JGW3000

One aspect of this puzzles me - considering the investment in time, resources, personnel, etc. that goes into developing a set, why wouldn't TLG try to maximize its profit by at least making the set available at S&H; they would probably eek out a few extra 1000's in sales this way. Unless they have an agreement to limit the number of sales. I guess we will never know. Similarly, why aren't the 2014 Technic sets available in NA? (But that's a discussion for another topic )

The 41999 / 9398 A-pillar keeps getting disconnecting. If the 41999 wasn't so special, I'd modify it.

Had another meeting, some more concepts, these maintain the 1M spacing at the points, many options on how to connect in the middle and between the legs - all are stress free. Although in the second one, the 2M axles are not fully seated in the connectors. Combinations of my previous post with this one will avoid the need for 'tri-connectors', but will involve axles with adjustments.

The key is to have some adjustability to avoid misalignment and undue stress on pins, I used 90-degree blocks which allow axles to freely pass through, only now you have an irregular spacing between the connectors. .Adjust axle lengths to permit building off of, and add bushings to keep axles in place. Replacing the 2L with 3L pins on the beam ends may also prove useful. Once assembled, you can probably remove the center parts. (I was in a boring meeting and this occurred to me )

I should add by not having prizes, the contests can be more experimental or have very narrow themes - some examples could be - only build with a certain subset and quantity of parts, build your interpretation of a specific object/machine, use/don't use certain colors, etc...

I personally don't need prizes, its more the participation for me.

Supply, demand, and "a sucker born every minute".

I got some items at the sale price, only to have the availability change from "ending soon" to "sold out". I made purchases at about 12:02 am, after the 12 midnight update, Later the same day, about 8:00 am, the sets were sold out. So yes,. some sets do get sold at the discounted clear-out price, and of course rapidly get cleared-out.

I thought I was being cool by changing all the red to black, to get a green/black scheme, this is way better, thanks for posting

Makerbot, here we come! This would be an ideal crowd-sourcing project, there is a Makerbot store about an hour from me, could get some prototypes made up in ABS?

Can't wait to see your version of Jinorra saving the world! Like how you did Vaatu, Raava, and the dark spirit!

Some BL sellers also get parts direct from LEGO, and then mark up the price 3x-5x. But its a free market, so if they can sell them, more power to them. But, once a limited supply part's price gets set on BL, the 6-month average get set, and then everyone sets the price high, and so the high price becomes self-fulfilling. Hopefully for us buyers supply and demand will work itself out. Meanwhile, pays to shop around.

8274, new in box, $100 8049, with BI and all of the extra parts to add PF, for $50

I just ordered some of the new Technic 2014 parts from S@H customer service - at 1/3 the going price on BL! (should cross-post on the 'best bargins' page). The I-beams were only $0.45 each, 3L pin with axle $0.17, and the 5M axle with stop $0.16. Add about $0.05 per each part for shipping charges, and still much lower than elsewhere. BL seller's need to get competitive . I actually need these in some MOC's I am working on, so all the better.

Great looking model, appreciate your time for posting. By the way, the missing part just popped right in for me using LDD, no problems!

Its simple, once you get any type of tag, you are no longer a beginner or at the 'normal level', but now compete and get recognized at the 'pro' level. This could work for contests with prizes also, and be a simple means to groups entries into two level of skills.

Another issue, it seems that Technic is mostly oriented towards boys. TLG is now actively engaging in developing themes for both boys and girls (witness the new Disney Princess line and of course, Friends). Additional Technic models that may have broader appeal would be welcome - I know my daughter, for one, while not particularly attracted to construction vehicles, would love some other type of highly mechanical and poly-functional Technic design - GBC comes to mind, any kind of Rube-Goldberg device, non-construction/racing vehicles such as truck with boat. These types of sets would have near universal appeal and broaden both the market for Technic and also increase the range of types of sets being produced.

I think this is a great idea - the same concept works great on other blog-type sites that I participate in. I'd make one suggestion, need to figure out when a WIP becomes and finished MOC, as we will want each MOC to be at its best before going into the selection process.

I have mixed feelings about pay-to-play. I'd suggest trying it once or twice and see what type of participation we get. Also, the prizes should be either BrickLink or S@H credit, rather than cash. Personally, I would participate in any contest I thought I had a good concept, regardless of any chances to win - having a goal and building a MOC, and maybe getting feedback and improving techniques is enough for me, any prizes are just ancillary for me. Need to think of other awards - perhaps getting your model displayed prominently at a LUG convention? Our donations to the contest could be used for shipping expenses?

Thanks Andy! i am going to 'sleep on it' a bit and work our how to do the bottom section and undercarriage to enhance the look further. But my choice of color or panel won't work, as the 5x7's in appropriate colors are only found in black or white. I'd like an opinion or two before getting some more 5x11 and 5x7 panels - go with an all black scheme (not very realistic), or mix 5x11 grey with 5x7 white on the upper section? Again, thanks for commenting!

I'd post a video of my brick separator being flung from my catapult, but that is just too obvious...

I had nothing for a concept for January-February flying machines, but then it hit me - a UFO, and why not the most famous one, from the original 1951 classic movie, "The Day the Earth Stood Still". So I present you my interpretation of a flying saucer (still in need of some body work): Not sure if I has the skills to pull it off, but I have some concepts on the following power functions, all IR of course: three landing legs up/down, exit ramp up/down, and of course flashing/spinning lights If I get into trouble, just need to say "Klaatu Barada Nikto" and maybe Gort will come by to help! Your thoughts /. comments would be greatly appreciated...

I got the cog/sprocket wheel and train wheels on the same axle last night, traveling now so will post some pictures tomorrow. As this is a hybrid project, some cross-pollination could be useful, would prefer to stay in the Technical forum for now as the focus of the project is currently mechanical and not design.

Very impressive, glad to see you are not afraid to get your wheels dirty! With climbing power like this, who needs cogs?