AussieJimbo

The issue of poor IR performance outside is an interesting one. People report similar problems in big exhibition rooms. One of the guys at BrickExpo said he needed to be right on top of the train to get it to respond. Given you can control trains from metres away in smaller interior locations, the signal itself must be able to travel several metres, particularly if it is bouncing off the wall before it gets to the receiver. I'm guessing the standard controller sends out signal all over the place by design to maximise the chance of reflections getting to the receiver. Perhaps a solution for outdoor/exhibition rooms would be to scavenge a reflector from an old torch (flashlight) and fit this to the controller. This will produce a beam of IR light which might overcome the range issue at the cost of having to aim directly at the receiver. :classic:

Wow. Awesome station, Dfenz. Top job. :classic:

Very nice work. The three different widths was a great choice and really adds to the variety of the streetscape. :classic:

Fantastic creation. A really effective solution to a very challenging problem. Top job. :classic:

Top job, snaillad. I also love Art Deco and am currently working on my own build in the Streamline Moderne style. Your chairs and torchiere lamp on the ground floor are very nice. I'm just getting started on the interior and was thinking about very similar designs for these pieces. Well done. :classic:

Apparently in the past "MOD" was used on this site as LGG describes but for me it flies in the face of the standard usage of the term beyond the Lego community, which as you said refers to the modification of an existing product or design. For me LDD (Lego Digital Design) is the better abbreviation for design work, MOD refers to changing an existing set and is an acknowledgement that the model changes or enhances something pre-existing and MOC is best used for original creations. My 2 cents. :classic:

A blue 81-class freight loco, a familiar sight on New South Wales railways. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales_81_class_locomotive

Some very interesting stuff in eilonwy77's gallery. Thanks for posting, VK. Good luck with your MOC, Legoman. Look forward to seeing it. :classic:

Very interesting thread. I've only been MOC'ing to a significant degree since late last year. Until then I had been a bit precious about not mixing my sets up but once you have something you just want to build you become a bit more ruthless. I haven't crossed the line with special sets like the Grand Emporium or the Fire Station (apart from borrowing it's roller door), Architecture sets, Frigate, etc. Mostly I've been getting my MOC parts from Creator and City sets. > whole buildings are brick heavy. Tell me about it. There is a lot to be said for doing facades or backless buildings but I just can't help myself. I've gone through a large number of Apple Tree Houses and Log Cabins in the last 6 months. My latest build is consuming Lighthouse Islands like they are going out of fashion. Main thing is to give it a go. I built a cool plane out of beaten up old bricks my mate saved from being thrown on the dump the other day. See if you can pick up some bricks at garage sales to get started. :classic:

Very nice job, Stefanwest. Great details, I'm sure it looks fantastic hauling a train. :classic:

Looks like only one seller with complete boxes for sale so far (thanks ang911 for the pointers). http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=torquay&itemID=25486128 Their price per box is OK at around $AU127, but their postage is a bit high bringing the total to approx $AU170. Not bad compared to Aussie retail but prices should come down as more sellers appear. :classic:

I've only had this problem once. I don't think the oiliness is dangerous at all but it's not very nice. I just did what I could with some paper towel and that seemed to sort most of it out. Perhaps mild soapy water? Doubt if that would do anything to the rubber. :classic:

Are you interested in splitting a box? I'm looking for one set plus the box. Please send me a PM, you can't receive any more messages. :classic:

It can work for parallel tracks if used the right way. Admittedly the inability to set it to parallel tracks in both directions is a limitation but this can be overcome by your mode of operation. When running trains on a double track in real life you will have a standard "up" and "down" main, so you set up 7996 accordingly so that the trains pass straight through it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railroad_directions This configuration also implements another concept called "safe working" where all of your pointwork is set up to ensure an out of control train will always be switched to at worst running in the right direction on the main line or be directed to a relatively safe derailment point. In some countries it's standard practice that any train wishing to use the other main line in the "wrong" direction, it must reverse onto it thus avoiding points configurations that could lead to head on collisions. When only running a single train and ignoring track directions, the crossovers help you set up interesting loops for your train to travel around the layout. There is also the option of piggy-backing 2 x 7996 in a three track config near stations. Takes a bit of space but gives you more interesting routing options. :classic:

Just picked up a ticket for the evening session. See you there. :classic:

It's roughly between O Scale and Gauge 1 if you are doing 6 wide trains and rolling stock. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_modelling_scales That's based on the nominal minifig scale of 1:38 but in reality there is no real fixed Lego scale as it does vary a little depending on the set and what details you base your measurements on. :classic:

Great job, lisqr. Amazing how much detail can be retained in the shrinking process. Nice one. :classic:

Great concept and execution, harmacy. Top job. :classic:

Three more fantastic buildings, sonicstarlight. Truly excellent work. :classic:

Doh, where was it hiding? Oh well, picked up the last one I could find at Target upstairs for $6 more. And a Knight Bus, now what can I do with those nice purple train windows? :classic:

Checked K-Mart Belconnen. No stock left for any of the specials LT mentioned on the previous page. Might check Tuggeranong tomorrow. :classic:

Nice work, Lobo. Looks like you have good clearances for everything and the idea of a raised piazza works well. I like how you've done the wall with the balustrade all the way round. It might be nice to run some steps down to a second level half way down to a park above the existing roadway. You could have a cafe or a news-stand there. Looking forward to your updates. :classic:

Very nice creation and great work on your instructions. I really like your idea of giving a complete set with instructions and box art as a thank you present. I'm sure the recipients will be thrilled. :classic:

Righto, carry on. :-) :classic:

Nice one, captures the style of a few of those older sets whilst looking a bit more modern. I wonder however if the roof canopy needs to be so high. :classic: