Posted June 22, 201311 yr I have been interested a lot in the flex system lately and have been reading about it a lot. It seems very useful, but unfortunately I do not have any. The one major problem that the flex system is too flexy and most of all too weak. It is merely a great idea that has not reached its full potential, but the coolest thing made with the flex system is Marvin G.'s 1:7 scale super car IMHO. The braking push-pull system is ingenious, but if it was motorized by say a pf motor, the flex system would not be able to handle the torque, but a linkage even with 1 x 6 or 1 x 9 links is much less realistic. So I am proposing metal flex cables for many uses including steering, braking, etc. They would probably be relatively easy to make (or even find at Lowe's) and would be much cheaper than the discontinued plastic ones, so the only real expense would be the connectors which are much less expensive. I wish Lego had more spur gear sizes though, I want to make a trail bike with working gear shifting and brakes like this. I think this would be a perfect use for the flex system and just wish the cables could be stronger. Sound like a good idea? Please feel free to post comments and criticism, and just hope Lego is reading this!
June 23, 201311 yr Since the flex cables only work IN TENSION, they would have to be PULLING on something that could automatically return to its normal position after the tension is released. Gravity could pull the load back into position, or the flex cables could be operated in pairs (pulling both ends of a seesaw, for example).
June 23, 201311 yr I've actually tried to make a custom one with pneumatic hose and thin picture frame hanging steel cable. But I haven't got time to continue on it. I chose pneumatic hose because its cheap and more accessible than other types of housing for the cable. But I found out that Rigid 3mm D hose is better because it can fit through a technic pin. Only problem with that is the limited stock they have on bricklink and they are more expensive. Im looking forward to what you can come up with.
June 23, 201311 yr I very want that too, that is very nice to detailing Cars etc... We have solution, Make it yourself. I very want that too, that is very nice to detailing Cars etc... We have solution, Make it yourself.
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