Original Year	1989
# of pieces	199
Categories	Other: Universal Sets
Dimensions	various
Models	Forklift Car Lift Log Loader Tow Truck

8044 Pneumatic Universal Building Set

The set 8044 was released in 1989 as the first Universal Building Set to incorporate the second generation pneumatic system. It is clearly designed to showcase some of the possibilities of pneumatics. It includes full instructions for 4 models as well as photographs of other possibilities. The set includes one pneumatic actuator, one pump, one switch, and a variety of tubing. An example of every pneumatic part available at the time is included here except the T-fitting.

Several of the models are very similar to the pneumatic models of the previous pneumatic universal set, 8040, including the forklift and the log loader, though they are more elegantly realized in the newer set. The forklift features rear rack and pinion steering and forks which pneumatically raise and lower. The car lift features a small chassis with steering and a pneumatic lift. The log loader features a luffing boom and a pneumatically actuated claw as well as steering. Finally, the tow truck features steering and a pneumatic boom. It is very similar in appearance and function to the truck of set 8034.

I find the Forklift the most interesting, and it is the model I chose to keep assembled for my display of this set.

1^st Model: Forklift
This forklift features rear steering and pneumatically lifting forks. The rear wheels can be steered using a rear knob. The knobdrives a set of 8 tooth pinions. The pinions drive the steering rack. The steering mechanism itself uses steering arms and toothed links. A pneumatic actuator can lift the forks via a 4 bar linkage which keeps the forks parallel to the ground. The forks pivot around the rear of the vehicle allowing the actuator to be hidden inside the cabin. The pneumatic pump is also hidden inside the cabin and protrudes through the roof, making this one of the better looking pneumatic models.	Click to download the LDraw file of this model. Model by Eric Albrecht Click for an animation of the steering in motion. Click for an animation of the forks lifting.
2^nd Model: Car Lift
This car lift is a unique model. The simple car chassis features rack and pinion steering. The front wheels can be steered using a rear knob. The knob drives a set of 8 tooth pinions. The pinions drive the steering rack. The steering mechanism itself uses steering arms and toothed links. The "hydraulic" lift actually achieves a lifting height taller than the stroke of the actuator by placing the actuator at a diagonal angle. A 4 bar linkage keeps the platform level. A pair of hinged ramps allow the vehicle to drive on and off.	Ldraw file courtesy of Benjamin Wendl. Click for an animation of the steering in motion. Click for an animation of the lift in motion.
3^rd Model: Log Loader
The log loader is a neat little model with a luffing boom and a claw which can grab by opening and closing. It also has rear wheel steering. The rear wheels can be steered using an overhead "hand of god" wheel. The wheel drives a pair of 14 tooth bevel gears which drive a pinion. The pinion drives the steering rack. The steering mechanism itself uses the flexible steering rack and the older steering arms. A pulley wheel used as a crank turns two sets of 8 and 24 tooth gears, resulting in a gear ratio of 9:1. One acts as a ratchet and mates with a beam used as a pawl. This supports the weight of the boom. A pulley wheel which uses one of the offset holes to attach to a 1/2 pin allows the boom, a 4 bar linkage, to lift. The pneumatic actuator drives the claw to open and close. When retracting, the actuator puts the pair of axles into tension which tends to make them pop out of their connectors unless they are very snug. Old cracked connectors will not work here.	Ldraw file courtesy of Benjamin Wendl. Click for an animation of the steering in motion. Click for an animation of the boom lifting. Click for an animation of the claw closing.
4^th Model: Tow Truck
This truck has rack and pinion steering and a pneumatic rear boom. The front wheels can be steered using an overhead "hand of god" wheel. The wheel drives a pair of 8 tooth pinions through a set of 24 tooth gears. The pinions drive the steering rack. The steering mechanism itself uses steering arms and toothed links. The rear boom can be raised via a pneumatic actuator.	Ldraw file courtesy of Benjamin Wendl. Click for an animation of the steering in motion. Click for an animation of the boom lifting.

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