Set 8842 was released in 1986 and was already the 3rd go cart released by LEGO®. This go cart features steering using a rack and pinion system, a single cylinder reciprocating engine driven from one rear wheel, and dual wheels on each corner.
Unless the engine is very heavy, this go cart would not be balanced very well since the engine is mounted next to the driver resulting in the driver sitting off center. On the other hand, if this engine is to scale, the single cylinder could easily displace 9.4 liters, making this a very fast go cart indeed! (assuming a bore and stroke of 9 inches)
This go cart did not really break any new ground for Technic except for the mounting of the engine at an unusual angle. This arrangement makes it much easier to see the function of the piston as it reciprocates. There are a large number (22) of toothed connectors which are used to form a cage around the body as well as a front bumper.
Main model |
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Features |
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Steering |
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The front wheels can be steered using a wheel at the driver's position. The wheel drives an axle connected to a 16 tooth pinion gear. The pinion drives a rack. The steering mechanism itself uses control arms and toothed links. Note that the steering wheel is not centered in the vehicle, but neither is it centered on the driver's seat which is offset to the left to make room for the engine. |
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Engine |
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The single cylinder engine uses the offset axle hole of a 24 tooth gear to make a crankshaft. Connectors placed end to end and clocked 90 degrees form a rod which connects to a specialized 2x2 square piston. The "cylinder" is actually square. The engine is driven off of a set of 16 tooth gears attached to the left rear wheel, giving the engine a ratio 1:1 with respect to the wheels. The engine also has an exhaust pipe and muffler simulated on the back, as well as cooling fins on the block. |
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Wheels and Tires |
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This set contains 4 sets of wheels and tires of type:
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By Technicopedia