knotian

deraven I have found more pieces under chairs than I can believe - actually two or three. Were you aware that Lego's are made out of the same plastic as 'super balls', the ones that bounce out of reach every time Mab - another unknown fact that in the genealogy of things, Lego's are distantly related to the family of 'reproduceus hangerites' and when left alone will tend to build large families.

Scrubs, I'm sorry but what are the parameters in this instruction. I'm looking for the destination name and address. If this is working on the current file, then how do I specify storage file name and location

I have been using Stud.io for as long as it has been available. As I want to build bigger mocs with increased complexity, I am loosing faith in Stud.io as a viable tool. Elements can be placed inaccurately while still showing connected and no collisions. Later on in the build these slight imperfections prevent module connection, axle insertions, etc. I'd like to hear from other product users as to their overall satisfaction with the programs they are using. I don't have enough posts to start a poll. I would like to find a tool with only one way to place elements together.

Looking at Mechabricks, it seems like it's emphasis is on drawing models and rendering for display. Very Good. I am more interested in drawing and then producing instructions. What is the path for this, since I did not see (yet) anything built in. Without a interchangeable file format, is it possible? Is there a way to use it, drawing, without an active internet connection?

Scrubs, Rhetoric aside, the original question still stands. I am not interested in modification of the files, just safety. The format saved does not matter. The addition of a simple hash sum or check digit would insure the integrity of the files. Ed

Pardon my paranoia Is there a way to save Mecabricks files on your own media? It looks good and I'd like to try it out. I'm using Stud.io and love it but recent administrator posts about new features being available on the 'commercial' version has me bothered.

Edwin, Good to hear from you again. I intended the question to be generalized and get some ideas. Here is the beast. https://www.dropbox.com/s/kwatfrfopk1nkgn/100_0749.JPG?dl=0

It's not the baseplate Build a long wall out of two or three levels of 1x2 bricks and it will bend up. It is due to the slight differences in dimensions of the bricks. 16 1x32 bricks are not the same as 32 on the baseboard. There are a couple of ways of handling it. You could put paper pieces periodically on the upper row and it will push it back down. Design to have gaps in the structure thereby avoiding long walls. You have to experiment.

I know there is a sphere design package around. The way it works does not lend itself to designing domes. Is there a dome designer anywhere around or some dome files I might use? I'd like to have one that shows level by level, not just the completed dome. Thanx

I am modelling an ore unloading crane (Hulett) circa 1900-1940's. I've done scale models from scratch and followed the research, drawing, etc steps. I made one mistake which I don't intend to make again. I scaled the build to outside dimensions to get what I consider Mini-fig scale of about 1:35-40. Structure came out good, major machinery worked (not visible so not scale), and the model looked good. Howsomever when adding moving/operational details they could not be built and operated since they were too big for the scale selected! So I am going back to the drawing board, building these parts as small as feasible, then determining the scale necessary, re-scaling the main structure and rebuilding. The major problem I see is hiding motors and it looks like motors are going to be the limiting factor in Lego Scale building. How do you handle the situation where a part that needs to move is too small to contain the power source. I am thinking of chain / rope drive and motor hidden in the structure. How would you handle a steam powered model that had winches and pistons operating levers etc.? Just hide the motor as best you can? Or skip that model. Thanx Ed

As of now it may be the rechargeable battery

Now this is really a horrible decision. The store shows 'out of stock'. Where did the 'retired' listing come from. CAN WE HEAR FROM AN OFFICIAL SOURCE LIKE AN AMBASSADOR?

The product is Stud.io and I believe animation is in the pipeline.

SylvainLS We are talking worlds,flying through scenery, procedural generation, moving clouds, etc. Stud.io has a looooooong way to go Ed

Anybody using the flat and curved roller coaster track as narrow gauge tracks?

Didn't know I was going to start such a discussion. I'll expand my request with details. I use a terrain generator galled Terragen. It imports object files in two formats. Wavefront (.obj) Lightwave (.lwo) I am looking for a tool to take a completed model from stud.io (exported in any of stud.io's export formats) and convert it into one of the two formats above. If it is at all possible. If I am able it will allow me to bypass using Blender.

I have noticed several discussions on covering Lego bricks to .obj so they can be used in other drawing /cad programs. I've worked with a very nice terrain generator, there are several, and I was wondering if there was any software in existence or being worked on, that takes a completed Lego model and converts the entire model into one .obj file. This would be the visible exterior of all six sides, not the bricks or functional parts in the interior of the model. [ Although having a Lego model that could be rigged would be a blast ] The availability of such software would allow the inclusion of Lego models in many graphics creations. I'm pretty sure that there is something available, but it might be proprietary.

As I finish up one project I'm ready to start the next research. I'd like to do a copper refinery. I believe I can handle the concentrate colors, the froth concentrates and the molten copper with poetic license to the Lego Color Scheme. How-sum-ever---- I need copper wire, ingots, anode sheets, rods for drawing machines. In it's molten state several reds will work. I'd like opinions from the experts. I can make everything I need out of copper, or copper modelling clay, copper powder, etc. I know I can use metallic powders to apply a rubbed finish to Lego bricks. I think a 2x8 brick with a 2x8 tile with a bright copper finish would be interesting and a good train load. Would it be displayable in shows? I know that I should ( and I will) ask the individual shows. I'd like to know any actual experience before I dig into this. [[Humor follows] Would it be easier to get forgiveness than permission?] Thanx, Ed

JGW3000 Thanks for the info, that uses the 1/4 cylinders which is quite too small. NathanR Thanks, nice techniques. Ed

I'd like to know if there are any curved slope pieces that can be connected and form a smooth circle, which could be laid on it's side. Part 44126 should give you an idea, but that does not connect into a curve, just a scalloped line . I want build some large tanks -- think water or fuel tanks in an industry. I have been building my furnaces, ovens, etc (for a blast furnace) using alternating 1x2 and 1x1 round. That's ok because they are masonry construction. These tanks will be much bigger., say 12-15" diameter, and 6-12" tall. Thanx

Wonderful treatment of an industrial installation. Your integration of an industrial gauge internal rail is something not many people have seen. I'm working on a blast furnace complex ( early 1900's) in larger scale than ymarilego and your build gives me a few revision ideas. Great work. I spent days in the Copper refinery in Carteret, my dad was plant engineer, and the use of these little shunters and custom cars was amazing. They integrated it with standard rail with 3 rail tracks and switches. If I could figure out a narrow gauge or three rail switch I'd convert my entire layout. Ed

You also bring up an excellent point - check mech and working. I would love to see LTG and MOC builders include stopping points where functional checks could be made. There have been some kits that I have had to take apart because of mistakes made in construction. Ed

Since I build industrial MOCs I only like the generic worker types. The theme based ones are not useful to me and are hard to include in models outside of the specific theme.

Give Stud.io a try. It's evolving into a great tool, now it's good

These are great. This is the kind of stuff people should be building rather than theme related.