DalaGStanator's Customs, Mods and Experiments

Sometime after I found Black RoboBrain's gearbox design, I noticed multiple versions of propeller driven "cars" and recalled having spare propellers for quadcopters. Until I could build another gearbox I could actually call "fail safe", I wanted to try building a Schienenzeppelin that would use its propeller for power. Due to the long wheelbase, I made sure the axles would be able to "rock" side to side without bogies. The yellow LED for the headlight(s) was only a temporary test fit, and white ones would've been used instead.

The current prop is a spare one from an FX-6Ci, which should definitely be able to move it because it's bigger than the original's. Thinking it would "keep the weight down", I used paper alone to shape the nose and painted with a silver marker (explaining the crude finish). If I hadn't focused on trying to use the prop for power, I would've used clay or moulding paste to actually smoothen it. With a 2x AAA pack (3V), all it can do at the moment is drift sideways and turn like a Vibrobot. Would've liked to use a 9V battery (like almost all the propeller cars), but I'd need a connector for it since it can't just be wired to the motor. Powered or not, I'm excited to build new models for that system again.

Update:



I found the cause of the problem. All I had to do was replace the A (white) prop with a B (red) one, because the A props are for yaw and pitch (hence why it "drifted and turned" or didn't move at all). Not only does it work now, but I don't even need more than 3V or any gearing to make it reach the right speeds. Now that it uses the right prop, it can still move even with slightly less power. From the moment it's placed on the ground, the thing can "take off" in an instant. When placed on the track (or carpet), however - it's not strong enough to move even a bit. I thought it would easily derail and turn over due to how fast it was on the floor and desk. Had to rule out TOMY/TrackMaster track because the prop is too low and hits both systems. If I'll ever rebuild it, I'll most likely fit the prop onto a separate shaft and use gears/a belt drive anyway.