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“Everything that happens once can never happen twice. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.” If there is one thing at BMR that this could apply for, definitely now that September is coming to a close, it would be the month of OcTRAINber. And yes, just like last year, we would like to announce that this year there will indeed be another OcTRAINber building challenge! Just like last year and the year before, OcTRAINber isn’t just a regular challenge, it’s a themed challenge. Two years ago it was all about ridiculous long trains, last year it was all about foreign trains, and this year the challenge is… The Technic Challenge! As you know, OcTRAINber is all about building outside of your comfort zone. Ofcourse, all of us motorize our trains, be it with PUP, PF, IR, 9V, 12V or anything in between. But in real life, not only the wheels move. There is so much more going on in trains and trackside structures that moves around, or wiggles, or turns, or whatever it does, as long as it makes a movement. So, for this year, we thought it would be fun to challenge our Lego Train community to come up with as much train-related stuff that makes movement, other than just the regular motorization of a locomotive. And, different than the last two years, this time it doesn’t have to be a train, it can also be a trackside structure! As long as it has a form of movement not necessary to let it run on the tracks, you are good to go! Rules As per tradition, we won’t tell you as of yet any of the specifics we will use to score builds until October 1st, but, as per tradition, we will give the general rules that are necessary to enter your builds and start planning! “Moving” is defined as: A movement of any locomotive, rolling stock, structure, or other railroad-related item that is NOT indented to propel the item forwards or backwards on track. Of course, the item can have these movements (we even recommend doing this, because static trains are soooo boring), but you will only be scored on extra movements, like doors opening, or running vents, or a moving telehandler on a goods dock… So, you can enter your newly build Acela Express, and it can be 9V powered, but it needs to have some extra modes of movement included as well, otherwise we will disqualify your entry. I’m sure you get the point. Entries must be original models. No stealing. This also means no MODs, only MOCs. We are making no rules for the scale you choose to model in. We are welcoming models of 6, 7, and 8 studs, and anything in between or beyond! However, we appreciate detail and accuracy. Reasonably sized models are usually better for that, but we don’t knock anything or anyone with serious skill. NEW BUILDS ONLY. We are willing to accept anything unpublished or anything that was not published before September 1st 2019 as new. We want to inspire and promote a challenging build, entering an old model doesn’t quite work in that regard. Entries MUST be made on our Flickr group in the appropriate thread. This is the ONLY place we will be looking for entries, nowhere else. Sending photos to us on social media or showing us in person do not count as entries! We will be accepting entries from Midnight on October 1st to Midnight on November 1st (meaning October 31st, at 23:59 PDT). There is possibility of a grace period to ensure those that need that one final Bricklink order have a fair chance. Entries and Prizes Keep in mind that OcTRAINber is a ‘quality over quantity’-building event. This means that we rather encourage you to build one amazing build than several sub-par ones. That’s why, just like last year, we will restrict the number of entries to only one per person. We are not accepting digital entries this year to emphasize the spirit of the challenge. We haven’t finalized on prizes yet, but since this is a building challenge, we will for sure have some, just like in previous years. Just like last year, we want to encourage you to show off your WIPs this year as well, to make OcTRAINber really a month that is all about trains within the Lego community. Therefore, extra credit will be given to the best WIP stories and/or pictures during the event. Specific information about WIP points will be mentioned in the kick-off article, but the rules will be pretty much in line with last year’s event. We will pick the winners after we have announced the official close of the competition and have stopped accepting new entries, which will be some time after November 1. Once the judges (who, just like last year, will be announced in an upcoming article) have come to a sound conclusion regarding the winners, we will post one final article announcing them, and then we will be in contact with those winners regarding their prizes. So, that’s it for now. We are very excited about this years’ installment, hopefully the same goes for all you train-heads out there! Stay tuned for updates on the start of the challenge, the judges and the scoring when OcTRAINber starts on October 1st. So pack your gear and all aboard OcTRAINber! BTW: For more information and extras it's always wise to check out both Brickmodelrailroader.com, our Flickr and our Facebook, but we will ofcourse try our best to also answer your questions here on the famous Train Tech forums!  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As we announced a bit over a week ago, this year BMR will again run the OcTRAINber contest. OcTRAINber is a contest meant to get outside of your comfort zone and build something you haven’t thought of before. You know, that one truly special build that will spice up your layout like no other has before. All within the realm of Lego Trains, but with a twist. So, let us officially introduce you to the contest and let’s get rolling! OcTRAINber First of all, the name. It’s called OcTRAINber, if somebody had not noticed after two years. Why OcTRAINber? Well, because it’s a great intermediate month between SHIPtember and November. Also, TRAINS. Mostly TRAINS. TRAINS. “The Technic Challenge” Second of all, the subject of this years OcTRAINber. Why the Technic Challenge? Two years ago we had a ‘build your longest’ theme, and last year we were all about ‘building that foreign dream of yours’. Both of them produced some really nice models, but, in essence, they were all static. Yes, some of them were motorized, and yes, some of them even had very fancy motorization that not even us had thought of before. However, in the end motorization was just a nice have-to, not a requirement, which is strange when you think about it. Therefore, we have decided that this year everything is forced to move. The more movement, the better! The Rules The Rules have already been announced in the previous OcTRAINber post, but for completeness’ sake we have pasted them here again: “Moving” is defined as: A movement of any locomotive, rolling stock, structure, or other railroad-related item that is NOT indented to propel the item forwards or backwards on track.Ofcourse, the item can have these movements (we even recommend doing this, because static trains are soooo boring), but you will only be scored on extra movements, like doors opening, or running vents, or a moving telehandler on a goods dock. So, you can enter your newly build Acela Express, and it can be 9V powered, but it needs to have some extra modes of movement included as well, otherwise we will disqualify your entry. I’m sure you get the point. Entries must be original models. No stealing. This also means no MODs, only MOCs. We are making no rules for the scale you choose to model in. We are welcoming models of 6, 7, and 8 studs, and anything in between or beyond! However, we appreciate detail and accuracy. Reasonably sized models are usually better for that, but we don’t knock anything or anyone with serious skill. Also, the building of Train-related builds which aren’t trains themselves (trackside structures etc.) is stimulated, so no need to even join the 6 vs 7 vs 8 wide wars this year! NEW BUILDS ONLY. We are willing to accept anything unpublished or anything that was not published before September 1st 2019 as new. We want to inspire and promote a challenging build, entering an old model doesn’t quite work in that regard. Type of Entries Unlike the previous two years, we will only accept real-life builds this year. This has everything to do with the subject of this year’s challenge. It’s just virtually impossible to show movement in digital builds, and to prove that it actually works. To level the playing field we have thus decided not to allow digital builds. However, we will have to separate categories of Entries: Direct Drive and Indirect Drive. To explain this a bit further: Direct Drive entries are entries that are/could be driven by a separate motor that is specifically meant for that moment. So think moving crossing poles, a truck that runs around, waggling ducks, a moving carousel… You name it. The Indirect Drive category in the other hand is meant for entries that move around because of a movement that is already happening. So think a train that is already running around due to it’s train motor, but that has some movement that is kinetically powered and only moves when the train moves. Does your Entry have both? Well, then you are in luck and you can enter it in both categories! That’s just a gesture from us here at BMR to stimulate some extra movement :) Third party parts BMR has always been positive towards third-party parts, as long as they have any way of added value to the hobby. So the rule of thumb is simple: Lego: Yes Third Party Parts meant specifically for use with Lego: Yes* Clones: No *Other than the previous years we have made some extra specification to the Third Party Parts. All Third Party Parts this year have to be meant for use with Lego. So BuWizz, PFx Brick, sBrick etc. are allowed, but Arduino and Raspberry Pi are not. Rule of thumb: If it has studs and/or connectors to one of the Lego electric systems, it’s OK. If not, it isn’t. Points Points will be awarded in three categories: Credibility, WIP Story and Movement Factor. First of all, credibility of the prototype. This means we will be looking at how much the build represents the real life prototype. This means the quality of the build, but potential scale etc. If you are sending in a fantasy model, we will look at how credible the build is; would it fit in, does the backstory make sense? (Please note that this means an entry does need to be based in the real-life in some way, so no fantasy universes like Star Wars, etc.) Second of all, the WIP story. This refers to both showing off your building process, but also to how and why you decided to model a certain prototype. The better the story and the more updates you give and the more elaborate your building story is, the better. (Also, feel free to cross-post these pictures in our WIP-thread while you are still building!) Third and last, the Movement Factor. This is all about the how of the movement of your build. So, is it powered in a special way, or does it have some crazy movement, or does it have some special functionality, etc. The more the merrier, but as always with OcTRAINber, it’s about quality first, and quality second. So it’s great if you have some wobbling pigeons, but if one of them also flies up and down… that could definitely add some points. The Judges This contest will have four judges. Why four? Well, because last year we also had four. Just like last year we will have a guest judge related to the building contest. This year our guest judge will be none other than Peer Kreuger, better known as Mahjqa, one of the most well-known technic gearheads out there. Almost (if not all) of Peer’s builds have some funky motorization in them, which time after time surprises and makes his builds even more fun. We are delighted to have him and we hope it will give you guys an extra incentive to build! Glenn Holland Cale Leiphart Gerbrand van den Eeckhout Peer Kreuger (This year’s guest judge!) Timeline We will be accepting entries from Midnight on October 1st (being right now!) to midnight on November 1st (meaning October 31st, at 23:59 PDT). There is possibility of a grace period to ensure those that need that one final Bricklink order have a fair chance Entries Entries are to be sent in ONLY via our own BMR Flickr! There are two discussions; one for the Direct Drive Entries and one for the Indirect Drive Entries. This is the ONLY place we will be looking for entries, nowhere else. Sending photos to us on social media or showing us in person do not count as entries. Next to that, please also add your pictures in the pool! Also, we have a special thread for WIP pictures, just to keep OcTRAINber going. However, do keep in mind that pictures in this thread don’t count as entries! The Prizes No contest without prizes! Just as last year we have some really nice prizes from several outlets. Which prizes specifically will be made public as soon as possible, so to keep the hype train running for a little bit longer! Spare Parts We here over at BMR are very, very excited about OcTRAINber 2019: The Technic Challenge and we are looking forward to all those entries. We are really looking forward to see what the community has to offer in terms of creativity and we hope that all of you will be stimulated by this contest to finally build that one amazing moving MOC that you always wanted to build, but never managed. Also, if there are any things that aren’t fully clear, you can always reach out to us by posting your message below. So pack your gear and get aboard OcTRAINber!

This is my entry for the Lego Ideas "Moon to Mars" contest https://ideas.lego.com/challenges/a289cd61-c960-4364-a1a8-42da645a4fe6/application/ff3e793f-c099-4c20-aef0-4612f4e53ab8 Caronte, a spaceship assembled in orbit around Moon to transport a crew to Mars and provides all necessary to create the first ground base on the red planet.. Caronte by Rusty B. I used a "capsule" design, with a pair of dome on each living module to have a good light source.. in the middle of the ship there is a working rotating system usefull to create the artificial gravity on the floor of the living modules. During the journey, the crew can live inside them easly.. Caronte by Rusty B. The spaceship is mdular, because when arrives near Mars, the modules will be undocked from the ship main structure and will be send on the planet landing on the surface using parachutes... Caronte by Rusty B. The crew lands on surface inside the Command pod / Rover and assembles the landed modules to create the ground base.. there are also two containers with inside solar panels, connection wires, a accumulation battery, a parabolic dish antenna and the rover wheels, that will be mounted on the Command pod to trasform it in a rover.. Caronte by Rusty B. The command pod / Rover has a command seat to drive the spaceship/rover, a second seat with computer and a back space to transport things.. Caronte by Rusty B. The base itself is playable with the opening roofs, to let play inside with the crew minifigures.. list of modules: - Airlock: Caronte by Rusty B. The Airlock helps the crew to enter and exit the base, balancing the internal atmosphere and contains the spacesuits for the external surface walk.. - Crew living module: Caronte by Rusty B. The main living module, with beds for crew, lamps on them, a recreation computer and space to keep personal objects.. - Science module: Caronte by Rusty B. In this living module the crew works, making experiments with Mars rocks, analyzing the scansions made with rover... there are a main desk with a laptop and microscope, rotating seat, a space with lab instrumentations, a drill to analyze rocks, and the infirmary, with all need to heal the crew.. - Greenhouse module: Caronte by Rusty B. This living module provides the food for the sustenance of the crew, during the space travel and on the ground... with a mix of traditional and idroponic colture, the plants grow and produces vegetables and fruits.. - Cargo bay: Caronte by Rusty B. In this container there are all the equipments to make the ground base operative.. directional solar panels, a accumulation battery, wires to connect the panels to the battery to the base itself, and a parabolic dish antenna for the communication between the base and the control base on the Moon or the Earth.. - Wheels bay: Caronte by Rusty B. To transform the Command pod in a rover, this container has inside four deassembled wheels... for more pics, visit my Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/152734688@N06/ because in the renders the trasparent domes are too dark, i've removed them in some pics to let see easly the internal... I used only existing parts in existing color... but probably i've made some mistakes... i will re-check all the colors, and if i will find some errors, they can be resolved easly without changing any shape particular or details... What do you think? As always, comments, opinions, suggestions and costructive critics are really welcome!

Deadline Update! New Deadline is June 16th. May the 4th be with you! Has your landspeeder been collecting dust in your garage? Do you fear there's no demand for your landspeeder model? Afraid it's going to be obsolete soon? Worry no longer! We have just the thing to raise the market value of your landspeeder! The Eurobricks Landspeeder Contest! If you win, you are guaranteed to raise the demand for your Landspeeder if even it's an old X-34 model. Who wouldn't want to purchase the winning speeder, right? There are 3 categories: Category A) Build a landspeeder. Category B) Build a mechanic shop with at least 3 landspeeders being worked on [can use the landspeeder from Cat A] with the emphasis being on the shop. Category C) Show a race between at least 2 landspeeders [can use landspeeders from Cat A and/or Cat B] with the emphasis being on representing the race course and terrain. A landspeeder should be able to fit more than 1 person/minifigure comfortably. Examples of landspeeders are the X-34 that Luke drives in a New Hope, the Flash Speeder from Phantom Menace, and the M-68 Han drives at the beginning of Solo. Rules Only one entry per category is allowed per person. There is no maximum or minimum size limit. The contest will run from 4th May to 4th June, 201916th June, 2019. As long as it's still June 16th somewhere in the world, you can still enter. Entries posted after the deadline will be disqualified. There must be at least 10 entries for anyone to be eligible for prizes. If there are fewer than 10 entries, there will still be prizes, they will just not be the same as are listed in the prizes section. This contest is open to all EB members, even if they joined EB after the contest has begun, with the exception of the Star Wars staff, who are not eligible to win prizes. All entries must be new creations, not posted anywhere else prior to being entered in the contest. You may be asked by a staff member to change your entry if it is too similar to an earlier creation. All entries must be built from real LEGO. No clone brands, no third-party custom parts. Digital entries will be allowed. All digital entries must use only existing pieces in existing colors. All entries must be posted as a new topic in the Watto’s Junkyard forum, the title prefixed by, "[Landspeeder][Category ~] - entry name". (For example, "[Landspeeder][Cat C] – Jundland Waste Race".) A link must also be included in this thread for your entry to count. You may do a 'full-blown photo edit' with all the text, effects, background compositing, support erasing, and other effects on one picture. All your other pictures may have no editing other than color adjustment or background removal for a solid-color background. For obvious reasons, any photo editing that changes the shape, functionality, or color (not tint or adjustment, but actual color) of a LEGO piece is prohibited. It is also prohibited to use the Lego logo in any picture. All entries are considered WIPs (Works In Progress) until the deadline passes. Until the deadline has passed, you are allowed to change and improve your MOC. The winners will be decided by EB members voting. Prizes First place in Cat A will win 75262 Imperial Dropship First place in Cat B will win 75243 Slave I First place in Cat C will win 75233 Droid Gunship

Voting is now open! Each picture has a link to the right to the original thread. Please go to each thread before voting as there are more pictures from the members that may help you make a better choice. Please vote for your favorite entry by listing the number of that entry. Each person is allowed to vote twice for each category. You can vote for 2 different entries or the same one twice. For example: Or: Only those who were members before May 4th 2019 can vote. If you were not a member before May 4th then you can't vote. This is to prevent accounts being created for voting. First place in Cat A will win 75262 Imperial Dropship First place in Cat B will win 75243 Slave I First place in Cat C will win 75233 Droid Gunship You cannot vote for your own entry! Voting will close at the end of the day on the 10th of July. As long as it is still the 10th somewhere in the world, you can still vote. Votes cast after that hour will not be accepted. Cat A) - 1. Retro - Imperial "Viper" - 2. Rustinidiel - U8-3R - 3. Inconspicuous - Furosia - 4. dvogon - Patrol At Starkiller Base - 5. Praiter Yed - Starkiller's Landspeeder - 6. goatman461 - Old Republic Patrol Speeder - 7. r4canine - Raider Gang Speeder - 8. LucasLaughing - MandalMotors DLX-9 - 9. Henjin_Quilones - Henjin and Jenhin Quilones' speeder - 10. Gubi0222 - Ute Speeder - 11. naugem - XR-98 Cat B) - 1. Retro - Imperial Speeder Yards - 2. Inconspicuous - Speedee Repairs - 3. Henjin_Quilones - Veenac'ebla's speeder repair shop - 4. Gubi0222 - Repair Station 616 on Jakku - 5. naugem - The Vagrant Mobile Workshop Cat C) - 1. Retro - A Tight Bend - 2. goatman461 - Pursuit Outside the Salacious Crumb - 3. r4canine - Crash on Batuu - 4. Henjin_Quilones - The streets of Nar Shaddaa 5. Gubi0222 - Scavenger Raid - 6. naugem - Race over the purple canals of Felucia

The Votes are Counted, the Results are in. It is time to announce the winners! 1st Place @Garmadon an impressive Dragon Forge. 2nd Place @_shaddow_ A hefty Fire Mech 3rd Place @Exetrius A terrifying Stone Army Tomb If you could PM me postal details for your prizes to be sent out and you're welcome to choose any tag from the Ninjago Tags @Pate-keetongu, @kritch and @Bricknave: You three, as 4th and joint 5th place are also welcome to choose a tag if you'd like one. @Exetrius can also choose to have the special tag for the most excellent help in tallying up the votes.

This years Building Contest for the 15th Eurobricks-Event in Günzburg was: Build your own town in style of the LEGO Architecture Skyline Series. The idea behind it was to learn even more about each other. The rules were easy and as following: Use LEGO to build a skyline in style of the LEGO Architecture Skylines. Use some nice buildings or interesting sight seeing spots of the town you live in. (If it would be suuuper small and there is a bigger town near by I guess it would be fine to use that town. But e.g. don't build the skyline of Copenhagen if you would live in Billund) Keep it in roughly the same size as the models form LEGO. A nice paper print out with some informations about the skyline would be nice too. Have fun! Here are all the amazing Skylines together in one Picture and some impressions of the presentation Special thanks to CopMike for supplying us all with beautiful printed 1x8 tiles with the city names. And now here we go for all the individual entries: Ravensburg, Germany "The City of Games" (by Skalldyr) for more detailed pictures and some behind the scenes building techniques just click here!

Winners! After a three way tie, I had to make a difficult decision on the winner of this contest. After much pondering and some good sportsmanship I have come upon a winner: First Place! @Umbra-Manis If you could message me your address to post out the prize and choose your tag: @makoy Choose a tag and @Exetrius @kritch want another tag? @LegoMyMamma, you can choose a tag as the 3rd place entry. This was a fun one, do you like little contests like this? I can try running a few more with tags as prizes.

Ninjago has been a real hit for LEGO. With 8 years of sets, numerous seasons of the TV series and a whole theatrical movie release. 2019 has had the excellent Legacy release, a rebuild of past sets and a few extras that featured in the animation. To celebrate the exciting world of Ninjago and it's successful 8 years I present the Eurobricks Ninjago Legacy Contest! To be in with a chance of winning one of three excellent prizes: First Place: 70670 - Monastery of Spinjitzu Second Place: 70669 - Cole's Earth Driller Third Place: 70668 - Jay's Storm Fighter  And a cool profile Tag: All you need to do is create your own Legacy version of any past Ninjago set or a build of something featured in the TV series. The Contest runs from today, 1st of May until midnight 31st of May. No minimum or maximum part or minifig limit Entries should include the name of your creation and a link to the Brickset reference page of the original or a screencap of the inspiration from the Ninjago TV series Please also note: You may continually modify and update your entries and entry posts right up until the deadline One entry per member and no recycling of old creations or MOCs already posted unless you make some significant changes Custom decals and non-LEGO string and cloth/canvas/paper are allowed. Third party commercial parts (e.g. Brickarms, Brickforge) and customised minifig parts are not allowed. No clone brands or digital entries No minifig limit Post up to 3 pictures in a thread that must start with the title Legacy Judging will take place by a public vote with rules to follow in the future thread If you have any questions and concerns then post below.

The contests continue! This one is pretty simple: Choose any Polybag sized set produced by LEGO and turn it into a Ninjago version. Ninjago City Street Sweeper? We need that! Ninja-Lawn Groomer? Get building! The prize is for first place is: Ninja Glider The winner and four runners up also get their pic of a nifty ninja tag: The rules are simple: Create a Ninja version of a LEGO polybag set. No service packs, Foil bags or CMFs sorry. You do not need to use Ninjago parts, but the set has to look like it will fit the theme. Make a thread titled: [Polybag] ---- Include a picture or link of the set you have based the MOC on. Digital Entries are permitted No clone brands please Have fun! The contest ends on 31/5/19 at midnight. So please get your entries online by then. Winners are chosen by public vote. Any questions? I am happy to help.

A normal day on Jakku, when you just want to survive in the desert between giant crashed starships and suddenly some scavengers starting chasing you for your supplies an scrap parts.

My entry to Legacy Contest, new version of 9448 Samurai Mech. It has been made as an official Legacy set, 70665 THE Samurai Mech, but the retake felt inferior compared to original. I wanted to enhance the samurai armour feel of the original's silhouette, keeping some key elements like round, kabuto-like cockpit, spinner crown on chest, cowcatcher shoulder pads with cannons and the weapons, while re-imaginin completely the blocky legs and making the helmet more helmet-like. I felt actual grim face on the cockpit would look imposing and unsettling on a huge mech, striking fear to enemies. The hinged cockpit opens, revealing Samurai X piloting the mech. Her katana is stored under the mech's plate skirt armour. And yes, the mech has knee joints. Thanks for watching and thanks to Peppermint_M for organizing this inspiring contest! -Eero/Pate-keetongu

Scenes for the Corner Garage by Brickcentral Community, on Flickr First, thank you to @Jim and the admins for letting me post our photo contest here! I really appreciate the help! Brickcentral is hosting its first photo contest as a Recognized LEGO Online community and we've got an awesome prize to give away: Corner Garage 10264! Brickcentral is an online community that runs themed photography challenges, features creative photos and shares shooting tips for the LEGO photographer. To enter the photo contest, create a scene relating to any of the floors of the Corner Garage building and take a photo of it. Your photo might be set in any of the floors of the building, but they could also be events that bring you to it... or even take you out of it! A car breaking down somewhere, repairs happening in the garage, animals getting a check up on site or at the stables, people having a rooftop party... these are all scenes that relate to the Corner Garage building. Use your imagination! We've got some examples made by some of our mods posted on the contest page (see below) to inspire you. The contest runs until June 30 and will be judged by the mod team of Brickcentral. Full contest details are on the Scenes for the Corner Garage contest page. I hope to see some fantastic entries from the Eurobricks community!

Probably should've done this one first. LDD link here. Using this classic poly as a basis, managed to pull together a more modernized model with a subtly "mechanical" aesthetic (being Zane and all) and a bit more (hopefully requited) flair in . Should've added tan or "plastic wings" just for the sake of color, but it's too late to change the render now, isn't it? And back shot. That red button is a homage to the original, but does play a role in the principal function: it can be pressed to let the wings, uh, "flutter." I dunno if I need to add much to this beyond a couple lines, but do click the links if you can. The LDD one in particular has some neat insight into the model's function. Edit: I've added the words "plastic wings" above. This doesn't negate the entry, does it?

Hi everyone, It might be a bit late to start a topic for the TC15 contest, but all my Lego time went up during the last few weeks to finish another moc. I decided to start building this specific helicopter, beceause nobody has built this specific version in technic before and I quite love this one. I am aiming for a compact replica of this helicopter with some basic features using powerfunctions and without the use of specific swashplate parts: -Controlled main rotor and tail rotor by one M motor -Controlled rotor blades (collective) by one M motor using a mini linear actuator -The use of clutch gears for a safe build -All powerfunctions shall be opperated via smartphone This is where I want to start with and more manual functions can eventually be added later. Here are some pictures of the wip (sorry for the poor quality) Let me know what you think!

As June begins, so does the Summer Joust! Open from June 1st - July 31st, you can see all the details in the flickr group. There are 6 categories and 17 prizes! So check it out now and join the castle building fun

For context: Not the greatest color or piece transition in general, but I make do with what I have. This was originally going to be solely an LDD entry, but I went and reread the rules and, well, I guess that made for one hell of a week next to APs and finals. Though speaking of LDD, I do have the file right... ...here. Ignore the black line, link right over here. And Imgur link, ofc, with shots of a lot of internal buildwork and the factory (there's a factory?) below. I might add comments there later. Edit: Just to note, the ldd link is to dropbox. I don't know if it works properly, but it hopefully should.

This topic's discussion has now shifted over to Lego Ideas' latest "gift-with-purchase" contest, as named in the topic's current title. Details for this contest are presented in this topic's fourth reply. The former title of this topic was The Brick Fan's Future Gift-With-Purchase Contest from Lego's CET. OK, this pretty cool. The Lego Community Engagement Team is asking readers of Allen Tran's The Brick Fan to offer up ideas for some future "gift-with-purchase" sets. Here is the article and quoted details below: Lego Looking for Ideas for Future Gift-With-Purchase Items

TECHNIC AIRCRAFT CONTEST - INFORMATION TOPIC After discussing several contest ideas, we figured this was the most popular idea for the next contest....flying stuff! "The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who...looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space...on the infinite highway of the air." DESCRIPTION Build a LEGO Technic Aircraft. Obviously, your model doesn't have to be able to fly. This is not a wacky competition so we are looking for realistic vehicles. It doesn't have to be an existing vehicle or a model of an existing vehicle, but it needs to be something we could potentially see in real life. You can come up with your own concept design (like the B-model of the BMW Motor Bike), but we are not looking for futuristic unrealistic scifi designs. No spaceships either. Drones, jetpacks, balloons, zeppelins, planes, helicopters, etc are some of the potential models that come to mind. Here is a list of vehicles for which it wasn't very clear whether they are allowed: Kites, yes Gliders, yes Spacecraft, no Spaceshuttles/Orbiters, yes Rockets, yes SSTOs are Single Stage To Orbit-Spacecrafts , yes Ground Effect Vehicles, yes Hovercrafts, no DEADLINE Deadline date is Monday the 17th of February 2019. Contest will be closed on Tuesday the 18th of February, OR LATER. Disclaimer: I will close the contest when I see fit and when I have the time to process the results. This can be later than the deadline date. Please don't complain about this not being fair and all. RULES AND REGULATIONS The following section describes the contest specific and general rules and regulations. But before that, please take notice of a simple motto regarding the Eurobricks Contests: CONTESTS ARE FOR FUN! Of course there's competition, but at the end of the day, LEGO is just a hobby and the main goal for each of us is to have fun! CONTEST SPECIFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS Each entry needs to have a name (no name, no entry). Model Team style building is not permitted. You can use system parts, but keep it mainly Technic. Mindstorms and LEGO Electronics are permitted. SBrick and Buwizz are permitted. 3rd party Strings, Hoses and Rubber Bands are permitted. 3rd party tires are not permitted. Other 3rd party parts are not permitted. There is no size limit. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS The contest is open to all EB members (also new members). Members can be banned from voting (when vote rigging is suspected). Voting rules will be explained later in the voting topic. One entry per member. Entries need to be new (never posted anywhere previously or shown at an event/LUG meeting). Only physical builds, so no LDD or other virtual entry. If you have any doubts about the suitability of your entry contact me, or Milan. All entries are to include only real LEGO. No clone brands, 3rd party parts, or digital entries allowed. Custom stickers are allowed. No cutting, sculpting or modifying parts. Entries are to be placed in the entry topic in this forum. Entries not in the entry topic are not eligible for voting. The entry post may be edited at any time up to the end of the contest, so feel free to make improvements if you wish. The contest might be closed later than the deadline. Don't complain about this not being fair. You have enough time to build. Don't ask for more time. We reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not follow these rules. These rules can be changed whenever we see fit to ensure that people follow the intent of the contest. Jury members are not eligible to participate. WHAT DO I NEED TO ENTER? All participant need to create a discussion topic and create a post in the entry topic. DISCUSSION TOPIC A discussion topic starting with [TC15]. A discussion topic needs to show some actual progress (i.e. pictures of the build in progress) and should NOT be used to "reserve an idea". ENTRY POST The entry post in the entry topic should contain: Entry name. One or more pictures (max 3 of max 1024x1024). Embedded video (mandatory). Link to the discussion topic. VOTING Voting scheme will be public voting only, but only by members who have 50 posts or more. If you have less posts, you can vote, but your votes will be automatically excluded from the tally. Voting criteria are (in no particular order): Originality. Looks (shape, color scheme etc). Quality of the build. Functionality. PRIZES Three wonderful prizes can be picked from the five sets below. For the prizes we define two categories of contestants: Mortals (contestants who haven't won any medals in previous contests) and Immortals (contestants who have won one or more medals in previous contests). Top-3 winners will get medals as usual, regardless of the category. 1st PRIZE: WINNER OF THE CONTEST The winner of the contest calls dibs on one of the five sets. 2nd PRIZE: RUNNER UP OR FIRST MORTAL The second prize goes to: Highest ranked mortal, if the contest winner is an immortal (already has a medal) The person who ended second (actual runner up), if the contest winner is a mortal (has no medal yet) So, in theory both prizes can go to mortals, but I'm sure the immortals will do their best to prevent that 3rd PRIZE: RAFFLE PRIZE The third prize will be raffled among contestants who have created a discussion topic (early on), are actively showing progress and providing value to the community. @Milan and myself will decide who gets this prize. No discussion. The raffle winner can choose one of the three remaining sets.

TECHNIC AIRCRAFT CONTEST - VOTING TOPIC Voting will be open for a variable period of time. Closing date will most likely be somewhere between one and two weeks. VOTING RULES AND REGULATIONS Voting scheme uses the old Formula One style point distribution (10, 6, 4, 3, 2 and 1 POINT) You need to assign 10 points to the 1st place, 6 points to the second and so one. You need to vote for 6 ENTRIES (no more, no less) Clearly mention the ENTRY NUMBER and the NUMBER OF POINTS per entry that you vote on. If you joined Eurobricks after the start of the contest, you can be banned from voting (when vote rigging is suspected) You may NOT vote for your own entry. In the event of a tie for any place the Technic Staff will decide which entry wins. Our decision is final. Questions about voting can be asked in the Discussion Topic. For example (entries randomly chosen): --- comments can be placed above the votes 5: 10 (no comments here please) 6: 6 1: 4 9: 3 7: 2 3: 1 Or comments can be placed below the votes ---- NOTES Please use this exact notation NUMBER: VOTES (with a colon). Please don't type #1:10, 1 = 10 or 1) 10 or other notations. Stick to the example format shown above. Please use this thread only for voting. You may explain why you made your choice, but any general discussion should take place in the Discussion Topic. Comments should be placed ABOVE or BELOW the votes. Please don't comment on the same line as the votes. VOTING Voting scheme will be 100% member voting. Voting criteria are (in no particular order): Originality. Looks (shape, color scheme etc). Quality of the build. Functionality. ENTRIES All entries can be found in the entry thread: Please visit the entry topic to see all entries. 1. Fairey Rotodyne by BrickbyBrickTechnic 2. The Iron Vulture - Helicarrier by cyberdyne systems 3. White Lightnin' by Rudivdk 4. Volante by kodlovag 5. AH-77 Hunter by steph77 6. A17 - Paper Plane by Marxpek 7. 852 Studless by mocbuild101 8. Project Cockpit by m00se 9. Sikorsky S-64 by JLiu15 10. Skycrane Helicopter by Erik Leppen 11. Boeing Stearman Kaydet PT-17 by braker23 12. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk by brickhappy 13. Motorized BiCopter by Zerobricks 14. Nighthawk Tribute by Tomik 15. JAP19 by MegaRoi 16. Hot Air Balloon by Epicentre 17. Hunter Mk.III by Thirdwigg 18. Propeller Launcher by Lucullus Good luck!

OK, I'll play too. I am excited about any reason to build an aircraft, but these last couple of days have been rough. I have drafted four ideas (F-86, TA-183, Air Racer, and DH Mosquito), and I didn't like were any of them were going. Getting the nose right is so tricky. Or I am too picky. So, here is the fifth idea, and we will see what can happen with this. It's not very ambitious, but I'll be able to get it done in time. And it fits with what I like to do, mid sized, no PF, and packed full of features. Dual Rotors Front and Rear Collective control Retractable landing gear Opening side door Rear ramp Which It's not much to start, but I have drafted some of the mechanics off to the side. I'll update again tomorrow. I am stuck on colors right now. Yellow and red is overdone, and I do not want too much white, so I welcome votes. Top/Bottom Orange, DBG Lego City White, Blue, and Orange Orange and LBG vertical panels Orange and DBG vertical panels Red and White

TECHNIC AIRCRAFT CONTEST - ENTRY TOPIC CONTEST INFORMATION More information about the contest can be found in the general discussion topic. WHAT DO I NEED TO ENTER? Please take a careful look at the rules before posting in this topic. Each participant is obliged to create a post in this entry topic. Posts need to follow the rules stated below. Posts not following the rules will be disqualified so please read them carefully. ENTRY POST The entry post in this topic needs to contain: Entry name One or more images (max 3). You can have combined pictures (4 in 1) as long as the picture isn't bigger than 1024x1024. Embedded video (mandatory) Link to your discussion topic IMPORTANT This topic should be used for entries only, so commenting is prohibited. Please use the general discussion topic for...well, general discussion on the contest, and individual discussion topics to comment on the individual entries.

WARNING! WARNING! This is a long post. Read at your own expense. Grab popcorn, coffee,soda, whatever you need to stay awake. Take your time, several days if needed, to read the whole thing before responding. Also, couple of things that will help you as you read this post. First, APPL stands for Average Pieces Per Lot. If a set or MOC has 1000 pieces and 100 lots then there are on average, then... 10 pieces per lot. The data set I used for the following is something I compiled on my own. If there are any interested parties I have no problem sharing it. I apologize up front if I have misconstrued the data at all. I took the values of piece count and lot count from Bricklink. Also, from memory on some sets regarding piece count. Funny how some things just seem to stick with you. I recognize that there are many more sophisticated methods for examining the below: I chos I chose the below because of its simplicity, and thus maximizing the availability of others to join in the fun. This post has been percolating around in my mind for a while, ever since I read The Mathematics of Lego by Dr. Samuel Arbesman. http://www.wired.com...matics-of-lego/ Some of the ideas in this post were discussed in Dr. Arbesman in his article, but some are not. Some of the ideas are also borrowed from an article that Dr. Arbesman himself referenced; http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/12381294 ; which is absolutely fascinating. Sometimes I wonder if we fully realize how far-reaching the influence of Lego really is. I think that it is fascinating that Lego sometimes acts as a microcosm for phenomena that occur in real life. Dr. Arbesman discusses the non-linear relationship between the total number of elements and total number of lots in a set. Obviously, there is a positive relationship; as the number of total elements increase so do the total number of lots (most of the time). However, this relationship is non-linear because the steepness of slope in this relationship is different for smaller sets compared to larger sets; which emulates real, true life-phenomena. Dr. Arbesman makes his statements based on a data set of all genres, or most all genres, of Lego. I re-examined not his data set, but my own, randomly pulling sets from a variety of genres, but mostly Technic, Star Wars, Town/City, and other general system sets. Although I saw the same relationship as Dr. Arbesman, any purported relationship really fell apart when dealing with very large sets, or sets with specific themes. Here are at least two reasons why (there are likely many more): (1) System sets, or sets like Creator sets, don't necessarily need to have a function. They are either purely artistic or meant to emulate something in real life, but minus the function. This can create problems when looking at the variables of interest in Dr. Arbesman's article. Best way to describe it is to provide examples. Case in point: Lego 3450. Statue of Liberty. 2882 pieces but only 49 lots. That is, on average, nearly 60 pieces per lot! I am sure there are many, many more examples (think of any mosaic project) but this is one that comes to mind. Sets like these will really mess with the data. Comparing sets that are too different from one another will lead to an apple and oranges comparison but not being aware of it. (2) Sets that offer lots of playability may not really be one set at all. Case in point, set 10188 is actually many different builds, right? To say the set has 3803 pieces, and 438 lots, divide the two and come up with an average piece per lot value would be incorrect, right? One would really have to deal with each little room as its own set in terms of lot and element count. Too complex though. It was not done in Dr. Arbesman's data, and therefore really skews the data. Sets also that have lots and lots of accessories (I will use 10188 again as an example) also will skew the data, because they artificially inflate the individual lots value. The accessories are not needed for the build, but included in the lot count. So, to rectify the two above issues, I thought it would be fun to examine total element count and lot count in ONLY Technic sets/MOCs. I think that doing so fixes the above problems, perhaps not totally but in my mind satisfactorily because: (1) Technic models add functionality, which by nature, maintains some sort uniformity in the sets of interest. We are not comparing sets that are so different as say, Lego 3450 and 10188. (2) Technic models don't artificially inflate individual lot values by adding lots of accessories, which a lot of sets in other genres do. As mentioned, for small sets this really is not an issue, because there are not many accessories to be had if the set itself is small. But for large sets, it is a real issue, and that is why the relationship between the two variables of interest pretty much dissolves when dealing with large sets. So, that is a long introduction to what this post is really about; but, there you have it. I wanted to examine the relationship between total number of Technic elements in Technic sets/MOCs and their relationship with individual lot counts. Below is a picture of a simple scatterplot of these two variables. The picture below that gives best of fit lines, with a logarithmic function barely beating out a standard function as the best line of fit for the model (R - squared values of .83 versus 90 respectively). (sorry for the bad pic quality - I upload from mocpages and they have always been behind the curve in terms of technology. If anyone needs clarification,I can try to answer any questions) So, we can therefore say that, although lot counts increase with set size, it is to a much lesser extent with larger sets than with smaller sets. Thismakes sense, especially if you read the article mentioned previously: http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/12381294As systems increase, so does their tendency to repeat themselves, or what can be referred to as "redundancy" in a model. Now, redundancy is usually abad word, but in this case, not really. Redundancy can add to efficiency; which is the very thing that I want to discuss. Cities with many, many gasstations (redundancy) lead to efficiency in traffic. In biology, systems (animals, plants, etc.) that have many, many cells (again, redundancy) areusually more efficient than smaller systems (think of the metabolic rate of an elephant versus a mouse; that is why their life spans are so ridiculouslydifferent). But what does all this mean for Lego sets? If you look at the graphs below, those models that fall above the curve have lower averagepiece per lot (APPL) values than their relative (the term relative is important here, because when using the curve we are comparing small sets tosmall sets, medium to medium, etc.) counterparts. Those that fall under the curve have higher APPL values. The further a dot is from the curve the moredistinguishing they are; either for having low or high APPL values. The question I would like to put forth to the forum is "What do these valuesmean in terms of the sets/MOCs we love so much?" Does a low AAPL value set mean that it uses more unique parts than one with a high AAPL? Is this somecrude measure of UNIQUENESS for our sets? Is a set that has an AAPL of 10 "uniquier" than one with say, a AAPL of 15? (assuming both were more or lessthe same size?). Or... do large APPL values simply mean that a set is more EFFICIENT in its use of parts than a set with a small APPL? I am NOTtrying to use these questions as a way to judge MOCs or sets, there are so many more variables that better depict elements of a quality in a MOC or setthan what I am discussing. I just think that it is an interesting idea, and would like to know more thoughts from others. Many may be thinking. What the heck is this guy talking about??? Perhaps a couple of examples will help. Below are circled two sets that are amongthe most beloved Technic sets; old or young (notice that I say "among" - I get that there is much subjectivity here). Notice how they are both wellbelow the curve, meaning they have a lot of redundancy, or repeating pieces in their build. These sets have very high APPL values relative to theirsize group. Can anyone guess which ones they are? If you guessed 8288 and 42009, both cranes, you guessed right (if you can guess what set is to the left of the 8288 set, GOLD STAR for you!). And they both scream redundancy in part usage right? In fact, that was one of the criticisms of 42009; lots and lots of pins. 8288 has lots and lots of liftarms for a set with only 800 parts. So, are these high APPL values reflective of redundancy or efficiency? Dr. Arbesman would argue both. As a system (or Lego set) gets bigger, it gets more redundant,and therefore more efficient (I get there are many definitions of "efficient" here; in this application we mean efficient from a productionstand-point, not a functionality standpoint. TLG loves sets like these if they sell. Not a lot of molds have to be used and/or created for a set withhigh APPL; and we all know that is really where TLG loses money. In the making of new molds). What do you think though? As I mentioned, I think itis no coincidence that two of the highest APPL values are also two Technic fan favorites; but this could also be to the fact that we all just lovecranes. That is why I am directly stating that I don't think that APPL values have really anything to do with popularity or skill in which they arebuilt, but I do think they are curious phenomena to discuss. So what about low APPL values? Remember we are talking about values relative to set size. An APPL of 8 for a set or MOC that is 3,000 pieces isentirely different from the same value for a set of say, only 300 pieces. Do low APPL values mean that a set is unique? Does it mean that elementsare used in a unique and creative way? Or something that I have not mentioned? Some examples of sets with low APPL values would be set the twosets circled below: Can anyone guess which two these are? Guess the first one (not gonna tell you) and the second (furthest to right) is the 8110 Unimog. Relatively a lot of lot counts for a limitednumber of pieces. What does this mean? Does this confirm or change anyone's previous perception of the Unimog (or the other set that I will notmention)? Lastly, keen viewers will notice that I have included sets that do not reflect any known official Lego sets. These are a variety of MOCs fromwell-known builders. I selected the sets in a somewhat random fashion, and with the help of rebrickable.com and some very kind and helpful, talentedbuilders (Thanks Sheepo and Crowkillers!)These MOCs from left to right are: 1 - Porsche 997 GT3 by Crowkillers 2 - Vampire GT (Black) by Crowkillers 3 - Black Muscle Car by Crowkillers 4 - Lambo Aventador LP 720-4 by Stefan Birkefeld 5 - Cadillac Eldorado by Martijn Nab 6 - Land Rover Defender by Sheepo 7 - Volkswagon Bus Type 1, Manual by Sheepo 8 - Mustang GT, Manual by Sheepo 9 - Volkswagon Bus Type 1, RC version by Sheepo 10 - Mustang GT, RC, by Sheepo 11 - Wing Body Truck by Madoca 12 - Terex RH400 Mining Excavator by Sheo 13 - Tractor Truck by Lucio Switch

The topic is updated with detailed review: Hi! I’m glad to show you my new MOC made for Lego and Volvo contest. The task was “Build construction equipment of the future”. My little pet was designed special for Mars developing. Artificial intelligence allows this machine to perform different operations simultaneously. This monster replaces excavator, loader, tunneler, dozer. It can be used for road construction, tunnel boring, preparation of construction sites and many other tasks. All-around lighting system and cameras form 3D vision of the surrounding scene in a wide electromagnetic spectrum. Because of low solar irradiance on Mars the machine is powered by a compact nuclear reactor. Model features: 100 x 36 x 45 cm, weight - 7.4 kg. The model contains 16 motors. 1. Chassis - All-track drive (4x XL-motor) - Independent steering for crab mode up to 90 degrees and zero turning radius (4x M-motor) - Central pylon has an automatic leveling system. The tilt sensor is the weight on a pendant. If lengthwise tilt occurs the weight turns the motor on (buggy motor, I just have no wires for PF motors). The motor is interfaced with four linear actuators which level the superstructure - Central pylon has two co-axial independent turntables for different equipment 2. Loader - 360 degrees rotation (M-motor) - Boom lifting mechanism (L-motor) - Boom extension with synchronized counterweight movement (mechanical binding, M-motor) - Bucket loading and unloading (M-motor) 3. Tunneler - 360 degrees rotation (M-motor) - Boom tilting mechanism (L-motor) - Drilling head has five types of movement (XL-motor). The central part rotates fast in forward direction, the second part – in opposite direction, the third part – slowly in forward direction, eight additional cutters rotate in perpendicular plane. In addition, the whole drilling head unit moves in a reciprocating manner like a puncher - Because of absence of liquid water on Mars I suggest to use a huge vacuum cleaner to remove dust from drilling (you can see six working propellers near the drilling head) All the functions have remote control except for the leveling system – it operates automatically. Please enjoy the video: Thanks for watching!

Dear everyone, we hope you all have a great start of your autumn! With September drawing to a close, and October quickly approaching, the time has come to announce our latest installment of our OcTRAINber build competition! This year, the challenge is… The Foreign Challenge! The goal of the foreign challenge is to promote outside-the-box thinking and change up people’s build lists. In general, most builders tend to stick with what they know, which is often what is local to them. As such, not as many people break that mold and build something that is not local to them. Hopefully all participants can appreciate building something out of their comfort zone! BMR is certainly excited about this challenge, and we hope to see many rise to the occasion. Rules: “Foreign” is defined as: Any locomotive, rolling stock, structure, or other railroad-related item that was NOT designed OR used in the native country of the builder. So, being from the Unites States, I could not enter legitimately with a United States locomotive such as a Santa Fe F7. I’m sure you get the point. Entries must be original models. No stealing. We are making no rules for the scale you choose to model in. We are welcoming models of 6, 7, and 8 studs, and anything in between or beyond. However, we appreciate detail and accuracy. Reasonably sized models are usually better for that, but we don’t knock anything or anyone with serious skill. NEW BUILDS ONLY. We are willing to accept anything unpublished or anything that was not published before September 1st 2018 as new. We want to inspire and promote a challenging build, entering an old model doesn’t quite work in that regard. Entries MUST be made on our Flickr group in the appropriate thread: real-life entries in the real-life thread, and digital entries in the digital thread. This is the ONLY place we will be looking for entries, nowhere else. Sending photos to us on social media or showing us in person do not count as entries. We will be accepting entries from Midnight on October 1st to midnight on November 1st. There is possibility of a grace period to ensure those that need that one final Bricklink order have a fair chance. Entries and Prizes We are allowing digital entries and real life builds, but everyone is limited to one entry only to keep things fair. We will have three prizes available: Top staff pick of the real-life entries Runner up real-life entry Top staff pick of the digital entries We want to focus on and inspire some real building here, so this explains why more prizes are available for the real-life entries. Prizes will be revealed in an upcoming article on BMR. Different from the previous year, we want to encourage you to show off your WIPs this year as well, to make OcTRAINber really a month that is all about trains within the Lego community. Therefore, extra credit will be given to the best WIP stories and/or pictures during the event. Specific information about WIP points will be mentioned in an upcoming article on BMR. We will pick the winners after we have announced the official close of the competition and have stopped accepting new entries, which will be some time after November 1. Once the judges have come to a sound conclusion regarding the winners, we will post one final article announcing them, and then we will be in contact with those winners regarding their prizes. Judges will also be announced in an upcoming article on BMR. Thanks for reading, and now it’s time for some building! Again, we will only accept entries after midnight on October 1. Until then, start planning! We are seriously looking forward to this competition, especially after how much fun last year was. If there are any questions, please feel free to ask us; we are more than happy to provide clarification. Happy building from the Staff of Brick Model Railroader! BTW: For more information and extras it's always wise to check out both Brickmodelrailroader.com, our Flickr and our Facebook, but we will ofcourse try our best to also answer your questions here on the famous Train Tech forums!

Hi everybody! We welcome you to the new edition of "Brickstory" by Kockice! Everyone is invited, All Fans Of LEGO®, to join and create awesome models. This year only one theme but with two categories. Again, four renowned judges are here to make it even more exclusive. And like all contests, there are a few prizes to spice everything up. Don't be a stranger, make the long winter days more fun with "Brickstory" by Kockice. Good luck! https://www.flickr.com/groups/brickstory2018/