Source
r/mindstorms•
2uo

Lenghtened caterpillar tracks

Hi,

I've just build the first model (tracker), but I made a stupid mistake: I built the wheelbase with 15-stud beams instead of 13-stud ones.

I managesd to get the rubber bands around (I thought it's supposed to be tight), but realized my mistake when I couldn't fit the wheelbase to the rest of the robot.

Not the rubber bands are severely lengthened and the drive doesn't work anymore.

I'm hoping Lewgo is going to send me replacement parts (I tried to order them with Pick-a-Brick, as well, but they're not available).

Even if Lego helps me out it's going to take a while.

Do you have an idea that might contract the rubber and bring it back into shape?

Posted Aug 11, 2015, 3:10 PM UTC

32
mirrorspock•

also, one rule with building with Lego, if you have to force it, you're doing it wrong

2
THLycanthrope•

Nope. Once you stretch rubber, it's not going back.
If you've already decided that these are trash, you can try getting them really hot (heat gun or hair dryer) and compressing it while you plunge it in ice water. Basically you need to bring the molecules close to being a liquid then push them in the desired shape before they solidify again.

1
2uoOP•

Yeah, i thought so.

I wouldn't throw them away, I guess in some other build they might come in handy. Just not in the "official" ones.

1
mirrorspock•

just a fiy, it's not an expensive part to replace yourself.

order them today, you should have them in a few days..

(about $0.30 on bricklink)

1