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853/956 Auto Chassis
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 Click the image to download the LDraw file of this model. Model by Koyan |
Features |
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Steering
The front wheels can be steered using a wheel at the driver's
position. As can be seen in the computer generated image, the
wheel drives an axle connected to an 8 tooth pinion gear via a
pair of universal joints. The pinion
drives an identical pinion to reverse the direction of rotation so that
the wheels will turn the direction of the steering wheel. The
second axle and pinion drive a rack. The rack uses links to
attach to the control arms of the steering mechanism. The
steering mechanism itself uses 6
traditional 2x2 swivels with 2 pair allowing rotation of the wheels
about the vertical axis and another pair acting as control arms
attached to the rack gear. Simple axles allow the wheels to
rotate freely. |
 Click for an animation of the steering in motion. |
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Engine and
Transmission
The engine uses the offset axle holes of the 24 tooth gears to make a
crankshaft. Connectors placed end to end and clocked 90 degrees
form rods which connect to 4 specialized 2x2 square pistons. The
"cylinders" are actually square. A 40 tooth gear on the front of
the engine acts like a harmonic balancer, and the upper "timing gear"
actually has no function.The engine also has a number of aesthetic features such as cooling fins (suggesting this engine is air cooled) and an exhaust manifold. The manifold doesn't connect to any pipes, so this engine would be really loud! Behind the engine is a 2 speed gearbox / transmission (see computer image). The central axle and 8 tooth pinion gear translate forward and aft. This pinion gear is driven by the rear wheels through the drive shaft by a 24 tooth gear. When the shifter is forward, as shown, it drives the lower 8 tooth gear which feeds the crankshaft directly. This results in a 3:1 ratio between the wheels and the engine. The upper axle simply goes along for the ride. When the shifter is moved back, it drives the upper 8 tooth gear, adding an extra level of gear reduction. This results in a 9:1 ratio between the wheels and the engine. The gearbox is not synchronized in any way, so it is difficult to shift gears since they tend not to be aligned. The slight vibration in the animation was probably caused by the thump of the bass in the killer sound system. |
 Click for an animation of the engine in motion. |
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Rear End
The rear end of the car consists of a continuous live axle, fed through
a set of 24 tooth gears to the drive shaft. There is no
differential gear, so both rear wheels must turn at the same
speed. This requires that one of them skid when turning.There are a pair of links which simulate shock absorbers, but these can actually not change length and provide no suspension function. |
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Seats
The front bucket seats are constructed entirely from bricks and can be
moved forward and back via a rack and pinion system controlled on
either side of the seat. The range of motion is quite large, as
can be seen in the animation.The rear bench seat is not adjustable, but the armrest can be stowed. |
 Click for an animation of the seats in motion. |
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Wheels and Tires
This set uses four foam 24x43 tires and wheels, the biggest
foam tire that LEGO® made. |
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Other Views |
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Side View |
Top View |
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Front View
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Computer Render |
