vynsane

DbM Swoosher by vynsane, on Flickr Taking a break from the Modular Starfighter System, I wanted to really give DbM a try before they closed shop.The only time I really worked with the DbM palette was when I first discovered LDD and I quickly learned about Universe Mode and never looked back. I figured a small 'swoosher'-style starfighter would fit the bill and not break the bank - boy was I wrong! All 185 pieces here can be yours for the modest sum of $50.66! Yikes! Maybe I'll go with a Rover instead! Seriously, I'm perfectly prepared to pay a modest premium for the convenience of having all the pieces I need packed up and shipped to me, but that's a bit ridiculous. I tried coming up with a clever alternate starfightery meaning for the DbM acronym, but I'm home sick from work today with a 48-hour flu courtesy of my wife and daughter and the DayQuil is just not helping my thought process. Anyway, as I got more into the design I realized I could probably build this thing out of the actual physical bricks in my collection, thus fully negating the need for DbM in the first place, and if I find the time I may do so. If you want to play with it in the virtual world, download the DbM Swoosher LXF file.

Odd... Well, I'm glad it worked in the end.

Tom - you're replacing the text {user name} with your actual username, right? So if your login username for the Mac OS is Tom, you would use chflags nohidden /users/Tom/Library To check if it has worked, you would then open your OS hard drive (default name is 'Macintosh HD' on the desktop) and click 'Users' - > {user name folder} (in this case the theoretical 'Tom' folder, which should look like a house) and see if the folder 'Library' is visible. If it is, you can the follow the rest of the directions as posted. I tested this a bit and you may have hit 'return' after typing in the chflags command, before the 'nohidden...' part. Thats when I got the 'usage:' line: When I typed in JUST 'chflags' and hit 'return' - make sure you type it in on one line exactly as I posted above (replacing 'Tom' with your actual username).

Where is that post? I'd like to see what ideas they have, as it sounds a lot like what I posted on page 2 here. Who knows, if enough people start talking about it, they might make it happen! I'm glad that Superkalle is getting more clear indicators that LDD is going to keep on truckin', but I'm still cautiously optimistic. We could either see a real renaissance for LDD now that it's unfettered by DbM and LU, or see it languish since it might not get the same business support it did via those avenues.

Thanks, Toa - Blacktron has always been my favorite theme ever, I would love to see it come back in its original form (or an updated version of such). I think it would be an absolute dream come true to actually design the sets This morning I started to work on Space Police's answer to the Transgressor...

Blacktron Transgressor StarDrive by vynsane, on Flickr A Blacktron "Transgressor", engaging the StarDrive propulsion system. Having salvaged the wreckage of an alien starship whose original point of origin could only possibly have been from outside the currently-explored galaxies, Tanuki Corp. was able to reverse-engineer the intricate propulsion system into the faster-than-light Tanuki Corp. StarDrive module for the Modular Starfighter System. Immediately upon the first successful test flight, Blacktron agents, who had infiltrated the Tanuki Corp. structure as janitorial staff, commandeered the prototype and fled to a moon on the far edge of the galaxy, where the homing beacon was deactivated, and the trail grew cold. Recently, starfighters baring the same configuration and cloaked in the black, yellow and translucent red markings indicative of the Blacktron consortium have made quick hit-and-run attacks on convoys, leveraging the faster-than-light capabilities of the StarDrive module. This craft has come to be referred to as the "Transgressor" class. This configuration uses a modified version of the PLM-T1 weapon module and a newly-developed "StarDrive" module, heavily inspired by Nathan Proudlove's Retro Rocket. Blacktron Transgressor Cruise by vynsane, on Flickr Blacktron Transgressor StarDrive by vynsane, on Flickr LDD Files StarDrive Modular Starfighter (color-coded modules) Blacktron Transgressor ("painted" version) StarDrive module Modular Starfighter Fuselage Extender Collection by vynsane, on Flickr Promotional image from the Tanuki Corp. Fall 7012 solar cycle catalog. Feeling a bit inadequate among your peers in the high-traffic spacelanes? Think your performance could use a little enhancement? The Tanuki Corp. Modular Starfighter System Fuselage Extender modules can help! Currently available in four, six, or eight standard units long, each module can add more power output at your fingertips (except for the hollow cargo container module). Most feature two rows of up to six module hardpoints on each side (two rows of two for four-long, up to two rows of six for eight-long) to allow multiple engine and weapon mounting options. Order yours today! The idea here is to add more mounting points for additional modules while lengthening the entire fuselage so certain modules can clear others. Adding two rows was another aspect, so you can add the same module at an angle, top and bottom. The back-story I created hints that each one is able to increase the power output of the entire craft - I guess they're additional batteries or small reactors or something, IDK. LDD File Modular Starfighter Fuselage Extender Collection

Thanks for bringing that to our attention, Toa of Justice... I posted this in response to that topic, but will copy it here: I always liked the concept of DbM but, as already stated numerous times in this topic, the cost was too prohibitive and the piece/color selection was too limited. I'm sure there are a lot of other factors that drove the cost to what it was, but I always thought that a pretty easy cost-cutting measure would have been to make the custom printed box and instructions an optional add-on - I'd wager that it could have accounted for at least 10% of the over-all cost (though that's mere conjecture). I truly feel that reducing the over-all cost and increasing the selection of available parts would have made the process more enticing to T/AFOLs - I would totally pay a (modest) premium to have all the pieces necessary to build my MOCs bagged up and shipped to me lock, stock and barrel as opposed to hunting for the pieces on Bricklink/PaB. But when you can buy an official 200 piece set at retail for around $20, $25 but a DbM set comprised of 200 pieces costs more like $50, it's just a little too much to swallow. I would jump at the opportunity to buy my theoretical 200 piece set (sans box and instructions) for $35. The other side of the coin, making it easier for children to build their own stuff, that's a bit harder to figure out. I know this sounds like it would actually add a level of complexity to the software, but as long as the interface is easy enough to use, perhaps if there were yet another palette, aside from the bricks, user-created templates and groups that had "master builder approved and designed modules" (I seem to be all about modules). Say a young LEGO designer wanted to create a plane, there could be a set of "aeronautic" modules that would include various designs for pairs of symmetrical wings, cockpits, tails, etc, that could be chosen and then modified/augmented to suit the needs of the final design. This way, depending on the age of the user, it could range from more of a guided design process to completely free-form. Taking it a step further, if the 'guided design process' were then labelled as 'Master Builder Academy mode', it would tie LDD back into a revenue-generating aspect of the business - one that seems to be pretty popular, to boot.

They do say that it's not the end of customization at LEGO, just a revision of the process, so we may see some variation of DbM come back in the future, but I echo the sentiments that this really shunts LDD into some sort of limbo at TLG. Here are my thoughts that I posted at another forum on the same topic:

I'm pretty sure Megabloks makes a 2x2 stud inverter like the one on the right.

I, too, had this concern. Hopefully we can prove to LEGO that development of non-DbM LDD is a strong business venture. If not, we could see development of DbM mode only in future versions with LU and LDDX languishing in development limbo.

These look like really cool pieces! For your purposes as a bowling alley gutter, though, the studs will be in the way, causing the ball to bounce back on track as opposed to falling into the gutter. I'd suggest a different design much like the new 1x1 45deg. slopes that have a 1x1 plate sticking out the back: That way you can still have your curve, but you can also have a flat tile leading up to it. Also, every piece looks like something LEGO would create except for the outside curve with one stud on top - the top curve comes WAY to close to the stud, I don't think TLG would approve a design like that - they'd be more apt to do away with the stud in that case, I think.

Thanks, Toa of Justice! HA, D'oh! I saw those 1x1's earlier today... easy enough to delete 'em. The visor is a pain to get to attach to the helmet at the angle it's currently at so I just left it out.

So, the concept for the modular mech frame is still in the Tanuki Corp. R&D department. For NnoVVember, they've unveiled the newest set of modular subsystems, known collectively as the 'Mamushi' class. "Mamushi" class modular starfighter: The VV shot by vynsane, on Flickr "Mamushi" class modular starfighter by vynsane, on Flickr "Mamushi" class modular starfighter rear by vynsane, on Flickr Mamushi modules exploded by vynsane, on Flickr Promotional images of the "Mamushi" class modular starfighter from the 7012 solar cycle Tanuki Corp. Fall Catalog. To meet the varying defense needs throughout the multitudinous galaxies colonized by humanity, Tanuki Corp. has developed many configurations of its highly popular modular starfighter system. The newest configuration in this line-up is the "Mamushi" class, a design that leverages the modular nature of the platform to facilitate lightning-quick weaponry changes, jocularly referred to as "power ups" by pilots. LDD Files "Mamushi" class modular starfighter "Mamushi" modules (exploded view)

The program loading issues are a little overstated - sure, there are some lag issues on out-dated systems, but for the most part it's just a perception issue - the program 'starts' immediately and loads all necessary files after that, whereas most programs 'load' initially, taking some time to actually 'start'. For example, on my MacBook Pro, if I were to click on Thunderbird (my email client) and LDD, LDD would 'open' first, after one bounce of the icon, and then load the necessary files to actually 'run' the program, whereas Thunderbird will load in the 'background' while the icon will bounce 3 or 4 times in the dock and THEN 'open'. If LDD were to bounce a few times and load the files it needs before opening, most people wouldn't be the wiser.

So, other than developing additional modules for use on the starfighter frame, I'm seriously considering that the next step in the evolution of this concept is to branch out into a modular Mecha rig that can re-use the modules already developed. I'm picturing a mech with an inverted plasma cannon module (exhibited in the Tengu Heavy Interceptor) on each shoulder and can't help but smile deviously...

Thanks, everyone, for the comments and especially to Superkalle for the front-page article! I wasn't expecting that! A representative of Tanuki Corp. will contact you shortly to facilitate all your space superiority needs. ;) I would say the best way to go about building one of these is to buy the parts necessary via Bricklink and to get the list of parts necessary, use Superkalle's software LDD Manager. If you're on a Mac, like me, and can't use LDD Manager, you could use brickhelper (third item down on that page) to get a list of pieces and generate a Bricklink 'wanted' list. Also, I've been designing these in LDD Extended mode, so some of the pieces might not be available in the color selected (in fact, a trans-orange version of that new windscreen is definitely NOT available, though we're going to see it in clear and trans-purple next year in addition to the 'smoke'/trans-brown color we have from this year's Imperial V-Wing, MBA Kit 1 and Earth Defense HQ sets) so some concessions might be necessary. Also, I HIGHLY suggest you download the revised version of the PLM-T1, linked below - the connections should be much more stable and it features distinct weapon and engine modules, which can heighten reconfiguration possibilities in the future. ______________________________ In working with this concept more and more, I've made certain revisions to pre-existing modules in order to make them more useful. The original cockpit module underwent a revision to bring the rear side technic bricks in line with the front ones (there was a one-plate offset initially). Similarly, the two 1x2 technic bricks w/2 holes on the Plasma Cannon (heavy weapons) module have been lined up (they, too, had a one-plate offset.) Cockpit module Rev. A Heavy Weapons Plasma Cannon module Rev. A Additionally, I've created three folders on my servers where these files have been uploaded. One folder holds all the individual modules that I've developed thus far, one holds the configurations that I've developed using those modules with each module color-coded for easy selection/manipulation, and one folder that contains all designations, those configurations that have been named and 'painted'. Now on to some new stuff: PLM-T1 "Bakemono" Rev. A by vynsane, on Flickr This revision of the "Bakemono" class interceptor uses separate weapon and engine modules. LDD Files PLM/e engine module PLM/w weapon module PLM-T1 "Bakemono" Rev. A (color-coded modules) PLM-T1 "Bakemono" Rev. A (painted) "Kitsune/Hiyakudori" class light interceptor by vynsane, on Flickr An Alien Defense Unit "Kitsune/Hiyakudori" class light interceptor patrols the airspace of planet Earth for any signs of otherworldly trouble. To increase the effectiveness of any weapon or sensor modules installed, the addition of a secondary cockpit module can facilitate seating a Combat Systems Officer who would then be responsible for monitoring the systems secondary to piloting the craft. The fly-by-wire nature of the modular starfighter system allows for transference of duties from one control module to the other, so if something were to happen to the pilot, the Combat Systems Officer could take over control of the craft to land safely in a "limp home feature" capacity. LDD Files Additional cockpit module Kitsune/Hiyakudori class configuration (color-coded) Kitsune/Hiyakudori class configuration (ADU livery) While JudahMoTron revealed his 'Trainer' version: Modular Fighter - Trainer Variant by JudahMoTron, on Flickr I was also working on a tandem-cockpit variant of the "Kitsune" class light interceptor configuration. Originally I intended to make the additional cockpit module fit between the original cockpit and rear fuselage modules, but for the sake of a smooth appearance ended up incorporating the additional cockpit into a lengthened version of the rear fuselage.

PLM-T1 "Bakemono" class interceptor by vynsane, on Flickr PLM-T1 "Bakemono" ceremonial fly-by by vynsane, on Flickr Tanuki Corp. in conjunction with Starfighter Engineering unveils the PLM-T1 "Bakemono" class interceptor, flanked by a Starfighter Engineering "ZR-42D Archangel Plus Alt 1" and Tanuki Corp. "Kitsune" class Light Interceptor in parade formation among the moons of Flanula. When posed with a large contract for a client with high performance demands and nearly non-existent development timeframe, Tanuki Corp. subcontracted the design of a new high-performance integrated engine/weapons module to Starfighter Engineering. The PLM module was developed and integrated with the standard "Kitsune" class fuselage in the PLM-T1 "Bakemono" configuration Interceptor. The "Bakemono" fits right between the "Kitsune" and "Tengu" with a higher performance envelope than the Light Interceptor, but packs nearly the same offensive punch as the Heavy Interceptor. - Much thanks to peterlmorris for the inspiration and instructions! LEGO Digital Designer files: PLM-T1 "Bakemono" PLM Engine Module

The current cockpit module has a solid back wall, so it would be hard to use it in the context of a larger craft - it wouldn't have a pass-through to the other segments of the spaceship. I agree that the modular concept could easily be applied to larger spaceships, and it would be a really cool to see it branch off in that direction. These days I pre-visualize exclusively in LDD. I learned about 'Universe Mode' here and it really opened my eyes to how useful a program it was. My entry to last year's LDD Design Challenge contest was the first MOC I designed solely in LDD before-hand, ordering parts I needed, and building in real bricks. I designed it from the ground up, colors and all, not thinking about which pieces I had in my collection. This year I entered a contest at ToysNBricks and designed the MOC in LDD and as I didn't want to have to order anything didn't design it for color this time around, just pieces I knew I had in my collection. When I put it together, that's when I search for the greatest amount of pieces in similar colors. The modular starfighter designs aren't expressly intended to be rendered in real bricks, so I played a bit 'free and easy' with the coloring (though I'd venture that I have about 75% of the pieces necessary to build the initial Kitsune configuration). By contrast, the "Denublian Sunset" uses pieces that I know aren't available in the color it's 'painted', but as it was more 'concept art' than a pre-visualization I didn't even give realism a thought. HA, it would be great to see this become a fad that needed a name.

I really thought they could have done something like your idea above with the Space Police 3 bad guy ships - a lot of the weapons and engines on them were connected via technic pins and the like, leaving it open to swapping them out for beefed up variants. Infamous Aliss Oyuki and her starfighter the Denublian Sunset by vynsane, on Flickr Security camera footage from an asteroid outpost captures an image of the infamous mercenary Aliss Oyuki piloting her highly customized modular starfighter "Denublian Sunset". The highly customizable nature of the Tanuki Corp. modular starfighter system makes it not only a favorite of large scale corporate defense contractors but can also fit the needs of some of the galaxy's seedier denizens. In this instance, we see Aliss Oyuki's personal starfighter, boasting a unique dual fuselage/single plasma cannon configuration, with its distinctive custom orange and dark red paint job (hence the name "Denublian Sunset" after that moon's distinctive red and orange hues at dusk.) Speculation and rumor hint at a highly customized firmware update leading to nearly self-aware yet incredibly reliable AI housed in the Droid Control Module affixed to the starboard fuselage. Oyuki has also reportedly increased the handshake protocol effectiveness to the point that her two accompanying K/M-DCF variants (sporting matching custom paint jobs inverse to that of her fighter) have exhibited autonomous decision making far superior to anything Tanuki Corp. has developed thus far. Tanuki Corp. refuses to confirm or deny rumors at futile attempts to contact Oyuki or her software developer, and won't even entertain questions about how their technology finds its way into less than reputable hands. LEGO Digital Designer files Aliss Oyuki's Denublian Sunset

Thanks, Superkalle, I'm having a lot of fun both designing and writing backstories for these! I have another design that's kind of an odd mash-up of some of the ideas previously presented. I'm also half finished with a set of replacement rocket engine modules (that will take the place of the 'wings') based on the work of peterlmorris, and plan on creating a 'Vic Viper parts pack' in time for NNoVVember. I'd love to see others come up with new modules and/or configurations - everyone, feel free to post them in this topic if you do!

Tengu class Heavy Interceptor by vynsane, on Flickr A convoy of GHL transport frigates charters a course across the galaxy secure in the knowledge they are guarded by a top-gun squad of Tanuki Corp. Tengu Heavy Interceptor pilots. While attacks are rare, space pirates can pack impressive weaponry that will endanger even the most armored ships. To meet the firepower requirements of high-profile clients that have to move valuable materials across the galaxy (such as GHL, as is the case here), Tanuki Corp. engineered the Tengu configuration Heavy Interceptor. Featuring dual pulse cannons affixed between the fuselage and each engine/wing module, the Tengu can deal out an impressive amount of damage to slower vessels. Generally, a compliment of Kitsune Light Interceptors will accompany a wing of Tengu Heavy Interceptors to pick off any attackers that can evade the more powerful, but slower-moving, starfighter. LEGO Digital Designer Files Tengu Class Heavy Interceptor (GHL livery) Modular Starfighter Heavy Weapons Module (isolated)

Great stuff, Maloghigno - great to see someone utilizing the work I'm doing (and Jon Hall did) and playing with the concepts! I've had these finished for a while, but never got around to posting them. I'd also like to stress again that this couldn't be at all possible without Jon Hall's diligent pictorial instructions - check them out, as the LDD files usually end up having some significant changes made due to LDD connection limitations: Gryphon 01 by JonHall18, on Flickr LDD File Flickr set Orignal Pictorial Instructions Iron Condor 01 by JonHall18, on Flickr LDD File Flickr set Orignal Pictorial Instructions

I've recently revisited this concept as I found it hard to design new modules for the previous incarnation. The 'hard-points' for attaching modules weren't universal enough. The separation of the cockpit 'tub' and the canopy also ended up being less than optimal. I started with an isolated fuselage that includes the canopy (it's highly influenced by the Vic Viper fighter in 7066 Earth Defense HQ) and then split the fuselage behind the pilot's seat, adding techinc bricks in between. I then built the engines/wings and connected them to the hard-points in the rear fuselage module via angled technic connectors, and added a small 'tail fin' module to the end of the fuselage. A security patrol flight of two Tanuki Corp. modular starfighters in the "Kitusne" light interceptor configuration skims the atmosphere of the planet Xirlon. Modular Starfighter security patrol - front by vynsane, on Flickr Modular Starfighter patrol - rear by vynsane, on Flickr Modular Starfighter Revisited - modules by vynsane, on Flickr LDD files: Exploded View "Painted" I also developed an alternate cockpit module, this time housing a Flight Control Droid instead of a conventional cockpit for a human. The back-story on this was very fun to write: Kitsune/Mujina Droid-Controlled Fighter variant by vynsane, on Flickr Deep Space patrol by vynsane, on Flickr The Tanuki Corp. modular starfighter system is easily adaptable to varying needs. By replacing the cockpit module with a droid control system, this otherwise standard Kitsune configuration becomes a very capable drone fighter. It's not uncommon for strike wings of up to 6 Kitsune/Mujina Droid-controlled fighter (K/M-DCF) variants accompanying a single human-piloted standard configuration Kitsune fighter to be very effective in attack and defense missions. The AI necessary for such effectiveness is likened to that of a trained police dog, obeying the masters commands and actions with a series of pre-programmed algorithmic responses and analytical reactions to unforeseen situations. Results of completely un-manned K/M-DCF flight wings have, however, ranged from disappointing to disastrous, depending on the amount of free will the AI is given. One account of a test flight of a group of K/M-DCFs with the standard "police dog" AI ended in a brawl over who would be the pack leader, inciting multiple attempts to "assert dominance" that caused multiple hull breaches and the loss of one Droid Control Module before safety measures could be enacted. I'm having a lot of fun coming up with names for these things. The modular nature of the concept makes it hard to pin down actual names, but the idea that certain configurations are popular enough to be 'standard' helped address that. Since the modules can cause the fighters to take on different shapes, I've been playing with shapeshifters of Japanese folklore - "Kitsune" being the Fox, "Mujina" being a type of spirit that can often take the shape of a faceless human (which gave birth to the idea of the droid control module in place of the cockpit). The corporation that builds these is Tanuki, yet another shapeshifter. LDD files Droid Control Module

It's not in the sample models before you create a file, they're in the right-hand sidebar pane after you've opened it.

If you open LDD right now and select the LEGO Universe building theme, the sidebar features four links that will import the faction animals: Assembly Saber-tooth Cat with a huge toothbruch, Paradox Alien with flying saucer, Sentinel Gryphon with a treasure chest, and Venture League Stegosaurus with palm tree. They're cute!