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Murdoch17

Eurobricks Grand Dukes
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  1. Murdoch17
    That's because i keep fixing it.. this time it seems to have stayed legible!
  2. Murdoch17
    I keep retyping most of this post: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=139591 Because the top line says <p> and the bottom bit of the post keeps getting replaced with gibberish. I'm afraid to edit it again for feat the whole post will be gone. Please, can someone please tell me why this is happening?
  3. Murdoch17
    Confession: I have been wanting to build a Bipolar for a long time, about six years. Longer than the Daylight or my Aerotrain models have been around, even on my computer, and longer than most of my 80+ strong fleet. Now, after years of waiting and thinking, designing and re-developing: it is here! But first, here is what it's based on: The Real life inspiration: The LEGO model of this engine is sitting on the side of the real locomotive. Real life inspiration: From 1919 to 1962, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (known as the Milwaukee Road) had these five General Electric-made behemoths pulling trains under the wires on two sections on the Pacific Extension, pulling trains part-way on their journey to Seattle or Chicago. They were called the Bipolar's for each of the locomotive's 12 motors had only two field poles, mounted directly to the locomotive frame beside the axle. The motor armature was mounted directly on the axle, providing an entirely gear-less design. These locos were so powerful they could out-pull modern steam locos, and what used to take two steamers took just one bipolar. However, after a disastrous 1953 rebuilding by the railroad's company shops (who had no clue how to work on a electric loco) the engines were prone to failures and even fire. And so, in 1962, four of them were scrapped with the lone survivor, numbered E-2, towed to the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis Missouri, where it has sat silent even since. LEGO Model: This model was inspired by a 1999 version of the engine built by user legosteveb. I recreated the actual orange, red and black color scheme used on the loco when it emerged from that 1953 modernization program, but it was too expensive. So, after looking around I decided to use the paint scheme the Milwaukee Road used when the engine was donated. This yellow and red scheme was inspired by the Union Pacific and was adopted very late in the engine's career (mid-50's). As both sides are the same except for the headlamp color, I decided to take only one picture of the ends. As you may have noticed, the LEGO version has two "floating" third axle bogies that were inspired by Anthony Sava that allow the engine to float over switches and curves easily. The engine runs beautifully over the little bit of track I have access to, but due to my lack of a layout and tables at the moment, (I've been forced to pack it all up for now) I couldn't get any pictures of that taken. Here is Steve's original model from 1999. Comments, Questions and complaints welcome! EDIT 8/17/18: Well, it's taken about six years of planning, designing, and redesigning, but it's finally on it's way to the real world. The Milwaukee Road "BiPolar" electric locomotive has been ordered as of the 12th in the form as shown. (minus the blue letter overlay I added in MS Paint, of course!) Keep your eyes peeled for real life pictures! EDIT 8/20/18: Real world pictures added!
  4. Murdoch17
    Hey Scalemodelcars, do you live close to Saint Louis? Their is a LUG (lego user group) that is meeting at the Grant's View Library on the 10th of September. Here's the link to the site where you can sign up for the group's yahoo page: http://www.gtwlug.org/ or look us up on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gtwlug/ !
  5. Murdoch17
    I am Zombie-bumping this because of major updates to the structure and the possibility of building in real life this is pretty high. I updated the post and pictures, instead of making a new topic altogether. I hope this is okay! Ain't no stoppin' this train now, mister. We's gone on the express train to the wil' blue yonder, getcher ticket ready. (words by Scott Bourgeois, picture by me)
  6. Murdoch17
    EDITED 8/29/16: Added the collapsing bridge. The train parts are supposed to arrive today, so i'll give an major update when they are finished, depending on when they get here.
  7. Murdoch17
    Town fireman, Benny, classic knight = The classical holy trinity! (If you have space, add the pirate... but he came later anyway so maybe not )
  8. Murdoch17
    If you part out the bridge, it might be cheaper. For example, my complete bridge model plus ramps would be around $250 to $300 according to Rebrickable, instead of the four $100 sets plus the ramp parts... then again, no figure and a stripped-down bridge with no play features may not be as appealing.
  9. Murdoch17
    Could a mod please change this topic to the following: "Imperial capital space ships - 9515, 75158, 75106 MODS" ? Here's the thread: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=121089 Thank you in advance!!
  10. Murdoch17
    This is an Imperial Navy Special News Bulletin : In a press release today, naval officials have confirmed the existence of two new ships to add on to the already constructed Star Cruiser. They are named in the Main post above. Thank you, that is all. (This message brought to you by OCTAN's new Octa-Milk - it's 8 new flavors of fun!* *Fun not included, any fun you may receive from Octa-Milk is wholly the liability of the drinker of said product and is not the responsibility of the OCTAN Corporation. All Octa-Milk contains 20% crushed hopes, 31% destroyed dreams, 15% unicorn tears, 12% squandered time, 20% abandoned sadness and 2% Cow milk.)
  11. Murdoch17
    Update: The main post has been updated to have a newer version of the bridge, with taller towers and a lower deck, plus two ramps. The model now fits all official trains with plenty or room, and as such the LDD file and pictures have been updated!
  12. Murdoch17
    I wanted to build it using ramps, but the height of my bridge (even though it's shorter than the stock set) would require ramps as long as the 10 tracks-long bridge itself (or longer). The original plan as seen here wouldn't work as it's too steep with a brick and a plate in height every track section, if that helps any...
  13. Murdoch17
    I use 6 wide for cars for almost all my trucks, cars, vans, and etc. (with the exception of 4 wide for smaller cars made from the Disney CARS sets and a 7 wide London bus as seen below) Railroads are 6+ wide for steam engines (pistons stick out a bit) and 6 wide for rolling stock in standard 16 / 24 / 28 stud lengths. This keep it like an official sets for maximum compatibility right from the box. EDIT: added picture!
  14. Murdoch17
    Two words if you want a Berkshire 2-8-4 like the Polar Express: Anthony Sava. (Link: http://www.bricklink...ID":"21320617"} ) His instructions for an 8 wide steam loco are superb, and that's where I got my starting point in 2011 / 12. if you don't want an 8 wide engine, I have a six wide alternative available in LDD format, though instead of a Berkshire 2-8-4, it's a 4-8-2 Mountain, basically the reverse of the Polar Express engine. EDIT: What colors are you passenger car? I'm curious as I may I have a engine or two in my MOCpage you might like: http://www.moc-pages.com/folder.php/135602
  15. Murdoch17
    Main post updated to have the LDD file. Here is a new picture as well showing the ALCO engine and a EMD competitor's nose.
  16. Murdoch17
    This model was heavily inspired by set 4555 (Cargo Station) from 1995 and by set 60052 (Cargo Train) from 2014. I smashed both models together and added some of my inspiration in places. (This model is also supposed to be compatible with set 60169 (Cargo Terminal) from this years summer CITY lineup.) As a side note, the sign on top of the lower floor is supposed to say CARGO TERMINAL in printed 1 x 1 tiles. The original set 4555 is one of the sets my father bought back in 1995 when 9v was King and I was just a little baby. Growing up I remember playing fondly with this set.... actually, I loved tearing it apart and making it better, which drove my Dad nuts. I think I tore his collection apart so much he decided to give me my own trains to pull apart, which are actually still together today. The rear of the model. I added new 1x6x5 panels to add a bit of texture to the otherwise smooth area. The model features expanded interior details such as the staircase to access the top floor where the conference / break room is from the lower floor secretary's desk area. It also features a swing open rear section containing a office under the stairs, with a Technic pin to lock it closed. NOTE: The rear half can only open up to 90 degrees, as the base of the model prevents it from opening any further. The gantry and the crane itself slide back and forth to provide for truck to train (or train to truck) movement of shipping containers or raw materials by themselves. The gantry can move left to right (red arrow), while the actual crane can move forward and back. (yellow arrow) Unfortunately, the LDD program doesn't allow for it to move, but it will in real life! This model is missing one crucial part: the cable for the crane. (That's this part: http://www.bricklink...e?P=x77ac50#T=C ) With the new enlarged road section, the model now lines up with the modern printed road base-plates. Here is the LDD file for my model: LDD link All comments, be they complaints, questions or compliments are welcome! EDIT 6/15/17: The model has been updated with wider two-way road section and longer crane. (the brick-built roadway now lines up with modern road base-plates) LDD file and pictures have been updated as well.
  17. Murdoch17
    Thanks for you suggestions, xboxtravis7992. I will look into the number of radiators and the headlight, and the semi-official look was my intention. I like to build as if I was working for the company, even though I'm not. It just makes it that much more challenging and gives you and idea of the struggles they have to work with, including some AFOLs who want things just so, even though they might make a set only they would buy. Basically, you can't always get what you want, but you can modify it to suit your personal tastes.,Which isn't that what LEGO is all about? Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox now, sorry for the rant. Thanks again for commenting!
  18. Murdoch17
    MODS: the last topic i made on this train was long ago (2013) I thought that making a new one instead of resurrecting an old one and updating it would be better... though I could be wrong. if so, I am sorry for any trouble I have caused! The locomotive is a American Locomotive Company (ALCO for short) diesel two unit semi-permanently coupled set, with both engines assigned the same number. The front unit where the engineer sits is called a Cab (or A) unit, while the trailing unit is called a Booster (or B) unit, though they can be used in more groups than just two, like a an A-B-B-A set as used on the real life Santa Fe Super Chief, among many other trains. This feature was not unique to the ALCO family, as Baldwin, EMD, and many smaller makers such as Fairbanks - Morse did so too. However, sometimes different companies' types were difficult (or impossible) to connect together because of placement of Multiple Unit control hoses / ports. (Like a ALCO A unit leading a Baldwin B unit, a Fairbanks Morse B Unit and a EMD A unit at the rear... though it would be something to see!) This model was inspired by Valgarise and his model called "Invencible" (seen above). It looked like an nice big ALCO model (and in the right colors for my railroad too!) so I built it and a booster unit sometime in early 2014 / late 2013. More awesome pictures of this loco are available in his photo stream here: https://www.flickr.c...157627755617169 I recently changed the colors from black and red to green and black, with some dark bluish gray for the mechanical details. This will allow it to stand out more and be easier to take photographs of. (anyone who has made an all black model knows what I mean!) Their is no LDD file for this engine at the moment, though one could be uploaded eventually. Here we see the engines pulling their assigned freight train, which consists of a rock gondola, tanker car, drop-side flatcar, two boxcars and a caboose. More cars are to be built in 2018, including an acid tanker, a Technic-frame depressed-center flat car, several grain hoppers and possibly a loaded three-tier auto rack car. If you have any questions, complaints, or suggestions, feel free to leave it below as any feedback would be welcome! EDIT: LDD File available here: http://www.moc-pages...1472244392m.lxf
  19. Murdoch17
    Looking good so far! I can't wait to see what's next, and am glad to see that I'm not the only one planing a Western town / train layout. Keep up the good work!
  20. Murdoch17
    Thank you. This design has been in two other directions as well as this one: My 1920's tramp steamer uses a lot of the hull techniques, and my pirate ship uses the exact same bow and underside supports as the fire boat.
  21. Murdoch17
    No problem about posting the LDD files, I love to make the virtual designs free to the public. If /when you make your model, don't forget to post it here on Eurobricks!
  22. Murdoch17
    I too would love this (I always loved Thomas, and Scotnick helped me realize my dream of having a 2-10-0 9F like Murdoch but dark bluish gray.), but their are problems, among them the Magic Railroad was a total flop, and Lego is unlikely to sell sets on a 16 year old film with no modern sequels / remakes / equivalent. (Though It would be awesome to have Lady and Diesel 10... I've wanted them for as long as the movie was out!) Heck, Lady was barely mentioned outside of a a throwaway scene in a 2006 DVD / VHS tape release film "Calling All Engines". Anyway, great work Scotnick, and I hope to see more of your engine built "in the brick" eventually!
  23. Murdoch17
    This model was originally inspired by set 3817 (Flying Dutchman) from the Spongebob Squarepants theme. It has been seriously up-sized in scale, and features three and a 1/2 masts with Technic panel sails and 14 "shooting" cannons. The ship also has a crows nest and a removable rear upper deck for access to the captain's cabin. Background info: In 1699 Captain Henry Walker found a portal to another world whereupon he, his crew and his ship (the Terror) stayed for 22 days. When he returned 225 years in our time had passed in their absence. His sword came from that other world and can rip / close holes in space, letting him escape from battles quickly and find targets easily. As of early 1925, he is searching for a home for his crew where they can pillage passing ships and live in relative peace. Johnny Thunder and Lord Sam Sinister want the sword, and both are desperate to get it. Lord Sam is forging new alliances with greater evils in order to obtain it first, while Johnny is trying to locate the last known owners.... which happens to be Captain Walker and the Terror. Here is the rear of the ship featuring the captain's cabin windows and a trio of lanterns. The ship has a crows nest on the second mast, and 14 working cannons to dispatch enemies to the briny deep. The upper deck features the ship's wheel. This section is removable to get into the captain's cabin. The roof of the cabin is removable, with a table and chair for the Captain to sit at and read maps. Captain Henry Walker (in green) and his crew. Here is the older version of the ship and it's Captain, which was destroyed to make the bigger ship seen above. The LDD file for the newer version of the ship is available here. Comments, questions, and complaints are welcome, but please keep in mind I only occasionally built ships and pirates are not my specialty by any stretch of the imagination. Thanks for viewing!
  24. Murdoch17
    The ldd files for all the trains, and their respective engines are now included in the first post. The loco's by themselves are also up there in the main post. Here is silly variant on these locos that will NOT be added to the real locos. The LDD files for these locos with the faces are not uploaded, but they may be at a later date! General Cole is named after the famous Civil War 4-4-0 "the General" and is painted in red, while Hunter is of the same design type as the C.P. Huntington, and is painted green. Hunter likes to whistle his favorite tunes of yesteryear all the time, which means his shed mates are all driven almost insane by his constant humming - even in his sleep! General Cole is a bit hard to work with as the newer engines do things differently than him, making his old-fashioned way seem outdated, or even dangerous. Just don't talk about the good old days, or debate link and pin / modern coupling methods, as he will always think he won the argument. (whether he actually did win or not!) Any thoughts?
  25. Murdoch17
    Main post update: The buildings was an odd number of studs long, which was causing problems. I have since fixed that, and as such the LDD file and pictures have been updated. Just for a little treat, here is the building among others of similar style. This is the fancy pic... ...and here is the regular screenshot. I'm getting pretty good at making edited photos, don't you think?
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