Ackermann Steering Vehicle + 5th-wheel Trailer

Specifications:

The Tractor:

Featuring a fifth-wheel hitch for the trailer, it is driven by a differential drive. A differential controls the speed of the rear wheels for when turning. When turning, the inner wheel of the turn slows down while the outer wheel speeds up thus keeping the vehicle from ‘pushing’ in a turn.

The steering is based on the Ackermann principle. In typical steering both wheels turn at the same angle. With Ackermann steering both wheels turn at different angles. In a turn, the inner wheel has a sharper angle than the outer wheel. Again this helps keep vehicles from ‘pushing’ in turns.

The Trailer:

The trailer houses several minifigs and contains two 9V lamps inside for illumination. The rear escape hatch can also be used to place a camera down and record from inside the trailer from the camera’s perspective while it is towed by the tractor. Two kick-down jacks allow the trailer to be stored separate from the tractor.

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