This is the LEGO alternate model for set 8285 tow truck, but it is enhanced by including a NXT brick and 3 motors for remotely driving,steering and (de)coupling the trailer!
I started with fitting in a first NXT motor directly at the drive shaft between differential and engine. Then i added a second NXT motor directly at the vertical axis for steering. Initially i wanted to add the NXT brick on the trailer, but it fitted nicely in at the back of the cabin, just behind the drivers seat.
Realizing i had another NXT motor available i figured it would be nice to use it for coupling and decoupling the trailer. After some puzzles were solved it all came together. For the coupler I happily used a solution from nxtasy.org for converting rotation in translation, thanks Guy!
For the looks i added the top spoiler and the side spoilers. I am not sure if these have parts from another set. They nicely mask the motors from the sides.
The gamepad and some Java programming allow for proportional control. It is not so hard to control this model. Picking up a trailer however requires that the trailer pin engages in the right hole, so there is some high-precision maneuvering required then!
Though the coupling mechanism could be improved as it cannot stand heavy trailers, I am satisfied with the overall result, particularly with cramming the three motors so close together.
To Nick: yes indeed it is!
This may also be apparent from what i wrote on this same page:
This is the LEGO alternate model for set 8285 tow truck, but it is enhanced by including a NXT brick and 3 motors for remotely driving,steering and (de)coupling the trailer!
