missouri_bb63

I have finally started re-creating the last layout I had (back in 2000), in BlueBrick thanks to all the new GIF additions. There are quite a few missing but I will update this image as I create the remaining GIFs. This brings back memories. Pictures of the original layout are here. (might take a while until the folder becomes public.)

That is going to be great! It would be great to see pictures as you progress through the build! I have seen another Lego version of the Burj here. It is absolutely massive. Did you make yours to the same scale?

Hello space fans! After many hours of tweaking over the weekend BlueBrick version 1.5 is now available to the masses. It includes a new Lego Space category which includes 4 classic space sets and the monorail terminals from set 6990 which you can see in the example layout in one of the posts above. All the monorail track sections are already included in the program and can be linked together in the program. The space baseplates are also included but they are in the regular baseplate section. I know the interest in this software hasn't been overwelming in the space forum so far but I will keep on making classic space sets from when I was a kid and more will be released in the 1.6 Version of the program. If you enjoy using MLCad and want to give me a hand let me know. This revision focused on the first (but definitely not last), extension of the parts library, and improving the help features which includes an integrated help file and the youtube based video tutorials.. You can check out the full list of additions, changes and credits in the version log, as well as downloading the new 1.5 version on the BlueBrick website. http://bluebrick.lswproject.com/ Most of the set additions came from the Eurobricks train and town community for all the support that was provided for this release. If you want to contribute as well, you can use the contact information provided on the website, or join us here on the BlueBrick thread.

Hi Mark, unfortunately that function isn't planned for the next release. I have asked Alban to get back to you on that point. It is possible to save the BlueBrick Model as an LDR file and adjust your heights in MLCad. Note that some data will be lost when you convert from BlueBrick (BBM) to LDR. There are more details about this in the integrated help file. After you have done the height adjustment you can open it in BlueBrick and save it as a BlueBrick file again. You can then replace any items that were lost during the conversion. If you are making a new track, you could set your track heights before you do anything else. All the height information will be stored in the BlueBrick file, so that if you ever save a copy of your BlueBrick file as an LDR again, you will be able to see all your raised track just as you left it.... and in 3D. Don't hesitate to post more questions! The information might be valuable to someone else too!

Death Valley? This is a good idea. Can't wait to see where you end up next.

No, I think Brickster was just correcting the previous post. I believe the Badlands National Park is in South Dakota and not California... but correct me if I'm wrong. You were right that Badwater is in California... but that is not where the Brickster is camping. I have no clue where you are Brickster! Any hints? When do we get to find out? It's going to drive me nuts

I agree, those decals look great! Really smooth and realistic looking builds too. Great job!

Hello Lego train and town fans! After many hours of tweaking over the weekend, BlueBrick version 1.5 is now available to the masses. This revision focused on the first (but definitely not last), extension of the parts library, and improving the help features which includes an integrated help file and the youtube based video tutorials. You can check out the full list of additions, changes and credits in the version log, as well as downloading the new 1.5 version on the BlueBrick website. http://bluebrick.lswproject.com/ Thanks again to the AFOL community for all the support that was provided for this release. If you want to contribute as well, you can use the contact information provided on the website, or join us here on the BlueBrick thread. PS: To kick things off I have included a long over due set GIF from the "under construction" list complete with 1.5 friendly XML. GIF XML : 7839 Car Carrier Platform

Hi Esben! I really like your creations. I am really enjoying the current movement towards trams, metros and underground trains. I think your creations will inspire many more to follow in your footsteps. Great work! The track laying train is seriously cool too! I have never seen anyone build one of those before. Truly innovative! Welcome to Train Tech!

BlueBrick Version 1.4-1.5 index: This index can be used as a reference to see which sets where made by whom for the 1.5 BlueBrick release. These links go straight to the creators original work. Trains Accessories: 4.5V GIF XML : x878cx1 4.5V Switch Point Left (Blue) GIF XML : x878cx2 4.5V Switch Point Left (Gray) GIF XML : x879cx1 4.5V Switch Point Right (Blue) GIF XML : x879cx2 4.5V Switch Point Right (Gray) GIF XML : 3231 4.5V Crossing GIF XML : 3231b 4.5V Crossing with slots 12V Controllers GIF XML : 4707 (Bricklink.com) Remote Control with 2 Circled Arrows Pattern GIF XML : 4707pb01 (Bricklink.com) Remote Control with Switch Pattern GIF XML : 4707pb02 (Bricklink.com) Remote Control with Signal Pattern GIF XML : 4707pb03 (Bricklink.com) Remote Control with Decoupler Pattern GIF XML : 4707pb04 (Bricklink.com) Remote Control with Level Crossing GIF : 7864 Electric, Train 220V - 12V Transformer Type 1 Gray Track GIF XML : 7857 12V Track Crossing (Gray) GIF XML : 7862 Remote Controlled Decoupling GIF XML : 3240c01 Train Track 12V Slotted Straight (Gray) GIF XML : 3241c01 Train Track 12V Slotted Curve (Gray) GIF XML : x864c01 Train Track 12V Slotted Point Left (Gray) GIF XML : x865c01 Train Track 12V Slotted Point Right (Gray) Blue Track GIF XML : x504b Train Track 12V Slotted Point Left (Blue) GIF XML : x505b Train Track 12V Slotted Point Right (Blue) GIF XML : x563 12V Track Crossing (Blue) GIF XML : x861c01 Train Track 12V Slotted Straight (Blue) GIF XML : x866c01 Train Track 12V Slotted Curve (Blue) Alternatives GIF XML : 7857 12V Track Crossing (Gray) (version by Sastrei) GIF XML : x563 12V Track Crossing (Blue) (version by Sastrei) 9V GIF XML : 2859 Train Track 9V Point Right GIF XML : 2861 Train Track 9V Point Left GIF XML : 4548 Electric Train Speed Regulator GIF XML : 32087 Train Track 9V Crossing RC/Powerfunctions GIF XML : 7996 Track double crossing RC GIF XML : 8867 RC Flex Track (Straight) GIF XML : 8867 RC Flex Track (Curved) Monorail GIF XML : 2889 Monorail Point Right GIF XML : 2890 Monorail Point Left Buildings: GIF XML : 146 Level Crossing GIF XML : 148 Central Station GIF XML : 149 Fuel Refinery GIF XML : 153 level crossing GIF XML : 165 Cargo Station GIF XML : 167 Loading ramp and car transport wagon GIF XML : 343 Ferry Boat (Train Ferry) GIF XML : 2150 Train Station GIF XML : 4532 Level Crossing GIF XML : 4539 Level Crossing GIF XML : 4553 Train Wash GIF XML : 4554 Metro Station GIF XML : 4555 Freight Loading Station GIF XML : 7822 Railway Station GIF XML : 7823 Container Loading Crane GIF XML : 7824 Railway Station GIF XML : 7834 Level Crossing GIF XML : 7835 Manual Level Crossing GIF XML : 7838 Goods loading terminal GIF XML : 7866 Level Crossing with Electric Gates GIF XML : 7997 Train Station GIF XML : 10027 Train shed long version GIF XML : 10027 Train shed sidebyside version GIF XML : 10027 Train shed half version (can be mounted at angles) GIF XML : 10128 Railway crossing Train Sets: GIF XML : 4565 Freight and Crane Railway GIF XML : 7740 Electric Inter-city train set (platform) Town Buildings: GIF : 0340 Blockhouse GIF : 0341 Warehouse GIF : 0342 Station GIF : 0376 House with Garden GIF XML : 0377 Shell Service Station GIF XML : 0379 Bus Station GIF XML : 0381 Police Headquarters IMG XML : 1472 Holiday House GIF XML : 1484 Townhouses GIF XML : 1490 Bank GIF XML : 1590 ANWB promotional set IMG XML : 1620 Chocomel Factory GIF XML : 1966 Car repair Service GIF XML : 1682 Shuttle Launch GIF XML : 4954 Model Town House GIF XML : 4954 Model Town House - Garage GIF XML : 4956 House GIF XML : 6360 Weekend Cottage GIF XML : 6362 Post office GIF XML : 6363 Auto Repair Shop GIF XML : 6364 Paramedic Unit GIF XML : 6365 Summer cottage GIF XML : 6369 Auto workshop GIF XML : 6372 Town House GIF XML : 6374 Holiday Home GIF XML : 6375 Exxon Gas Station GIF XML : 6376 Breezeway Cafe GIF XML : 6378 Petrol Station GIF XML : 6380 Emergency treatment center GIF XML : 6382 Fire Station GIF XML : 6384 Police Station GIF XML : 6390 Main Street GIF :6392 Airport Set 1 GIF XML : 6392 Airport Set 2 GIF XML : 6392 Airport Set 3 GIF XML : 6392 Airport Set 4 GIF XML : 6392 Airport (fixed layout by FreeBee) GIF XML : 6393 Big Rig Truck Stop GIF XML : 6394 Metro park service tower GIF XML : 6399 Airport Shuttle Main Terminal (BETA) GIF XML : 6399 Airport Shuttle Small Terminal (BETA) GIF XML : 6541 Intercoastal Seaport GIF XML : 6542 Launch and seaport GIF XML : 6355 Derby Trotter GIF XML : 6592 Vacation Hideaway GIF XML : 6683 Hamburger Stand GIF XML : 6689 Post Station GIF XML : 6699 Cycle shop GIF XML : 7641 City Corner Bus Stop GIF XML : 7641 City Corner Bus GIF XML : 7641 City Corner Bike Shop GIF XML : 7641 City Corner Pizza Shop GIF XML : 7744 Police station Baseplates GIF : 30473 Baseplate 32 x 32 Canyon Plate without Island GIF : 3865 Baseplate 8x16 GIF : 4187 Baseplate 8x32 GIF : 6024 Baseplate 32 x 32 Canyon Plate GIF : 6092 Baseplate 32 x 32 Raised with Ramp, Pit, and Stairs Custom Tables: GIF : 32x96 Stud (10" x 30") GIF : 64x64 Stud (20" x 20") GIF : 64x96 Stud (20" x 30") GIF : 96x152 Stud (30" x 48") GIF : 96x228 Stud (30" x 72") GIF : 96x304 Stud (30" x 96") Duplo GIF XML : 3773 Level Crossing GIF XML : 6376 Duplo Train Track Crossing GIF XML : 6377 Duplo Train Track Straight 4 x 8 GIF XML : 6378 Duplo Train Track Curved 30 Degrees GIF XML : 6379cx1 Duplo Train Track Point Y with Red Frog and Yellow Switch GIF XML : 31442 Duplo Train Track Straight 4 x 8 with 2 x 4 Plate on End "Under Construction" Train: 7839 Car Carrier Platform Town: 1490 Town bank 1682 space shuttle launch 3857 international jet port 6339 Shuttle Launch Pad 6389 fire control center 6395 victory lap race way 6397 gas and wash express 7642 Garage 7743 Police Command Centre 7894 Airport 7892 Hospital 7894 Airport 10159 city airport 10182 Cafe corner 10185 Green grocer 10190 Market street "ToDo" BlueBrick 1.5 BlueBrick 1.5 is due to be released in about 4 weeks time (mid October). Here is an overview of the ToDo's for the Eurobrick contributors. Priority 1 Send written permission to Alban if you would like your GIFs included in v. 1.5 (without your written permission they won't be included) Ensure that all your GIFs have XML files (ask for help in the discussion thread or ask another member to make them for you if you don't know how) Ensure that all your GIFs have Minifigs or vehicles were applicable Ensure that the colours of the baseplates of your current GIFs are as close as possible to those already in BlueBrick. (e.g. usually brightness for grays needs to be increased) Complete the XML help file. (Those already involved will get revisions to review from Alban) Priority 2 Rename your set files to the BlueBrick standard if necessary "(set number).set.gif" and "(set number).set.xml" (It simply saves Alban having to do it later.) Include your authoring details in the XML files. You will get a help file on how to do this as soon as it is ready. (this is not critical for the release but is in your own interest) Do not post them on Eurobricks as there might be issues with the current BlueBrick version. Keep them to one side and we will organize a time when we can send them to Alban with the GIFs. Rework old BlueBrick GIFs (the Sets are almost done, re-doing parts such as tracks might be a good idea) Add any missing track parts (e.g. 7860 and 7862) or frequently used baseplates (but I think they are pretty complete and the quality is ok) Translate the Video tutorials. For the largets fan bases we still need German (I probably won't get around to it in the next weeks) and French. (I have just received NL, thanks Aawsum!). Priority 3 Create new set GIFs (let's make sure we get all the current ones sorted out and then continue on the "construction" list (does not include "cusaeng" who will be re-doing his current MS Paint versions in CAD) Translate the written help files. This is currently only available in English but I think the videos cover what 90% of users will need so there is no rush with the written version (which will take quite a bit of work). Translations can be posted on the website at any time. The full English version will be in v. 1.5.

This is great little creation. You did a great job on the cabin getting the windows and detailing to the right scale and posistion. Not easy to do on such a small model. The tractor nose section is really well done too. Congrats!

Those GIFs look great FreeBee! As it is now the 8th of October I am officially ending the donations for the 1.5 release. Thanks to everyone for the effort you have put in so far. I hope you guys have enjoyed being a part of the project and I am really looking forward to seeing what we can come up with for the next release. If you are a BlueBrick user it would be great if you could post a quick thank you to those EuroBrick members who made it possible for everyone to really start designing "their dream layouts". I will put a new 1.5-1.6 version index in the place of the current 1.4-1.5 index, and move the latter down a post so that we have the latest index at the top of the thread. I think keeping the old index will be handy as a reference. I will be moving the "under construction" list to the new index, so anything which is not yet completed can be worked on for the next release. A note for the GIF makers: Please send your final GIFs and 1.5 version XMLs to Alban by email (as a ZIP/RAR file) to banban@banban.org if you want them included in this coming release. Please do so as quickly as possible as there might be some post processing to be done. The release of BlueBrick 1.5 is currently planned for next weekend. Feel free to keep on posting more questions, comments and GIFs!

Wow! This set looks great! Thanks for the geat close-up pics. This set really has a lot of cool details that one doesn't really notice from a distance. Thanks for the great review!

You're right! I actually remember reading that. That was a great article, I will keep an eye out for the next one.

A great review, thanks for all the pictures! I really like this little set by never owned one. I did make it in MLCad though and made a GIF of this set for the BlueBrick layout software a while ago. At least I know exactly where I will put it as soon as I get one. If you are not familiar with the software you can find out everything you need in the BlueBrick Index link in my signature. Looking forward to seeing more of your reviews soon!

Ok as the latter is actually my set I will change the orrientation this evening. I will also check the other sets I reworked. Thanks for pointing it out. EDIT: OK, I rotated the GIF and made a new XML. They are available on Brickshelf if anyone wants to give it a test run.

Yes doing some interviews with former Lego designers from TLG would be really interesting!!! I just bumped into this thread by accident and has been the best read I have had in a while! Fascinating stuff! Having grown up with 12V trains I was shocked to see those amazing 12V prototype sets that were never produced. That crocodile is quite similar to the 2 which are currently competing for Eurobrick Category II Train competion. That front section on the red protoype loco would have been a great part for many aplications.

I have read that Lego regreted the color changes (I think it was Brickjournal but I am not sure), but it was too expensive to go back (scrapping, re-packing inventories, supplier changes etc), plus they already had quite a few sets with the blueisch gray out by then which would have made a phase out more difficult. I think that really was at a time when AFOLs didn't have the weight in decision making they do now. The huge color pallet they created was one of the reasons they lost so much money during a certain period (that and the explosion of one off parts) I love the power functions because it can not only be used by trains but also anything else you want motorized. The motors themselves are powerful and cheap. For my Steamer MOCs it is perfect as I could hide the motors in the boiler. The train looks better for it. Don't get me wrong, I grew up with 12V which is still my favorite, and 9V was great too. Like you said, PF really is too expensive for most people though, so I am not sure how parents will justify the cost for their kids. Plus trying to hide all the electronics can be a pain. I think that Lego will continue to develop this however (just like the new battery pack), and that it will all get smaller, and cheaper. I think being able to use one type of electric system no matter what you are building is a great thing for AFOLs too.

Fantastic! I love the messy and aged roof tiles as well as thel textures. I wouldn't even have noticed the goblets if it hadn't been mentioned, they blend in really well. A brilliant creation!

That is fantastic! I think some LED flood lights would be really cool. To be honest though, I think just a few more details and some good quality pictures would make this a candidate for the Brothers Brick web site!! Truely stunning.

I really like this design too. It is simple yet effective and the dark green looks great. Clean lines with just enough texture in the right places. A very playable model.

Yet another great HoMa creation here. It was finding your BigBoy creation that actually got me interested in Lego steamers last year. Not sure when I will be able to build a model quite like that though. Since my first MOC train is also powerd by power functions I am always interested in seeing how people find new ways to mount the motors, do the gearing and hide the huge pile of electronics required. You did a great job with that here. I also really like the texturing and the proportions.

I think we should change his username from FreeBee to Speedy! Don't forget to include XML files for the sets that have overhangs (and the XML for the shuttle launch set). Otherwise great work! I had never seen those 60s sets before.

I have already praised this one on Flickr but I feel it deserves some more. I was also one of those clueless folk who had never heard of a cab forward before so I will be researching into that as soon as I have time. I have never seen one in Lego before so I would say making this one was a brave and successful move!

As a big fan of steam trains I like this one too. That model simply means business! I especially like the working 3rd cylinder and the shape of the tender. Really nice!