Divitis

To me, this reads as a SYSTEM1 answer with some sarcasm on top. I'm sure neither was intentional. I'll be leaving the conversation now, it is above my pay grade anyway.

Here's the timeline: 1930s–1940s: British toy designer Hilary Fisher Page founded Kiddicraft and developed plastic construction toys. He patented an interlocking brick design and later sold Self-Locking Building Bricks, which already had studs on top and a hollow underside. � Wikipedia +1 1947: LEGO bought its first plastic injection-moulding machine. The supplier also provided samples (or drawings) of Kiddicraft bricks to demonstrate what the machine could produce. Ole Kirk Kristiansen and his son Godtfred saw their potential. � Wikipedia +1 1949: LEGO introduced its own version, called Automatic Binding Bricks. These were clearly inspired by Kiddicraft's design but were not identical. � lego.com +1 1958: LEGO made the breakthrough that created the modern brick by adding the internal tubes underneath. This dramatically improved the "clutch power" (how firmly bricks grip each other) and made the system far more robust. This is essentially the brick still used today. � Wikipedia +1 As for whether LEGO "copied" Kiddicraft: It is generally accepted that LEGO's first plastic bricks were based on Kiddicraft's concept. However, LEGO substantially refined the design, especially with the internal tube system, and built the broader construction system, manufacturing quality, and product ecosystem that made the brick iconic. � Brickset.com +1 Interestingly, LEGO later stated that it contacted Kiddicraft in the late 1950s to ask whether the company objected to LEGO's bricks. According to LEGO's account, Kiddicraft did not object and wished them success. Then, in 1981, LEGO purchased the remaining rights to the Kiddicraft brick designs and trademark from Hilary Page's descendants. �

You did not answer my (rhetorical ?) question. Why did 'clone' brands decide to utilize the exact same size of pieces and the exact same color palette? More on topic. To me it's either 'anything that interlocks goes' or 'Lego'. At least logically.

I agree. Yes, the interlocking patent expired, but why did clone brands decide to make bricks in the exact same dimension of Lego's? There's no engineering justification for it, only lazyness and selling themselves as 'compatible' if not 'the same'.

Logically, I see two options: Lego only or anything-built-with-bricks goes. If the two gets mixed in any way (e.g. in the same forum, or MOC) I will feel a stranger. So please keep the forum about Lego. Lego is a finite system. As such, it gives me peace of mind. And as someone already mentioned, I need to know the rules of the game to appreciate achievements. MOCs built with non-Lego bricks are akin to MOCs using illegal techniques. Disclaimers and notes: Technic's the closest to a DIY hobby, and to me that's what 'sorts of' justifies 3D printed parts or custom battery packs. Conversely, Pirates, Space Police, City or Fabuland, have visual and thematic identities defined by Lego over the years. A 3D printed sword or a beard from another brand are truly out of place there. -------------- I opened this thread during vacation time. Should have checked the work wmail instead would have given me less anxiety

I do admire your resolve. It is indeed frustrating when you give it all and the reaction is 'almost'. But that's exactly the difference between a MOCer and a designer. Not doing 'what's possible' but 'What gives fun and excites'. Keep up the good work!

My two cents, big fake. Look at the corner slopes that form the roof. The one on the left has a weird bend while the one on the right overlaps the flexible hose.

But having both skid steering and normal steering on the same model would be a first

Did you see what the new Mercedes is capable of? Would love to see this implemented (although the original uses independent electric motors from what I've heard, a mechanical interpretation would be dope.

I like the underlying idea. Gives people a reason to pick up their display sets once in a while, like changing the seasonal foliage on some other nature themed sets.

Thanks guys. 👍

I want to believe it too. However for the life of me I cannot see any shock absorber through the open trunk. And in no picture the rear axle is compressed...

The suspension of the rear axle was also interesting, solid axle with ball joint and links.

Very serene memory, and well rendered! Interesting choice to use tiles to represent the 'playground' area and studs for the rest of the beach. I would have probably gone for the opposite intuitively.

You're right, sorry I misspoke