Marooned Marin 1713 posts Posted August 3 (edited) QUICK INFORMATION Parts: 155 parts (with minifigure, monkey and shark) Dimensions: W: 11.2cm L: 18cm H: 17.4cm Weight: 64 grams Difficulty: Easy Build (tested on one +11 years old) IMPORTANT: Model does not float ORIGINS While I was writing a story synopsis for my [LARGE] build, a raft idea popped into my mind. I needed a small vessel which will carry hero of the story, Steve, to the island of many hardships. What started as something simple and insignificant suddenly turned into a standalone design. And here we are. The model was inspired by the fantastic raft thread, here on Eurobricks forum, named Rafts Rafts Rafts by Zinn. Many nice designs there, I warmly suggest giving it a thorough read. BACKSTORY Here I would like to share first two chapters of a long comic. These two chapters will shed some light on Steve’s situation. The remaining chapters will be posted in the [LARGE] Tapu Island topic, hopefully next week. Chapters are grouped inside the hidden / spoiler area. I did this too make the scrolling through topic easier, there is simply too much images for one post. For those who would rather enjoy comic in a PDF format here is readily available link: DOWNLOAD HERE Enjoy! CHAPTER 1 - The King's Merchant (CLICK ON SPOILER TO SEE) Spoiler CHAPTER 2 - Déjà vu (CLICK ON SPOILER TO SEE) Spoiler READ COMPLETE STORY HERE UPDATE 05.08. As advised by creative critiques, digital cover was replaced by a photo of the real build. UPDATE 09.08. As advised by creative critiques: big awkward 6x8 plate was removed made necessary changes to the rudder (it's simplified now) added custom makeshift sails in digital renders updated all images (including cover image) UPDATE 14.08. Old animated GIF was replaced with the new -final- version of the raft. Edited August 14 by Marooned Marin See above the update Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Math Wizard 148 posts Posted August 3 Ahoy Matey! They call me Captain Crit in these parts and I heard that polly wants a sandwich (They’re fed up with crackers apparently) - a criticism sandwich that is! (For you landlubbers, that’s 3 seas [Cs]- Compliment, Constructive Criticism, and another Compliment). Ye did a great job buildin’ this and writin’ a story to go along with it. The story is incredible! And in full comic style too! This adds a ton to yer build, and shows the effort ye put into it. And I think I caught a glimpse of yer large entry st the end of the comic... Me only critiques are the surface of the raft- mayhaps you leave the plate off if ye can, ‘cause it seems to cover the texture of the logs making up the raft. And if the other technic pins could somehow be concealed as well, the color stands out a bit and looks odd. Aside from that, it’s a wonderful build! I’m glad ye had the time and pieces to build this out of real bricks afterward! It looks great, particularly the cloth sail- far better than those digital pieces! I also like all the supplies you were able to stow away on Steve’s raft, perfect for his journey! I cant wait for the next installment of the story! Fair Winds Matey! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horation 641 posts Posted August 3 I quite like this build, and as always from you, there's more effort on the storytelling than the build (which is anything but lazily-built)! If I have one critique to make, it would be on the top picture you've selected, you've got a brilliant real-life version of it, and you end up using the digital version as a "thumbnail picture". In the voting stage, people will mostly look at the picture in the index, and if it looks digital vs physical, that could very well cost you a few votes... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YellowFrog 190 posts Posted August 4 Nice raft. I particularly commend the technic base, I haven't seen one like it. One critique would be that the attachment to it looks a little disjointed, though, and breaks the illusion of a log raft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Math Wizard 148 posts Posted August 4 On 8/3/2024 at 1:58 PM, Horation said: If I have one critique to make, it would be on the top picture you've selected, you've got a brilliant real-life version of it, and you end up using the digital version as a "thumbnail picture". In the voting stage, people will mostly look at the picture in the index, and if it looks digital vs physical, that could very well cost you a few votes... Very true! While I am not the type of person that thinks digital building is evil and not real LEGO, I am definitely more likely to vote for a physical build any day. And besides, the cloth sail does look inherently better than the plastic one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumn 164 posts Posted August 4 The real build is a lot better than the digital one. I really like using the technic beams as the base and how you've connected everything to it from the plate to the ropes and the oar. If there is one thing I think could be improved on is the plate itself, it looks a bit plain and "flat." I think if you instead use some 2x8 or 2x10 plates and off-set them (my new word for today) by one or two studs each it would create a more "rafty" and make-shift appearance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horation 641 posts Posted August 5 Good point @Autumn ! I have to agree, especially when looking at the wonderful cloth sail, which looks totally makeshift. It almost looks strange that the raft is so flat and perfect, even replacing the one plate with two or three of different colours would go a long way! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YellowFrog 190 posts Posted August 5 (edited) The string and sails are a good choice to include, but I'm a purist, so I can't help but point out that its not Lego string! With the sails, there is really no substitute, but for the string, Lego string would be fine. Edited August 5 by YellowFrog Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horation 641 posts Posted August 5 I feel like they fit the colour theme of the build better. Black strings would just needlessly stand out so this works. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marooned Marin 1713 posts Posted August 5 Thank you all for taking time and offering constructive feedback, I'll try to address all highlighted points a little further below. @Math Wizard I'm glad you liked the story and thank you for many nice compliments. I've been working around the clock and hopefully next instalment of the story is coming tomorrow. @Horation Thanks for the praise! I find it very hard to build without the story in mind. Actually, story comes first and then I go about and build the scene or MOC. @YellowFrog and @Autumn I'm glad you liked it. The tehnic base idea came from yards on my ships, which are all built from tehnic connectors, and what is a makeshift raft then a bunch of yards and beams string together. To be honest, going through all the raft designs, I was surprised that none tried this approach, so that gave me extra motivation to do it as best as I can. ................................. Let me now address the troublesome points. -> The big 6x8 plate I agree with the critique, it's definitely the weak spot of the whole design. It's main function is to give the raft sturdy structure. Secondary function is to serve as a studded floor where we can attach barrel, container, and where our minifigure can walk, sit etc... As I still need the plate for the mast and barrel (not to mention the rigidity of the structure), perhaps this could serve as a compromise. See the image. This way there are still two studs for the minifigure to stand, sit or whatever... the structure is still sturdy, and the texture of the base is clearly visible. Let me know your thoughts. ->The string At the moment of building the test-design, I didn't have LEGO string, but I had designed it with that in mind. Two 40L strings should work just fine. However, I much prefer the colour of the custom rope as it fits better with the period of the age of sail. But this is only my personal taste. In any case, LEGO strings can work with this design. -> The cover photo @Mister Phes Following the unanimous advice of all above creative critiques, I have updated the cover photo of the build. Can you please do the same in the [CONTEST] The Infamous Steve - Building Entries Index Here is the new photo. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horation 641 posts Posted August 5 (edited) Well, I feel like it's a rather good compromise you are offering. I'm personally ok with it, but I'm open to discussing it with the others. Edited August 6 by Horation punctuation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumn 164 posts Posted August 5 Yeah, I agree that it seems reasonable. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something. It looks kind of nice with the technic elements more exposed but I think the plate is needed more for studs for more placement options which still can't be done with three separate plates. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Math Wizard 148 posts Posted August 6 4 hours ago, Marooned Marin said: I think this looks a lot better, though I would just place Steve and another object on the two studs for the pictures, in order to hide the studs and make the whole raft appear continuous. I would also update the physical build accordingly, which will probably also mean another cover photo update as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SevenDeadlyStreamers 158 posts Posted August 6 I had to stop reading to post a comment. I want to take my sweat time and give your story the attention it deserves. It looks just like a classic comic straight out of the world of classic LEGO Pirates. Everything looks authentic and has a nice amount of detail for a small build. The only critique I would give is to add a splash of colour, maybe some yellow or blue? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mister Phes 25314 posts Posted August 6 13 hours ago, Marooned Marin said: Can you please do the same in the [CONTEST] The Infamous Steve - Building Entries Index Done! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YellowFrog 190 posts Posted August 6 (edited) I must say, I do think the custom string might look better, but still I would never do it myself. Once again, personal preference. Also, the exposed technic looks far superior, good job! Edited August 6 by YellowFrog Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BardDandelion 363 posts Posted August 6 It's a wonderfull little build, would work as a set, works as a MOC. Good job. ;) I like the nice contrasting details - yellow and red flag and food in the barrel. Just one question - why did you use blue technic pin in digital build? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marooned Marin 1713 posts Posted August 6 9 hours ago, Mister Phes said: Done! Thank you Mister Phes, it's incredible and inspiring how you find time and energy to run this contest, and so far without a glitch, at least from our side. Back to design discussion. @Autumn I didn't neglect three separate plates idea, actually it was the first thing I tried. The problem is the third plate (back on the "stern"). That whole plate can be connected with only one technic pin. You can see how flimsy the whole thing would be, with the plate rotating like a hand on a clock. I tried even with big wedge plate. Didn't look good. But I really appreciate your input, and I thank you for it. @Math Wizard I agree, the stud closest to rudder is intended for a minifigure. The third stud can be easily covered, or even better, I could rotate technic connector by 90° angle and avoid the stud completely. As for re-building both the digital and real thing, I'll try to do it. @SevenDeadlyStreamers Thanks, I'm happy to hear that you enjoy the story so far. Chapter 3 is now available HERE. I think those guys (creative critiques) would hang me from the main mast if I add some yellow or blue colours to the raft. But I was actually thinking of red paddle (oar) instead of reddish brown. Maybe that could work? @YellowFrog Thanks for your input so far. I'm glad that you approve this latest version. @BardDandelion Man I really love your designs and I'm happy to see you sailing here with us. Too bad you don't have time to participate as a builder, but on the other hand, you usually win every contest you enter, so maybe not so bad. Joking aside, I love to hear your feedback and to answer your question, the blue technic pin, yes in digital I could have made her even brown, but while designing I was using BDP series 6 pallet (I had some thoughts of entering the series 6 this September), and that pin was available only in blue and tan, so I went with blue. When I look at it now, it does stand out. What is seen it cannot be unseen. Darn! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BardDandelion 363 posts Posted August 6 @Marooned Marin Ok, let's think about it for a moment. Do you need that 3l pin anyway? Couldn't these connectors be connected with axles only? And the Technic pin hole could be covered with round plate (stud fits into it). Or you could use 2l black technic pin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumn 164 posts Posted August 6 48 minutes ago, Marooned Marin said: @Autumn I didn't neglect three separate plates idea, actually it was the first thing I tried. The problem is the third plate (back on the "stern"). That whole plate can be connected with only one technic pin. You can see how flimsy the whole thing would be, with the plate rotating like a hand on a clock. I tried even with big wedge plate. Didn't look good. But I really appreciate your input, and I thank you for it. No, I saw that. My last comment I was saying that you need the plate for more studs, but since the three plates clearly wouldn't work then the single large plate is the best option. The only way I can think of just from looking at it would be to reinforce it on top but then it would be too bulky. Bit of a shame you can't fit everything in but it still looks good as a whole and you nailed it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BardDandelion 363 posts Posted August 6 In general, plate is not needed to provide connection points for the barrel etc. The Technic connectors would be enough, they just need to be rotated. Should be possible to connect each "log" with axles and at the ends connect all the logs together (as it is at the moment). If you mix axle connector type 2 (these that are used now) with some other connectors of different length, you will get studs in various places. I mean not all lined up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marooned Marin 1713 posts Posted August 6 26 minutes ago, BardDandelion said: Do you need that 3l pin anyway? Couldn't these connectors be connected with axles only? Here is the current situation. On the right you can see what connectors go where. As I see it, 3l pin is crucial. Problem with the technic axle is that I don't have one straight line, from end to end, for one to go through. Although it's a good idea. (actually I have one line, the top one, but if I use axle then I cannot add wood tiles on the sides.) 25 minutes ago, Autumn said: My last comment I was saying that you need the plate for more studs Ohhh, sorry I misunderstood you. I also tried to add tiles and this and that on the plate, but yeah, it only grew bulkier and not much better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thewatchman 468 posts Posted August 7 Fantastic raft! I really love small pirate raft builds, and seeing how clever part choice and design are, especially when it comes to Mocs! This one in particular is no different, brilliantly designed base, and interesting enough on the eyes to keep me looking too. Another fantastic build Marin! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YellowFrog 190 posts Posted August 7 (edited) Another thing is that this build looks exactly as if it has a place within a Lego system world, even though its primarily technic, which has a very different aesthetic. Well done! I look forward to future builds. Edited August 7 by YellowFrog Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marooned Marin 1713 posts Posted August 9 UPDATE 09.08. As advised by creative critiques: big awkward 6x8 plate was removed made necessary changes to the rudder (it's simplified now) added custom makeshift sails in digital version updated all images (see the first post) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
