Product Idea |

Mini Mountain Mover

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I designed this set to pay homage to the amazing machines that burrow through the earth and create amazing underground facilities that improve our lives: Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). But how do you make a boring machine that isn’t boring? It had to be more than just a tube with a “spinny” end. And so, I present to you, the Mini Mountain Mover: a multi-featured Tunnel Boring Machine and interactive scene – a combo of LEGO® Technic(TM) and LEGO® System elements.

The scene is inspired by the railway tunnels carved through the Austrian Alps and depicts:
  • A multi-featured TBM
  • A crew using the TBM at the start of its long journey through a mountain
  • A retaining wall to prevent the mountain from collapsing onto the new passage
  • A squirrel’s nest and (friendly) wolf’s den
  • A partially dug through mountain with break-away wall - which the TBM can actually dig through!

I am really pleased with the overall look and functionality of the Mini Mountain Mover. I think it would look great as part of a larger display or even on its own on a bookshelf. The Mini Mountain Mover would be a great set to shine a light on the machines that spend their lifetime in darkness improving our lives in ways we do not always realise.

Features of the Mini Mountain Mover TBM

The Mini Mountain Mover has multiple functions that integrate with the scene. The mechanics and chassis of the TBM use Technic elements and the TBM is finished off with System elements, creating a realistic looking machine.

There are two controls on the Mini Mountain Mover TBM: a manual crank and a direction selection switch. With the switch in the neutral position, turning the crank spins the cutter head of the TBM. The cutter head is the front part of the machine which digs through the earth and rock.

Pushing the switch forward engages a Technic linear actuator that pushes the cutter head forward, and the machine grows in length while turning the crank. Once fully extended, the switch can be pushed backwards, which reverses the direction of the linear actuator and retracts the machine back to its original size.

The TBM digs through the earth like how an inchworm would move.

For a detailed tour of the Mini Mountain Mover in action, please see this video:


Mini Mountain Mover Physical Features

Number of elements: 1275
Dimensions: 39.7 x 19.2 x 21.6 cm

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