Andy D

I just completed the 42080 Forester yesterday and I have few observations. I am not sure why so many people are so annoyed by the two colors of green. I think that the two-tone color scheme really adds to the looks of the overall model. I believe a single color would look rather boring. I enjoyed the build experience, there was a number of very interesting subassemblies along the way. A couple of things i liked was the steering, which was very unique, the only thing lacking here would be a little bit of friction as the steering was rather loose. The cabin rotation is very nice it could use a little friction as well. The routing of the pneumatic tubing was very easy and effective. The actuation of the pneumatic cylinders for the main boom is very good, I really like the new pneumatic valves as they help to get the speed good for raising, lowering and stop/holding the boom. My favorite part of the model is also my least favorite part. The grabber was really a very interesting build, it shows such promise. However the small pneumatic cylinder just does not heave enough power to activate the mechanism properly, in fact at least half the time it refuses to open or close. The small cylinder is fine for things like a couple of pieces required for a bucket, but not enough power for all the parts in the grabber assembly. I believe a little bigger cylinder or maybe two (2) of the small cylinders in parallel would have made the grabber work properly. Overall I really like the set, mainly because I enjoyed the build experience as for play value, I think it is lacking in the looseness in the steering and cabin rotation and most importantly the function (or non-function) of the grabber assembly. Andy D

That is quite a train! The track seems very, very long, it could be because the 360 panarama is rather disorienting. I really like it, thanks for sharing this. Andy D

This is what I was trying to say, this is how I view Technic models, except for me function trumps form. Andy D

Great MOC! All I he functions work very smoothly. And I really like the looks. Function, form, looks, what more could you want? Andy D

1. Fun 2. Functions 3. Pleasing to me. 4. Has a real world analog, doesn't matter Andy D

Amazing C model. I like both the looks and the functions. Andy D

As @fred67 said " the most important thing is to be able to find parts". With that in mind I have sorted by part type or if not enough parts for a group, a part type group. If I have enough of a specific color I will separate that out as well (finding specific part easily) if I have 50 or 100 of a part in a color, an I have a few in a different color it becomes difficult to find the different color because of moving all those same color part. My storage system is built on the premise that *if* I have as specific part I know approximately where it might reside. If I have the part it is there, if not, well it is not there... simple huh? Andy D

Sounds good. How well does it work with Technic? Andy D

Since we are discussing alternatives to LDD, I a wondering what design software will run on the Mac OS? also how about converter programs from LDD to some other application on Mac OS as well. I realize that most of the applications run on Windows only, but I'm not going to get a new Windows computer just for LEGO. Andy D

It seems to me that even if TLG decided to only use PoweredUp in new sets, that they would keep power functions items for sal as lots of builders (not just AFOLs) use quite a lot of power functions in MOC's. If they were to discontinue power Functions and quit selling replacement parts that would make it very difficult for som MOCs to be built. Andy D

I am in a wait-and-see mode. Eveerthing does not have to be remote controlled. Most of my favorite sets are *not* remote controlled. I like to turn on a motor and then control functions with a distribution gearbox. One or two motors is typically enough for most models, some sensors might be nice in some cases. Usually LEGO does good stuff... I hope this is the same... Wait-and-see! Andy D

Thanks for great reviews. Based on those reviews I bought the 42079 and 42080 and will probably get the 42082. The 42081 looks good, but there is not enough function, it needs a central gearbox. Thanks, Andy D

The more you build, the more you learn. Start with simple sets, then get more complex sets, pay attention to complex building techniques in he sets. Andy D

I have a lot of sets bought yet not assembled or parted out. I only but sets I intend to assemble or part out. The problem for me is I want you but sets while they are available, as the out of print sets are just too expensive, so any set I buy I try to get it in the first year of production. Since I have so many sets still in boxes I am trying to be more discriminating in what I buy. Andy D

It all depends on which side of the road you drive on... If you drive on the "wrong" side of the road, then the right side is the right side. (VBG). Really weird driving a RHD over here, I did it once and got some very confused looks. Andy

Wow! It is starting to look like a truck. Only one problem, he staring wheel is on the "wrong" side. (VBG). At this rate I will not catch up to you. Andy

I am now "almost up to your day 4 build" now. I had forgotten what a joy the outriggers were. Front outrigger built. I still say that the outriggers from the 8258 using discrete parts are much better (at least more fun to build) than the new outriggers. Maybe I will get a little more done tomorrow. Fun to build together. Andy D

You are making a big assumption here, thinking I am going to get any build time. At best I may get some time Saturday. Andy D

Wow! Great progress! It looks like you will be done long before me. I hope to get back to it tomorrow. Andy D

Numbered bags are also my preference, especially as sets approach 1,000 parts. Easier to find parts and easier to stage assembly over time. Andy D

Good stuff! Also on my to do list, but with Arduino instead of Raspberry Pi. i will keep a watch on this thread. Andy D

I have built mine before, just last year, in fact. I had to disassemble it for my seasonal displays, but now to build again. Wheither I will finish before you, or you before me... well, I will be starting Chemo Tuesday, so I shall see how well I feel and how much time I feel like building. Either way, I am prepared for the good days. Looking forward to more of your building and discussion to help me stay motivated. Andy D

Clive, you finally got me! I just finished my 42054 and started reading an out the 8258 outriggers on your thread, and I gave in... Got my 8258 out, mostly sorted, I will start building tomorrow! It's all your fault! (Thanks!) Andy D

I still like the 8258 outriggers! So simple yet functional. keep on building Andy D

Wow! That's a really nice and big display! Lots of LEGO! Andy D