Posted August 17, 201311 yr Hello Since I came here looking for third party tyres I can't stop whinning about them but now I want to go beyond that and I whine about Lego treads. I love them but hell those are Lego eels. How to improve it's grip? Some use rubber bads, or gromments, or some other not so good solution. Grommets look like the best option but the new tread design has only two holes and I don´t think it can get the kind of grip I am looking for. So Here is my approach and before I apply them to a few dozen treads I want some input Disclaimer: No treads where damaged on this mod. Well there is some rubber, a couple rivets; I think you can start gettin de idea The head of the rivet will fit in the deceased rim of the hole but wont pass througth it. The washers are for the other side. Aplying too much forcre on then rivet will make it cut trougth the layer of rubber, so it must be tight but must be cut by hand, and filed afterwars... Cut by hand, you can see where some filing is needed. Well it did not work. Even after cutting the excess of ruber the washer gets in the way and causes some friction. The head protudes a bit too much and I hate rivets. Screw that!! The nut does not cause friction. The exact amount of torque can be applied so the rubber wont break It's easy to do and can be easily repaired in the field The screw head does not protude. Heavy duty Using an old inner tube as rubber source this is cheap! Ok I did not test it. It is just a concept. So what do you think guys? Edit: Before running out of screws.... I need to trim some rubber bits, but the screws don't touch the gear. Later I'll get some more screws and finish it. Edited August 17, 201311 yr by aol000xw
August 17, 201311 yr Author I'll quote myself Some use rubber bads, or gromments I know that solution, but I felt it a bit weak, there is way more rubber here, is stronger, and somehow protects a bit the treads from terrain. On the other hand I need shorter screws, 1 or 2mm and the treads become 1 stud wider (half on each side), so it is not a direct replacement.
August 17, 201311 yr Have you noticed that TLG are introducing a new part with the Mindstorms EV3 Education expansion set? Its a rubber inset specially made to fit inside the holes of the plastic track. For more info, please follow the link: http://www.technicbricks.com/2013/05/tbs-techtalk-12-about-track-inserts.html I intend to wait and see if they are what i expect them to be. Maybe you'll want to wait for them too :)
August 17, 201311 yr Author Oh, didn't know! Those are nice! but why so narrow? At the beggining with rivets I wasn't sure, but with the screws this is costing me next to nothing and can be undone with ease, so I will give it a try. And somehow I like the looks
August 17, 201311 yr For sure your add-ons will weigh much more than the original track itself. I wonder how the original 8043 can handle that.. BTW, to save some time and energy, you can use this part, specifically made for lego tracks. If you live in the US, it can be ordered by the bag (as someone said in the forums)
August 17, 201311 yr The new pieces from the mindstorm sets actually are pretty close to what is used on real life armored vehicles, like tanks and IFVs.. Although they are there used mainly to protect the surface on which they drive, not for traction (weight and surface area is more than enough in most cases).. I just wish these new pieces came in black, not red:-)
August 17, 201311 yr I preffer this http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=508922 or this http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=408143
August 17, 201311 yr For sure your add-ons will weigh much more than the original track itself. I wonder how the original 8043 can handle that.. BTW, to save some time and energy, you can use this part, specifically made for lego tracks. If you live in the US, it can be ordered by the bag (as someone said in the forums) What do you mean order by the bag?
August 17, 201311 yr read this: http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=78055 http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/rubber_attachment_for_track_element_parts_pack/2673 Edited August 17, 201311 yr by francisalmario
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