Alien 6 Caterpillar Traveller

**Leo_3344** · 23rd June 2013, 01:45 AM

After a few weeks in the south of the country, my batteries were loaded. I started on a new project, based on traveling. My parents-in-law spend every year six months in the France, traveling around with a caravan (no pictures of that one!). So, the last few weeks the idea was growing in my head. This Alien has tree different modules. First, the engine and steering, then the "lounge", and last the luggage part. As part two seemed the easiest I started with that one: any mistakes could easily be rectified and the other two parts would be better. The pictures show the lounge-part: five seats around a table all able to turn 360°, the connection-mechanism to attach the first and third part, and the wheels wich can tilt. At the moment the whole part tilts, but this will be over when the other parts are attched. The last picture shows the start of the "engine"-part. The chair is part of the steering mechanism, but that is for later. All three will be 178 x 178 mm, and total height is 160 mm. The balls I use for the connections are 37 mm in diameter. After everything is finished, I'll post the plans...

**artme** · 23rd June 2013, 11:18 AM

Another original creation worthy of applause!!!

**crowie** · 23rd June 2013, 06:21 PM

G'Day Leo and welcome back from the holiday; the time has flown quickly.
This is the one you were teasing me with before you went on the holiday; I've pulled up a chair for front row seat to see this next masterpiece of your creative ability take shape.
Good to see you back all refreshed.
Cheers, crowie

**Dalboy** · 24th June 2013, 09:25 AM

I always like to follow your Alien series of build they are great and so much different from other builds. This looks like it could be an interesting build and can't wait to see the finished product.

**Leo_3344** · 26th June 2013, 08:53 PM

Continuing on the control and engine part. I've added a dashboard and closed the front part. Then closed the engine part: a total of 60 pieces went in the ventilation part. They are 3 mm thick, spaced apart at 2mm. Now the underside, wheels and steering.

**crowie** · 26th June 2013, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Leo_3344

Continuing on the control and engine part. I've added a dashboard and closed the front part. Then closed the engine part: a total of 60 pieces went in the ventilation part. They are 3 mm thick, spaced apart at 2mm. Now the underside, wheels and steering.

Very nice detail Leo.....Well done, cheers, crowie

**Dalboy** · 27th June 2013, 04:03 AM

Great job Loe i bet that louvre part took sometime to complete What with the cutting and fixing in place

**Leo_3344** · 28th June 2013, 12:36 AM

The steering took some time. When you look at the pictures: the ball on top is used to steer, the driver's seat turns with the wheels! I've changed the connection parts. I found the parts would be spaced too far apart -more then 10 cm- so I redesigned the whole thing. Thanks for the encouragement, all of you!

**Leo_3344** · 13th July 2013, 07:14 AM

I'm a bit embarrased, I just found a serious flaw in the design. If all tree wagons are in line, the whole train can tilt left or right...

So I locked the rear wheels of every wagon, to avoid this. I'll try to come up with a solution, but otherwise it stays like this. Also, the third wagon is coming up. This is the luggage part, and it has to be closed except for a hatch on the back. While in the south, I've been thinking about the next one in the series. As it looks now (in my head) it does'nt fit in at all, except for the moving parts... I'll keep you posted!

**forunna** · 25th July 2013, 04:25 PM

what a fascinating idea.
thanks for sharing.

**Leo_3344** · 26th July 2013, 08:07 AM

These are the last pics of this project. It's not exactly what I wanted, but my grandson just loved it (look at the thread "Summertime with my grandson). As soon my scanner is fixed, witch refused working, I'll post the plans. The next project will be out of the series, but I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the "likes" and everything to encourage me!

**fozzy767** · 3rd September 2013, 01:13 AM

It's amazing the patience you guys have. Nice job

**Leo_3344** · 4th September 2013, 08:44 AM

It took some time, but here are the plans... or sketches I' d say. I never make complete plans, but work with a line-out of how I think it has to look. I change things, add a few things or let some things out. Sometimes it's a surprise how the result looks even to myself! The program I use is an old GraphicWorks 3.0. It has no 3D feature, but only works in 2D. On my laptop I have a virtual Windows XP inside the Windows 7 to make it still run! But, it works for me to make the drawings for the things I want to make. Have fun with it: it's free!

**crowie** · 4th September 2013, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Leo_3344

It took some time, but here are the plans... or sketches I' d say. I never make complete plans, but work with a line-out of how I think it has to look. I change things, add a few things or let some things out. Sometimes it's a surprise how the result looks even to myself! The program I use is an old GraphicWorks 3.0. It has no 3D feature, but only works in 2D. On my laptop I have a virtual Windows XP inside the Windows 7 to make it still run! But, it works for me to make the drawings for the things I want to make. Have fun with it: it's free!

Thank you Leo for the time and effort to do both the WIP photos & notes plus the very generous sharing of your plans, much appreciated. Cheers, crowie

Thread: Alien 6 Caterpillar Traveller

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Alien 6 Caterpillar Traveller

Some small pieces

Progress

Progress

inspiration

Finished

The plans, at last!

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