to as a synchropter.

It might be definitely interesting to play with.


9398 - 4x4 Crawler / Truck

No big news here anymore, but quite interesting the way the main model body opens up. It seems quite easy to customize and replace by your own version.
From the full side view, we are still not able to figure out further details on the Servo Motor and how the shafts connect to/through it.

This is the 9398 B-model which we got to know since one of this year's ToyFairs, because of a video shot filming the backside of the box.
The chassis looked the same, as someone pointed here in the comments.

And now... did you choose already which model are you going to buy for your Christmas?

New connectors released

The new connectors we had seen at Nuremberg Toy Fair, are out with The Vampire Castle (9468) from Monster Fighters theme!

They were listed yesterday, as new parts to the BrickLink database.

10197 - Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Hub with 2 Axles For now available in Dark Bluish Gray only.

10288 - Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Triple For now available in Dark Brown only.

I'm pretty confident that soon these will also debut into Technic sets, where they might become quite useful.

First quality images for 2H2012 LEGO Technic sets

Today we got to know the first decent quality images for the upcoming 2H2012 LEGO Technic sets.
Click on the images below to see them in full resolution size.


9393 - Tractor

9396 - Helicopter

Guess we have already dug enough on this one before...

However realize it becomes clear from the arrows in the box, that we're going to get pitch control on the main rotor blades.

Just noticed also the photos show the old style for the 'Technic Liftarm Triangle Thin', instead of the new one.
Were these finished images that old, considering the new type was already available with the 1H sets.


9398 - 4x4 Crawler

And now the star from 2012.
We come to see finally which are the official names for the new PF motors and where each one comes, without margin for doubt.

So we have:

• PF-Servo Motor: There is one of it in the Crawler and it might be the one in the center of the model. So we get one for steering both front and rear axis.
  
  According to previous descriptions from those who have seen it, it should allow an axle to pass through, or at least allow to connect two axles - one in the front and another from the back!?
  Honestly I prefer to wait and see it, before entering into more considerations, because the image still suggests several possibilities.

Looking at the connection head, it looks to have a 3x5 oblong shape with multiple connections, also in orthogonal axis. It makes me also think it might be a strong servo.

It remains to know whether it is a Full CW / Full CCW, or it supports PWM control for intermediate positions. And whether it implements return to center, or not?

Nevertheless with the IR remote used in this model, here it might behave like full CW / CCW mode.

• PF-L Motor: Well, finally the missing 'L' in the PF motors range.
  These might go to the front and rear axis, to drive the Crawler and do all the heavy work!
  
  Guess they will run at moderate speed, but with high torque. Although I don't see a significant internal planetary reduction gearing fitting inside this...
  The several pin connections available, from orthogonal axis (very welcomed) also suggest a strong motor that needs steady fixation anchors.

Just looking to put my hands on, to dissipate all doubts I still have about these...

It is also good to see the 36T Double Bevel, returning into a couple of new Technic sets.