tl8

Basically, I don't like the open bins for various reasons including dust. My current storage solution is ok (large compartment boxes, they work particularly well for gears), but doesn't let me see everything without reaching. The problem then is how do I find draws that I like and at a reasonable cost. I don't have a lot of options for draws where I live, a set of the little ones (in the photo) is $25 AUD for 12. The rough costing I did on a Rapid Prototype mold for a run of 5000 was around ~$13k USD which would work out to be about $3 a drawer (Actual material cost is a little over $1 USD). More expensive than a commercial product, but maybe more accessible.

Hi All I have spent the last few weeks designing the perfect Lego Container. It is 19 (L)x 11 (W)x10 (H) Studs (I am a technic person) with enough space to get everything out. It can hold up to 4 81.6x38R Balloon Tires as well as pretty much everything else except the largest of plates. Motors and battery boxes fit very well with the 11 wide container. But I now have a problem; while I have a completed model, I don't really have the expertise to manufacturer it in bulk. I could do a kickstarter or similar, but as I have not done this before, this would be a major risk to both myself and any backers. Another issue is that I have not designed a holder for them. I would make one out of wood, but not everyone can do that or would want to do that. So rather than let this idea die, I will give everyone this file. To 3D print this model would be ~$30 AUD but probably less for someone with a 3D printer. If you have the expertise to do an injection mold, then please let me know. Pictures of both the CAD and paper prototypes: https://imgur.com/gallery/hlwGw Render: Paper Prototypes: STL and IGES files: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9z1y4vey0sv648n/FullContainer.zip?dl=0 Alt link to the STL file: https://repables.com/r/868

I was thinking how this was going a few weeks ago while waiting for one of the trams to cross. Having seen the work in progress a few months ago, this has come out stunning.

I saw this at the Toowoomba display. The (other) kids were impressed as always . I was also wondering if the results were random, glad to find out that they were. I am interested to see what you will have next year!

I was a little bored before work on Monday, so I decided to try and make a Lego Soyuz 2 in LDD. The result is not as good as I had hoped so I doubt I will actually build it. Under the Fairing is the Fregat stage that can manoeuvre payloads in orbit. The Soyuz-2 is a unmanned launcher first launched in 2004. The Soyuz-2 ST is the one used in Kourou by the ESA. Soyuz-2 Soyuz.lxf

Short Answer: Yes Long Answer: Depends how much effort you want to put in and how much you can afford. Note: Prices in USD I have been looking into this on and off for a number of months now. By the time you price in the Battery Box ($8), Batteries (3V7 1000mAhr Lithium Ion, $12 each, Need 2, $24) and Charger Circuit (Not mains powered, Low Voltage DC, $10) it becomes $42 without any of the extra materials you probably want or postage to get the items to you. Therefore the $50 Lego Rechargeable Battery is still most likely your best bet. And it comes without the trouble or fuss.

I have updated the links in the first post with the new report. I have also linked to the archive that contains the information required to cite it. This also makes it visible to the wider academic community.

Hi All I have completed another report. The tests are the same, but I had more data. Enjoy! Investigation into the Strength of Lego Technic Liftarms and Brick Beams, and of Liftarm Pin Connections

None at all, I am a student Computer Systems Engineer :P. I was aware of this but has issues of time and cost against me. I didn't know what to expect so decided to go for a number of tests and see what happened. While it wasn't the ideal solution, I don't think it invalidates the whole test. The numbers presented may not be exactly right but they present a minimum standard to be expected in extreme conditions. It wouldn't surprise me if I get the same number using a steel rig as the stress points would still be very similar. It was a ~1cm dia cylinder. Thanks for everyone's kind words. It really helps!

Hi all Over the pass few months I have been compiling a report on the strength of various beams and pin connections. With the help of USQ, I was able to run a number of tests that produced some very interesting results and a lot of broken and crushed beams. I hope you find the report interesting and I look forward to hearing your feedback and own commentary. Report 2011 (PDF 1.2 MB) Report 2012 (PDF 1.9 MB) Cite Report 2012

Went to my local Toy World today. I was after about 4 Hazmat Guys. Went trough both boxes they had and picked out a few that appeared to have the right dots. Only one was the hazmat guy... Now I have 2 zombies and a painter that I don't actually want. Still, the staff were quite accommodating. If they see some, they will put a few aside for me. I will head back later in the week and try again. Also saw the Technic Supercar for RRP

I actually visted a few stores that sell lego, I found a large supply of S3 in all of them. In the past I have found Target to have them in numbers, but today Myer and Toyworld had a few boxes. All three had the space and technic sets and Toyworld had the new Atlantis sets too. Which is a little odd as I expected them at the end of next week.

Has anyone seen Series 4 Minifigs yet? I don't really expect any shop to be 'early' but one can hope.

I can't really see it being successful at the Gold Coast. Everything there is catered toward the Japanese Tourists and I don't think they will be into Lego that much (When compared to shopping and action theme parks). Although it would be great for me as the gold coast is only 2.5 hrs away :P I would also expect that it would be open year round. Summer though might be a bit dicey. The severe thunderstorms would not be good for the displays. Still a Lego store in any state would be a good thing.

Hopefully the price is about that is Australia. Unlikely but I am hopeful. The strong Aussie Dollar should help I would think. The sets look good. Defiantly room for expansion and some serious modding. Also look like they will be released in January. Can't wait!