Building a Cat-Sized Lego Train

Показать описание

Building an RC Lego train that cats can ride in with 3D printed rails and wheels. My 2 cats Cookie and Muffin are tired of walking, they’d rather travel by Lego train.

Lego isn't designed for building a large train that can carry cats because it lacks large wheels and rails for smooth movement. To solve this, 3D printing was used to create these parts. The rail switches use magnets or rubber for automatic changing. The bogies have a suspension system to handle uneven tracks and curve tilts, with each wheel powered by a strong, compact Lego L motor. The axles are made of aluminium to avoid bending under the weight.

The bogies feature an automatic coupling system like those in American trains, which can be opened using air pressure.

The train's frame is flexible and only sturdy when combined with the outer shell, it keeps the train low for easy boarding. This frame also contains pipes for door operation and coupling, along with wiring for non-Lego LED lights.

The train is powered by 3 Lego Powered Up hubs, allowing for extra sensors to automate the train further.

The carriages are designed like trams, the only type suitable for transporting cats, as the cat's weight helps with wheel-rail friction. A standard locomotive would need to be very heavy to pull cat-filled carriages.

The train has an open roof for quick cat exits.

Programming was done with the Lego Powered Up app, enabling light color changes with direction and control over pneumatic valves through servos.

I introduced the cats gradually to the train to make sure they aren’t scared of it.

Chapters:

00:00 Sizing
00:50 Wheels
02:37 Coupling
04:25 Frame
05:08 Motors
06:13 Pneumatic
07:06 Lighting
07:57 Shell
09:10 App
09:57 Test Drive
11:23 Introduction Cats
12:28 Cats in Train

App for train control: Lego Powered Up

Please note: I get a commission if you buy via Amazon & Bambulab links above. Thanks for your support.

Music:
Geographer - Arpeggisynth
The Green Orbs - Snack Time

#bricktechnology
#legotechnic
#lego
#asmr
#engineering
#legotrain
#train
#cats

Рекомендации по теме

Комментарии

Thank you so much for all the positive vibes in the comments! I've never seen so much support on one of my videos before, and it means a lot to me.

Let me address some common questions: This project has been the most challenging and intense video I've ever tackled. It took a solid two months to bring this video to life, with the first month entirely devoted to designing and perfecting the train.

I considered using Lego tracks, but the cost would have been astronomical—nearly 10 times more than my 3D printed version. Plus, I wouldn't have been able to customize the tracks as I did. Lego is always making new parts, so I figured, why not do the same?

I'd really like to share the STL files for the tracks and wheels with you all. However, I'm hesitant for two reasons: Firstly, there's the issue of people selling STL files they don't own, which I want to avoid. Secondly, these files aren't ready to use right off the printer; they require significant adjustments, especially the switch tracks, and unfortunately, I just don't have the time to make them user-friendly.

As for the cost of this video, it's a bit tricky to calculate since I used a lot of parts from my existing Lego collection and already owned one of the printers. But to give you an idea:

- additional Bambulab P1S Printer: 750 Euro
- 3D Printing Filament (18Kg): Around 250 Euro
- Electronics: 100 Euro
- Lego Parts from Bricklink: 600 Euro

Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to the electric bill.

Overall, I invested about 1700 Euro into this project, without any guarantee that my cats would even be interested in the train.

Getting my cats accustomed to the train was probably the toughest part. They're naturally curious and playful, but anything new and moving can spook them. We took it slow, introducing the train in the living room and making it a cozy spot for them by playing nearby and offering treats only around or inside the train.

Filming the train scenes took a whole week. There were times when the cats weren't feeling it, and other times they loved it but the footage didn't turn out. It was definitely a challenge, but our top priority was making sure the cats were having fun. This would’t have been possible without my fiancee.

A project like this is always a gamble, not knowing if the time and money invested will pay off. But fulfilling this childhood dream for myself and sharing it with others has been incredibly rewarding. I've never enjoyed making a video as much as this one. I love trains, I love lego and I love cats.

BrickTechnology

I am particularly impressed that you invested such an enormous amount of time, money, and engineering into something based almost entirely on whether or not a cat would like it.

mattchstick

i think we can all agree that the cats were just an excuse for him to build this mechanical masterpiece?

foreiveralone

Can't wait for the sequel: Train Sized Lego Cat

seriousnorbo

This guy is the definition of "If I ever win the lottery I won't tell anyone, but there will be signs"

pyrojr_

I am usually impressed by the amount of engineering that goes in your contraptions, but the patience needed to get cats to do anything is even more astonishing. You're an awesome cat parent.

BeastOfSoda

Combining 3D printing and lego has always been a genius idea. It can just bridge the gap of "there should be a part for this"

JustinKoenigSilica

a huge range of design concepts and engineering disciplines combined in ways I can't truly comprehend: yes
cats' disdain for it all unless lined with cheap cardboard and bribed with treats: oh yes

DaveDexterMusic

This needs to be a Lego set! The motorized Axels, to the coupling mechanism and the tracks! And even automatic opening doors! And having patience to put the cat in the train is just fun to watch! Hope Lego hires you.

YOURLOCALIDIOT

Is no one talking about the fact that he has his cats faces on his socks?
Truly incredible

magicowl

Building the things, 2 weeks.
Convincing the cats inside, 2 years.

Well done sir!

TiagoCatarino

The engineering behind this is next level. But the greatest part was how you looked after the animals by letting them get used to it over time.

GG

cappasgtgaming

0:35 Cat: "What is happening?" (The cats realizing that if they just sit in Lego train they can get free treats is so funny)

TechnicalBlue

Did i just watch railway engineering disguised as lego with cats? I am very much not complaining.

thestudentofficial

Everything about this is amazing
The 3d printing ingenuity, the technical accuracy of how a train works, the fact it's built for a cat, the tram like looks...
I am astonished.

thehazbinpilot