Ah, so what you're saying, is that because it's metal and not plastic, then it's all right to go 3rd party. So 3rd party pneumatics/linear actuators are OK? The pistons in those products are made of metal. As are many of the components in the various motors. Again, where do you stop?

I don't pretend to know the answer to this..... and surely I am not offering some sort of definitive argument.... but I think yea, in essence, you captured it well when you state if its metal and not plastic then its alright to go third party. But I'll just add two things.... first, I am not saying its "alright" - this sounds like I am making some judgment or something. I don't even pretend to wield that kind of opinion!!! I am simply saying that some might find it more acceptable... second... you still ask, again where do you stop as if there is some infinite amount of options when sticking to your own statement of "if its metal and not plastic"... which is exactly my point. Yes, that is where you stop because although there may be a good number of Lego elements that have metal in them we can avoid the buffoonery of applying the "where do you stop" query to applications such as exchanging regular Lego liftarms with these:

Or in other words exchanging plastic with metal. I don't think many would be okay with this..... this defeats the purpose of Lego. And... for the record, many seem pretty open to using third party actuators, pneumatic tubing, etc.....

I cheated and drilled out the axle hole in the pulley. I know you can get 3d printed ones from effermans shape way shop, but at £1.84 each was to much when my crane uses nearly 40 of them! I really need ones with a deeper groove so the string doesn't jump out all the time. Here's a link to shapeways http://www.shapeways...tionId=19923231 and the reeving I have to do on the rear of my crane https://www.flickr.c...05/16307460041/

I did this same thing a while ago. Documented it here:

http://mocpages.com/moc.php/420370

Personally, I think that 1:50 scale crane parts are far too small for most Lego creations. Plus, with Lego hooks, I have found out the hard way that most hooks can not actually have more than 3 falls of winch line without there being issues with lack of weight on the hook not providing enough tension.

Really depends on what you are building and using the hook for. In this build

The hook block I built was pretty much the same size as the HB I got from the die cast metal model I got. However, I bought the diecast crane after the build.... wished I would have used the diecast version.

I had to delete the invalid chars at the end of your link but it worked... OK... so 500$ for the crane and additional 500$ for luffing jib etc... hmm...

Max...

Very expensive, I know, I know. It really depends where your hobbies lie I guess. Lego is, and always will be the funnest for me and my number one hobby. But I dabble in RC cars and models as well.... and I love it. I know others on the forum do as well. For what it is worth, if you can afford it, I highly recommend the crane. I likely will be buying another, large crane in the future, likely a crawler or something. It was a lot of fun to assemble and display.

Point taken I did not intend to change the subject/topic or what ever feel this topic should have...

Nice to see how we all think different about what is LEGO and what not, what is third party and what not... :laugh:

Not a problem at all. And I agree.... I like to hear and discuss others opinions on all things related to Lego. That is the purpose of the forum and it works so well when everyone plays nice

Edited November 15, 20159 yr by nerdsforprez

Your local public library may offer free or inexpensive 3D printing. I have used a my local library to print a LEGO compatible holder for a SG90 servo motor. There are plenty of free STL designs for download and software to design your own stuff.

WHAT?!? Where do you live? I'd love it if I could go to my library and print stuff.

how about alternative brick built hooks?.....since the metal hook is crazy expensive!

any design ideas?

how about alternative brick built hooks?.....since the metal hook is crazy expensive!

any design ideas?

Infinite number of possibilities here..... but like has already been pointed out in the post; lack of weight (unless you build something crazy big) and lack of a true pulley, or at least one that is relatively reasonable to build with. To build a true pulley system into a hook block with Lego it would have to be crazy wide. Or..... drill out the middle of the pulley wheels, which... is "cheating" according to purists anyways.....

WHAT?!? Where do you live? I'd love it if I could go to my library and print stuff.

I'm in Canada. One of my friends lives in a town where the local public library has funding for free 3D printing for its residences. Mine charges $1 plus 2 or 3 cents per minute. I'm trying to convince him to get a library card and learn to upload my STL files. It's worthwhile to check out your local library or school to see if it is something they offer.