Jennifer Clark’s Demag All Terrain Crane
Jennifer Clarke has done it again: another one of her iconic models has been revisited and instructions have been made available for a small fee. The model she is offering now is the Demag All Terrain Crane. Aside from being a visually attractive model, the MOC has been extremely well documented at every stage on Jennifer’s website and the instructions are the icing on the cake: a chance to look inside and even build your own version of this magnificent model. The instructions are clear and she’s had the help of NXChase for some modifications to the model and of Blakbird for the rendering and instructions.
In order to truly appreciate this model a visit to its web page is in order. It includes an introduction into crane types, an explanation of where the inspiration for this model came from and technical descriptions with pictures and animated GIFs of such elements as the steering, suspension, outriggers, drivetrain, turntable, boom, remote and custom parts.
The original model included a number of non-lego parts. This was due to the fact that the model required a long linear actuator in order to be as similar to the original as possible and so Jennifer set about getting some specific parts which she obtained from John Barnes at HiTechnic.
The elements shown above were prototypes which to my knowledge were never released to the general public. Hitechnic has since evolved into one of the main producers of MINDSTORMS compatible sensors, but this product line appears to have been abandoned. However, in this new version of the Demag All Terrain Crane this obstacle has been solved by the inclusion of a Firgelli LEGO compatible Linear Actuator (also available through HiTechnic).
Another improvement can be found in the remote control for this model. Rather than a custom built radio control device, this redesigned version includes 4 PF IR-Receivers which means you can use standard LEGO remote controls for all the function in this model, from driving and steering to operating all functions of the arm as well as the outriggers. All these functions are operated with the help of second generation 9V motors.
A few sample pages:
You can get the instructions for this model, as well as for the Skid Steer Loader I reviewed in HispaBrick Magazine 019 and Jennifer’s JS220 Excavator at MOCplans.
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