Shooting mechanism from my T29 heavy tank’s model, with free instructions available.
This mechanism, which was the key feature of my T29 heavy tank model, was taken from my another creation all the way back from 2008. The instructions include complete shooting unit with motor included and basis for the barrel which can be extended to desired length. Note that there is a transverse axle at the base of the shooting unit which can be used for elevating/depressing it.
The mechanism relies on compressing and releasing a long hard shock absorber, which then fires 3L axles with stop from a single beam acting as an ammo clip. The beam is operated by gravity, moving 1 stud lower each time the shock absorber is pulled back, and its length is technically unlimited – the only thing limiting it in my T29 model was the amount of room under the turret needed for the emptied “ammo clip”.
Two things should be noted:
- the mechanism can be potentially harmful for the motor that drives it. I managed to damage a PF M motor driving a yellow (hardest) shock absorber in my T29 after operating it for a while. PF L motor should be better suited to operate the mechanism. It is not recommended to use this mechanism with PF M motor.
- the length of the barrel and smoothness of its inner surfaces affect both range and impact of the projectiles fired through it. It’s recommended to build the sides of the barrel carefully, so that the barrel’s inner width is 1 stud and not less (make sure the tiles are pushed into plates all the way). There is technically no limit to barrel’s length: the barrel in my T29 tank was 40 studs long and a shock absorber of medium hardness could still fire through it. Just keep in mind that even a very carefully built barrel will slow the projectiles to some degree, and it will also be very heavy
Free building instructions for the mechanism are available in the Downloads section.