Prototype - Subterranean Boring Machine | Creations | Forum

Yesterday I started a discussion on the possibility of adding subterranean drilling machines as an alternate mode of transportation to inland areas. If interested in the theory and advantages/disadvantages, please join in the conversation.

I'm using this area to share the pictures of my first (albeit flawed) design.

Lessons Learned

1. Much too large, it grew beyond my original scope
2. Incorrect materials (not durable enough for this type of vehicle).  To be fair to myself, I knew that up front. I wanted to make the first prototype from cheap materials so I did not waste a lot of shillings. All along I planned on upgrading the materials before going final.
3. Establish a "drydock" or framing structure to limit the size of the build. It helps when building to know the limitations.
4. For this type of vehicle, the width & height must be identical (e.g. it should be no wider or taller than the diameter of the mounted drill)
5. (big one) Do NOT start out trying to build the drill end coming up out of the ground at an angle unless you are a MASTER at 3D visualization. (I wasted a lot of time and then decided to go with the horizontal plane approach!)

This first prototype ended up being 17L x 15W x 18H.  (The length refers to the main chassis, not counting the drill which was never attached)

I'm well along on the 2nd prototype which is smaller (13L x 11W x 11H); I'll be posting pictures of that later this evening.

The Pictures

Where appropriate I've annotated the actual image to make it more self-descriptive.

Measuring the Work Area

Laying the Foundation

Hard worked (baked) Nether brick axles drive the treads.

Port (left) side View

Other than green navigation lights, the Starboard side is identical to the Port.

View from Above

This is the 3rd deck as seen from a hill overlooking the project. There's a galley (furnace, workbench & chest) in the forward starboard corner.

NOTE: This is not a completed design as it would obviously need to be fully enclosed for the nature of its underground travel mode. The scaffolding shown (lower right corner) is about the height if it had been enclosed)

Other Pictures

I'll share some other pictures, especially of the engine room and control room.  Once I realized it was too large, I did not invest much time finishing the interior design. However I may go back and do it just for kicks.