Diamond crossing - work in progress

[djm]

Excellent! It is very neat to watch the evolution and progression of this design.

After each version, I keep thinking "that's it, I'm done". I'm beginning to think that something like this is always a "work in progress"!

[UrbanErwin]

I bet it would be possible to use some copper or aluminum tape to electrify this.

I have tried this once with PF track, but it didn't work the way I would have liked. Perhaps I'll have to use a different brand.

[snowvictim]

I don't even...

[codefox421]

I have tried this once with PF track, but it didn't work the way I would have liked. Perhaps I'll have to use a different brand.

I've used this brand of copper foil tape and a different kind from Lowes or Home Depot (this one maybe?)

The copper tape is convenient since it's already the correct width and can pass current through the adhesive, but it looks a little out of place and isn't very durable. The other type of tape (aluminum I think) is more durable and looks more natural, but you'll have to cut it down to size and it has a paper backing that prevents current from flowing through the adhesive (which could be a good thing in this case).

For this, I'd try putting aluminum tape on the "rail" portions and join the sides to the middle using a combination of aluminum and copper.

[djm]

It's grey, has four limbs (well arms) and the duration is approaching the gestation duration of an elephant ... it's version 10!

This is a "teaser" photo of the actual build of the most recent version of the brick built diamond crossing.

A summary of the main differences between this version and the most recently available version (which was version 7 in the RailBrick's end-of-year competition) are;

• the Technic connectors have been moved down to the lower row
  
• the approach to connecting it to the LEGO rails has been revised
  
• the centre sections (where the lattice fences are) have been lowered by 1 plate
  
• the previously "dangly" left hand side of the "diamond" arm (as opposed to the "straight" arm) is now fixed
  
• the cross-rail middle diamond's angle is achieved without using a Technic connector
  

I aim to remove an unnecessary vestige from version 9 and then "stress" test this in the next few days. If all goes well, I'll put together some build instructions and make them available. And then I'm done. Really. Time to move onto something else (maybe Akiyuki's Ball Factory?)

[marook]

Looks really good!

[djm]

The stress test was successful. The build instructions for version 10 are available for download - please refer to the link near the top of this posting; http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=109841

Regards,

David

[MTM]

Nice work, David. I build this thing, but I'm not finished. You need very much special parts. Althought I have many parts, but the most not in dark bluish gray. But at this time, I think, it really works.

Thanks for your work.

MTM

[djm]

Nice work, David. I build this thing, but I'm not finished. You need very much special parts. Althought I have many parts, but the most not in dark bluish gray. But at this time, I think, it really works.

Thanks for your work.

MTM

Thank you.

If you haven't already done so, you may want to look at this thread to ensure you are building the most recent design.

Regards,

David

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Nice new version, very well done!