Practical LEGO technics : bring your LEGO creations to life

331 Pages·2013·17.17 MB·English

by  Rollins

Practical LEGO Technics: Bring Your LEGO Creations to Life Copyright ©
2013 by Mark Rollins
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ISBN-13 (pbk): 978-1-43024611-4
ISBN-13 (electronic): 978-1-4302-4612-1
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Dedicated to all LEGO builders of all ages.
—Mark Rollins
Contents at a Glance
About the Author
About the Technical Reviewer
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Getting Started with LEGO Technic
Chapter 2: Creating a Motorized LEGO Technic Vehicle
Chapter 3: Steering and Controlling Your LEGO Technic
Creation
Chapter 4: Light It Up with LEGO Lights!
Chapter 5: Creating an All-Terrain LEGO Technic Vehicle
Chapter 6: Technic Construction Vehicles and Equipment
Chapter 7: LEGO Technic Aviation: Airplanes and Helicopters
Appendix A: Parts List
Index
Contents
About the Author
About the Technical Reviewer
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The LEGO Technic or “Expert Builder” Collection
How To Use This Book
How This Book Is Ordered
Chapter 1: Getting Started with LEGO Technic
A Guide to Technic LEGO Pieces
Technic Bricks
Beams
Levers
Gears
Racks
Axles
Bushes
Connector Pegs
Cross Blocks
Angle Elements
Steering Pieces
Panels
Extensions, Catches, and Other Miscellaneous Technic Pieces
Obtaining LEGO Pieces for Your Models
LEGO Pick a Brick
BrickLink
Web Sites for LEGO Instructions: Peeron and Brickfactory
Using Computer Graphics to Create LEGO Technic Models
Advantages of Building a Model in a Digital LEGO Program
Disadvantages of Building a Model in a Digital LEGO Program
LEGO Digital Designer
MLCad
LeoCAD
Summary
Chapter 2: Creating a Motorized LEGO Technic Vehicle
Get to Know Your Power Functions
Power
Action
LEGO Architecture
If You Build it, Build it Strong
Ease Your Pain
Go The Distance
Constructing a Non-Motorized LEGO Vehicle
Project 2-1: Constructing the LEGO Chassis Base
Project 2-2: Assembling theLEGOAxle (Non-motorized)
Motorize Your LEGO Vehicle
Adding the Battery Box
Project 2-3: Adding a Motorized Axle
Summary
Chapter 3: Steering and Controlling Your LEGO Technic
Creation
Know Your Control LEGO Power Functions
The IR-RX Remote Control IR Receiver
The LEGO Power Functions IR Remotes
Using the Remote Control Power Functions
Reviewing the Receiver
Reviewing the IR Controllers
Steering Systems for Technic Vehicles
Project 3-1: Rack and Pinion Steering
Project 3-2: Double Motor Steering
Taking Your Remotely Controlled Creation for a Test Drive
Summary
Chapter 4: Light It Up with LEGO Lights!
The Power Functions Light Kit
Overload Protection
Hooking Up Your Power Functions Lights
The Power Functions Control Switch
Controlling Your Lights via Motor
Headlights
LEGO Taillights
Other Ways of Connecting Lights
LEDs Under the Car
Blinker Lights
The Mega Remote
Summary
Chapter 5: Creating an All-Terrain LEGO Technic Vehicle
Creating a LEGO Vehicle with Shock Absorbers
Project 5-1: Creating a Shock Absorbent Back for Your Vehicle
Project 5-2: Building a Flexible Steering Mechanism
Check Your Tires
Making a LEGO Technic 4x4 Vehicle
Project 5-3: Assembling the H-Frame and Accessories
Reviewing the 4 X 4 Construction
Summary
Chapter 6: Technic Construction Vehicles and Equipment
LEGO Technic Excavation