8

What is the true angle of a cheese slope?

enter image description here

Bricklink lists it as "Slope 30 1 x 1 x 2/3" while LDraw and Peeron list it as "Slope Brick 31 1 x 1 x 2/3". Why do these sources disagree, and what is the real angle?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
14

I guess I could send the question to math.se, but I think we can figure that one out ourselves; it's just a bit of trigonometry after all, right?

Let's see: - The large side is 20 ldu (standard brick width). - The small side is 16 ldu (2 plates) - 4 ldu (half a plate), that is 12 ldu (half the height of a brick).

So the angle is tan-1(12/20), which is approximately 30,96°. So it's closer to 31, but gives 30 if truncated down.

As for why the sources differ, I couldn't find documentation on the naming process they both use, but I can easily imagine that someone measuring the angle with a simple protractor could be mistaken by a degree. Another possible explanation would be that the people behind the BrickLink naming chose to round the angle down to simplify things, as a 30° angle feels more natural than a 31° one; while LDraw people may be more used to precise measurements and felt that 31° was closer to the truth. Again, this is all pure speculation, I didn't find naming conventions or guidelines for either.

Improve this answer
3
  • does your math account for the fact that the shape isn't technically triangular?
    – Mr. Shiny and New 安宇
    Jul 9, 2013 at 19:37
  • 2
    It takes into account the triangular part of the slope only, not the small recess required to allow the stud connection which is present in all slopes, if that's what you're talking about. That's why I substract 4ldu and the height difference between the bottom and top of the triangle is 12ldu. I did neglect the smoothing of the angles, though.
    – Joubarc
    Jul 10, 2013 at 6:32
  • I couldn't find an answer, and perhaps it's not a good question to ask, but does anyone know why the cheese slope is only 2/3 standard brick high and not 3/3? Or why TLG did not produce slopes of this kind? It would obviously provide smoother results with the standard roof elements.
    – István Zachar
    Jan 26, 2016 at 15:54

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.