8 replies to this topic

[ShortShit]

I had several Ratchetblasts back in the day, and remember them well. I was thinking about how much I loved the downward cocking-aspect of them, and figured it would not be too difficult to recreate that function in a homemade gun.
-On that note I realized it might also be cool to try a small in-line clip (see carbons post) in such a gun because:
----If the gun cocks at a downward angle, the darts in the clip will auto-prime! It seems to be a good concept to me, but I can't picture how the technical/mechanical interworkings of the gun actually cock the gun!
I was hoping someone might have a good way to visually represent the guns cocking mechanism to me, anyone willing?

Much thanks!

Edit: For pics: http://www.yakman.i8...rachetblast.htm

Edited by ShortShit, 28 February 2006 - 12:51 PM.

[Carbon]

Here’s my understanding of the rachetblast.



The basis of it is that the pullrod isn’t fixed in the plunger; a pivot would be best (maybe like a swiveling furniture foot, a ball joint.). Then the handle is put back to it’s rest position, and the pullrod pushes up into the plunger…while the plunger is cocked. When the trigger is released, the plunger shoots forward, along the pullrod.

Edited by Carbon, 28 February 2006 - 02:00 PM.

[SofaKing]

Nerfking has 2 internal pic's on NHQ.

[ShortShit]

Thank you both, that is very very helpful in piecing it all together in my mind.
-The piston pivots down as the gun is cocked down, locking the spring/catch in place.
-the piston pivot back up, and into the pluger tube.
-the trigger is pulled, releasing the spring/catch, pushing the plunger foward and reseting the spring and catch...

BUT - looking at the internal picture, it appears that the trigger and piston are seporate, and that the piston locks into the trigger to fire?
I understand Carbons sketch but now not the internal pic!?

Is something missing in the R.B. pic?
it appears as if when the gun is cocked, the piston somehow pushes back and locks into the trigger...

*thinks more...*
I feel like I almost get it, but def not how the trig system and piston fucntion together in the R.B..... any other comments?

Edited by ShortShit, 28 February 2006 - 04:15 PM.

[Carbon]

Near as I can tell…

The long L-shaped end to the pullrod is what Hasbro used for the pivot…the hinge of the RB can move up and down that edge as it moves in an arc.

The catch system is the same as most pistols…a catch moves up into a notch on the pullrod.

The trigger, when pulled, will push on that L-shaped attachment, pushing it up. Push hard enough, and the rod itself will flex, pushing it up and away from the catch, making it fire.

[ompa]

Mhm. the bending causes the plunger to pull back, and the un-bending brings the end of the plunger right next to the trigger.

And building on what Carbon said, the catch is that little rectangular hole. It catches on the little knob to the center-left of the trigger. The pin just pushes the plunger up, releasing it.

~ompa

[ShortShit]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot! The last thing I don't understand is:
Once the gun is cocked, how does the piston get pushed back ontop the trigger catch?

I can't wait to draw up some plans

[ompa]

Because once you bring the barrels back up to normal level, the plunger also moves, hence locking it with the catch. Just follow the movement of the plunger when you bring the gun back up and it'll make sense.

~ompa

[ShortShit]

OOOOHHHH! Ah yes, because when the piston is pulled DOWN in the cocking motion, it is pulled against SOMETHING and therefore brings back the spring, but the UPmotion pushes the piston against AIR- so it goes backwards onto the trigger. Thanks Ompa.