DrJB

Good initiative ... I guess what's on everyone's mind is: 1. The process seems rather involved (many steps and special tools) 2. Can you post close-up pictures of the connection points so we all get a feel as to how 'clean' the end-result is.

Thank you, that's exactly how I wanted this discussion to evolve. Ultimately, the community (AFOLs) that TLG is trying to 'tend' to, is not the one benefiting from such practice (i.e., exclusive parts).

In these modern times ... it's a pity we have such opportunistic 'entrepreneurs' ... I bought a set of balls last year off eBay, and they were about 0.10 a piece ... Now, it seems everyone is trying to make money off a hobby ... sad day it is, or maybe I do not understand the forces driving market (supply/demand) dynamics ...

I'm missing the point here ... (or maybe Mikuri is). That masonry brick is neither rare nor specific to a single set ... It appears in 90 sets!!!

What is a Masson brick?

Anyone figured a way to paint both hard/soft plastic in black? I'm after a paint that will 'penetrate' the top plastic layer and is thus NOT washable. If you must know ... I'm after building my own version of the 8450 and have most other parts already (even the Dark Turquoise)

In the old times, instructions were in a single book. I still have mine for the 8448 Super Street Sensation and the 8466 4×4 Off-Roader.

I have not seen many, but I was in Berlin last June and there too, their PAB selection was ... nothing to be proud of.

This is mind-boggling ... and definitely worthy of a spot in the Hall-Of-Fame

There have been numerous sets (Technic and else) with unique parts, never again seen in other sets. There have been several discussions on the cost of making molds and other aspects and yet, I find it difficult to justify designing/releasing unique parts for a single set. The 8448 Street Sensation has several such unique parts, and the 8450 Black Mission has the 'impossible-to-find' 19L flex axles. I can also name the tan beard on the Carousel, several parts in the Star-Wars series, and few more. Since TLG only 'charges' whatever their MSRP is on lego sets, ultimately only those speculators (and risk takers i.e., investors) are to benefit from such practice. Yet really, what are the logic/mechanisms/justifications for su ch exclusive parts? AM I going to buy a set only because it has unique parts? .... typically no, so ... what gives?

I thought answers to the OP were finalized long ago ... interesting the 'life' this thread has traken on :)

To steer the portal axles, check out the building instructions of the unimog 8110, available on the lego site. http://service.lego....inginstructions - type/search for 8110. Link below is for first (of 5) manual http://cache.lego.co...ons/4646565.pdf

How about this one? I only have one ... and somehow it's a part that never took off. It appeared in few bionicle sets, and only one StarWars ... I can't think of where one would use it though.

The only time I've been lucky with the PAB was few weeks ago when the Schaumburg (outside Chicago) store had the large technic turntable in their PAB. I got 7 of them (could not fit more in the large cup, and then filled the gaps with 'useless' small parts. Not sure why but, and especially lately, the PAB is full of the smallest of lego parts and things such as the small flowers and the tiniest of wheels/tires (smaller than those of CITY). Sometimes I get the feeling that whatever does not sell, makes its way to the PAB. How about YOUR location, are technic parts a common showing or a real rarity? The only other source of technic parts was the grab bags (especially after they dismantled their display models) but that is now long gone

While it is true that most lego designs need no lubrication, let us think for a moment about the benefits of lubrication. In its simplest form, a lubricant creates a thin film (with small friction( that eliminates direct contact of the adjoining parts. As such, and if you plan on running your designs for a long time (e.g. GBCs), it is not that bad an idea to add some lubrication. Yes, it could get messy, but t if done 'judiciously' it's a good thing. Like many have pointed above, make sure the lubricant does not have any solvents that 'may' hurt the plastic.

I've seen on numerous occasions where many MOCers prefer to (I should say: are obsessed by) build cars in primarily black (sometimes red). I personally find black very difficult to work with (No, my lego room/workspace is very bright). What is it about 'black' that you like so much? Is it the fact that gaps and openings are least visible with dark parts? This is just about YOUR perspective, nothing right nor wrong either way.

Looks like you have a large collection of StarWars sets (LBG color) ... either that or you're depleting bricklink's supply of grey parts :) Nonetheless, looks very nice. I like especially your use of plates, as I'm not a fan of protruding 'studs'.

Thank you ... I'll try the local store tomorrow ... if the wife and kids feel like it.

I was debating driving to the Lego store today but was afraid I'll get stuck in traffic. Which store/city you saw the sets at? I'm in Chicago and was thinking of visiting either the store in Schaumburg or the one in Orland Park. Also, as for Thanksgiving deals, I got 10664 (non-technic) from Walmart for $30.00 .... about 50% MSRP.

Agreed, those are very good tires and they're relatively 'rigid' radially i.e., they can support higher loads, as compared to all other 'balloon'-type of tires.

nicely done. You have a video showing it in operation?

From the first pictures, I believe he's using Soft Axles as leaf springs. Also, bigger tires have pros/cons always ... a bigger tire would put a higher torque on the motor and may stall it. That is why many MOCs shy away from the Power-Puller tires as those require high torque, beyond what most lego motors can deliver.

1 and 3 would be your best bet ... unless you want to get older (more expensive) sets such as 8466 4×4 Off-Roader and 8297 Off-Roader off eBay.

Here it is: 90001 I think it was part of the Toy Story sets http://www.bricklink.../PL/90001.jpg

I finally got my set and, unlike the OP I got a single thick manual ... Hmmm