mandag 11. november 2013

Formula 1 Update

After some trial and error, I have the general shape, size and technical sides of my RC Formula 1 Project. As it turned out, custom U-joints weren't necessary, and the Buggy motors are quite capable of getting the weight of the car up to speed!


The body is still a very much work in progress.. I want it to have the general shape of a Formula 1 car, maybe from the '90s, while still keeping the weight as low as possible. The current body is just to test weight and the general shape.


The entire underside, except for the current front wing, is flush with the lower arms of the suspension.

onsdag 6. november 2013

New MOC WIP, RC Formula 1 car

I feel like there are certain things one has to create as a MOCer (unfortunately, as once I am done with one, I almost immediately start work on the next project, which I really don't have the time to do).

I have made some construction vehicles that turned out pretty well, and now also a large truck, with some nice, unique functions.

After receiving the RC Buggy equipment, I set my eyes on making a Formula 1 type car, with the added awesomeness of RC Buggy motors.

I first made a prototype rear axle, incorporating two motors, and realistic push rod suspension. Main challenge was to make it as narrow as possible, but still make it look like formula 1 suspension, with long double wishbones, and the characteristic push- or pull rod suspension. Due to the motors taking up a lot of space vertically, I opted for Push-rod, even though most modern F1 cars have pull rod (I think)


Never done a setup like this before, so it turned out not too good. Mainly due to the suspension having too much travel, so this will be fixed in the final version.

Also, due to the combination of relatively high weight that the vehicle will end up having, and the POWER of the RC Buggy Motors, I seriously worry that the U-joints will be shredded once I try this.

I am trying to design an alternate model in LDD, using two custom U-joints, unfortunately they are a lot bigger, requiring a slightly wider (roughly 3 studs) wheelbase.


However, this setup should be able to handle a whole lot of torque! The pivot of the suspension is offset from the pivot points of both U-joints, so I designed it with roughly one and a half stud travel. Have no idea how this will work until I actually build it=)
And yeah, I'm not using the Unimog tyres on the actual model...

The front axle was easier, and is built around the RC Buggy Steering unit



Building on experiences from designing the rear axle, the suspension works flawlessly, and the steering unit provides nice, consistent steering. Features Ackermann geometry.
Also, the battery box/receiver unit is placed as close to the front as possible, to hopefully induce some drifting when the car is finished.

Like I said, it is all still very much a work in progress, will come back with more over the weekend!