JGW3000

Fantastic, thank you for all your hard work, my kids are looking forward to building it, and we have 92% of the parts (still need to figure out what I need to dismantle to make it)

One concern I have with this MOC, as evident in Sheepo's video, as that when shifting, the vehicle stops, then starts, as the clutches release and re-engage gears from drive shaft. Is there anyway to have a more realistic gear shifting operation - some method to make the drive wheels "free-spinning" during the shift operation?

Aanchir - thanks for the information and the link - a good 'big picture' perspective

I find it hard to believe that 100K is the cost of a new part, considering how many new parts are actually released each year (I think) Does anyone have a count of each year's new parts? (Consider all of the odd parts for the action-figure sets.) Based on some of my industrial exposure, I'd guess a new injection molding machine may be $100K, the molds themselves should be much less. I'd be more concerned with the limited ability to add new machines, and not molds, which then limits the number of new parts each year - they just don't have the manufacturing capacity to make more then X number of parts in Y different colors. I'd go with a "Kickstarter" type of voting, I am guessing about 20,000-50,000 units are needed for a new set to break even. (added - I am guessing the 100K is $100,000 US)

Congratulations to all participants, kudos to the winners, sympathies to the near-misses, and certainly an inspiration to us all - can't wait for the next contest!

From the CuuSoo blog, "Please only create projects suggesting standard LEGO sets and not new parts, software, websites, apps, or non-LEGO brick based products (backpacks, mugs, etc)." OK, so does this mean no projects consisting of new parts only, or does this mean that your project can use only existing parts?

I see that CuuSoo has updated its rules, etc... see http://blog.lego.cuusoo.com/ they are now weeding out the projects that don't fit. While I don't think this will impact Sheepo's Land Rover Defender, it may impact other projects of interest to this forum, especially Micro Power functions http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/576, as these are new parts, no longer allowed. Are there other worthy projects that might get axed? (But I am mildly amused that the Apple store project should get deep-sixed)

The flat bed was like a 8109, but 3 steer axles in front, three drive axles in back. I think I might open my sealed box 8109 and use it as a starting point for a MOC. Sort of like this without the load, 3 axles evenly spaced in front. Unusual to see on back roads in Connecticut http://juyuanguoji.en.made-in-china.com/product/YeLJpAiHJSrF/China-Hydraulic-Gooseneck-Steering-Axles-Wheels-Large-Tanker-Container-Transporter-Semi-Truck-Trailer-with-Multi-Axles-and-Draw-Bar-width-extendable-.html

41999 brought me out of the dark ages 8109 42008 9393 31015 (yes, I know, but I can use the studded parts for a MOC I am contemplating) enough BL parts to make 8275 B model even more BL parts to make several more large machines, plus way too many PF items and now a another tractor - 8049 w/ log loader

Spotted on the way to work (and its only a 20 minute drive) - usually only see box trucks. Shame I don't have a dashboard mounted camera, some great ideas for MOCs! A 12 wheel flatbed with a "Euro" style flat cabin, oversized in terms of length, but not width. Looks like the first 3 axles all steer, the last three are fixed and are duellies, not sure which were driving. A mobile crane very similar to the 42009, even in color scheme, but with only two steerable axles up front, and 2 drive axles in the rear - not flagged oversized, but clearly at least 40 foot long Assorted smaller mobile cranes, some with 4 or 8 wheels, on two axles, some with tracks Trash truck with side bin lifter (OK, not so unusual around here)

Last night I found out that Times Square, NYC had two - by the time I got back to work and called, both were gone - so they are out there, for only $174.99 with current promotion, but you need to be fast. Back to local TRU today to see if they can check stock elsewhere *sigh*

July /. August - summer fun / at the beach

If it wasn't for the %^*!# snow, I'd drive the 8 hours to Monroeville and get it, shame I used to live just down the road

TRU just listed, and sold, 4 (four) at $199.99 each on e-bay, Dec 9th!!! With free shipping so they are still out there in the states.

Missed out on a 42009, from TRU, for $170 with free shipping - they had mis-coded their discount, the website this morning was giving - save $25 for every $100 spent ($240 discounted to $220 saving $50 = $170). Finally decided this afternoon, why not, but they fixed the code, now its only a $25 savings, so not tasty enough.

Brilliant, looks like the real thing - any idea what the backpressure rating is?

I am curious about what is other people's experience with the durability of LEGO parts? I've broken a 3L pin/axle connector and smashed a pin connector, but haven't seen much else. OTOH, GBC seem to go and go and go who knows how many hours without failures...

I think Wayne and Garth would make a MOC of this vehicle - and not a bad idea for 2H2014, has some interesting PF, and the air compressor can simulate the flow of concrete through the tubing

Gee, not sure where you are located - Toys R Us in the US is offering $50 discount on the 41009 Mobile Crane MK II, with free shipping, so the cost is $180 (plus sales tax) - I would get one if I hadn't spent so much on BL this month. Usually these are $220 or more.

OK, this is driving me nuts. Toys R Us has discounted the 41999 crawler to $199.00, as listed on their website today (Dec. 6, 2013), available only as an in-store pick-up. So, like an idiot, I go to TRU, as it is only a 90 second drive and across the street from McD's for lunch, so I have an excuse to pop into TRU quick, and of course its not there, and hasn't been there for months. So what gives? TRU has an inventory control problem? They are holding back on some sets? or there is actually a TRU store somewhere with these in stock???

4: 4 8: 1 10: 1 14: 2 23: 2

Thank you

We are actually working on soil disinfestation - treating the soil to remove weed seeds and parasites, prior to planting. You are correct, once planted, the growing process is mostly manual labor. MOC will be a while, I need to get a tractor/trailer set first!

I am leaning towards some farm equipment - 8063 and the 8274, either would be perfect as starting points for a MOC based on a device we are actually going to build for strawberry farming!

i'd love to vote, but alas joined this forum too late. Kudos and congratulation to all of the entries, certainly some are inspiring and very well done