Continuous Miner

 


I've had this machine in mind for some time, and I've finally gathered the motivation to build it - it's challenging to design.
I've looked at several existing such machines for reference, but I haven't tried to reproduce any particular model (I generally prefer no-brand, original designs over the exact reproduction of a real-life model).
It comes with several features (see video):

Remote-controlled
  • driving. Due to the tracks being operated at very low speed, there is visible bobbing motion which normally averages out at higher speed.
  • transversal substractor for steering in curves
Motorized
  • rotate cutter drum
  • run conveyor belt
  • rotate gathering arms
Manual
  • raise/lower boom
  • extend/retract cutter drum
Openable
  • motor housing

All motorized functions are activated simultaneously with a switch, and all manual functions can be operated while the motorized functions are running.

The build is very compact. If you like that kind of thing, you'll be pleased. Note however that the assembly gets somewhat difficult near the end.

I'm not a big fan of massive panel cover-up, but if you are, it should be fairly easy to cover the sides of the boom:

Notes about parts
  • the two red 8T gears are not just regular gears in a different color, they're frictionless, and functionally required.
  • the two '2x2 round tile with hole' parts are functionally required, due to the non-conventional distance between a rack housing's pin holes and its rack.
  • the five trans-clear panels & white axle are decorative only, you can omit them if you like.
  • the model can be built in yellow, but some parts are quite expensive.

These are the most difficult instructions I've made to date, it took weeks, more than the design itself.


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