Posted February 20, 20223 yr This started in the 42141 MOD's and improvements topic, but as pointed out, this is not really a MOD anymore. So I'll start a separate WIP topic instead. I normally don't do MODs of existing sets, but being a Formula 1 fan, having a cat called Norris (yes for that reason) and looking at the crude version of the LEGO version I couldn't help it to give it a try myself at the 2022 McLaren formula 1 car... This is what I've accomplished so far: Ambition is to get a bit more of the aerodynamic and technical features right and a smoother bodywork. 8D+N+R gearbox: Yes, designed a special version of @Anto's compact gearbox where the two wave selectors are behind each other instead of next to each other. This way the cokebottle shape can be as slim as possible. Flappy pedals: Yes (but still to be tested as everything is virtual until now) Flappy pedals rotating with the steering wheel: No. I tried to fit @Charbel's unique design, but the steering column got just to big to fit in that tight space V6 fake engine: Yes. It fits very snuggly between the two big panels. The big airintake tube is right above it. Pushrod suspension in the rear: Yes. I now simply used the suspension setup I designed for the Valkyrie as a placeholder. This will need modifications for sure, but it sort of shows the proof of concept. Venturi tunnels in the floor: Yes, the somewhat strange stacked panel setup is used to create two low channels that run from the front to back. They also have the curved inlet and outlet expansion areas. For me this is really a must for a proper 2022 F1 car. The groundeffect floor is one of the key regulation changes this year, so I feel that should be in. Plus it is very cool physics at play. Smooth bodywork: Yes. Another must have I would say. Today's F1 cars are modelled like molten wax statues, there is no hard edge in sight. Sticking to the regular grid doesn't do the cars justice. I will be taken some artistic liberties though. I'd rather have a smooth looking curvy shape that doesn't match the original exactly, than have a cluttered mm-perfect replica. Plus it is really hard to deduce the real shape from the few pictures we have so far And with that, a smooth halo: yes. I don't know what design constraints LEGO had imposed on them(selves), but just compare this design to the official one... And with just 4 parts... Correct livery: No. I would love to say yes here, but the real car has so many wavy patterns that is just impossible to recreate without stickers. I may go for medium blue as an accent colour instead of the regular blue as I love that combination with orange. Ambitionlist: Pullrod suspension in the front: This may be on of the biggest differences with respect to the other teams (or maybe Aston Martin is the odd one out with their pushrod design). Either way, McLaren have chosen pullrod, so that is the way (oh, wait, that's someone else's line). Removeable front nose and rearwing: This is the standard for years already in F1, so how hard can it be? Functional DRS mechanism: As I don't consider moving a few parts by hand advanced technology.. Still have to think how to operate this, it will for sure not be a small-LA as that is way too slow. And ideally I get some lever in the cockpit, but space is already getting very tight under the bodywork. And the cockpit itself is pretty cramped as it is. Removable headrest-siderest-thingy: The foam thing the drivers have to take out before they can leave the car. Frontwheel winglets that steer with the wheel: Haven't looked at this one yet, but given the bulkiness of LEGO parts this one could be tricky Proper wheel sizes: Don't know. Here I am a bit on the fence. I don't really like the solution LEGO has chosen with tumbler tires with round plates, but using Porsche, Lambo or Sian wheels in the back also doesn't feel right. I always try to avoid using too old parts, so using the Silverchampion wheels in the back is not an attractive option for me (even though I might even still have some lying around). The Defender wheels could maybe work, but I actually like the curved edge of the Tumbler tires better than the straight edge of the Defender tires (especially the ridges along the edge are very non-F1). So maybe the Tumbler tires are the best compromise after all... What do you guys/girls think? [UPDATE] Here is my take on the front suspension. It is a pullrod design, with minimal height between the wishbones. This way I was able to taper the top section much earlier. Still to be build in real life to test for strength and height. The nose can be attached/detached separately with two pins. Comments, critique, feedback welcome as always. Edited February 20, 20223 yr by Jeroen Ottens
February 20, 20223 yr Front suspension looks promising, but I agree presented livery would be impossible to copy without custom stickers... Black hallo looks better IMHO..
February 20, 20223 yr Interesting project. Those kidns of suspension are always a fun challenge to design. Seeing this almost makes me want to try a F1-type car again as well. Anyhow, this looks like a promising start. I'm not sure about the connection of the lower suspension arms with the body; looks like it would separate. Is it possible to use the 3x5 dogbone part to connect the lower left and right suspension arms? Also, there are some parts intersecting at the wheel mount. The 3x1 crossblock will have to go, and then you can extend the 1x2x0.5 beam that holds the pullrod to 1x5x0.5; that would also increase strength.
February 20, 20223 yr Author 32 minutes ago, Erik Leppen said: Interesting project. Those kidns of suspension are always a fun challenge to design. Seeing this almost makes me want to try a F1-type car again as well. Anyhow, this looks like a promising start. I'm not sure about the connection of the lower suspension arms with the body; looks like it would separate. Is it possible to use the 3x5 dogbone part to connect the lower left and right suspension arms? Also, there are some parts intersecting at the wheel mount. The 3x1 crossblock will have to go, and then you can extend the 1x2x0.5 beam that holds the pullrod to 1x5x0.5; that would also increase strength. Thanks for comments. You are absolutely right about the parts collision. I hadn't noticed it myself , your proposed fix works like a charm. I use a dogbone in the rear part, but not in the front. I'll have a look whether I can fit one there as well.
December 17, 20222 yr i really like that front suspension. in my MOC for the set 42141 i didn't use the springs but used axles as torsion bars for the suspension. The rear is good but at the front i'm still not satisfied with my setup because i wanted the nose-part as slim as possible.
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