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sebulba56

Eurobricks Vassals
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Everything posted by sebulba56

  1. Thanks for your feedback, I agree with the fact that the port hole windows are a bit small. The part you showed would be the perfect diameter but the lack of colors is indeed a pain. I tried using the boat studs but they are way too big at this scale. Another idea I had was to use the tea saucer part (Minifigure, Utensil Tea Saucer with Hollow Stud : Part 38799 | BrickLink) I need to give it a try.
  2. Based on what I've read on the BrickLink forum (BDP12 / 2028 Wave 1 palette is live - forum.bricklink.com), some parts from the June sets are not yet available in the palette, even though they should be. It seems that the palette generation process is automated, and BrickLink is aware that a significant number of parts are still missing. For now, as several people have already mentioned, all we can do is wait and see.
  3. Hi guys! Recently, I came across this excellent rendition of an EMD E8 locomotive by NonsenseWars: LEGO MOC-262581 1:48 Pennsylvania Railroad EMD E8 (Powered Up) by NonsenseWars | Rebrickable - Build with LEGO. What really caught my attention was the clever technique used to reproduce the distinctive windshield shape of the "bulldog nose" locomotives. I've wanted to build an EMD F7 for quite some time, and this model finally gave me the push I needed to start designing my own version. Here's my first draft : I adapted the windshield technique to a 7-wide scale, which is a format I've been wanting to experiment with for a while now. For the livery, I chose the Santa Fe Bluebonnet scheme. At the moment, the relatively new curved slope piece (#6822) that I'm using for the front is only available in a limited range of colours (A pair of dark blue ones currently costs around $17 :/) That said, I think this part gives the nose a very convincing shape. Let me know what you think. So far, I'm quite happy with the front end of the locomotive. The bogies still need some work, as I'm not completely satisfied with their appearance yet. Motorization also remains to be designed from scratch. Two L motors won't fit inside the body, so I'm currently considering a setup where a single L motor powers both bogies. Instructions will definitely be released once the model is finished. Out of curiosity, I also made a quick render to see how the locomotive could look if the #6822 slope were available in red. Here's the result: I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the model !
  4. Thanks for your feedback! I've been scratching my head over this black axles subject for the past few weeks. I've considered replacing the tan pins with black axles, but the issue is that the front bogie mounting would interfere with the axles. To make it work, I'd need to redesign the entire assembly so that everything fits properly. See above regarding the black axles situation :). For the BDP, there are a few constraints to keep in mind. You're only allowed to use parts that are currently in production, which means the tan windows and the magnet assembly aren't available in the building palette. That said, I could integrate a ball-joint connection at the front so the locomotive can be coupled to rolling stock using ball-joint couplers. As for the decals, no worrie, I’m planning to design custom stickers, just like I did for my Shinkansen/Sakura Express. Regarding the coaches, I've actually designed two different sets and will post them on the forum in the next few days. I'll be curious to hear which the forum prefers. One of the options is a Mk1 coach in a dark red and tan livery. From what I understand, the palette is deliberately limited at the moment due to LEGO's production constraints during the summer season. A major update is expected on August 1st, which should bring a large number of new parts into the palette and give us a lot more options to work with. Many of the train-specific elements that are important for our models are already being used in recent sets (part 60511, for example), so I don't see any reason why they wouldn't be included in the final BDP12 palette. Overall, I'm pretty optimistic about it ! :)
  5. Hi guys! Lately, I've been thinking about ideas for the next BDP series. Since my Flying Scotsman already felt like a strong foundation for a submission, I decided to revisit the model and see how I could improve it. Here's the result! The biggest issue with the original version was the firebox. It relied on a slightly illegal building technique, with the angled elements putting stress on the SNOT mounted cheese slopes. To solve this, I completely redesigned that section. The firebox is now one stud longer and transitions more smoothly into the cab thanks to a narrower lower profile. While I was at it, I also adjusted the green wheel splasher panels, shifting them by half a stud. This brings them flush with the front of the firebox and gives the running board more accurate proportions. Finally, I redesigned the piston assembly to better match the appearance of the real locomotive. I still have a few improvements planned for the coming weeks. I'd like to push the level of detail a little further and refine some of the smaller features. For BDP compliance, I'll also need to replace the tender lettering with something IP-safe. At the moment, I'm considering "LCR" for LEGO City Railway. On top of that, I'm currently designing a set of teak coaches to accompany the locomotive. I only have a rough draft so far, but I feel like it is heading in the right direction. I'll be happy to read your feedbacks !
  6. Thanks ! The battery pack sits in the cab and the motor under it. On the official set, everything fits in the tender. Like you said, I also think this set is a great introduction to steam. It gives plenty of customisation ideas.
  7. It sits in the cab ! I made two versions : on motorized and one without. The renders I posted are without the hub. I think I forgot to post the renders with the hub. Here is one :
  8. Thanks ! It uses exactly 27 extra parts aside from the powered up system. They should be around 3$/€
  9. Hi guys ! I think that, I think that we were all pretty happy when we saw that Lego was releasing a new steam train. The new 60511 set is pretty cute but it lacks some realism. It is designed as a tender engine but the locomotive looks more like a tank engine with its big sidings. So I told myself, why not trying to make it a tender engine. The problem it raises is that it is then hard to motorize it with powered up if you keep the original 060 configuration. This is why I went with an 044, making it possible to integrate the train motor at the back. Link to the instructions : https://reb.li/m/265748 Here it is with some 6 studs wide teak coaches that I am currently designing. This is it ! I did not buy the set yet, I am waiting for some discounts but I will definitly build this when I get it. I will be pleased to share more media with you then. Let me know what you think about it !
  10. Haha thanks ! It seems that bricklink is supposed to ship to Spain by reading their website : So it is weird that you can't place an order.
  11. Last weeks have been pretty long waiting for the results of series 11 Still crossing the fingers !
  12. Nice tank engine ! I see you got a lot of overhang on the trailing axle. Why not mouting the two driving axles on a turntable, or make on driving axle blind ? Those 2 methods could allow the trailing axle on one pivot instead of two.
  13. This is totally what I had in mind on my side. I will need to do some tests with this configuration.
  14. Hey ! This is my submission for the BDP series 11, please go vote for it as soon as you can ! Link to the submission : [The Sakura Express] [BrickLink] You may have recognized it, the Sakura Express is a modified version of my Shinkansen N700S, designed to better fit the rules of the contest. My previous N700S design was judged too close to the real model (I take it as a compliment haha !) so the bricklink team asked me to change its livery. That explains the pink stripe, and the flower logo on the side, that I linked to the cherry blossoms (Sakura in japanese). Link to the WIP of the Shinkansen N700S : The model is still composed of three cars, I added all the detailed interior and some removable roof : The front car with the driver's cab, some 1st class seating and the train staff office. The pantograph car which can either feature some engine details or the components necessary for the motorization (not included) The 2nd class car which also has some seating and Japanese toilets that feature a sliding door. Don't forget to vote for it ! I hope the Sakura Express will please you all ! (I repost the little video I made for the N700S down below to give you all the motivation to vote haha !)
  15. Going from an M to an L motor make a big difference indeed. Like I said, even tough there is space, there is no need to gear the rear axle as it is already driven by the side rods. This would only make more friction appear in the drivetrain and thus less efficiency.
  16. Thanks ! As you said, it does run very well indeed. Even at the minimum speed thanks to its configuration (2-6-2) and the good weight on the driving wheels. As you can see on the cutout render, the motor only drives the middle axle. The front and rear axles are then driven by the side rods, just like on a real locomotive. You should make a test if you possess the parts, you will see the results by yourself :).
  17. Nice locomotive ! Quite a while ago I did some test with the same configuration as you have here : large wheels on a train motor. My conclusion was that it runs way too fast and it does not have a lot of torque. Did you make some running test ? Did you got the same issues ? I think that you have way enough space available in the boiler if you wanted to fit a large motor.
  18. I love the use of the axe utensil for making steps !
  19. Hi, I have made some big steps forward ! I've fully built the 3 car set, you'll see some pictures down bellow. I've encoutered some issues during this phase. I had to rebuild the bogies to make them stronger, they were exploding when navigating tight S curves at high speed. I have also added some reinforcement so the side windows as they were way too bendy. Sadly, the brick-built version does not benefits of those improvments. However, the digital version that I submited to BDP11 does, so everything should be okay. I'll be happy to read your feedbacks !
  20. Thanks ! I think I will keep it that way now, i don't have much time until BDP 11 so I need to keep going in the direction I am in. Thx ! I made a big bricklink order to build it in real. I should make its first run in 7-10 days. I will obviously keep everyone updated. As for the extras, this is also what I had in mind. I'll make a base and will include 8-9 figures so driver + conductor + 6-7 passengers will be nice. To spice up the interior, I am curently designing some (japanese ^^) toilets, a conductor cab and maybe I will add a sort of engine room. It is a very sober train, that makes it hard to bring some fun inside it. Thanks for your support !
  21. Hi! I’ve made some pretty interesting progress over the past few days, so let me show you what’s new. First, I reworked the nose : it’s now much cleaner and sharper. I now consider the end car done. I also improved the connections between the cars to reduce the gap between them as much as possible using cheese slopes. While doing that, I took the opportunity to model the second non‑motorized car. I’ve also worked on the interiors: first class now features dark red seats, and second class has blue ones. Each seat has an armrest and a small space for luggage. Despite the limited room in the cab, I managed to fit enough space for the driver, who now has all the controls needed to race through the Japanese countryside at 300 km/h. So that’s where things stand today. I managed to move forward quite quickly on these smaller tasks, and they really lead to some interesting results. I ordered this week-end a big lot of parts to build those two cars. The last big step is finishing the motorized car, which will carry the pantograph. I’ve already drafted the internal structure, but I still need to build the entire shell around it. Its internal design will be quite different from the other cars, even though the exterior will look identical. To finish, there’s something I’d like to get your opinion on. As I mentioned in my first post, I plan to submit this MOC to BDP11. My original goal was tos use around 2,500 parts, but right now, with just the three cars, I think I’ll be closer to 2,000. I’m considering adding track with a simple, clean base. Would you find it interesting if I added a small section of platform for minifig interaction? Something similar to the Hogwarts Express 76405. I’m worried that adding just a tiny bit of platform might look awkward, but on the other hand, building a platform the full length of the train (around 1 meter) would be way too part‑heavy. Part of me thinks “less is more” and that I should just keep the Shinkansen on its track, without extra scenery but it’s always tempting to add more details and fun elements.
  22. Thx ! To be honest, despite my researches, I did not stumble upon your MOC. It is pretty cool, I like how you brickbuilt the windows. Yeah the real coaches are pretty long so making them perfectly in scale does not fit with R40 tracks. About the 7 or 8 wide subject, it is difficult to answer as if you make them perfectly 1/48 scale, you end up between 7 and 8. 8 wide allows for more durable builds in this case. I don't think that there is one good choice, each one has its flaws. Thanks !
  23. Hi ! I mentioned this project a few weeks ago, and it’s time to show it properly. Here is my reproduction of some British Railways Mark 1 coaches. You can find the instructions here : for the full consist : https://reb.li/m/255828 for the open car : https://reb.li/m/255827 for the brake car : https://reb.li/m/255829 I’ve seen quite a few MOCs of these coaches, but none that ticked all the boxes I had in mind: Built in 8‑wide Faithful interior Able to handle R40 curves without looking too awkward So here is the result. I decided to build one open coach and one brake coach to make a realistic consist. Both of them are 40 studs long, so a little smaller than the Orient express carriages (those are 46 studs long if I remember correctly) The open car : The brake car : On both coaches, all doors can be opened. The main challenge reproducing the shape of these coaches is the curved section under the windows. Getting the curve itself is easy by using curved slopes. The tricky part is building the rest of the structure and mounting the windows on top while still leaving space for the seats. That’s where I got a bit clever: the seats are actually part of the structural reinforcement, and the windows rest directly on them. The brake coach has the most interesting interior, with the guard’s compartment and a decent luggage area (imperials doing some serious buisness in here) There isn’t much more to say about the build, I tried to reproduce as many details of the real coaches as faithfully as possible. It could be interesting to build them in other liveries, but that’s not something I’m planning for now. To finish, here are them pulled by the Small-Prairie (I love the color combination) If you want to see videos of my trains running, check out my instagram page : @sebulba_creations. That’s all! Let me know what you think !
  24. Hi, first of all, thanks for all you feedbacks ! Thanks ! I have made some running test on an R40 loop for like 30 min and did not see any sign of degradation. With one power car with two city motors, I can push 2 non-powered car. I am not sure it can handle more. Thanks ! Don't hesitate to try to reproduce the bogies and use it in your MOCs, maybe it will improve the design ! Thanks for your feedback, this is a very difficult shape to model indeed. I am still working on making some adjustments to the nose tip. I fear i am falling in a endlessly unsatisfaction spiral ahah. I need to know where to stop :). .
  25. Hi ! About a month ago I teased this project, and now I’m opening a topic to follow the WIP of my Shinkansen MOC. My goal is to submit it to the BrickLink Designer Program Series 11 in April. My inspiration is the Shinkansen N700S, the latest version of the high speed train that connects Tokyo to Fukuoka via Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and more. It’s definitely not an easy train to reproduce in LEGO because of its proportions and overall shape. It’s extremely flat and very close to the ground. The nose is terribly very complex. Let’s start with the front end. It took me several months and many iterations to achieve a result I’m satisfied with. I finally got something that works thanks to the many slopes, wedges, and curved slopes LEGO has released in recent years. The second problem I’ve had to deal with so far is the bogies. On the real train, part of them is covered by skirts. That means I had to design bogies without using the LEGO parts normally intended for that purpose. Since I want to submit this MOC to BDP11, I can’t use unofficial parts or illegal techniques. So I had to get creative to design bogies with as little friction as possible. I’m quite happy with the solution I ended up with : the 7L axle only rubs on a single stud. I’ve done some tests and it rolls almost as well as pre-assembled bogies. Here’s where things stand today. There are still a few challenges I already know I’ll have to face: fitting powered bogies into one of the cars (they are much larger than my custom bogies), and making sure seated minifigures can fit inside the train (there won’t be enough space for them to stand). My goal for the BDP 11 is to build, one end car, one intermediate car and one power car with the pantograph. Maybe I will build a second end car for myself to have a full 4 cars consist. If you want more frequent updates, you can follow me on instragram @sebulba_creations ! That’s all for now! Feel free to share any feedback, and I’ll be happy to keep you updated as the project progresses over the next few weeks.
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