Captain_Quinn

Yes, still going strong... and with a renewed interest recently highlighting that I should pay more attention to these forums. I've not been on in a long while. To give everyone a picture of the success of this project, here's a quick summary of the almost 6 years it's been going: Copies distributed/donors: 219 Charities benefiting: 112 Total raised (as of time/date this post): USD $7532 Average donation: ~ USD $34 It would be an understatement if I said that seeing the level of generosity, and the works of these charities being supported, is both inspiring and humbling. So... go forth... build more. Build that better world. :)

Apologies for the delayed reply. I haven't been checking Eurobricks regularly so far this year... As @GeoBrick pointed out, there's a Rebrickable page... head on over if you haven't already. Re: part count. Neither over nor under- engineered. You could change up some of the surface panel parts, but the panels connect with the internal frame to provide tension stability. A significant number of the parts are small parts, like connector pins (nearly a thousand in those alone). I've tried to compromise between cost and part count to provide the most efficient and effective build, making sure that structural stability is maintained. Yes, for the most part, internal blocks are listed in the instructions as a generic 'any' color, so that cheaper options can be used without drama.

Apologies for my absence from the forums, but yes, the offer is still available.

I've contacted the two stores that have included the kits and asked that they either remove it, or include a link to purchase the instructions from rebrickable and refrain from sending out the instructions. One has agreed, the other hasn't responded. Time will tell.

Sadly, this will likely be my final Rebrickable based release after finding out that one of the buyers has gone on to sell copies with clone-brick kits on that hive of scum-and-villainy that is a particular Chinese site known for give zero sh*ts about such theft. I can't stop them selling "kits" based on clone bricks, but I'm damned pissed about the inclusion of "PDF Instructions" via email. If I go down the path of releasing instructions again, I think I'll use a different mechanism with added security. Less than 4 months of sales after nearly 4 years of work... just ain't worth the hassle and grief. I never expected this to make money, but I sure as hell didn't expect it to be treated worse than 2-ply toilet paper.

Details and links over in this thread:

Happy to finally say these words.... the Starfury is ready and launching! After what feels like a longer gap between Babylon 5 official releases, I've finally gotten the instructions to a place where I'm happy to give the "go" order and drop this sucker out the Cobra Bay doors. Available for USD$35 on Rebrickable. So, what are you getting for your currency of choice? 436 pages of full color, high resolution instructions, backed with artwork, in-universe history, Behind the Scenes, in a bookmarked, link navigable PDF. Parts lists have been created as XML for upload to Lego marketplace of choice (Bricklink, Brickowl, etc.), CSV and PDF, with both full build and lists for each sub-section to help with organising pieces. This initial release is for the base model, with stickers for either Ivanova's "Gryphon" variant, or one of the "Battle of the Line" participants. "Initial release???"... yes, there are variants in the pipeline. And finally, the design has been developed with room for lighting of the engines, thrusters and cockpit.

Pending approval from the folks at Rebrickable... So, here's the final tally... 436 pages (inc front and back covers), 250mb full color PDF with bookmarks and navigable links. 7910 pcs (according to Studio) or 7829 pcs (according to Rebrickable)... yes, there are some parts that combine and that is why the disparity. Parts Lists in PDF, Excel/CSV and XML formats, in both complete build and sectional sub-lists. Sticker set exclusively from Ultimate Collector Stickers, with a pre-release version of the Display Plaque sticker available on my Flick gallery for anyone wanting to print their own. Once approval received, I'll post the links, etc in a new post... expecting around 48hrs, so just in time for the weekend :)

ok, I guess with it being nearly two years since I previewed this MOC, and with you guys showing so much patience as I go through the process of making this worth the wait, an update is in order. Assembly instructions... build sequencing, step rendering, optimisation and combining for multiple steps per page... from 1600+ pgs down to just over 400. Combined with overlays, pointers, guidelines, highlights, etc, and assembly notes to help understand the build process, this is approx 90% complete. Parts lists... this is proving to be a bug up my a$$. At this stage, I'm seriously contemplating leaving the parts lists out of the main instructions and having them solely as additional XML, Text and Excel spreadsheet files. Graphical parts lists are nice and all,and previous feedback suggested a "List per section" approach, but I've not been able to find something that works and won't take up excruciatingly long hours to do properly. I have an idea that may be a good compromise between integrated sectional graphical parts lists and something external, but much more practical. Stickers... graphics are mostly done. Contemplating a few small detailing stickers like maintenance labels, etc, but finding source materials to confirm these is proving challenging. The primary stickers will be the UCS Plaque, and the Dorsal Hull Art for a few select versions, and maybe some EA logos or Serial Numbers for the wings if I can get the sizing right. The first of these are ready to go to the printers. Wiring instructions... this is another serious challenge, and my hat goes off to the likes of Mirko Soppelsa and his StarBricks instructions for how well he puts that element together. The simplicity of the wiring harness is one saving grace. It's just a matter of how to illustrate it's installation. So, finish line is approaching. Any major revisions/ideas are being shelved for the next release (Yes, there is a variant release to follow that will incorporate updates).

Just found this as a solution to a very frustrating problem with exports to PNG hitting a max resolution/size. Even though I was able to see the whole build in LPub3D, any export would automatically crop and shrink down to A3 size instead of A2 or A1. Very handy, thanks heaps :D

oh, I totally get that the developers time is his to do with as he sees fit... and I'm grateful for the work he puts into this project, as the results have been great. Yes, there's issues with the software, but it's still better than similar offerings such as Studio's Instruction Creator. Just hoping that Trevor's ok, and yeah... that development/support on LPub3D continues.

Does anyone here know what is happening with development/maintenance of LPub3D? Last activity from the dev, Trevor Sandy, on Github was August last year, with last response to bugs/comments/etc some weeks prior.

Thanks @Dracoargenteus. Work is busy (short staffed, heavy case load, welcome to life in Allied Health)... so finding energy to have attentive and productive output is the first hurdle. I've been developing some artwork using Blender, and getting some very positive results, putting the final finishing touches together. So now might be the right time to share the following.

The lighting kit is an off-the-shelf collection of items from LightMyBricks. Link I wanted it as readily available and easy to install as possible, so any custom wiring and electronics were ruled out straight away. What I used is: Universal Power Adaptor 5V 4amp USB Wall Adaptor : link USB Extension Cable 3 meter : link USB Power Cable : link 12-Port Expansion Board : link Cockpit Module: Bit Lights (Red) 30cm (4 pack) : link Engines & Thrusters: Connecting Cables - 50cm (4 pack) : link 2-Port Expansion Board (4-pack : link Connecting Cables - 15cm (4 pack) : link 2 x 6-Port Expansion Board (2 pack) (for 4x 6-port boards in total) : link 4 x Bit Lights (Blue) 30cm (4 pack) (16 in total) : link ... and that is pretty much the order of assembly. Now, the wingspan is just under 1 meter, and I selected connecting cables that when combined with the 2port expansion boards reach 65cm. This was because the 50cm connecting cables only just reached from the core of the centre section (there's a space designed to mount the 12port board and a battery pack in lieu of using the wall adaptor), meaning that the 6port board that connects the 4 lights of the engines & thrusters would be in the wing space and not inside the nacelles. Unfortunately 30cm lengths for the cabling on the lights was all that was available, meaning I had to braid and route the cables for the front sections and loop/zip-tie them with the cable for the main engine. Thankfully, I designed the engines with sufficient room inside mainly to keep their weight to a minimum. Were I to design a lighting kit from scratch, the two major changes to this would be: 1. Single 65cm long connecting cables. This would remove the need for the 4x 2-port boards, and neaten up the cable routing in the wings (the wiring fits inside each technic brick, and is kept in place by the wing plating being installed. 2. Shorter cables on the bit-lights (about 15cm) The red lights for the cockpit are long enough to allow removal of the cockpit module, rest it on the table in front of the build, and detach the connections from the 12port board without putting any strain on the wiring. These lights are also small enough to fit inside a 1x1 Round Brick, with the wire just thin enough to allow for that brick to be attached and stay in place with clutch power. Having said that, where I could I've designed the assembly to allow for the wiring to feed through unhindered. One of the updates with the new parts was to address a weakness in connecting the forward facing engines when the wiring was installed. Originally, when the wiring was in place it would not have quite enough clutch power to withstand even a slight bump and (to my eyes at least) would align quite the way I would prefer. The update is a much more stable and secure connection that remains properly aligned. Speaking of the additional parts, I'm just in the process of resequencing the assembly steps and doing a final error check, but I'll publish a brief text file of what new parts have been included, and what existing part quantities have changed. All up it's a qty change of between 1 and 8 pcs across 29 different parts, for a total increase in piece count of 58 pcs.

Well, the technic figure is an "all-or-nothing" piece... I've got partial figures from finding broken ones in bulk lots, but i've never been able to successfully repair or reassemble one from those parts. I've been trying to design a pilot from readily available pieces, but so far no luck.

The learning and development experience continues, and with installation of the lights, wiring, batteries, inspiration struck for a few improvements for stability. These improvements have changed about 20 pcs, and added about a dozen more. All common pieces, easily obtained, most already in the parts list... but definitely worth it for the stability for certain aspects of the build.

Happy to report, parts lists are ready for interested parties to download in preparation for subsequent instruction release. Download here The parts lists have been split into 2 XML files for uploading to Bricklink (separate files for the stand and the Starfury), but I've also created an Excel spreadsheet that has the same as grid format and list format. Even though the part count is almost 7900 pcs, I've aimed to stick to readily available parts so that costs are minimised and no matter how long it takes to collect they should stay available and at reasonable prices. Assembly step renders are coming along nicely (about 80% of first pass complete), with post processing (crop, zoom, section focus, etc) of those steps remaining. Following that is the general layout, DTP graphics, covert and internal artworks, and the graphical parts list. I'm also trying to work out the best way to illustrate how to install the lighting array, to include that. At present, instructions are likely going to be a multi-PDF file distribution simply because of the number of build steps involved. Sticker artwork is also coming along nicely. I tried to maintain large enough flat areas for decals for squadron/pilot art, EA logo, various labels/signage you would expect to see on a combat craft. Finding suitably high resolution canonical material of this is proving... "challenging". In the meantime, here's a quick idea of how some of the compositing for internal art might look:

A brief update, since a combination of work, nit-picking details, and this thing we call "life" has meant that the current phase has moved at glacial pace. Thankfully, @manglegrat was able to take the design file, with it's current steps and groups, and successfully assemble a test build: I plan to release the parts lists later this week, so that anyone interested in putting this together than begin getting their pieces together. At this stage, it's looking like the instructions will be in three stages; Stand, Internal Frame/Superstructure, and Panels/Details. Except for the Cockpit Module, the design is entirely symmetrical. I was able to put together an "off the shelf" lighting kit together that fits into the design quite nicely. The stand and internal frame have spaces for circuit boards, batteries, etc., allowing for the engines, thrusters and cockpit to be lit up. I'm not 100% satisfied with this lighting solution, and I'm hoping that I can organise a set of custom length cables, as the 50cm cables from Centre Hull to Engines is >just< a bit too short to allow for splitter boards to fit where I had intended. The rear panels of both the Stand and the Starfury are removable, allowing for choice on whether or not a battery pack is placed inside the hull, the stand, or a dedicated USB power supply and cable is used. There's a few odds and ends to tidy up, some challenges in rendering custom parts (Studio's ability to flex hoses SUCKS harder than a Dyson), and of course, the obligatory artwork for stickers, etc.

@Morgrim, @l0renZo... I designed a canopy mod for the original release that is available on the DavDUPs Facebook group/page. Can't guarantee that it will be any cheaper than the canopy per David's design, but if you can't obtain the canopy, it's an option.

Well, some good news... prototype build testing, including the lighting rig, is going well. The final parts list has yet to be determined but based on the current release candidate, the 7700-odd parts for both Starfury & Stand tick over around USD$1300 + shipping on Bricklink. It's currently going through QA to find any mistakes, areas that can be simplified/optimised, the assembly order is being sequenced and refined in preparation for export to generate instructions. The lighting is an off-the-shelf DIY kit that comes in at around USD$150 for engine lights, cockpit lights, and power supply/cable. The design accounts for routing and fitting lighting, but is stable with or without the lights. I'll post another update when I have a finalised parts list ready to go out to anyone interested.

The difficult part for the current iteration of the design is that the available flat space for sticks is limited because of studs on wedge plates, or that particular facets on the hull plating aren't smooth. However, the current dorsal hull plate has been designed with having a series of hull art stickers made available. I've also had a play around with variants built in different colour schemes using bricks alone. The Earthforce-1 Presidential Escort livery like you pointed out was one, Black Omega was another. My focus in the short term has been the base design. Once that is squared away, then I can work on variants more seriously. @Monty, thanks man. It's the challenge of balancing proportions, angles, detail and making it recognisable, against size and part count (not to mention the effect of gravity when building something like this for real).

Hi dshibi, Yes, the offer is still going, and will continue to do so for as long as I'm around. Can you email me again at tdmocs@gmail.com please? I've just checked the mailbox and every enquiry has been replied to. Thanks

Thanks :D that's very nice of you to say that. Any suggestions for where the blue detailing can/should go? The engines and thrusters have trans-light-blue dishes and 1x1 round bricks with open studs to house micro-LED lights. The plan is to have those, and the cockpit interior, able to be lit up for displays, exhibitions, etc. I've focused on the base design so far, but plan to have color variants available. The simple ones like the Black Omega and the Earthforce-1 escorts are pretty straightforward. Ironically, the straight lines of Sinclair's two different 'fury's run at angles that may be difficult to reproduce in plates/tiles. Anyway, something to whet the appetite... There's a 1mtr wide prototype sitting on my desk at present (not yet complete, and looking like a unicorn vomited everywhere) that has passed stability and buildability phase. Just to be clear... this won't be an easy build. At present, I've designed the outer wing panels as discrete sub-builds that then attach to the core frame. In Studio this makes sense, and have tested this out with success, however it required assistance from one of my kids. I suspect that to build this solo, it may be a part by part build up off the frame itself. When I build my complete version, I plan on trying this. Something in the meantime to enjoy...

Seriously cool. Always enjoy your designs, and so glad to see them come to life. I'll definitely be building one of these for display at home :D

Thanks :D I would imagine that the action figures are about the same size as other types. When I started the design, I began with the cockpit without having access to one of the technic minifigs. I worked on proportions and angles first, and by the time I had one of figures, I was already too far down the design path. To reconfigure the cockpit would require redesigning the entire ship. I'm trying to design a pilot from available parts, mainly since the technic minifigs are difficult to obtain, and normally quite expensive.