Brian.. Posted April 12, 2022 Share Posted April 12, 2022 I thought I'd take a look at the Imai Patrol Robot. The original costs a fortune and even if you're lucky enough to own the kit, you probably can't bring yourself to make it because of the financial loss involved. It's quite a dilemma. So it makes a perfect subject for 3D printing. It also has the paddle foot design that is usually much easier to work on than regular walking legs. I looked through that wonderful Japanese kit book and found several good images of it in "authentic" liveries. There are at least three colour combinations that look stunning. I decided to make this black and red version. I've seen a couple of different antenna designs and will go for the hexagonal one. I'm just waiting for the antenna to finish printing in resin. It's an example of a part that is difficult to print in regular plastic, but easy in resin. I'll probably live to regret saying that! The object is to create an accurate copy but there's a catch - kits are not designed with repairs in mind,. Once built, all the working parts are glued out of sight and are impossible to repair. The final version has to have accessible innards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEEP SPACE-11 Posted April 12, 2022 Share Posted April 12, 2022 Cool! I've always liked the look of that simple block head bot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Gil Posted April 12, 2022 Share Posted April 12, 2022 Yes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roboz Posted April 12, 2022 Share Posted April 12, 2022 The models always have the Jiro Aizawa design language to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBODUDE Posted April 12, 2022 Share Posted April 12, 2022 YEEEHAW !!! Cant wait to see it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckalkhof Posted April 12, 2022 Share Posted April 12, 2022 Hey Brian - How do you manage to get the proportions so perfect in your builds? Is it just by eye? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian.. Posted April 12, 2022 Author Share Posted April 12, 2022 I superimpose an image of the robot on to the CAD design program. Then I can simply copy the dimensions by tracing the shapes. I always use a mirror symmetry so that what is drawn on the right side is duplicated exactly on the left. Gilbert tells me that the Patrol Robot was on sale between 1964 and 1966. Some appear for sale on Yahoo but are often falling apart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian.. Posted April 13, 2022 Author Share Posted April 13, 2022 Here's the black and red version. Like the kits, this first example would be very difficult to repair. I'm altering the design to make it possible to dismantle parts for future proofing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 Crikey, it’s a lot quicker than using a ruler, hammers and saws! Think I am doing it the hard way. . I am a bit old school though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian.. Posted April 13, 2022 Author Share Posted April 13, 2022 Here it is in action: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBODUDE Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 AWESOME !!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 If the antenna rotated it would look even better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian.. Posted April 13, 2022 Author Share Posted April 13, 2022 I think that the antenna is the on-off switch on the original. The eyes and mouth do illuminate, though it's hard to see in daylight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 Ahh, it would still be a good feature Brian. I like how it walks and the noise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Gil Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 great color scheme - looks fantastic! I can see King Smoke and the Rivet Boy in this one. super progression! It almost sounds like the little motor is working a bit harder as the right leg is coming fully forward (or the left leg fully back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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