Just signed up so I can share a little project I've been working on... Also just as a warning, I may not get on here to update this very often, but I will try my best.
As some of you will be aware, Lego released a Creator Expert Mini Cooper back in 2014
What you probably don't know, is that there is software called Stud.io, which lets you create digital Lego models. Someone was kind enough to have created a digital replica of this set already, so I set about taking that design and modifying it into a replica of Binky
It's still very much a work in progress: (rendered in Stud.io)
You didn't think I'd just do the exterior, did you?
There's a linear actuator buried in the chassis, connected to the (actual, working) flip front, driven off a little thumbwheel that looks remarkably like a rear diff, revealing the 3S-GTE and a few other bits and pieces
Still need to add a few things, like the flash new timing belt cover, a gearbox (and possibly a couple of ancillaries), get those wheelarch extensions connected properly, and then make a few tweaks to the interior to match the real thing better.
Also, eventually, I plan on buying the pieces needed to actually build it
Understeer is when you hit the wall with your front end. Oversteer is when you hit the wall with your back end. Horsepower is how hard you hit the wall. Torque is how far you move the wall when you hit it!
Valve and timing belt covers are finished, managed to sneak in the intercooler, on an appropriate angle too, and then bonus fluid reservoirs and horns next to the radiator and added the missing lower extensions to the flared guards
Hi all! Thought I'd better give you another update on this... except progress has been about as fast on this as it has on the real Binky :(
The great part about designing this digitally is that I can experiment with multiple designs of the same part with virtually no limitations, as well as checking things like connectivity and interference with other parts. You probably can't tell by looking at it, but there's about 0.5mm clearance between the intercooler and the underside of the bonnet, and about the same to the valve covers on the engine because of the way it's angled back. Also the bonnet opens to about 70 degrees before it bumps into the windscreen... so it's all very tight, but it all fits!
One of the recent Wallpaper Wednesdays (from the BOM Facebook page) was a top down pic of the engine bay, specifically the ancillaries above the gearbox, which was a huge help in getting the right look and feel for that part of the model. Also I've been looking into ways to re-mount the flip front so it's a little less bulky and makes the radiator look better, rather than just being tacked on... but again, it's just Lego, so it'll never be perfect.
As part of that, I've also been looking at whether I can add some semblance of front suspension, but I think that would compromise the rigidity too much. As you'd only see it when the flip front is open anyway, I'd rather keep it stronger and 'playable', and not get too hung up on being a perfect replica. And of course, half my problems would be solved if Lego would just make two or three new pieces in Metallic Silver, but for now, everything except the gears used for the wheel centers is available as a genuine Lego part
I'm still eagerly awaiting the next episode so that I can finish off the interior details too
Once a month is excessive IMHO! biennially would be too often!
I stopped using Linked-in once it turned into corporate facebook
As much as I look forward to BOM updates, turning on facebook notifications is a step too far!
I agree on all accounts, and on all Accounts! I do not have ANY notifications enabled. (other than an email when someone posts to the BOM Forums!)
I've spent far too much time Filtering, Muting, & Blocking on Twitter, Quora, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
I remember when you could actually find a job on LinkedIn, or have an enlightening conversation on Quora. Now it's all about how "Person x's Politics, Religion, and/or Addiction" is the best and ONLY answer to the ills of the world. I guess I'm showing my age now! <end rant>
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I am not a control FREAK, I am a control ENTHUSIAST!
I should put a sarcasm disclaimer in my posts, lest I hit a nerve
I was being cheeky in that trying to explain in writing how something on facebook works is likely to be an exercise in futility. Some things are extremely easy to show in person, but difficult to put in writing. Especially when it's something that only shows up temporarily
But hey, at least we're keeping the forum alive, in lieu of the next episode
I should put a sarcasm disclaimer in my posts, lest I hit a nerve
No nerves damaged here! ("tone" is hard to get across)
I was being cheeky in that trying to explain in writing how something on facebook works is likely to be an exercise in futility. Some things are extremely easy to show in person, but difficult to put in writing. Especially when it's something that only shows up temporarily
You got the point across just fine, (I need a sarcasm diclaimer too!) "Stories" is just one more reason to ignore FB.
But hey, at least we're keeping the forum alive, in lieu of the next episode
If not us, then who?!
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I am not a control FREAK, I am a control ENTHUSIAST!
