1/16 project "cross-tie-walker" | mechanical animal

[mad gerald]

G'evening all,

not quite sure, if this would be the right sub-forum, but there are only cars to find in "cars, trucks and other vehicles" ...

Well then - for some period I feel the desire to build some kinda dystopical, end-of-time-scenario vehicle, but I was quite sure, feeling not very conmfortable to create another floating ship oder hovering tank - even I do like them very much.

Accidentally I came across some "mechanical animals", created by the Dutch artist Theo Jansen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYGJ9jrbpvg

These walking objects do not need "hydraulics" to move and they are usually powered by wind, their mechanisms work quite simple, even it took Theo Jansen some time to figure out the best working proportions ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CufN43By79s

... some people have modified these walking objects, which are powered by pedals or (small) battery ... and imagine a combustion engine ...  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjHaPMbNR-U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5dpGAw4cOU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyvhvTAMWCc

I made a first step and built a leg from card board, to see if I could get it working ... (legs come in pairs, but I left out the counterpart), the joints/pivots are only paper, to allow motion.

My walker should have 3 pairs of legs each on the left and right and some cabin/passenger area in the middle, to have a low center of gravity.

Even this is only a first step thought of a new project, your input regarding idea, execution, techniques would be very much appreciated ...

Cheers

[Chuck Doan]

Interesting!

[Ray Dunakin]

Wow, those are really wild. Kind of hypnotic to watch them move.

[Hauk]

Accidentally I came across some "mechanical animals", created by the Dutch artist Theo Jansen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYGJ9jrbpvg

This is so weird and cool! Thanks a lot for sharing!
Look forward to the progress on your own walkers.