I was really excited when this set was announced, as I could revisit my galloping reindeer design from 2016.
These reindeer are pretty awesome, but they really need to move.
The galloping motion is achieved using a simple crank.
The front hooves are attached to this cone, which rotates.
The rear hooves rest on a 2x4 Tile and slide back and forth.
Simple, but very effective.
Now to extend the base for a second reindeer.
The cranks are offset 180 degrees, so the reindeer gallop out of phase.
This drive shaft transfers power to the reindeer cranks.
I'm using a modular design, so the base can be extended to accommodate any number of reindeer.
Each of these modules drives a pair of reindeer.
The modules connect using a pair of Technic axle pins, and the drive shaft connects between them.
For the 4 reindeer version, we just need 2 of these modules, and a front façade.
I also want to make the sleigh rock up and down a bit, so it looks like it is moving.
This is achieved using a similar technique, with these crank shafts.
I'm gearing the sleigh crank down 2:1 (8 tooth to 16 tooth gear), so that it moves slower than the reindeer.
This is the start of the drive shaft, to mesh with the first reindeer module.
This is the arm the sleigh will sit on. It's hinged at the back and the front rests on the crank.
The rocking of the sleigh is intermittent, as the skis rest on the base for half of the crank's motion.
Since both the reindeer and sleigh are moving, I need to remove the clips from the reindeer.
I'll replace the clip on the front reindeer with this bar. The reins will loosely rest on it.
Time to assemble the 4 reindeer version.
I'm using a Power Functions M motor, but pretty much any motor will do.
Time to add more reindeer! 🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌
I also designed a single reindeer module, for Rudolph.
For Rudolph's nose, I cut a small section from one of the red stickers in the set.
9 reindeer ready to deliver toys!
I think we can do a little better though. Let's make it seem like they are about to take off.
I'm adding some transparent bricks under their hooves.
Rudolph gets a double stack.
Now we're flying.
Building instructions will be available on my website next week.
Thanks for watching, and Happy Holidays! 🎅🎄🤶❄⛄