Legoless

Unbelievable! This model perfectly captures the proportions of the original, including the size of the wheels relative to the bodyshell, and the correct body contours. I only wish that the latest PseudoMINI from BMW was as nicely designed as this little masterpiece! Everybody who truly loves cars adore Minis- they may have been uncomfortable, noisy, and very bouncy, but they were exceptional cars in their day, and the Cooper ran rings around far more powerful cars such as the Ford Galaxie 500 on the racetrack. This model captures the quirkiness so well. Its certainly far better built than the real thing ever was- last time I drove one (a later car, non-Cooper) I had to stop to pick the exhaust pipe off the road, and nearly crashed because the windscreen wipers were useless (and being so low to the ground you pick up all the glare of oncoming vehicle headlights). If I win the lottery I'll buy a real Cooper S and no doubt, try to make a Lego model using your instructions!

Amazing MOC- you have achieved that rare 'being there' feel. Not only is it beautifully detailed, but the cars look very 'Eastern European' -the one at the back is clearly a Trabant, the one in front maybe an old Wartberg or a Zhapozhets (sp?). I can almost smell the 2 stroke fumes and hear the tinny sound of their engines (much like a washing machine full of tin cans). A well deserved win.

The real vehicles don't resemble standard Land Rovers- they have a different proportions due to the high roofline, as well as having deep skirting around them to prevent explosive projectiles from getting under. The wheelbase could be a little longer, perhaps (I suspect the 'real thing' is based on either the 110 or 130 wheelbase landie). I think its a very good rendition for a 4-wide. I only wish that there was no need for them in this day and age.

Excellent in both concept and execution- very imaginitive vig. I especially like the water 'surface' with the fisherman.

That particular example is a right-hand-drive version, so the door is on the correct side to get to the pavement. Not sure where that one is from though- I don't recognise the type of license plate- maybe Australia or New Zealand? Love the Lego Ford camper. It is very well modelled- and even though we don't have the 'real thing' here in Britain (the E350 is far too large and also very dated in design), it is instantly recognisable for a Ford. Nicely built!

I voted for 'not saying anything if I only have something negative to say' option- although it is more complicated than that. As my name suggests, I currently don't own any Lego (aside from some in the attic of my foster parent's house which is technically mine- and the rest is shared with my foster brothers); and as such, I haven't built with Lego since the 1980's, and I can't currently afford to invest in any. So my Lego building experience is both historical and virtual (given that I have a fairly good idea of the current Lego inventory and at least a reasonable concept of what to do with it) but no actual recent experience (after all, having ideas for what one can do with Lego is a bit like knowing how to be the best Formula 1 driver, or footballer- its easier to be an armchair expert than the real thing). Hence if I offer constructive advice I try to think things through before offering what are always tentative suggessions. Despite me not owning any Lego, the lure of this site (and others) was just too powerful for me not to want to contribute my tuppence worth- God knows I lurked long enough!

In fairness, it would be nice if TLG introduced a lower priced <insert that tiresome argument> train set- would make sense IF it was sufficiently low priced (yet engaging) to get their target audience into L Guage. Indeed, TLG might wish to look to how successful supermarkets have been with 'loss leader' promotions- ie selling certain products more cheaply to get the punters engaged in more profitable purchases. A train set with enough track and sufficient 'play value' ought to do the trick.

Oh my god! Not only are those wonderful layouts absolutely enormous, but must have cost a fortune in bricks. Not to mention the time (I'd imagine that doing that desert got pretty tedious)- but what a result! Love the Death Star scene.

I absolutely love the idea of a space-flying dustcart! Excellent in both concept and execution.

Pretty unbelievable that you managed to do this in Lego... ...but, can it dance as well as a Citroen C4?

Not being familiar with Portuguese trains (apart from the now-retired ones built by English Electric) I googled the Allan CP0350- your MOC actually looks better than the real thing!

I absolutely love funiculars- so much character and charm in so small a space (plus usually a spectacular view). Love the model- really captures the magic. BTW there is a real funicular railway for sale in the UK- in Bridgnorth, Staffordshire. Absolutely stunningly beautiful- love the 1930's bus-like carriages. Complete with B&B and tea room (how very English!) .

Nice track banking. Although it was most likely that which was the cause of the rear loco derailing as it is best to have some kind of suspension or compensation when using banked track. That said, the haulage of that one loco looked far more impressive than is usual for Lego locos. re the magnet issue- I read somewhere (where I can't remember) that you can increase the strength of the standard magnetic couplings by putting a small high-power magnet between them. But you have to take care when coupling cars together not to let them 'smash' into each other as such magnets are prone to shattering.

Maybe it was a performance by the Blue Man Group? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOL8-qIYemg Anyway- an interesting take on the Maersk train!

I think if I were to build a tunnel I'd make sure that the tunnel mouth (and any visible inner tunnel) were nicely modelled, then invest in some second-hand Duplo to support the tunnel further in (any colour would do), or possibly use a minimal amount of Technic beams (rotated 90 degrees) as 'pit props'- leaving plenty of space to get my arm in to rescue capsized trains! Alternatively, I'd design whatever was going on top of the tunnel so as to be easily detachable to access the inner tunnel.

If it was going to be done, it should be aimed at AFOLs. I think it is a mistake to 'talk down' to kids by trying to pitch things to their level. Rather, if you aim above their heads it gives them something to aspire to, and the book will be of lasting value, as the possibilities contained within will unfold as they mature- the book will become their Lego Train 'bible' if you like. Lego builders of all ages like to know that there are boundaries to push. The most important thing would be to have a glossary of terms at the back written in both languages- English and American English. I remember as a kid being given a large glossy book about model trains. Most of the layouts and ideas were well above my level of competance (still are) and ability to fund (ditto)- yet it was nonetheless very inspirational, and gave me a grounding in most of the principles of what makes a good layout. Of course, at that time DCC was in its infancy- Hornby had a controller called Zero 1 (I think) which was a very early attempt at digital train control.

How does it compare to World of Warcraft? Obviously its not going to be a clone, but would I find the gameplay too <insert that tiresome argument> for an adult used to playing WoW? One thing I wouldn't miss about WoW is all the n00bspeak- I find that really annoying, especially in the Trade channel. Some players have nothing better to do than diss others. And I wouldn't miss all the endless statistical knowledge needed to build an effective character, nor the grinding needed to make gold.

Well, we are a nation of (mostly) good-natured piss-takers, what did you expect from a thread titled 'Where we are proud to be British'?

Death in Vegas- Dirge. There is no way on Earth that your computer speakers will do justice to this, or any other Death in Vegas tracks. Nonetheless- here is one of their efforts, which will fart thanklessly out of the giveaway speakers that came bundled with your PC.

as well as English grammar

Absolutely love Radiohead- saw them live in Glastonbury in 94 when they were still relatively new. I even like some of their more 'difficult' later albums- does usually take 2 or 3 listens to really get into those. Favourite (of many) has to be Creep. Reminds me of my awkward teenage years.

Nice build- but the congregation does look like the Village People at prayer...

Yeah. That said, I just love the American accent- the way all Americans sound like Forrest Gump. The reason why we drive on the left is for two reasons. Firstly, it is to avoid bumping into oncoming traffic. Secondly, we invented 'drive by' killings. Your right arm is your 'sword arm'- therefore, to pass on the left meant that your right arm was free to defend yourself, or slaughter your oncdoming opponent.

Nice one! Tatras are legendary, shame they don't import them to the UK.

Happy belated birthday!