Andy D

Very impressive, so much function in such a small size. Looking forward to more. Andy D

I had been involved with LEGO in some form or the other since about 1982 when we started getting LEGO for our son. In 1993 my wife started getting me LEGO mostly as a gag, because she referred to me as a big kid (was then, still am now). A couple of years later I lost interest, then in 2008 I discovered Mindstorms. My wife got me a NXT set for Christmas, I was hooked! For the next almost 2 years I built NXT and Technic models. Then I discovered the Cafe Corner... It reminded me of a cafe in Marcilles where we my wife and I had coffee while on a cruise. I had to have it! I thought that the Cafe Corner would be it, then back to Technic. Was I ever wrong... With modular buildings you can't have just one, soon it was the Green Grocer and every other modular I could find. Then Winter Village... Technic was forgotten, I sold several unopened sets and a couple that I had assembled, Technic was a memory. Now 5 years later back to Technic. Now I plan to balance my LEGO... Technic, modular buildings and Winter Village and some sets such as Monster Fighters that I can use for Halloween. My LEGO life is now in balance... I hope! Andy D

The Winter Killer http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=115419 And Amanan's Sports a Coupe http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=110661&st=0 Are both gorgeous, but unfortunately at this time, I lack the skills to build such. I guess (for now) I will have to build one of the models for which I have instructions. Andy D

I voted Outstanding because I just finished building this set today. This was my first Technic set in 5 years and it did not disappoint. It took me about 10 to 12 hours (or so) over 5 days to build. Great, fun build, great learning experience (which is why I build sets... to learn), great parts pack, great new parts, I really like the wheels and tires and the wheel hubs I even like the bright green panels. They will be really useful and look great in MOCs I have planned. I also have 2 sets (bought an extra for parts) now I have to decide... Build the B model or build something like the 42037 (I have that set in the wings as well). Andy D

Well, I just finished the 42039! Wow, what a fun build! I have an approximate number... It took parts of 5 days, maybe 10 to 12 hours total. Every minute was fun, even tracking down and correcting mistakes. I believe mistakes and errors in building help me learn because it forces me to analyze more. This thread was just meant to be fun, some folks took it way too seriously, but that's OK, as it is more difficult to read emotion in print and posts. I think we learned some new stuff about each other... Besides sharing creations, I believe this forum is about sharing experiences and friendships... Now I have to decide what to do... Take it apart and build the B model Build the B model from a spare set Or Build a different model... Maybe the 42037 I guess I have time to build 1 or 2 more cars, then after Halloween I need to take my Halloween display down and start Christmas. When Christmas is up, I will have time to get back to my Technic building/learning. Later, Andy D

Unless I miscounted that's about 80 sets! My guess would be between $8k-$10k total. My wife would be happy to know I did not spend that much in 2 years. Wow! A picture is worth a thousand words (or eight thousand as the case may be). I think it would be incredible to see a photo of all those models in the same place, at the same time. I can only imagine how much space that would take. Get out the camera! Andy D

This is wonderful! It appears to have been made from a Santa's Workshop and Toy Shop set. Is that close? I think it is a great MOC using those sets, what else was used? I am really impresses by the way you made your tree, it looks like the Toy Shop and a poly bag tree. It really gives the rest of us something to achieve in our Christmas displays. Andy D

I believe we can credit (blame) Jamie for the seducing effects of the modular line. ;) ;) I think the modular line is doing a very good job of keeping some late teen builders interested in LEGO instead of entering their "Dark Ages" and from what I have read, I belIeve the modular line is directly responsible for bringing many adults back to LEGO. Good job keeping their company profitable. I further believe that is what makes LEGO so attractive... Something for everybody! Andy D

Yes, but did Jar Jar get smashed up in the process? ;) ;) Andy D

When I restarted LEGO in 2008 it was Mindstorms that peaked my interest, then Technic soon followed. In 2010 I discovered modular buildings, very consuming, also Winter Village, a few Star Wars, LOTR (never really took off with LOTR mostly for sets on sale for parts) and this and that. Now I have come full circle, back to Technic. As I have so many sets (buildings and the like still in boxes) I have decided to concentrate on just Technic, modular buildings and Winter Village (my credit card thanks me for that decision). This year, I was going to just buy the modular of the year, the Winter Village of the year and maybe one or two other sets, but my new affair with Technic already blew the heck out of that, four large sets in the last month and two duplicates for parts. Maybe I can now slow down again, build the Technic sets, disassemble them and do some MOCs and give my credit card a much needed rest. I can still get a set or two because of points built up during October double points. Oh well, off to build! Andy D

Thinking more about this.. I think one of the differences in builders is experience. I remember from several years ago I could tell the difference in a beam length just by the feel, now after years of not touching a Technic set the difference between an 11 and 13 beam is not as obvious as before and the difference between 9 and 11 is not as obvious as before, but the more I handle the pieces the more obvious the differences and feel becomes. To the experienced builder, it can be obvious as to what comes next, but to me, I still have the sense of wonder and awe of the construction. It is kind of like the "puzzle build" discussion several years ago, the more experienced the builder, the more able to just build and ignore the instructions and come up with the same construction as if the instructions had been followed, I am not there yet. Also to the more experienced builders it is obvious why two pieces are put together the way they are, sub assemblies are obvious, but to me, it is still a surprise as to the what and why. When I am surprised I study the why to try lo learn why so I can become a better builder for MOCs. I have been building with studful pieces, mostly buildings and the like for the past 5 years, so I am not often surprised, but just getting started back with Technic there are frequent surprises and that is something that makes it fun for me. As I said earlier, it is the Journey, not the Destination in LEGO building (for me), I was just curious as to how long and why different people had different build speeds relative to Sariel, kind of a fun exploration, not really as serious topic. But then again, that is what LEGO is all about... FUN! Andy D

That is a great idea! Andy D

That's why I may build it as a color jungle, just to have the fun of building it. Andy D

I usually don't like the TV on while I build, but I do like background music. I am also an instruction studier, I like to understand what and why, I also study as the model takes shape. My primary focus for building sets is to learn so I can apply to MOC's. Andy D

BAM! You're immortal! It's starting to look like I am the only mortal here! The important thing here is the journey (the fun of building), but... So, how do I translate Sariel's times to my times? Maybe multiply by 3? Andy D

I always pre- sort as well. It takes about an hour for a set the size of the 420039, but it helps me to be organized and I like seeing what parts are involved in the model. I am sure my build speed is extremely slow for a Technic right now due to my time away from Technic, but I do spend time trying to understand why things are built as they are, just trying to learn. Andy D

Wow! Sharp left turn for the thread. It was looking interesting, Anybody care to get it back? Andy D

Very nice! Cool looking build. But, which is the front? I am also looking forward to a video. Looks like it could be a screamer! Andy D

Many of you are aware that I recently returned to Technic after a 5 year affair with Modular buildings. I read reviews and watched Sariel's video reviews on several sets (42009, 42037, 42039 and 42042 bought them all) before jumping in with both feet and my credit card! I am in the middle of assembling the 42039 (wow, great, fun set to assemble), only about half-way through, already taken me 5-7 hours over 3 days. Sariel said his build time was 3.5 hours! I am almost double that, no complaints, I am enjoying every minute. I have nothing but respect for Sariel as a great LEGO MOC'er and builder of sets, but... I was just wondering how to translate Sariel's build times into something for us mere mortals? Andy D

Quite a story. Welcome Elizabetheva. Sounds like you need to visit the "Ladies" group (I think). Andy D

Very nice. I consider it quite an accomplishment to stuff an "L" motor an a servo motor into such a small chassis. Do you have a video of it in action? Andy D

Very nice. Very clever shape for a diner. I really like the removable features so the interior can be easily seen. Andy D

I really like this. I was expecting a one sided MOC, but the fig's on both sides of the door is a real treat! Andy D

Very clever. I can't decide which I like best, they are both great! Andy D

For the first time in about 5 years I am building a Technic set, the 24 Hours Race Car - 42039. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed building Technic sets. In 2008 when I started LEGO again I was building mostly NXT constructions and Technic sets. The last Technic set I built was the 8258 Crane Truck. Wow! That was a great set. Then I discovered the Cafe Corner and I was seduced away from Technic by Modular buildings. Then for the next 5 years I mostly bought and built modular buildings, Winter Village, an occasional Star Wars set and a random selection of other themes, then Monster a Fighters mostly for Halloween. Several years ago I even sold many of my Technic sets... I had an unopened Crane Truck, a front loader and an 8043... All still in box, I was convinced that I was done with Technic, so they were sold. I even sold a a Crane Truck and Off Roader that I had built. The one I miss the most is the Crane Truck. I don't want to own it, I just want to build it. I have quite a few a Technic parts, and I recently bought the 42009, 42042, 42037 and the 42039. I must have enough parts to build the Crane a Truck, maybe not in the proper colors, but I just to build and disassemble it anyway so it doesn't matter. Who else has been seduced away from one LEGO theme by another LEGO theme only to later find that they missed their original theme? Are you now building in the theme you "left for good"? Or are you still having an affair with a new LEGO theme? Well now I am going to get a balance between Technic, Modular Buildings, Winter Village and whatever other short term LEGO affair comes along. Andy D