All
the Technic parts were new in 1977! The basic set of parts is
shown to the right. This comprises all of the new parts which
were included in the sets, but does not include the motor or battery
box which were available as an accessory pack.
Beams
&
Plates
The "standard" Technic parts, which have now become
ubiquitous, are the plate and the beam. Beams are just like 1x
bricks, but have perpendicular holes at points midway between the
studs. Technic plates are just like regular 2x plates, but have
parallel holes at points midway between the studs. These holes
are sized to accept either pins or axles. Beams originally came
only in even lengths: 2, 4, 8, and 16. Plates came only in 2x4
and 2x8. Many more sizes would later be available. Studded
beams are still in use though they have mostly been replaced by links.
Gears
Most technical functions were and still are accomplished with
gears. In 1977, there were three sizes of spur gears (gears which
transmit torque on parallel axes): 8 tooth, 24 tooth, and 40
tooth. The two larger gears also have axle holes and stud holes
off the center which allow them to be used for other purposes (such as
a crankshaft). There was also a 24 tooth crown gear which could
be used as either a spur gear or a bevel gear (gears which transmit
torque on perpendicular axes), and a rack gear. The 8 tooth gear
is still in use, but the others have been replaced with improved
versions. The 40 tooth gear still exists but has been used in
very few sets.
Axles
Axles are the basic unit of torque transmittal in Technic. LEGO
chose to use a cruciform cross section. This has the advantage of
never slipping, being easy to assemble, and centering well in a
hole. Axles are the same size as a stud in diameter, and
originally came in only even lengths: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, and they
were always black. These are all still in use although the 2 axle
has been modified and odd lengths are now available, as are other
colors.
Connectors
and
Special Parts
The bushing was used as either a spacer or a retainer and fit onto an
axle. The pin was frictionless and was used to joint two beams or
as a pivot. The connector fit onto the end of an axle and
included a perpendicular hole which would accept a pin. It could
also be used as a connecting rod for the piston. The universal
joint connected two axles and allowed rotation around axes angled apart
as much as 45 degrees. The pulley was used only as a crank
in 1977, but would later also be used with belts. These parts
could all be used in multiple applications, but only the piston had a
single use. The 2x2 square piston was used for engines, and had
to be used with a connector element. At this time, these parts
were available only in light gray.
Wheels
and
Tires
LEGO already had lots of wheels and tires, but they were not big enough
for some of the new sets. A new 24x43 wheel was introduced
with a dense foam tire. This tire was later available in other
sizes, and would eventually be replaced by all rubber tires. |
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