XimenaPaulina

I just have a couple of questions (for hrontos when he comes back from vacation or to anyone else who could offer insights): 1.) Am I right to assume that a higher resolution render takes more time than a low-res one? My previous Tumbler render took almost 17 hours to finish at 1366 x 768, I'd like to render it a higher resolution but I'm not so sure how longer it would take the render to finish (or how much more patience I'd have for that task ). 2.) Since the Performance Tips section in the LDD2POV-Ray website is still under construction, I'd just ask here: Does the number of other open/working programs affect the rendering time in POV-Ray? When I did my first render I had LDD, Firefox (Youtube), Skype, iTunes ongoing while rendering, would it make the rendering faster if I closed down those other applications? I'm really curious on how to enhance the rendering performance/time of POV-Ray. Thanks!

TLG has always prioritized build stability over aesthetic accuracy, so the upcoming TDKR camo-Tumbler would most likely be of the same size as the 2008 version (plus it makes sense to have both Tumbler versions compatible in size). As much as other fan-made MOCs look much better most of them employ unstable 'illegal' building techniques that are not used in regular sets. The same goes for a potential Batpod, it would probably would be similar to the one in Joker's Funhouse or the Batcave.

Someone from the UK is selling his Star Wars collection consisting of over 260 sets, well over 100,000 pieces, more than 800 minifigures, plus ... exclusives, limited editions, keychains, magnets, books, stickers, posters, badges, media and more, all for the price of £25,000.00 (with FREE delivery to the UK mainland). Interested?

I'm a bit late to the party, but just got around using this wonderful rendering program, and all I can say is: Wow, this program is simply amazing!!! And also, the Ultimate Test of Patience! It took me almost 17 hours to finish this render, but oh boy the long wait is definitely worth it! Good things sure do come to those who wait. Tumbler_Render by Kiel.Da.Man (flickr) Click the image for higher resolution image (1287 x 768) Model Statistics: Part count: 402 Unique part count: 148 Bevel count: 43518 Valid bevel count: 43518 Render Statistics: Default LDD2PovRay settings (no changes) 512x384, No AA Image Resolution: 1366 x 768 Total Render Time: 16h 45m 34s Computer Specifications: Intel Core i3-2310M CPU @ 2.10GHz, 2.00GB RAM, 64-bit OS Reference Images: Feedback on the LDD to POV-Ray Converter I'm a total noob with regards to digital rendering using POV-Ray, having not used it before at all. At first I was a bit hesitant and intimidated by the programming lingo which is all foreign to me, but I was pleasantly surprised how I managed to figure out everything just by simply following the installation instructions in the LDD to POV-Ray website. The converter program itself is user-friendly and is easy to understand, though I have yet to explore tweaking the settings to find out its corresponding effect on the rendered image (I just used the default settings to test the program). Overall I'm really excited about the limitless possibilities this program could offer to digital LEGO builders like me! To the great Martin Hronský, a BIG THANK YOU for sharing this innovative breakthrough program! You have given the ordinary LEGO fan an extremely powerful tool to transform their digital creations into realistic life-like images. What you have done is truly a great service to all of the FOL community.

Red minifig or there's some red part? The red might be the lightsaber blade so there's still chance for a Sith Warrior. Rendilli Outrider? (shape resembles the speeder in Palpatine's Arrest)

I'm a bit disappointed if there would be no Sith Warriors and just two Sith Troopers. It would have been a perfect opportunity to introduce the Sith Warriors considering it's just a simple fig to make that would only require a new head and torso print, all other elements are available (black hood, cape, Sith lightsaber). I hope there's still a possibility we'd get them in this BP or in another future SWTOR sets. And the small speeder might be the Orlean Flurry:

Hi Erik, Aside from tweaking your camera settings, another way is to edit the photos via Photoshop (is this what you used for the layout of this comic?). With PS, you could simply adjust the contrast settings to make the colors stronger. I'm no expert in photography, so I compensate with photo editing to enhance the quality of my photos, you could also take that route if you want. Here's an example of how a simple brightness/contrast adjustment could do wonders for your pics: Left: Original photo taken using Nikon Coolpix with lightbox set-up Right: Adjusted Brightness (+40) and Contrast (+10) in Photoshop BTW, good job with the improvement in your comics. I've seen your single paned comics before and this new multi-paned layout looks much better. Hope to see more Farmer Wilf stories in this side of EB!

My bet would be: 2 x Republic Troopers (with helmet) vs. a Sith Warrior + a Sith Trooper (from The Fury set). The accompanying mini-build might be a Sith War Droid. The set would only require a new helmet mold for the Republic Trooper, while the rest of the elements are readily made from existing parts or will only require new torso/leg prints. All of these were also prominently in action in the Hope Cinematic Trailer:

I'd take Hulk_Smash's word for it as he saw that "jedi with four arms with double lightsabers" in the catalogue. Unless he was hallucinating and imagining things at that time. Plus, Krell was one of the most popular ("hated") and memorable characters last season, and with the quadruple-armed torso from the NinjaGo line, you have the perfect recipe for a new minifig. Well there's always the second wave, and JediNews have been a reliable source throughout the years. Besides, TLG's timing has been kinda suspect recently, just look at the December release of the TDKR Batman set (5 months after the actual movie showing ). - The CW sets would almost surely include Phase II sets, they already have the mold with last year's ARC Trooper so it would just require a couple of new print designs. - Even if the A-Wing has been done several times already, I've kept avoiding getting it as it doesn't appeal to me much, but if the minifigs and price of this set are tempting then I might get this one. - The AT-RT set, no matter how much it doesn't make sense with Yoda fighting assassin droids, is quite intriguing. With the plethora of fan-made AT-RT designs, I'm really curious how would they re-design this walker, will it be the same as the one in the CTT set or a new design? - I think I'm the only one who's interested to see how the "asteroid" planet set would look like. What if it will be a rocky-asteroid-type shape unlike the regular smooth spherical mold of the other 'planets'?

Pong Krell. I'm not really surprised if we'd really do get sets from the Umbara story arc from last season considering its popularity among the TCW viewers (and probably the lone dark bright spot last season). The walker that you've seen is probably an AT-RT which appeared in the story arc, most likely in the 501st Legion colors with Sergeant Appo (this picture shows Gen. Krell with the 501st AT-RT squad). The ARC-170 however doesn't make much sense to me considering they've just released one back in 2010. But hey it sounds interesting and I'd eagerly anticipate how this rumored set would turn-out. I think that makes much more sense IMO. 'Hulk_Smash' might've just confused the CW Z-95 with ARC-170. The Z-95 is more plausible considering it has not yet been released in LEGO form and its relatively smaller size is fit for a decent-sized set (Z-95 + AT-RT + Pong Krell + Phase II Clone)

Just happened to chance upon it on another site I was visiting, I found it entertaining so I had to share it here. Well, Luke and Marty do have similar young boyish looks and small built/height, and I'd assume the artist was also a fan of BTTF hence the resemblance of both protagonists. And that Yoda reminds me of: Heck, they even have the same "carry-me-on-your-back" teaching styles!

Star Wars 80s High School Re-Design by DenisM79 from DevianART

Great work! Even though I'm not much of a fan of the official 7888 Tumbler, I liked the way you managed to give it a 'fresh look' with the simple but effective color swap to white, which is just perfect for the snow variant of this vehicle. The trans-blue windshields are also tailor-fitted with the overall white paintjob. Very well done! (Though I'm not so sure how those rubber tires would work on snow, but then again... he's Batman! So no point in arguing. )

The worst thing that happened in the Closing Ceremonies is 1-D instead of Coldplay. And someone is not impressed... Though overall GBR did a brilliant job hosting the Olympics, all events were entertaining to watch and not much controversy hosting-wise (though there will always be in judging/scoring complaints in some sports).

If I may offer my feedback as an outside observer of this game, I can understand Scuba's frustration regarding "mid-game changes" as I've experienced these myself in a couple of mafia games I played in, namely: def's Bloodbrick II: where we, the remaining Town, thought there were only 5 scum to begin with (specifically stated in the intro) and we mistakenly assumed a conversion is not possible in a new game concept of "multiple first-come-first-serve med pill night actions" (and we were fatally surprised to find out we're wrong in the end); and Hinckley's Prison Riot: where some of the "meal actions" that were taken out already where brought back in the meal cart circulation to "speed things up" in the day threads. On both instances it was a bit frustrating on my part since those changes/misconceptions ruined whatever plan we formulated, but I think it was more of a lack of playing experience on my part during that time (not being aware of such mid-game changes in past mafia games). Had I known those were not unprecedented in EB Mafia games then I would've felt less pissed. As cliche as it may sound, but I did learn from those experiences: to always expect the unexpected and always be prepared for the worst. I sure hope you'll also take this as a learning experience Scuba, and you've really been impressive in this game being able to penetrate the town core which helped your scum team in the early goings, and that's something to be proud of since only a few could pull that off with significant success. (so stop repeatedly complaining about the game balance ). ---- Major kudos to Bob for hosting an entertaining game, which despite the boring "uneventful/inactive" last few day threads, was reinvigorated by an exciting "could-go-either-way" down-the-wire finish. And the "Cool Kids Lounge" dead writeboard was also entertaining as hell! (Great to read Hinck's signature over-paranoia even in the afterlife ).

8. Praiter Yed - 3 15. ACPin - 1 21. Rook - 1

I was referring to the non-minifig printed pieces (I don't count the Plankton 1x1 round brick), and I overlooked that part, so my bad. And like what I've said in the review I do think all the printed elements, both minifig- and non-minifig parts, are all very nice and I wished we'll get more of these in the more popular themes.

Thanks guys! Glad you liked the presentation.

Thanks! I was afraid the whole strip was a bit long but good you managed to read everything. It sure does look like it! Though I made the review first and this comic strip was just an added bonus. Thanks!

Thanks for the positive feedback guys, I really appreciate them! That's what SpongeBob SquarePants is all about - being pointless(ly funny!) You're probably right about that, as I haven't watch that particular episode. (I only read about it the SpongeBob wiki) Thanks man! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I really have so much fun doing this type of reviews so I hope to do some more in the future. Yeah I think I'm quite knowledgeable with SpongeBoB, I don't even get tired watching the same episodes again and again and again, as they never fail to crack me up every time! Oh thanks for sharing that image, I've been trying to find that reference pic but couldn't (only a blurry sticker pic). If I remember correctly those costumes never appeared in a SpongeBob episode, so it's sort of non-canon in the cartoons. And the blaster thingy, I just named it myself 'bluberry ice cream' since I though the idea of shooting ice cream as a weapon is ridiculously funny.

Nothing against Federer (he's the G.O.A.T. afterall), but I would've preferred to see Murray beat Fed in the last Wimbledon to break his Grand Slam(-less) curse. But winning Olympic gold and defeating the World #1 would do GREAT for his confidence. I sure hope he gets his Slam soon.

What Bikini Bottom needs is a dose of new blood... A younger breed of Super Heroes dedicated to protect it from all underwater danger... Then came the Heroes that Bikini Bottom doesn't need, but the ones it deserve... Name: Heroic Heroes of the Deep Number: 3815 Theme: Spongebob Squarepants Year: 2011 Pieces: 77 Minifigs: 3 Price: $14.99 | £13.99 Links: Brickset | Bricklink | Peeron | LEGO Shop@Home The subtitle primarily summarizes the current state of the 'Licensed' Themes, as Super Heroes have taken over with its slew of DC and Marvel sets. Dumped behind is the SpongeBob Squarepants product line, which might be nearing its run (?) having only released only two sets each last year and this year. I'm doing this review for a couple of reasons, and one is I personally love the SpongeBob Squarepants cartoon, no matter how weird it sounds coming from a full-grown adult. And with the current popularity of Super Hero sets I think this set review would 'fit in' just nicely. So without further ado, let's start the ball rolling... The Box The boxart perfectly captures the feel of the underwater world of Bikini Bottom with its minimalistic artwork and the signature 'flower clouds' in the sky water backdrop. SpongeBob's buckteeth-face in the corner is expected, and the bubble panel of the minifig line-up is simple yet nicely done. The few play features are also enclosed in the same bubble panels, which is really a nice touch consistent with the whole underwater theme. The other 2011 set, 3816 Glove World, is advertised as a corner filler in the back layout. Again, the 1:1 minifig panel at the top of the box is a bubble, but enough of all these "bubble-talk". There is an interesting set of details in each side of the box - random SpongeBob bady parts, Yay! How exciting! SpongeBob body pores at the top, check! SpongeBob leg at the bottom, check! Peek-a-boo! SpongeBob's tri-lashed eye peeks at the right side, while the left side has his hand either: a) trying to wave or b) trying to ask for help because he 'drowned' (sponges don't drown underwater ), or c) his hand just came out from the grave and he's part of an underwater zombie apocalypse. But seriously I find these random body parts in the box funnily cute. Also interesting to note is Stephen Hillenburg's signature on the side, which has me imagining him as: "Here's my free autograph for your purchase of this lovely set, thank you very much random SpongeBob fan" + <wink>. The Contents No surprises here, just the right 'ingredients' (one big and small bag of parts, a loose element, and instruction booklet) for a small-sized set 'recipe'. Oh wait, I take it back, there is a surprise, there's no sticker shit sheet! Thank Neptune! Instruction Booklet (Sample Page) Other sets of the SpongeBob theme are featured in one of the last pages at the booklet. The LEGO parts The parts selection is expectedly colorful, consistent with the lively bright motif of the SpongeBob Squarepants world. Bright yellow, red, and dark azure comprise majority of the parts plus the usual black and white pieces. Interesting Pieces Some pieces of interest include the two types of minifig cape: the standard two-holed cape and the single-holed version which is exclusive to this set (at least in this blue color, not sure if there are other color variants). I'm also pleasantly surprised by the number of printed pieces for this small set - four nice ones to be exact. This kinda makes me slightly upset since if TLG can do this for a small 77-piece SpongeBob set then why couldn't they give us these in more popular (and better-selling) themes like Star Wars, Super Heroes, or LOTR? It's also nice to see a trans-clear cook's hat! The Minifigures Here are is our superhero duo, Super SpongeBob and Sidekick Patrick (just my catchy name for him ) and the evil Plankton in a Hydro-Robo Suit (at least that's the name I gave it). And since I thoroughly enjoyed making the Minifig Visual Dictionary-type of presentation in one of my Batman Minifig Customization Contest entries, I decided to do the same for the super-hero/villain minifigs in this set. Here they are, I hope you enjoy them! Super SpongeBob This is a very good representation of SpongeBob as a superhero, the blue costume works well with the 'yellowness' of SpongeBob, the facial expression is fit for a hero, and that jellyfish logo in the outfit is quite a nice little detail. The cape being pressed inside Spongebob's body piece is a bit weird, but it still works nonetheless. Sidekick Patrick Sidekick Patrick's costume is another good color combination, yellow-green meshes well together with Patrick's fleshie head. The star logo fits Patrick Star perfectly, and I'm even surprised there is a nice belt buckle detail in the waist, though the leg prints could've been better (difficult to print a lighter yellow color on a darker green piece I assume?). And for once Patrick expression doesn't look dumb or dorky (or it may be just he's good in acting the hero part! ) Hydro-Suit Plankton I really like the build of Plankton's Hydro-Robo Suit thingy - just the right size, nice effective design utilizing only a few pieces but covering all the necessary parts of a robo/mech-suit. This is also a good parallel of Lex's Power Armour, with both villains trying to compensate their lack of physical power with genius inventions to rule their respective worlds. Hooray for nerds' world domination! The Build - The Super Boatmobile The main build of this set is the Super Boatmobile, take note - not just an ordinary Boatmobile, but a Super Boatmobile (loaded with super-enhancements stated above ). The build is quite over-simplified, and I know some might find the crudity of having no actual interior space for seats, but I think it's within the overall fun dorkiness of the whole SpongeBob genre. The bright color combos, goofy design, and weird but fun details - they all make perfect sense in the world of SpongeBob Squarepants! Playability Features Here's a composite image of the play features of the boatmobile - they're all very basic though the folding bubble torpedo launchers is nicely executed. Leftover Pieces Forget the others: Metallic Silver Mechanical Claw - the CLLLLAAAAAWWWWWW..... Rating the Set: Design – 8/10 Some might think this score is a bit high for the design aspect, though if we take into consideration the weird world of SpongeBob SquarePants and that this set is primarily aimed for kids, the "over-simplified" build of the boatmobile is more than justified. Build – 7/10 As simple as it can get - just the appropriate level of difficulty ease for the kiddies to follow. Parts – 9/10 The parts selection offers some brightly colored pieces that can be useful for MOCing. The four printed pieces also adds points! (still wish TLG would do these for other themes) Minifigures – 9/10 Plankton in a well-designed hyrdo-robo suit is genius. The superhero representations of SpongeBob and Patrick couldn't have been better. The concepts for the costumes are well thought-of. The only thing I'd like to improve is Patrick's bland leg prints, but overall a near-perfect score for the minifig line-up. Playability – 7/10 Reminding my self to judge playability as a kid and not as an AFOL, I think it has a pretty decent amount of play features-slash-moving parts. I really don't expect more for a set this small size. Price – 7/10 The 15 cents price-to-piece ratio is a bit high in the norm, though considering this is a licensed set and we get "2-and-a-round brick" minifigs plus several printed pieces, it's quite understandable. Overall: 78% Let's make this short and sweet, if you have 15 bucks to spare and you appreciate SpongeBob Squarepants then this set is a nice pick-up. Otherwise, you might just want to spend the money on other things more interesting to you. Personally, as a huge SpongeBob Squarepants fan, I'm very happy to get this and have the Super Hero versions of SpongeBob and Patrick plus the awesome Plankton Hydro-suit in my minifig collection. Parting Shots One of the reasons I made this review is I wanted to pay a tribute to the recently-departed Ernest Borgnine, the voice behind Mermaid Man. (Incidentally, the superhero characters of SpongeBob and Patrick in this set is inspired by Mermaid Man and his sidekick Barnacle Boy). Mermaid Man's character might not be on every episode, but when he's in one I always enjoy watching his old, cranky, and 'always forgetful' antics, thanks to the convincing and realistic voicing by Borgnine. Mr. Ernest Borgnine, you shall be missed dearly. (and you'll always be Mermaid Man for me, even if there's another voice actor to replace you ) On a more positive and livelier ending, I made a mini comic strip for this set, which you could find in the Brick Flicks & Comics section (link below). Comic Strip: Trolling Plankton Thanks for reading my review! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did in making it!

6. watzking - 1 11. Darkblane - 1 14. alex54 - 1 22. Matn - 1 34. Cecilie - 1

15. Oky - 2 5. Caparica - 1 6. lego_legis_legere - 1 18. L@go - 1