Lego model of the Very Large Array

The VLA is a set of 27 radio telescopes located in New Mexico. In order to change the complex's "zoom factor" the antennae are moved along a special dual track railroad using specialized transporters. In addition to carrying the 300 Ton antennae, they raise and lower them in place. Due to the configuration of the track, each antenna location is at the end of a short spur that runs perpendicular to the main tracks. The transporter lifts its wheels and pivot them 90 degrees to switch from one track to the other.

The model is somewhat simplified compared to the original: on the model four outriggers lift the entire transporter off the track and all four sets of wheels rotate at the same time. On the real one, each set is rotate by itself. The outriggers only stabilize the transporter. Each wheel set has its own hydraulic ram to lift and lower its wheels.

This video is by far not the best. I shot it in a hurry using my mobile phone. Most of the resulting footage was unusable due to the excessive shaking on my part. I hope to film an improved version at some point in the future...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Lego
• VLA
• Very
• Large
• Array
• railroad

[mcgmcmullin]

Well done! That was fantastic! I am so sharing this!

[NoisyAstronomer]

Oh... my... gosh. This is fantastic!

[ZorkFox]

This is amazing. You should totally call Judy. ^_^

[judystanley53]

Hello, my name is Judy Stanley, I'm the Education Officer at the VLA. I am very interested in talking with you about your incredible models! Please contact me at jstanley@nrao.edu 575.835.7243

[Xelmon]

Seconded...

[pag101legolord1]

that is awsome