WCD vs Standard

[Adam Freeman]

Originally Posted by Pat Fairbank

I wouldn't say that weight is the top factor in 254's choice of using a cantilevered drive year after year. It probably only comes in fourth after ease of maintenance, robustness, and aesthetics (you wouldn't believe how many design decisions come down to aesthetics).

I can't say for sure, but my notes say that I weighed our competition chassis (0.06" sheet AL) at 8lbs, before we started assembling any of the components on to it.

Weight is a factor in our decision to use this type of drivetrain...but, it's probably #3 on the list. #1 would be resources available (in-shop waterjet) and ease of construction (no welding) and #2 would be robustness.

Our design is a nightmare for ease of maintenance. Changing wheels or drivetrain components is not something we could do easily/quickly.

[Chris is me]

I think the main reason anyone does any type of drivetrain the way they do is because they have access to resources that make their design optimal. A sheet metal chassis can be done excellently. So can a welded tube chassis. Rather than sketch an exact copy of the best, drive design should play to the resources your team has. What use is a drive that's 5 pounds lighter of it takes you 2 weeks longer to build it?

We use a Poof inspired but *highly* derivative drivetrain that plays into our resources and goes together relatively quickly. It's light enough. It's definitely strong enough. Probably overbuilt. And it works because it uses what we have and what we were able to get in an offseason.

The way the Poofs do it, when you get down to the details of their bearing blocks, custom wheels, etc. takes a lot of resources that not a lot of teams have as readily available as 254 has worked hard to have. Play to your strengths.

[Walter Deitzler]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

I think the main reason anyone does any type of drivetrain the way they do is because they have access to resources that make their design optimal. A sheet metal chassis can be done excellently. So can a welded tube chassis. Rather than sketch an exact copy of the best, drive design should play to the resources your team has. What use is a drive that's 5 pounds lighter of it takes you 2 weeks longer to build it?

We use a Poof inspired but *highly* derivative drivetrain that plays into our resources and goes together relatively quickly. It's light enough. It's definitely strong enough. Probably overbuilt. And it works because it uses what we have and what we were able to get in an offseason.

The way the Poofs do it, when you get down to the details of their bearing blocks, custom wheels, etc. takes a lot of resources that not a lot of teams have as readily available as 254 has worked hard to have. Play to your strengths.

That makes sense, most of my parts will probably be bought from andymark. But I would still like to know how many teams mount these bearing blocks, and allow them to slide, then lock them into place when they are done with them. Thanks!

[Cory]

Originally Posted by LedLover96

That makes sense, most of my parts will probably be bought from andymark. But I would still like to know how many teams mount these bearing blocks, and allow them to slide, then lock them into place when they are done with them. Thanks!

Pat's post explains how we do it. The combination of his post, the picture of our frame rail he linked, and Gray Adam's cross section view of their 3d model should be a perfect explanation of how it works.