Gnac

I second the suggestions to go with LDraw. To save time rebuilding everything in MLCad, LDD has the facility to export .LDR files in its save dialogue. This conversion is done with a "ldraw.xml" file which lurks in LDD's install directory, and I recommend getting an updated version from this thread. MLcad (for editing) and LPub (for creating instructions) seems to be the De Facto combination, but LIC is a competent and lightweight alternative to LPub.

I booked these sets a while ago (over 16 months ago, in fact), and I suddenly got the urge to tackle the tricky assemblies and JUST GET THEM DONE. My solutions aren't perfect, but I wanted to avoid having to put assemblies to one side at all costs. I don't blame anyone for not waiting for me to make these, so by now they could be considered as duplicates. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31011 - Aviation Adventures [Model A] - theme: Creator Errors / notes: Due to collision errors (and in spite of about an hour of brain-punching from editing the LXFML to position the moving assembly to fit), part 32002 (1 1/2 M Connecting Bush), cannot be used to connect the black 3M beam to the 8M gear rack. I placed it at the other end of the rack to have it at least connect to the assembly in some way. Wings, engine hatch and rear canopy assemblies are grouped for all sorts of virtual playtime fun! LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31011 - Aviation Adventures [Model B] - theme: Creator Errors / notes: Collision error (page 48, step 51-52) between canopy part 92279 (Cockpit 4x6x2 W Front Shaft) and 2 instances of part 15573 (Plate 1X2 W. 1 Knob) where the "notches" between the stud cutaways near the front of the canopy are presumably expected to slot into the hollow knobs on the jumper plates. These jumper plates have been substituted with 1x2 tiles. Thankfully, no major problems with fitting the nifty mechanism for spinning the rotor blades. The 11M beam needed to be rotated up by 0.5° to clear the black 1x2 tile it rests upon near the back of the model. Sweet mercy, if only the "A" model's solution was that easy! LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31011 - Aviation Adventures [Model C] - theme: Creator LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I must confess that, even though I own this set, I've only ever built the "A" model. I'm really curious about that strange error in the "B" model. Time to bust out those bits and see what's going on with that CANOPY.

Here are the two Creator Chrimboid exclusives for this year. I have the Toy Workshop already, but I'm not going to miss the other set THIS time (£20 note, you made a bold sacrifice). Hopefully, there will be another VIP advance opportunity like last year, so some folks will be able to have it a week early! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40106 - Toy Workshop - theme: Creator / Seasonal Errors / notes: Print for part 6040316 (Mini Head "No. 1234") is probably incorrect, because I was unable to find it in the list, or by that element ID. Part collection 6030875 (Tool Wheel) not searchable in LDD, replaced with what I believe to be the correct individual parts (refer to the image on Brickset, going clockwise from left): 604549 (Drilling Machine) 604548 (Oil Can) 604553 (Wheel Spanner) 604615 (Socket Spanner) 604614 (Adjustable Spanner) 604547 (Hammer) 604550 (Screwdriver) 604551 (Open Firm Key) 604552 (Closed Firm Key) [*] The "Wheel Spanner" and "Socket Spanner" sitting in the reddish brown 2x2x2 box don't make a connection with anything. The tools and the box are grouped, in case they need to be moved. LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40107 - Ice Skating - theme: Creator / Seasonal Errors / notes: Prints for part 6032093 (Mini Upper Part No 1772) not available in LDD - replaced with suitable front and back torso prints. The sled with rider, the girl, and the hockey puck do not make connections with anything, so consider this before moving the model. AAARRGGHH I used the wrong print for the girl's torso. This is what happens when you are me and you make a single brick palette for both models and then forget things (corrected: 2014-11-20 @ 17:28 GMT). LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There's been a bit of complaining about the brick-built hockey sticks in 40107, despite it being a Creator "thing" to do things like this wherever possible. I think people just want more minifig accessories...

Seasonal Creatures: Nick Park edition. OH CRIPES IT'S NEARLY THAT TIME OF YEAR ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40092 - Reindeer - theme: Seasonal LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40093 - Snowman - theme: Seasonal LXF (LDD 4.3.8)

I remember quite a few Designer Sets had "6-99" on them. Never really understood why that idea was dropped; it always made me feel warm and fuzzy at the idea of an octogenarian building a rad robot to fight a dinosaur.

I am interested in these. Since crawling out of my second dark age, I have been neglecting "brick bucket"-type acquisitions; and even without seeing the inventories, I can see some stuff here that I can put to good use. 10694 in particular looks like a good way to bulk up on Friends colours without busting my funds on a load of actual Friends sets.

Maybe they'll finally fix the issue where the Power Functions parts are spread across multiple themes, heh. I've had this issue myself - each time I visit the shop, I must clear my cookies to avoid whatever bug it is that causes me to get kicked back to the main page. ReBrick STILL has a redirect issue where I get sent straight to the main page, no matter what link I follow. This makes it almost pointless to link directly to profiles or bookmarks on there.

Ooooh mystery part.

I should be able to slap together a PHP script to do this, since I have the basics of unzipping from that old gallery thingy. It's also the excuse I need to learn about RE-zipping stuff... Adding the facility for this to LDD Manager would be pretty sweet for those folk who don't have a localhost, though :B

Greeeeat. Now I have to go back and edit over a hundred LDD files because they now contain the wrong part.

No wonder! It gets really grumpy if you do that.

Wagh! Now to play the waiting game, because there's nothing updating in Blighty yet.

Well, these were pretty laborious. I started working on them a few months ago, but progress was slowed by deciphering the "classic" instructions, experimenting with replacement parts, trying to make old ideas compatible with new restrictions... oh, and of course, doing error reports. Apologies in advance for the size and detail of these reports. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5571 - Giant Truck [Model A] - theme: Model Team Errors / notes: Some important parts for the rack and pinion steering system (4261, 2719) are not available in LDD - replaced with a really ugly brick and plate solution Part 4265b (Technic Bush 1/2 Toothed Type II) not available in LDD - replaced with part 32123 (1/2 Bush) Rim part 32004a (Wheel 68.8 x 24 Model Team Type 1) not available in LDD - replaced with part 86652 (Rim Ø 43.2 x 18) Tyre part 32003 (Tire 68.8 x 24) not available in LDD - replaced with part 32019 (Tyre Ø 62.4 x 20) - and it's smallness really doesn't look right Doors 30073 (Door 1 x 6 x 8 Left) and 30074 (Door 1 x 6 x 8 Right) not available in LDD - replaced with brick-built solution Part 71184 (Bar 4.5L with Stop Ends) not available in LDD - the two instances on the sleeper cab were replaced with part 30374 (Light Sword Blade), and the two either side of the grill were replaced with part 63965 (Stick 6M with Flange) Part 71183 (Bar 1L with 1 x 1 x 2/3 Light Holder) not available in LDD - replaced with part 4599 (Tap Ø 4.9/6.4) Part 104 (Antenna 6H - no stud receptacle) not available in LDD - replaced with part 2569 (Antenna 1 x 1 x 8) Part x120a (Fabuland Shovel) not available in LDD - replaced with part 4332 (Fabuland Broom) Part 6246 (Utensil Tool Wheel - set of 6 tools on sprue) is sort of available in LDD - the parts are all listed separately (which is obviously more practical). Part 2880 (Hinge Bar 2.5L with 2 and 3 Fingers on Ends) not available in LDD - unfortunately, while a suitable replacement was made to position the spoiler on top of the sleeper cab, it prevented other parts from being built around it, so it was removed. This probably disqualifies the model as INCOMPLETE. Print for part 3040 (Slope 45 2 x 1 with 9 Large + 3 Small White Buttons Pattern) not available in LDD - both instances have been left blank. No stickers LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5571 - Giant Truck [Model B] - theme: Model Team Errors / notes: Some important parts for the rack and pinion steering system (4261, 2719) are not available in LDD - replaced with a really ugly alternative solution Part 4265b (Technic Bush 1/2 Toothed Type II) not available in LDD - replaced with part 32123 (1/2 Bush) Rim part 32004a (Wheel 68.8 x 24 Model Team Type 1) not available in LDD - replaced with part 86652 (Rim Ø 43.2 x 18) Tyre part 32003 (Tire 68.8 x 24) not available in LDD - replaced with part 32019 (Tyre Ø 62.4 x 20) - and it's smallness really doesn't look right Doors 30073 (Door 1 x 6 x 8 Left) and 30074 (Door 1 x 6 x 8 Right) not available in LDD - replaced with brick-built solution Part x120a (Fabuland Shovel) not available in LDD - replaced with part 4332 (Fabuland Broom) Collision error (step 42 in book 2, page 36) where the hinge plate assembly behind the seats cannot tilt back far anough to avoid them. The bright blue 1x2 plate was moved one stud away to allow room. Collision error (step 44 in book 2, page 38) where the tip of part 3957 (Stick/Aerial) needs to fit underneath part 3030 (Plate 4x10). The 3957 was moved down to allow room, and the round 1x1 plate below it was moved to another part of the assembly. Part 71184 (Bar 4.5L with Stop Ends) not available in LDD - the two instances on the cab were replaced with part 63965 (Stick 6M with Flange), and the two instances on the front bumper were replaced with part 30374 (Light Sword Blade) Part 71183 (Bar 1L with 1 x 1 x 2/3 Light Holder) not available in LDD - replaced with part 4599 (Tap Ø 4.9/6.4) Part 104 (Antenna 6H - no stud receptacle) not available in LDD - replaced with part 2569 (Antenna 1 x 1 x 8) Print for part 3040 (Slope 45 2 x 1 with 9 Large + 3 Small White Buttons Pattern) not available in LDD - both instances have been left blank. No stickers LXF (LDD 4.3.8)

A few instructions were made available today. Here are the fruits of a couple of surprising ones! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40145 - LEGO Brand Retail Store - theme: LEGO Brand Store Errors / notes: No stickers - it's particularly naked without the 2x2 LEGO sticker for the tile above the right window I totally lost it when I saw Brickley slithering across the front LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4000019 - Brand Identity and Experience - theme: [unknown] Errors / notes: Missing the 2x2 LEGO sticker for the flag (dual-coloured it for now) I have absolutely NO IDEA what theme this should be filed under LXF (LDD 4.3.8)

Back again with a small and simple request for an existing part in different colours. 98138 - Flat Tile 1X1, Round 26: Black 199: Dark Stone Grey These would complete my mini-MOC of set 7347 that I have been hoarding for a while: Specifically, the wheels of the micro off-road vehicle, and the ends of the fuel tanks. I have a real build where these are recreated with metallic and Light Stone Grey parts respectively, which doesn't look accurate at all. I believe that some sort of "wheel hub" print on the black parts would be super-popular!

Here are those Racers / Shell Promo vignettes, along with a couple of seasonal goodies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40194 - Finish Line & Podium - theme: Racers / Shell Promo 2014 Errors: No stickers LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40195 - Shell Station - theme: Racers / Shell Promo 2014 Errors: No stickers LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40090 - Halloween Bat - theme: Seasonal LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40091 - Thanksgiving Turkey - theme: Seasonal LXF (LDD 4.3.8)

Some stuff from the latest wave of Ferrari / Shell polybags. I've only done the vehicles so far, because the trackside vignettes don't look like they'd be much fun to build in my currently knackered state. Maybe I'll have them for you all tomorrow. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40190 - Ferrari F138 - theme: Racers / Shell Promo 2014 Errors / notes: Print for part 18320 (Formula 1 Front "Nr. 3") not available in LDD - replaced with 93589 Print for part 18459 (Rim Wide W.Hole Ø8.1x9 "No.1") not available in LDD - replaced with 74967 (cannot be dual-coloured) The alternative 6141 in Bright Yellowish Green has been placed underneath the model. LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40191 - Ferrari F12 Berlinetta - theme: Racers / Shell Promo 2014 Errors: Print for part 18321 (Front/Display 3x4x1 2/3 No. 6) not available in LDD - replaced with 98835 Print for part 18322 (Roof/Top 4x6x1 1/3 "No. 20") not available in LDD - replaced with 93589 LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40192 - Ferrari 250 GTO - theme: Racers / Shell Promo 2014 LXF (LDD 4.3.9 / b2075) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40193 - Ferrari 512 S - theme: Racers / Shell Promo 2014 Errors: Print for part 50948 not available in LDD LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40196 - Shell Tanker - theme: Racers / Shell Promo 2014 Notes: No pullback motor used in this model. Boooo! LXF (LDD 4.3.8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Errors in ALL above models: Part 11002 not available in LDD - replaced with 6157 (seems to be a very minor part variation; a reinforcement of the axles to take the extra brunt from the pullback motor slamming a model into things) No stickers

The sets themselves aren't really endearing themselves to me, but I'm rather interested in some of these new parts; especially the new 2x6 (?) plates with the 2M radius curves on one side. Maybe if can can hold my excitement long enough, we'll eventually see some 2x3 or (even better) 2x2 equivalents. I spotted some other nice things too: 75899: 11458 in red! I believe this one is totally new. 75908: 11458 and 99780 in white! At least six of the latter! These seem to be available only in Marina Bay Sands and the Ecto-1 right now. Of course, those wheel arches, hubs and windscreens are pretty nice, but might be too small to sate my 8-wide vehicle needs. I can understand the need to go 6-wide for compatibility with CITY sets, plus, 8-wide looks too hulking big for minifigs. Those windscreens might be suitable for larger cars with single-seater cockpits (like Group C racers), though.

Rather than type everything out again, I'll just link to my post in another identical discussion.

HAH, this is what I get for being too flabbergastered to look it up. I'm not suuuure I want to do the other thing, though. There was a header pic for a blogpost recently regarding the new "Elves" theme, which was deemed "too sexy for LEGO". I did a reverse image search, and found that more than just the company logo had been edited. I actually like TLG's passive approach to internet drama; I think they're on the right side of the line when it comes to being seen as obsessive and protective. They have a healthy (even encouraging) attitude towards parody, but some folk seem to see this as an indication that they are fair game for scapegoating.

Perhaps recent events have convinced a few folk that TLG are fair game to use as a scapegoat / conduit to push certain issues. There's no way this is sanctioned, and I doubt it would even prompt an official comment unless it became viral.

I hope that LEGO stays well away from any sort of Top Gear branding, and by association, anything to do with that embarrasing bigot Clarkson. I'm not sure how that rumour gained any credibility in the first place. As for the sets, I hope there's some nice 8-wide vehicles. Can't get enough of those.

I myself have built models that way, by abusing the ability to put the offending pieces in later, and it didn't appear to affect the looks or strength in the physical model. I switched to another method though, just because I was worried about the possibility of a hollow stud gradually getting looser from being in a tight hole. This also results in some very tight connections, and may make it tricky to remove the wall for display. Using friction pins sounds like a much better idea. I hadn't considered that!

Looks like the back wall is "out of system" due to the connection between the 1x1 technic brick and the 87087. If you make this connection with real bricks, you will see a ridiculously tiny vertical offset, which is still enough to give LDD grief. You can get around this by removing either the 1x1 technic bricks or the 87087s, placing the wall, then replacing the removed parts. Be careful not to build around connections like these, because everything else will be misaligned. It may be easier to find another method altogether.

I get more of a Nick Park feel from it, myself.