Platform Connectors

There needed to be a method for connecting platforms together to form one large model.  So to start here is the obvious straight connection.

Minimal Straight Connection

This shows the minimal straight connection.  It is studs wide and 18 studs deep.  This is built the same as the frame with a Technic 1x4 at the front and back and Technic 1x16 on the sides.  This is the minimum size that should be built or the two adjoining platforms will collide.  Using a 1x2 Technic brick on the front and back does not provide enough space.  The spacing can get bigger, but a 1x8 brick for the front and back is probably maximum. In order to maintain compatibility with the base platform, I added the three translucent light blue studs to the front.

In this case I put tan slopes on the connector and a sand green tile top. What detailing you put will depend on the space available and what you are trying to achieve.  I have some ideas for mine and that will be the subject of a later post.

Minimal Straight Connection Parts List

Just having a straight connection did not appeal to me.  After some research and stumbling onto this in a brick pile at a flea market, started looking at how to expand this idea.

Angular connection from a Brick Pile

This led to these to angled connectors.  They can be attached in either direction, which allows for the line of platforms to return back to a straight line if desired.  One is about 20 degrees and the other is about 40 degrees.  The platforms are detailed to show what might be possible.  I have yet to decide how to detail them.  More than likely they will be some kind of energy transfer points, logistic or storage areas and the like.

First is the 40 degree angular connector showing it in both directions.

40 Degree Angular Connector in turning in configuration

40 Degree angular Connector in turning out configuration

40 Degree Angular Connector Parts List

This is the 20 degree angular connector shown in two color schemes.  Please note that the quarter round tiles did not show up in the parts list.  These are not official LDraw parts yet and could not figure out how to get LPub to include them.

20 Degree Angular Connector

20 Degree Angular Connector

20 Degree Angular Connector Parts List

NOTE:  Special thanks to LDraw and MLCad, LDView, POV-Ray and LPub3D for providing the pictures and parts list.

Building a Base Platform

Inspired by the  MILS standard (Modular Integrated Landscaping System, http://www.abellon.net/MILS/, I built a platform that could be used to build large stations that would showcase the Brick Buddy^TM  and its ability to control up to four motors and 4 sets of lights (LEDs). In order to minimize the number of different parts needed, 1x16 Technic bricks are used as the base.  This creates a frame of 32x18.  1x14 Technic bricks could have been used for the sides to get a 16x32 frame, but six 6x16 plates cover it nicely and the two extra studs width has come in handy.  Here is what it looks like as a basic frame along with the parts list.

Basic Frame  18x32

Parts List for 18x32 Frame

There is no bracing in the middle shown. This will be needed to support whatever goes on the base.  The bracing is dependent on what you are building and what access will be needed.  Typically they will be 1x16 Technic bricks or 1x16 regular bricks, but could be some combination of 2x8 regular bricks and supports to the ground.

The Translucent Light Blue studs are there for the lighting in the base.  There will be several bright LEDs inside that will light this up.  Unfortunately the technic bricks are used for pins in some models, so not all holes can be filled with these.  

The color is black, since this what I want for the base.  The plates on the top can be any color and will probably be a combination of black and tan right now.  As I said earlier my intention is to use black as the base and limited accent, with tan being the primary building color.  Color is a creative decision.

Next entry will explain the three different connectors used to interconnect the bases.

Beginning Building

This the first step to the next machines.  I have decided that the black is good for the base and limited accent, but not good for buildings as the shadows disappear.  So for now I am going with black as the base, tan as the primary building color and sand green, sand blue as the primary accent colors and black for limited use.  All of the glass will be transparent light blue.  My intention is to rebuild the model on the right to fit this new scheme.

The other item done is to standardize on a 32 x 18 platform.  This is built from six technic bricks 1x16 with holes (P/N 3703).  I then built two angled connectors for the platforms.  With these two angled connectors and the obvious straight connector, very large systems can be constructed.  More on this in the next entry.