pirzyk

Seems we've heard that before Nice build!

Sorry for the confusion and disappointment. Since the poly bag model was also labeled Mini MINI... I am fine with changing the subject. Moderator, can you make that happen?

I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Thanks to both of you.

Here's my MOC of a mini cooper, a cross between the 3177-1 small car and the 40109-1 Mini MINI Cooper polybag sets. The Union Jack is adhesive vinyl cut and scaled on the computer. I'm not 100% happy with the 4 x 4 x 2/3 wedge as the roof, the back leaves something to be desired.

+1

I will add my voice to try to avoid flex track, the only train I have found that can run on flex track is the 2010 Red Passenger Train (7938). The length of the train and the number of curves the train is in will also affect the slippage of the wheels. If your train is in multiple curves at the same time it increases the resistance on the engine. Try to space out the curves as much as possible but that limits the designs you can have and forces you to have much more straight track than curves. Also if you do stay with flex track, keep the radii of the turns as wide as possible. The type of non powered axles in the engine and rolling stock also has an effect on resistance. If you can avoid using technics axles and use the metal ones that will help. For inclines I have been told to keep the rise as 1 plate for 16 studs run. I have been able to do 2 plate rise for the 16 stud run but that really depended on the speed I had coming into the incline and what the train was pulling (2 PF motor Maersk).

This argument makes sense to me as a way secondary sales are driven. Too bad we don't get a view of of LEGO's marketing & sales statistics. I would love to see if this is true or not. I would like to see LEGO go the other way with the Creator Expert. Put out a train set that could be built in N ways, an engine, B-Unit, or one of X different rolling stock. So the Expert meant it was more than 3-in-1 and it was more of a technical challenge. The price could be an issue because buying an engine we all think should be more expensive than rolling stock, and that if the set was priced at the level of an engine, the rolling stock would be pricey (but I guess it also depends on part counts and if there is a rare color included).

When I was young I had no access or even knowledge of LEGO trains, but my dad had 2 O scale trains we used to put out at christmas. I used to collect the Universal building sets. I really did not like the themed sets until classic space came out. My HO layout and modeling was what killed my LEGO interests as a kid. My SO bought me the Emerald Night as a Christmas present in 2009 and that is what brought me out of my dark ages and into LEGO trains. I have collected every Creator train set since (and have a few city, MOCs, and PF converted 9v ones).

Really nice details on the third floor, it was worth the wait! :D

My vote is for Stitch, not that I am biased or anything :)

Yes, the anticipation is killing me... :D

I think LEGO has re-released at least part of a CMF Series 3 with this set: http://alpha.bricklink.com/pages/clone/catalogitem.page?S=850458-1#T=S&O={%22ii%22:1} I'm not sure some sets aren't just expensive because they have rare part and/or color and not expensive because of demand for the set itself. With LEGO publishing the instructions to most of their sets, anyone can BL a set if they want to, it just comes down to the rare parts.

OMG, all those 1x1 tiles! So the road just floats on the light bley 2x2 tiles below? I really like the overall look, very impressive. The only "suggestion" I have is to finish the balasting of the track itself.

I agree with Marook that you will have more slippage on the same incline using flex track vs using straight track. As for the incline, I have been told to only go up 1 plate per straight track segments. If you have a shorter train you can have a steeper incline, I have been able to do 1 brick per 32 studs.

+1 :D

Nice!

I have modded 2 9V trains to PF (10020 and 10133) and I think it is worth it, you can run these trains on any PF compatible track, including the ME Models larger radius curves. I would also invest in rechargable battery pack, either the LEGO one (what I use) or envloop (sp?) rechargable AAA batteries. If you stick with 9V; track, motors and controllers are only going to get more expensive in the future. Our LTC is talking about moving away from 9V, as several other LTCs have already done.

I've talked about making a stop motion video using the backgrounds but I have not got around to starting it.

Very nice! Any more pics? Like the back side? Is the inside detailed too?

Nice! I do note the custom metal (looks like metal) switch.

I really like this as well. I am intrigued by the building in the back, is that Sand Rose colored bricks in the arch ways?

I have 2 L motors attached to a 20 tooth gear (32198) then a 12 tooth gear (6589). The assembly is quite fragile and I want to rebuild it stronger, still working out how to do that.

Nice job Tony!

Another +1 for the water work. I also like the brick bricks walkways.