[ Vergo's Garage ] 1/26 Brushless Race Buggy + introducing Metal Technic Parts

[vergogneless]

Hello everyone and welcome to this topic that gathers all of my projects.

For the sake of clarity and ease for everyone, everything will now happen here.

The title only concerns the current project and will change as needed.

 

To view the current project, I invite you to navigate to the latest posts in this thread

 

My old projets:

Spoiler

The Small and Fast Brushless Lego Buggy

 

 

Mini Brushless Lego Trophy Truck!

 

 

 

The Tiny Brushless Cross Hot-Rod

 

 

 

Brushless Lego RC - 1:28 scale

 

 

The NEW mini Brushless Trophy Truck – Pneumatic Suspension+Ball Bearings

No video yet!

 

Another mini Brushless Trophy Truck - The experimentation continues

No video yet!

 

I am officially delving into the improved version of my favorite LEGO RC, the one I take everywhere and have drained countless batteries enjoying it without ever getting tired.

 

However, it still has several flaws:

• The front wheels gradually detach, requiring regular intervention to tighten them.
• Friction on all moving parts.
• Even though it's very powerful, it only runs on 2S because the ESC is too weak.
• Slightly lacking stability on sharp turns (occasionally flips).

To address all of these, I have several objectives:

• Use front hubs to securely fasten the wheels.
• These hubs have built-in ball bearings, and additional ones will be installed throughout the rear transmission + rear carbon axle
• Utilize an ESC that supports 3S batteries and make use of them.
• Lengthen the chassis by 1 stud and widen it by 1 stud.
• Place the battery lengthwise instead of widthwise.

 

I hope that the overall setup will withstand the power of the 3S.

 

Here are some photos of the work in progress:

Regarding the design, I don't have any ideas yet, as usual. It will come to me as I progress.

 

 

 

Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback!

 

Edited December 4, 2024 by vergogneless

[Johnny1360]

As someone who has been following your progress, I must say it would be much easier if it were all contained in one thread, instead of spread out through 4 or 5 different ones.

Anyway looking forward to seeing what's next.

 

[Krxlion]

2 hours ago, Johnny1360 said:

As someone who has been following your progress, I must say it would be much easier if it were all contained in one thread, instead of spread out through 4 or 5 different ones.

Anyway looking forward to seeing what's next.

 

Same thing from my side as well. I like your models, they are each time better and better, but maybe it would be good to modify one topic and call it for example "vergogneless workshop".

[vergogneless]

@Johnny1360 Thank you for the idea! It's true that I'm starting to clutter the topic list. I'll think about how to present it and how to implement it directly from this topic.

@Krxlion We posted almost at the same time! Thank you as well for your message, I duly take note of it :D 

 

As for the progress, I've found the best possible configuration for placing the electronic components. The weight distribution is nearly perfect throughout the chassis.

I've done some tests at home, and the power it generates is simply incredible. I'll need to reprogram the ESC because the acceleration is too abrupt at startup. This thing is going to be really fast!

I'll try not to overload it with too many parts for the body; I want to keep it compact and lightweight. I'm considering giving it an entirely gray design as a change. Maybe with small touches of yellow.

Edited June 22, 2023 by vergogneless

[vergogneless]

Here I am with some updates!

I'm not completely satisfied with the design, but I worked with what I had. I haven't received my gray flex rods yet, so I might make some modifications later.

Nevertheless, it lives up to its promises. It's incredibly lightweight at 364g.

I reprogrammed the ESC, and it made a world of difference. After doing it, I realize it was absolutely necessary. To put it into perspective, I would say it's now a firm hand in a velvet glove.

I adjusted the start to be soft and lowered the throttle response, while still keeping 100% power. Now, I can perform smooth and seamless starts at very low speeds without any jerking. But I can also press the throttle and go for a burn.

This is officially my most compact, lightweight, and powerful LEGO RC creation.

It handles the power of 3S without any issues, thanks to the ball bearings. They are definitely a game-changer for my projects.

 

[vergogneless]

Definitely, the previous design didn't suit me well. I gradually modified certain parts of the bodywork until I reached a kind of higher level in terms of overall appearance. The weight didn't suffer too much, only an additional 12g.

What do you think about it?

[vergogneless]

Greetings to all!

I apologize for the absence of videos showcasing my previous models; I have been quite occupied as of late, prioritizing the limited time I have towards the construction of a new model.

Soon, I will embark on a vacation, and I wished to bring along a single model, one that would be as versatile as possible, but above all, compact and lightweight enough to fit snugly within a backpack. Its sole purpose would be the pursuit of performance.

While my previous vehicle is indeed super compact and lightweight, it lacks versatility due to its little wheels and limited ground clearance.

Unfortunately, within my garage, I was unable to find precisely what I sought. None of my off-road models met the requirements perfectly. They were either too large, too heavy, excessively cumbersome, or plagued by flaws and inadequate suspension systems.

 

Therefore, I endeavored to extract the finest qualities from each, while introducing a few innovations of my own.

 

As you can observe, I have forsaken the use of a steering rack. It is as if I am directly connected to the servo motor, resulting in remarkably swift and responsive steering, accompanied by an undeniable increase in precision. Furthermore, this approach grants a significant advantage: I gain an additional stud in height on the front axle, all while enhancing ground clearance. I am delighted to have explored this methodology, for I believe I shall never be able to revert to the previous arrangement.

Naturally, without the gyroscope, control becomes dreadfully uncontrollable. The car careens from side to side in a nameless horror.

It took me some time to reattempt this system, as I had previously endeavored to employ it with my BuWizz and an L motor for steering. The result was catastrophic, and henceforth, I held a decidedly unfavorable impression of this approach.

The secret, as always, lies in the gyroscope, enabling me to enjoy the benefits of this principle without succumbing to its drawbacks!

 

For the first time, I have succeeded in articulating both the front and rear suspension without encountering any issues pertaining to the remainder of the construction or impeding the driving experience.

Furthermore, I have reinforced the motor mount and consistently integrated parts with ball bearings.

 

In terms of design, there is no superfluous element. It is stripped down, with each component serving solely to protect the electronic equipment and enhance overall durability. Though I vaguely attempted to maintain visual coherence, its true strength does not lie in its beauty; that is an indisputable fact.

Its real forte, however, lies in its performance. It measures a mere 14.5 cm in length and weighs a mere 307g. When in motion, it epitomizes the finest handling I have ever achieved. I appreciate how weight distribution has been executed, rendering it nearly impervious to fortuitous flip. And above all, the supple tires, coupled with elastic suspension, provide unparalleled flexibility. The instant steering response brings immense pleasure.

Moreover, it possesses the customary swiftness attributable to the brushless motor, a 3S battery, and the appropriate ESC settings.

 

Edited July 8, 2023 by vergogneless

[Bluehose]

Nice

[vergogneless]

Hello everyone!

 

It's been a little while since I last posted because I had to prioritize my personal and professional life for a few changes.

 

I'm back with a head full of ideas and a brand new mini RC model, because obviously, my attraction to small scales hasn't changed.

 

I've taken the base of my previous best creation (regarding the smallest wheels)

 

 

To further correct some flaws or things that weren't quite right.

 

The ultimate goal remains to have a vehicle available to take anywhere to achieve high speeds, and one that can sustain this pace at all costs.

 

Here's what I've modified:

 

• The motor box, much better built, locked in all axes this time. The gears can no longer jump or get damaged; I can accelerate to the max without risk of damage, even on 3S.
• Completely revised suspension system. I no longer use elastics. Indeed, I noticed that they lose tension over time and degrade. So, I'm switching back to spring shock absorbers that I've crafted myself. They are softer than Lego's "soft" versions, therefore more suitable in my case. The big novelty on this model is that the front is now also affected, for better driving comfort and no longer systematically lifting off at the slightest pebble passing under the wheel.
• The rear axle has a slight controlled lateral roll thanks to the grip of the shock absorbers, offering a slight travel of about 1.5cm. Sufficient.
• Total redesign of the front axle. The biggest problem came from there, too fragile. So, I'm trying another method that I think will be effective in the long run.
• Placing the electronics as close to the ground as possible to have the lowest possible center of gravity. I also reinforced the chassis with additional vertical locks.

 

All these modifications involve an increase in length and width of only 1 stud (between each wheel).

 

Note that I did not hesitate to modify parts (mainly cutting).

 

And above all, I discovered a new trick to lock the wheels on the axles. You just have to slide small pieces of silicone tubes onto the axles, slightly undersized to completely lock the wheels. It's flawlessly efficient!

Otherwise, the electronics remain the same, still ball bearings at all moving parts, and a carbon rear axle. Light lubrication on the gears only.

 

Dimensions: 20x11x8cm Wheelbase=13cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I've covered everything, in case you have any questions or remarks!

 

As for the next steps, I'm thinking of going back to 1:24 scale with wheels of 50 to 60mm in diameter. The novelty at this level will be the tires; I've invested in 5x4 real RC tires that fit perfectly on Lego rims. I will have diameters between 50 and 72mm.

The order shouldn't be long now!

In this one, there are also small 45mm oil-filled suspensions that I will adapt to Lego. If this solution is viable, it could be a new game changer for future creations.

[Ryokeen]

Lego should do something like that, would be a top seller. Small and looks like a lot of fun to drive indoors aswell. As a kid(or even now) i would have saved up several years of birthsdays to have something like that. Nice work dude :)

[vergogneless]

5 hours ago, Ryokeen said:

Lego should do something like that, would be a top seller. Small and looks like a lot of fun to drive indoors aswell. As a kid(or even now) i would have saved up several years of birthsdays to have something like that. Nice work dude :)

Thank you, that means a lot to me, and I think you couldn't have given me a better compliment. Your image speaks volumes 

 

Here's a quick one-minute video to enjoy some high-speed moments and a bit of driving. I'll make something more elaborate very soon!

Having a lot of fun with this model, the securely held wheels provide immense satisfaction because you can really push it to the limit and it doesn't flinch a bit! I've been driving it almost non-stop for nearly 20 minutes, chaining together high-speed runs and aggressive driving. I truly believe it's perfected; for the first time, I see nothing to improve, nothing to add, nothing to remove.

 

[gyenesvi]

That looks pretty agile on the video, nice work!

[vergogneless]

On 5/10/2024 at 1:59 PM, gyenesvi said:

That looks pretty agile on the video, nice work!

Indeed, it's very enjoyable; it's lively, fast, and reliable. A finished model that I will keep and enjoy using!

 

 

Otherwise, I'm back today with an entirely new model that brings me just as much pleasure and is much more versatile.

What prompted this design was receiving my 50mm Yeahrun tires. They literally change the game, providing the softness I've been seeking for so long and a handling that is incomparable. In short, a game changer.

With this in mind, I decided to attempt another mini off-road model, but even more compact than anything I've done before! I wanted a significant steering angle, a front and rear suspension system, and a focus on robustness.

• I'm very satisfied with the steering angle; it's very practical indoors, and the feel is much better outdoors, without feeling limited.
• For the suspension system, I used a completely new method: the front and rear axles do not bend from the bottom of the chassis but from the top. So, the travel is outward rather than inward, preventing it from hitting the components in the middle.
• Finally, the design prioritizes strength to avoid disintegration in case of crashes or rollovers. It works quite well!

The same electronic components as usual were used.

Regarding the dimensions:

• 417g
• 15.5x11x9cm

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the result, which I invite you to enjoy in the video.

 

A small bonus:

This tiny model built for fun, which is only really useful indoors but is relatively fun to drive. The problem is the tires are too hard.

The other unique aspect of this model is that I managed to integrate a vertical front suspension system using springs. I think I could have done the same for the rear if I had focused on it. It runs on 2S, which is sufficient.

Dimensions:

• 12.5x9x7.5cm

 

 

 

 

 

I'm already thinking about making it even more compact, this time with smaller wheels. Stay tuned.

[vergogneless]

Hello everyone,

I'm thrilled to share my return to designing RC Lego models with brushless motors and hobby-grade RC components.
The big change from last year is that I’m now incorporating metal parts, which are essential to achieve the level of performance I’m aiming for: full-on bashing on roads and trails!

My primary goal remains creating small-scale models in 1/28 to 1/24 scale. The idea is to have something compact, fun, and durable that I can take anywhere.
These vehicles must handle high speeds of 40–50 km/h (or more) while maintaining near-perfect handling and long-term durability (no slack or wear developing over time for any reason).

Challenges I faced before using metal parts:

• Wheel hubs: Even with ball bearings, they weren’t suitable. Plastic would melt due to friction, wear would worsen over time, leading to imprecise steering and wheels loosening over time (especially on the front axle).
• Motor mount: Either not strong enough or too bulky, causing gears to skip during heavy acceleration bursts.
• Plastic gears: Prone to breaking, even with lubrication.
• Structural rigidity: Required excessive pieces to strengthen the front and rear axles, as high speeds exerted significant stress on the build.

How metal parts solved these issues:

• Metal wheel hubs: Fully equipped with ball bearings. Axle secured with two transverse screws and three front-facing screws for a solid wheel/rim attachment.
• Pin connectors: Metal connectors with screws at each end, available in 1L ¾, 2L, 3L, and longer (they can interconnect). These allow secure locking of any model sections, including the front steering assembly and rear motor mount.
• Metal gears: Lubricated and securely fixed, they’re virtually unbreakable and stay perfectly in place during heavy acceleration bursts.

Presenting my latest build:

The Race Buggy in 1/26 scale addresses all the above issues!

 

 

Dimensions:

• Length: 15.5 cm
• Width: 8.8 cm (11.5 cm with wheels)
• Height (highest point): 8.5 cm
• Weight: 456 g with a 3S battery

Electronics:

• Brushless motor: A2212 1000KV
• ESC: Surpass Hobby 35A
• Receiver: DumboRC X6FG
• Transmitter: DumboRC X6PM 350 (with gyro on)
• Battery: 2S 400mAh or 3S 450mAh

Mechanics:

• Gear ratio: 1/3.5
• Steel pinion gear
• Front suspension: Rubber bands
• Rear suspension: Custom soft springs
• Rear axle: Free-moving with aluminum shaft
• Ball bearings on the motor shaft and rear axle
• Metal front hubs with ball bearings
• Positive caster angle
• Multiple metal pin connectors with screws for locking connections and eliminating slack

Suspension and handling tweaks:

 

 

I spent considerable time fine-tuning the suspension system to eliminate bouncing. It’s deliberately set to remain slightly loose, staying at ¾ compression to provide a “cloud-like” effect that smooths out surface irregularities.

For the rear suspension, I use 2 custom springs much softer than the Lego “soft” springs, which are too stiff for a lightweight model like this.

 

The rear axle is also free-floating (attached to the chassis via three 2L rubber beams), allowing slight travel and improving overall handling.

Design and initial results:

I prioritized aesthetics over external durability this time, but we’ll see if I regret that decision after a flip at 30+ km/h, haha!

 

 

So far, I’ve done some indoor tests (it’s been raining non-stop), and I’m satisfied—my expectations have been met.

The model handles heavy acceleration bursts on 3S without issue. The gears don’t skip or grind, and there are no suspicious noises in the drivetrain.

Thanks to the fully locked and precise steering assembly, handling is flawless.

Final thoughts:

It’s incredibly reassuring to know that everything is solid and reliable. I can’t wait to test it outdoors!

[2GodBDGlory]

Looks like a lot of fun!