My Maker Tools: 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.