Freddie

FYI, the plastic rails have less traction than the conducting rails, so grip won't really be an issue should you send the RC train out on the metals. As for having a 9V-train on plastic rails, as long as it's got power it'll work. I suggest having a motor at either end of the 9V-trains, with them both interconnected with a cable, that goes along, inside the train. That way both motors will have power as long as either of them gets power. Alternatively, you could make that one stretch of plastic rails conducting rails instead, having the RC-train switch systems instead, seeing how it isn't bothered with what it drives on. But essentially, yes, I think that plan will work. But I suggest you at least try out a prototype of it first, just to work out any kinks and problems you might encounter.

Because it's the exact same pictures resurfacing again and again and again? I'd myself would love to see sharper pictures, but since we only have to wait, like, what, five or six months 'til they're in stores, I'm not bothered at all. I've already decided that those are the sets I'll be getting in '09, along with the modular building, medieval market and the new train set. And blurry pics or not, what I see on those have satisfied me more than I expected '09 would.

Wow. There's so many neat techniques and tricks used in this, I don't know where to start or what to pick out as my favourite. You know, because you've basically left me speechless, I'm just gonna give you two thumbs up, okay? :thumbup:

I got this set about a week ago, and I think I should voice my opinion about this set. It's an excellent looking set, but not one that I planned to get. Yet, I saw it in the store along with 8401, and bought those. 8401 has since been assimilated with the rest of collection, but this one still sits at my table. Why? Because, unexpectedly, I like to play with it. I don't play much with the other LEGO I have. It usually sits collecting dust on my shelves, because I either lack time, motivation and/or space to do so. My favourite sub-theme is trains, which requires vast amounts of space for a double-loop, space which I don't have. I also have trucks, and technic sets with billions of functions, but at most I might take it down just to examine whatever gadgets they might have. With 7630, I play. I reckon this is probably one of the better sets LEGO has come out with in a while. I'm guessing it's my general fancy for machinery combined with this set's articulation, which allows it to corner smoothly, that does it. And because of that I'm going to get 7631 as well. Because then I'll have two sets, sitting on my desk, that I can actually have fun with, without needing time, space, motivation or even huge amounts of money for. And I consider that to be probably the most important aspects of LEGO, if not any toy. That it's fun. And this one, 7630, is.

Since no one seems to be mentioning it, and with the presence of the appropriate thread, I'll quickly just shoot this hilarious pic in here. Actually, the entire site is hillarious if you're a fan of the walrus and his blue blucket.

Welcome to Eurobricks, Geiri! It's nice to see a CITY-fan for once, since everybody seems to be into either pirates or castle. Can't blame them, though, now with both themes in fighting condition. At least we're getting some really nice new sets in '09. Where in Norway do you come from, exactly. Considering Norway is as long as mainland Europe, just "Norway" is kind of vague.

I'm really looking forward to these new sets. It's been a while since we had anything similar, so it's about time. Especially looking forward to 7641, but I will be setting aside money for the others as well.

Emilec isn't the only one who got his hands on it; there's a review up at Brickjournal too.

Not completely surprised, I've been crossing my fingers for one ever since I saw the new pirates-sets, and an advent calendar is an excellent way of advertising for a new theme.

I would if I could, but I can't, so I won't be there. :( College is asking for far more time and attention this term than it has done in the previous terms, which is especially noticable in the workload we have, which is at least doubled in comparison to what we're used to. So, make sure to take a lot of pictures, for me and all those other poor souls who have to stay at bay.

All-new human, then. But yeah, thanks for reminding me. I completely forgot about the trolls and orcs. Though I reckon they're no where close to being best, due to lack of must-have-factor.

This is simply an awesome creation, erao. My favourite detail would be the pick-a-brick boxes, which I think look excellent. Good looking fascade, too, with those flowers and plants to break up the monotonisity.

Jester for me. Because it's funny. Do not underestimate the power of funny. ...but also because it was one of the figs we wanted badly, and the only type of figure that wasn't easily reproducable. I reckon it's also the only one with all-new parts/patterns, and it's got that fantastic grin on its face.

Jeez, Warcraft is my favourite game-series. Can't believe I haven't commented on this yet. It's a good reproduction you've made, xplmy. I think it captures the cinematic outro perfectly. The helmet looks awesome too. [off-topic]I prefer WoW to WC3, under the circumstances that WotLK is installed. Lets us casuals also get involved in the major lore. But before that WC3 by all means.[/off-topic]

When I worked as christmas help in a toy store, I had a good employee discount that was comparable to those above. If you can't find work in a LEGO-brand store, try to find work in a regular toy store that sells LEGO. It won't have the exclusives, but is a good second-best option.

That tractor design is probably the most recycled design LEGO has ever done. A quick search reveals that it was also sold as another set, 1633, like this one but in yellow, and as small sub-models featured as cargo in 6541 (blue), 6542 (red) and 4563 (red). It's cute though, altough I have to admit it looks more like a large lawnmower than a tractor with today's scale. And I have a suspicion that the lawnmower in the farm is bigger.

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King - The Official Soundtrack Yes, the whole album. It sounds way better that way because the songs flow into each other, creating one very large song. Sounds fantastic.

I like how they highlighted the number of sets you got with big, bold letters. They must've thought "This guy's crazy, he went for the lot!"

*raises hand* Me too!

Passenger cars are bound to have some sort of coil-sprung suspension, front and rear, regardless if its the US or the EU. The newest Corvette is an exception, altough I wouldn't call its rear suspension for "leaf springs", since its far more advanced. I'm guessing you're thinking of larger SUVs and pick-up trucks - these are trucks, not cars. ;) It's the same in europe, work-trucks and vans are usually fitted with leaf-spring suspension because it's a cheap, sturdy construction capable of higher loads compared to coil springs (but both are inferior to hydropneumatic suspension, which outperforms all suspension types in all categories!). Personally, I would think of your first design (first post in this thread) to be closer to the principles of leaf spring suspension compared to Crowkiller's. That's because the technic axle, of which you fitted the coils, would flex whenever there's some tension put on the coils. The axle flexing is the very core function of leaf springs supension. I would advice you to only use this method if you're willing to sacrifice the axles, but replacing the coil-springs with axles would be a much more realistic approach to leaf-springs. Reinforce by spreading the tension across more axles. Then you'll have real leaf springs.

I think the alternative to the dump truck looks like the better model, if not in aesthetic design at least in functional. It looks like it has more functions when compared to its main model; the forks at the back look like they can be lowered, and that they do so when the bed is tipped. The other models: the designers have really put an effort into these. It shows. And they could easily have been the main models.

This one is just as fine as the last set of locomotives you've made. I do like the color scheme of it, using slopes to achieve the effect of diagonal stripes. But, like djo said, can it corner? If it can't, you could use trailer hinges (like those found on the freight truck and the coast guard 4x4) to articulate the inner axles.

Yeah, I agree with CP5670 - this is a very original MOC. I'm guessing the house sits slightly raised, so that it can both lower and raise itself as it dances, right? It's kinda hard to see exactly how it moves on the video.

Something that is easy on the eyes. Softer colors always work. In fact, just take a look at how EB's graphics designers have done it. Obviously, you shouldn't copy the look itself, but notice how the colors are put together, and are working with instead of against each other. If you absolutely want a bright color, then restrict it to whatever needs the readers' attention.

I'm not going to be too optimistic about that Lamborghini; usually Ferrari and Lamborghini are pitted against each other when it comes to branding, so a single manufacturer offering merchandise of both brands is extremely rare. So, it's going to be interesting to see what happens with this.