rootman055
Jr Member
Great to see this project being documented; thanks for starting this thread!
Fairly large reference of all the details on the bike, but I'm hoping that we can start the bike sometime next month at least the framework, we've started building up a good team thanks to both RPF and some of the 501st in the area hopefully more of them will volunteer to help with the build supplies but it's all up to each individual as any 501st member knows you aren't obligated to spend your money you do it because you either want to look better/fix your armor/or help out.We have a member of our Garrison (Capital City) starting on a speeder bike as well...I'll be interested in your progress on this build.
Hi,
I'm Doug, CO of your neighbor to the north, the Timberline Garrison. I think we may have met briefly at SLCC. Sounds like a fun project! First, let me share some lessons learned from having R2:
Do NOT underestimate the destructive power of children. If it looks like it will push, they'll push it. If it looks like it will pull, they'll pull it. If it looks like it will turn, they'll turn it. If it doesn't look like it will break, they'll break it anyway. Because I chose to build a light-weight, styrene-based droid, it isn't as durable as say an all-aluminum droid, and things break much easier. I end up making repairs after nearly every event. Also, unless you just make a hard-and-fast rule at your booth, adults will want to sit on it too, so there's a decision to make there depending on the construction.
My point is this: If you're going to build it, I'd highly recommend building it out of the strongest materials the budget will allow. Perhaps a frame of aluminum pipe/tubing? It's lighter than steel, but stronger than pvc/wood/etc.
Have you considered consulting with the Belgian Garrison? They built this one that was at Celebration V and VI. I'm sure they could share some lessons learned and insight.
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Hmm. Well we likely won't do it quite as much as that I wish we could aluminium for the whole thought would be amazing, but I'm hoping to get some pictures to show soon. Currently though I'm on a 17 day deadline to finish a clone. So I doubt I'll be able to help the team directly till after that.I have heard that the Belgian Garrison aren't very helpful when it comes to giving away secrets to their builds. Me and a fellow Garrison member here in Australia are working on 2 bikes. they will be made entirely out of aluminium, MDF and fibreglass. I am currently working on making CAD files for as much of the parts as I can.
What is your progress on this project?
I only ask because I've recently decided that building a full-sized WORKING speeder-bike is mostly going to become my life's idle time mission.
I can't remember if ewokus' speeder bike fueled this idea or created them, but DUDE!!! I don't even care much about cosplay, I wanna ride a speeder bike. I don't need to own this thing, I just need to see it made and ride it.
I have an idea that could get up to 25 mph, depending upon the weight of the rider and the weight of the build, though at top speed it might be a "little" unstable.
I'm lazy, so here's a cut-paste of the messages/images I've sent to ewokus W/ corresponding links. I'll head up a Gofundme page to get thing thing made. Tonight I'm gonna look into local welders online, but if we can tap people with skills to get this made ...not just dude, but DUDE!
the link to the scooter:
http://triadmotion.com/electric-scooters/04/the-all-new-2015-triad-750-xl
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Email 1
You sold the speeder bike, right? May I ask for how much?
I got a quote back on the scooter, $2,379.00 ....that does not include shipping. I'm starting to get kind of obsessed with building this thing, but I'm more interested in making and trying it than own it. If once it's made, I could sell it for cost or a little more...
The speeds are listed as 5, 12, and 25 mph. I asked them to send me an owner's manual and clarify some questions. It seems likely that those speed are top speed at a certain gear as opposed to a flat speed. It doesn't make sense that or a mobility scooter you'd be locked into not having more subtle control when operating it indoors.
I have a better idea about the steering mechanism mechanics now, but I'm a little leery of the stability dynamics at that top speed. I could see making a shifter like a bike derailleur so that the rear wheel would a more restricted and nuanced movement at top speed. It would be hard not to put all ones weight on the outside leg, thus making the turn even tighter and increasing the likelihood of roll over.
I think that if I/we sold it, the purchaser would have to sign a waiver that the mobility was solely to allow to for movement for display purposes with a warning about how the vehicle was inherently unstable at high speed. My brother's a mechanical engineer, I'm going to get him to look at my idea for this design.
Email 2
I got a quote back on the scooter, $2,379.00 ....that does not include shipping. I'm starting to get kind of obsessed with building this thing, but I'm more interested in making and trying it than own it. If once it's made, I could sell it for cost or a little more...
The speeds are listed as 5, 12, and 25 mph. I asked them to send me an owner's manual and clarify some questions. It seems likely that those speed are top speed at a certain gear as opposed to a flat speed. It doesn't make sense that or a mobility scooter you'd be locked into not having more subtle control when operating it indoors.
I have a better idea about the steering mechanism mechanics now, but I'm a little leery of the stability dynamics at that top speed. I could see making a shifter like a bike derailleur so that the rear wheel would a more restricted and nuanced movement at top speed. It would be hard not to put all ones weight on the outside leg, thus making the turn even tighter and increasing the likelihood of roll over.
I think that if I/we sold it, the purchaser would have to sign a waiver that the mobility was solely to allow to for movement for display purposes with a warning about how the vehicle was inherently unstable at high speed. My brother's a mechanical engineer, I'm going to get him to look at my idea for this design.