A while ago, I tried to build a NXT F1 car and ended up with the NXT Roadster. I have since revisited the idea with the aid of the Technic 1:8 F1 Set (#8674). The results are as you see below. I hope you will agree it’s much better than my last attempt.
A few months ago, I bought and built the Lego crawler crane. That is a very good set which comes with lots of very useful parts and two alternative models, both of which are nicely designed and full of neat touches. I was determined to use the new pulleys, strings and spindles with my NXT to create a working tower crane. This is the result.
I have taken a slightly different approach to most of the cranes I have seen on NXTLog. Rather than focussing on lifting heavy loads and making a working crane, I have tried to make a good-looking model that looks as much like a real tower crane as possible.
Lots more details, photos and a video after the link…
I have had a few requests for building and programming instructions for my previous couple of Lego models, and I’m afraid it’s something I’m just not in a position to do.
Typically my models are built over very long periods, in my free time. Spending extra leisure time learning how to work Lego CAD, cataloguing parts and producing genuinely useful photo sets to describe how to build something really isn’t my idea of fun. Similarly, the programming is nothing particularly special and I tend to just hack it together – I don’t want to have to spend more time making it suitable for public consumption as I spend quite enough time in front of a computer doing programming when I’m at work!
For me, the most fun that can be had with Lego is the process of creating something new. Starting with an idea and gradually turning it into a reality. Putting the bricks together is only a very small part of the process. I might even go as far as to say that the end result is relatively unimportant. After all, you don’t really need another Lego model!
I suggest that those of you who are interested in building a model like one of mine, or anyone else’s you see online, use these resources as inspiration for you to create something truly original and creative for yourselves. You’ll enjoy it, I promise!
If you do get inspired by anything you’ve seen here, please let me know in the comments!
After following the building instructions contained in the Lego Mindstorms NXT set, I wasn’t sure what to build next. I asked my wife and she said she wanted a robot that could fetch biscuits on demand. I thought about this for a while, and got to work. This is the result:
Now, it doesn’t actually fetch the biscuits, but it does produce them on demand. Once the hopper at the front is filled with biscuits (digestives are particularly effective) then you need only reach forward for a delicious snack and the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea will be pushed out to your waiting hand.
It is likely though, that this convenience could be taken for granted and the biscuits will run out quicker than expected. For this reason, the light sensor on top of the biscuit stack will detect the presence of suitable confectionery. When the Biscuitron’s stock is depleted, it will not dispense anything and will apologise for the inconvenience.
Extra photo and video after the link…
My name is Simon and I live in the South of England. I am an electronic engineer, and mildly obsessive about technology and gadgets. My childhood interest in Lego has been recently rekindled by the Mindstorms NXT set. This site is for me to post occasional bits and pieces that may be of interest to others who like these subjects.
