DrJB

Exactly, good to know we're converging onto something already known/validated and put to good use. I bet this is how Lego build their prototypes as well, by adding well known 'modular' geometries. I think it's rather simple here (or I'm missing your point). That L shape is just 3 pin holes connected together. Care to clarify your point? If we first decide on how much space the part is to occupy, for example a 2×2×3, then there are a finite number of combinations of 'useful' and unique connectors that can be made to fit in that space, by simply adding pins and axles male/female. Though, most available parts fit in a max of 1×2×3 volumeat most. Yes, there are exceptions such as the frames and large connectors.

I fully understand why you would reach a different conclusion. Maybe I need to clarify the point of this discussion: I am not after 'suggesting' that new parts be made, not at all. In fact parts by themselves are totally useless ... they become useful once they are connected to other parts. In that context, if you need to connect two parts (via a third intermediate part) occupying two separate positions in 3 D space, then there are multiple ways of achieving this. And, here is where the current 'assortment' of parts seems sufficient. So, you're right, but again, this is more a mathematical exercise (for me), and maybe a way to convince ourselves that what we have is good enough. With all this, there is one part that I needed a while back and found no other way to use a substitute: the part shown below but with a 2M axle attached to it... I needed this to build Nico's 2CV car. He used the 3M axle with stud, but that could be better.

Thank you, that's exactly where I was going with this: Some sort of mathematical description with all possible combinations, then those 'impossible' can be removed (e.g. the 2 parallel pins as you mentioned). In fact, if we think of all such connectors and parts as occupying some space in a 3-dimensional matrix, then that matrix can be filled with any of such basic shapes, to yield a large numbers of options. Not sure at this stage how 'useful' those new parts/connectors would be, but still, it is worth the 'mental/mathematical' exercise. In fact, even the most basic pins/axles can fit such framework, namely, all parts below are candidates I mentioned in my original post that lately we've seen some new connectors. I was thinking of those below In fact, a related question/observation can be made about the 'quintet' below, which all are 1×3 but aligned male/female pins/axles There are 3 missing from the above set and they have either no usability or are impossible to connect. Can you guess what they are?

It's a rather 'rare' part (came up in only 9 sets). https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=424#T=C In some cases, you can replace it with https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=18654#T=C

@agrof I agree there are other types that I have omitted. My main focus was on the pin/axle type as most connectors are made up of those. Yes, we could add the spherical joints but those serve a very 'specialized' purpose. As for the connection of with , the last time I tried in LDD it was NOT allowed. Yes, I know the Mercedes truck has many of those. In fact, while assembling that truck, it dawned to me that such truck has way too many of such part.

No I did not ... got other sets for the kids (Friends and Architecture) ... maybe my next trip. The porsche was there on display too, and per the store owner, they're selling quite a few of them.

I was today at the Lego store in CHicago and those sets ARE available for sale. I too was surprised as I thought we won't see them before August.

Very nice. One question: Where did you get the long black 3mm rigid tube for the marble run?

The parts below ... for building all sorts of 'bucky balls'. ... and these, for building holonomic wheels ... and these, for TrisStar wheels ... and these, for rubber tracks (a la Mahjqa) ... and this part, for one day bulding a helicopter rotor with both cyclic/collective controls ... and Lastly, these for one day building my own 'small' bucket-wheel excavator Needless to say, I've been collecting these parts for some time.

This sounds very promising. Looking forward to your finished model.

And your intention is to ... have us guess what you're working on? Hmm ... what's the prize for the one with the correct guess?

You could always work 'in parallel'. That is what I do with my kids whenever we get a large lego set. One person uses the printed manual, the other team members build various 'sub-systems' based on PDF instructions on tablets (iPad), usually available on the lego website. It might not be as much fun ... but that's how we clear out the kitchen table in one evening.

I'd have to agree that the older 'studded' sets were more 'difficult' to build. These include both the 8880 supercar and the space shuttle 8480. There, the build steps were in 'layers' and it was often difficult to 'see' the differences from one step to the next. There, it was 'imperative' to collect all parts for each step, to make sure none is forgotten. Plus, the 'studded' look made it very difficult to 'discern' the drawings.

You're absolutely right. The instructions did get updated and look fine. Though I think the front cover (POV render) still shows gears with an incorrect offset. Not many people would notice those as well. Also, I somehow have an LDR file and it has the incorrect offset in it as well. one would notice that of course. There is an Akiyuki Rainbow Wave module? ... I thought such module was done by someone else, but he was 'inspired' by Akiyuki. Can you put the link to the module you're referring to?

Also, what's with this part? It used to be rather cheap but now, because of Akiyuki's modules (invisible lift & planets), it's about $0.30 each? Supply and demand again?

I was going through some of the instructions (commendable work, Blakbird et. al.) and I found a tiny/minor error in the cup-to-cup module. The five gears to the right are placed 1M higher than they should be, and as such, they do not mesh with the center gear. This might have been addressed before but, just in case. Cheers.

Nicely done, thank you. I've seen technic sets evolve over the many years and I'm not sure I prefer the 'paneled' look. I'd rather have the lines somehow 'defined' yet an open interior with a lot of functions. Bu, that a whole other discussion. Also, I wonder how this compares when sat next to 8450, sizewise. The pictures below are not to the same scale, obviously. Anyone has both and can take a photo? Incidentally, the color schemes are 'close': light blue + black vs. Turquoise + black. vs.

For 'spring' suspensions, there are few parts as shown below. It all depends on how long ago you started buying lego and how many parts you have collected. Some parts came up in single or few sets (e.g 8448, 8466) and are more difficult to get. The whole list is here: https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?catType=P&catString=141

The blue piece came in the Mindstorms Vision Command (below) and other sets. It is just connector and works well with another part. + I have not found much use for the blue part over the years. Maybe the best way to see how many of these pieces (in OP's original post) are used is to build the camera support module (you do not need the camera), that has pan/tilt, in set 9731

There are few options for suspension arms and spindles, though only very few exist in LDD. SO, what is the exact issue you're facing: What parts exist in LDD? ... or what options are there in real life?

About 200k for Technic. Double that if I include Non-Technic (e.g. Classic, Friends, Elves, Ninjago, Bionicle, Chima, FLL ...). Just like NYChase, I think it's about time to offload and recoup usage of one bedroom.

As to understanding why it works, it's just few sinewaves (projection of blob trajectory onto horizontal plane) whose frequencies are slightly off ... at times they're in phase, at others not, and then anything in between. I'm tempted to do an LDD model and would appreciate few static shots. A while back (~10 years) I bought 10 differentials from Lego.edu with big hopes/dreams to do something useful with them. This project is just it. Where else can you use that many differentials? Well, maybe this marvel and the Lego Antikythera (can't find the link now)

Nicely done. The only concern I would have is that the tracks typically do not generate enough friction. As such, maybe some rubber inserts (as those that came in the EV3 Extension Set) might help here.

This would be my most sought-after set. Alas, not looking seriously these days, but still has a spot for it next to my other cars (not as many as BlakBird's though). I was not much into collecting back then, but this set was on sale on TLG for $100 only, for several weeks. Of course, this was before the entrepreneurs from eBay got on board with hoarding/collecting/investing/speculating in Lego Technic.

Thank you, got it.