mmcb

I know there is a blender script that can import LDR (LDraw) models into Blender, but I'm looking for the reverse. I'm looking at using Blender to create (or modify existing) minifig head gear so that I can use them within some digital builds. Is there an (easy) way to export the completed part as a custom LDraw part so that I can use it in MLCad/LDCad?

pittpenguin, you need to alter the hips to create a gap between the curve of the leg and the underside of the hip. I found this reference on flickr:- Alternatively, you can sand down the curve of the leg if it's easier. But the main thing is to create a gap between the 2 pieces. Cheers, MMCB

Correct. Waterslide is the most common way to add your own detailing to minifig parts, but it does have it's own drawbacks......like everything. Citizen Brick do custom print jobs. However, like many manufacturing facilities, the lower the run the high the costs. The high the run (more of the same design) the lower the costs per piece. That depends on the method of printing. Digital print vs solvent print vs screenprint. Each method is different, and so are the results. So your statement is not entirely accurate! It really comes down to what you want:- If you only want 1 or 2 of a particular head, then go decal/transfer. If you only want display quality, then go decal/transfer. If you want durability for HEAVY play, then go printed If you want White detailing (eye pupils for example) then you HAVE to go printing. Yes you can use White decal paper, but I don't think it's worth the extra hassles just for a small dot! If you plan on selling these, then go printing. Most people will not buy any custom parts unless they are printed.

By the sounds of it you're dragging your bricks into either the Top/Bottom view panes or the 3D view pane. Try dragging them into position in the Left/Right or Front/Back view panes. Unlike LDD, MLCAD does not automatically "connect" bricks together. By default it applies subsequent bricks to the same level as the previous brick (Top/Bottom view panes). In the Left/Right/Front/Back Side views you can move the selected bricks up and down using the +y -y buttons on the Transformation Toolbar or by using the Home, End keys on your keyboard. For good or bad (depending on what you're doing), MLCAD has no restrictions in that you can place bricks anywhere you want. When I first started with MLCad it took a bit of getting used to, but it didn't take long to master. I like using it more than LDD.

Here is an excellent video tutorial on how to change the colour of Lego Bricks:- RIT Dye and Acetone are the way to go. Haven't used them myself (yet), but this seems to be the most common method I've found in my searches over the years. MMCB

I don't know about custom printed watches, but would an actual watch work for you? Tiny Tactical makes plain watches for minifigs:- http://www.tinytactical.com/watches/

I apologise for bumping an old thread, but I've just bought the Boba Fett LED Lite and was wondering how you managed to get the head off to put the Jetpack on? Any ideas? Cheers, MMCB EDIT: Nevermind. Brute force prevailed.

Store them in a zip bag/pouch, but add a piece of stiff cardboard slightly smaller than the bag itself. This will help keep the bag flat and prevent the curling of the cape. You may also need to increase the size of the bag if you are using one that only just holds the figure.

I've created a few models in LDD (Version 4.2) and was wondering if I can get a parts list from it so that I can order the pieces? Unless I'm going blind, I can't find anything in the menus or in the generated instructions. Cheers, MMCB

You can put me down for wanting to exhibit as well!! Not sure what area size I'll need yet, but I've got heaps of figs to display ;) MMCB

I can confirm that some of the SW sets are at BigW in Campbelltown (NSW). They only had the Naboo and Tattooine planets, both Battle Packs and the Geonosian set. So they should be in other BigW stores around Sydney. MMCB

I think someone already has a large range of those available MMCB

Micromark is probably the better known one (and is what Kaminoan uses and recommends). Another brand that pops up frequently is Papilio MMCB

I haven't used Krylon Crystal Clear for ages (haven't done decaling for ages!), but the amount you put on can effect the outcome. More lighter coats is always preferable to one or two heavy coats. I know of people putting 5 or 6 coats on and achieve excellent results. As for getting the decals to stick better.....the only thing you can really do is to put more overcoat on. You could look into using a decal fixative (I haven't used any). These rare normally used to help a decal settle on curved surfaces, but they may also help it to stick better to the flat ones. MMCB

Nuju, That is exactly what would happen. Any colour printing (on a transparent decal) going over a dark torso will change dramatically. Most colours are really only suited to White torsos so that you get the full effect. From there the colour normally just darkens, but they can change depending on the torso colour (imagine yellow printing on a green torso) until you get to the Dk Greys. Then only Black printing works on the Dark Grey torso's and then nothing works on Black (keeping in mind that this is for transparent decals only). The solution to overcome this problem is to use a White decal instead, however you would then have to print the matching torso colour as well as your design. For us "normal" people, this is the only solution available. But for the lucky few that actually have the specialised printers (like Kaminoan), they can actually print a White undercoat first under the detailed areas so that they stand out when applied to any colour torso. Hope that helps with what you're doing. MMCB EDIT: DarkDragon just got in before me If you want to save on decal paper, you could find normal paper that is the same (or similar) colour to the torso you want to use and do a test print on that instead. The result would work out the same. MMCB

My local TRU had plenty of Series 3 and Series 4 figs left.....no sign of Series 5 though. Yeah I did that too I then went back and read the text on the packaging.

Have to agree with woka on this one. I just picked up another 2 large cases (both yellow) for my kids today from BigW Campbelltown. They had 1 Black left as well as a red and one other yellow. If you want them, get in fast and get the from Big W. Even with TRUs 20% off sale, they are WAAYYY overpriced there. I already have a Black one of my own and think they are awesome. The figs are sealed in behind the clear plastic front (which unlocks at the press of a button). Perfect for keeping the CMF in dust free storage. Other than Big W and TRU I haven't seen these anywhere else. The only other place I've really checked out is Target, and they don't have any.By the way, my local TRU (Campbelltown) has a stack of the sorting heads available. Didn't get a price since I'm not interested in them, sorry. MMCB

There are of course other ways of producing banners

Having used MLCad for years now, it has become the program I know and love to use when I just don't have the time to pull out my actual bricks. But I've been reading a lot about LDD and it got me thinking about whether or not I should switch over to it.....or atleast give it a go. However, I'm curious as to what other MLCad users think about LDD. Is it better, or just different? Are there the same number of parts and colours available? What kind of learning curve was there to change over to LDD? Basically.......is it worth the time and effort making the change and learning this new piece of software, when MLCad already does what I need? MMCB

Well from a "family" point of view, the weekend was a HUGE success. We were the very first people in line on Saturday morning, quickly followed by another 2 families in the space of 10 min, so this gave the kids even more bragging rights Layout wise everything was great with plenty of room to move. I think we spent nearly 3hrs looking around and taking photos of just about everything. We went straight to the vendors tables first so we could have prime pickings, where I managed to score the one and only AT-OT set from Little Sprouts (much to my wife's dismay ). The VIP talks were great and very informative, yet fun and relaxed. We managed to get tickets for the Kids talk Friday morning (luckily), but kept them a secret until we we're standing in line upstairs ready to go in. The kids loved being able to look around again without too much of a crowd and got some more pics of things. They absolutely loved the talk by both Ryan and Jamie and we managed to get their "Certificates" autographed by them both. Had a good little chat with Ryan about what I do and I think he was a bit blown away All-in-all it was a great weekend and will definately be going again next year as an exhibitor......but not as a vendor unfortunately (logistics nightmare for me and wife!). Even my oldest daughter has started working on plans for exhibiting with me MMCB

Style 1 has a slit up the back allowing for a little more flexibility with leg movement. Style 2 does not have the slit. As Raider pointed out (and as is stated on my Site Status/Messages page), I will be re-opening my site around the 12th August. Taking a breather for a week. MMCB

What a guy can't get excited Depending on how busy it is on the Saturday, I'm keeping Sunday available just in case the kids miss out on something on the Saturday, or if they want to go back in again to have another look around. It's the first Lego event we've been too, so their super excited (as am I).

You have mail :)

Definately looking forward to this one. Please keep us informed of the details so that we can organise displays and what not. Something I somehow missed with BrickExpo :(

I'll be going to both The evening session will be just me so that I can meet everyone see the presentations/speeches. But I'll be taking the wife and kids on both Saturday and Sunday to look at everything.