.22Studded.22 .28Beams.29 versus .22Studless.22 .28Liftarms.29 Lego Technic

1 studded (beams) versus studless (liftarms)

1.1 motors

1.1.1 power functions


1.2 pneumatics
1.3 gears
1.4 technic action figures

studded (beams) versus studless (liftarms)

a construction using old pieces studs.

although liftarms (studless beams) have been present in technic sets since 1989, change studded studless construction around year 2000 represented major paradigm shift , has been quite controversial. liftarms use primary styling parts, or create smaller sub-assemblies attached studded chassis. increasing number of liftarm designs introduced, tipping point reached around year 2000 models introduced constructed liftarms instead of traditional beams.

a vehicle using new pieces without studs.

the primary advantage of studless construction addition of new construction methods unavailable. liftarms 1 unit width high, in contrast studded beams, non-integer multiple of 1 unit. can awkward use studded beams in vertical structures because necessary insert plates between studded beams in order holes line up. studless beams allow greater flexibility when building in multiple dimensions, while remaining compatible classic studded beams. builders believe models constructed studless beams nicer studded counterparts.

however, studless construction introduces disadvantages. studless construction not intuitive, requiring builder think 5 or 6 steps ahead. while studded construction follows classic bottom-to-top building pattern, studless construction requires building inside-to-outside. studdless constructions noted more flexible equivalent studded construction. due amount of flex in clip-based pins used attach studdless parts together, whereas studs provide more rigid friction fit.

as of 2005, lego has begun re-incorporate studded bricks technic line, can seen in sets such 8421 (found on peeron), mobile crane. however, studded bricks used mount front grills in vehicles while transparent plates used lights.

motors

the rc tracked racer , rc off-road truck, 2 models built 1 same box.

lego technic system has included variety of different electric motors. broadly, these divide powered batteries, held in connected battery box, or mains electricity, via transformer. battery-power common.

the earliest motors (p/n x469b) 4.5 volt, , consisted of modified electric train motor (p/n x469) , along 4 driven bushes wheels added axle hole enabling axles of different lengths used. while these released in kits technic parts not sold technic motors.

the first dedicated technic motor 4.5 volt rounded brick (p/n 6216m) released in 1977 part of expert builder power pack (960-1) , supplementary set (870-1), output via small protruding axle rotate when motor powered. motor not geared, resulting in high-rpm, low-torque output. gearboxes , square casing available. 12 volt motor of same physical dimensions 4.5 volt motor available in set 880-1. 12 volt version visually distinguishable being black, rather grey.

the 4.5 volt motor replaced similar square 9 volt motor in 1990.

recent motors contain axle hole enabling axles of different lengths used.

lego technic crane truck (power functions).


power functions

in late 2007, new motor system released called power functions; included within lego set 8275 motorized bulldozer. comprised set of motors, 2 ir receivers, remote control , battery box, resulting in remote-control model.

with these sets possible build or convert manually-operated mechanical movement motorized using electric motors controlled via switches or ir remote control. future plans set include more parts add more function/control possibilities.. lego has started design , sell lego technic models (sets) can retrofitted power functions system. example, models 8294 excavator, 8295 telescopic handler or 7645 mt-61 crystal reaper sold classic lego technic models manual motorization designed free space power functions components factory instructions on how perform conversion electrically operated model.

the power functions line-up includes linear actuator not sold separately, used in many models 8294 excavator , 8043 motorised excavator.

pneumatics

gears

various lego technic gears.

gears have been included within lego technic sets since 1977 way of transferring rotary power, , of gearing-up or down speed. gears come in several sizes: 8 tooth, 16 tooth, 24 tooth , 40 tooth spur gears; 12 tooth, 20 tooth , 36 tooth double bevel gears; , 12 tooth , 20 tooth single bevel gears. double bevel gears cut can meshed spur gears. there 16 tooth clutch gear, , 24 tooth friction gear slips when amount of torque put on prevent motors damaging parts or burning out.

in addition standard gears, kits include rack, clutch , worm gears , differential gears. original differential had 28 tooth bevel gear, designed meshed 14 tooth bevel gears (replaced 12 tooth gears) give 2:1 reduction. can meshed newer double bevel gears. replaced newer design incorporating 16 tooth , 24 tooth gears on opposite sides of casing. casing holds 3 12 tooth bevel gears inside.

as of 2008, updated version of original differential has been released, optimised studless construction.

chain links introduced additional way of connecting gears. tension (resulting correct number of chain-link parts used), along combination of gearwheel-sizes used, critical reliable operation. 8-tooth gears not recommended purpose.

technic action figures

technic figures figures appeared in technic sets, cyberslam/competition line. first introduced in 1986 in arctic action line, , produced until 2001. larger , have several more joints standard minifigure, including bendable elbow , knee-joints. each figure comes assembled , not meant come apart, parts can popped off pulling hard. can connect both standard lego system bricks , on technic parts, , technic pegs can fit in hands.

27 different kinds of technic figures created, sets included same figures different accessories , stickers.