RC LEGO Brick
My new LEGO Ideas project, featuring a 4:1 scale model of a LEGO brick that can be driven and steered remotely using LEGO Powered Up system.
Datasheet:
Completion date: 07/12/2018
Power: electric/pneumatic (Power Functions)
Remote control: LEGO Powered Up
Dimensions: length 16 studs / width 8 studs / height 10 studs
Weight: 0.368 kg
Suspension: none
Propulsion: 2 x Powered Up M motor geared 1:1
Motors: 2 x Powered Up M motor
I’ve been playing with the LEGO Powered Up components from the 76112 App-Controlled Batmobile set, and I’ve realized that they can be installed inside a much smaller model than Power Function components (since the receiver is integrated into the power supply unit) and that they don’t need any parts sticking outside (unlike the infamous Power Functions IR receiver). That meant I could make something very small look smooth on the outside while being driven and steered remotely. So, of course, I went with an enlarged LEGO brick.
The model was exactly 4 times the size of two stacked 2×4 LEGO bricks, or 2 times the size of two LEGO Duplo bricks, or exactly the size of two LEGO Quatro bricks (yes, that’s a thing). Inside, there was the Powered Up hub with two Powered Up M motors installed vertically on its sides. Each motor was driving one sprocket, while another sprocket was mounted loosely on its axle, thanks to the use of a 16t gear wheel with clutch. That provided two sprockets per side, which were connected by LEGO chains (the model was too narrow for LEGO tracks), effectively making it drive and steer like a tank. The brick was very comfortable to control, thanks to the Powered Up system providing smooth speed control of each motor – thanks to that, the brick could make turns at pretty much any angle.
I though the idea was original enough to be turned into a LEGO Ideas project and I put it here: https://lego.build/2E7QW7P
The model was dead simple, but also easy to play with and – I think – highly playable. It was based on the 76112 set and could be controlled using the same LEGO app, but it could be made and sold significantly cheaper, since it only used basic LEGO pieces, no minifigures, and required no Batman license. I was hoping that the simplicity and low price factor would give it a chance, in case it should actually reach 10,000 votes.
