gambort

A little bit of SNOT is certainly acceptable[1]. A little bit of studlessness too[2]. I don't expect people to build like it's 1981. That wouldn't be anywhere near as interesting. Note that TLG themselves use a bit of SNOT (although never compounded, always just once) and studlessness (there's far fewer studes on modern models compared to old ones). What I don't want to see is ridiculously complicated SNOT like this sort of thing. Tim [1] And by SNOT I mean the proper meaning of the word: built with studs pointing in different directions. [2] Which is not the same as, though often leads to, studlessness, where the model has very few studs showing.

Wow! Thanks. This comes as something of a shock since last time I looked I was sure I wouldn't be near the top 3. There were stacks of great entries in all the categories but I was particularly impressed by a few in the trains category (yes I'm biased - I am what I am ;)) Thanks again, Tim

Western Loco - Front by gambort, on Flickr I just uploaded heaps more pictures to Brickshelf so you can see all the details of the train. Been having problems with lighting lately but some of them are definite improvements. Brickshelf folder (when moderated) Tim

This is great. And it would make a great entry to the 7777 contest if it wasn't a loco. Tim

They're not missing ;) But we're not allowed to post background in the main shot. Banditry by gambort, on Flickr

Western Train by gambort, on Flickr Please let me present my latest model and an entry into the Wild West contest: The Western Train 2011. I've designed and built other Wild West train related stuff in the past and even posted instructions but this one has a bit more detail than the old ones and is the first full rake I've had together all at once. There's more pictures here. Hope you enjoy!

Indeed the idea is to use modern parts and techniques but in a more simple style. We're not expecting people to build close replicas of real things so much as inspirational but LEGOised versions of real things. To copy from the questions thread: I consider Dave Stannard's models to be perfect examples (albeit sometimes with too many rare parts). They, to me, exemplify the sort of builds I'd like to see. I should add that Peter Norman (Swoofty) is actually responsible for this contest and for the prizes. Unfortunately his work became very busy when we were organising it and I kind of took over. I hope all train fans appreciate it, from blue track to flex track :D Tim

7777 Redux Logo by gambort, on Flickr Hi all, We are running a contest over at Flickr. You can find the details in a special group or over at The Brothers Brick. I hope to see many great contest entries from everywhere. Unlike most contests this one is more readily accessible to people with less building experience. Tim

Perhaps you should brush up on basic writing skills and only then proceed to "netiquette". Your other internet communities obviously aren't familiar with the standard use of typographical convention but I am. Italics is traditionally used to stress a point, to indicate use of a lengua extranjera and a few other things. Your use in sarcasm was, however, correct as you are emphasising the point, however ignorant the point may be. Thanks for the lesson in gaucheness, next time it might even be by information rather than example. Tim

Huh? My goal was to point out that it would be considered offensive and illustrate with an example. I don't like being told something might be rude without being given an idea why. So following the 'do unto others as you would have other do unto you' principle I extend this to others. Although I do find your use of underlining when it should be italics a personal affront. You're a very bad mannered cur. Tim

While I'm sure you weren't to know this, the title and subject of this vignette could come across as quite racist in Australia. It's kind of like making a vignette of a blonde haired minifig passed out next to a bottle of vodka and calling it 'Russian'. tim

Impressive work bundling it all in there. Still has the spirit of a Class 8 too. Tim

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=321789 I've done tram track before which is the same principal. Others have too. Tim

That minifig isn't generic. It's the best unlicensed approximation to Joe Vig you can make. I very much doubt that's a coincidence. Tim

LPub does it all for me :) They're more regular but definitely not more pronounced. Thanks. Please send me a pic if you do build it :) Tim

Thanks people. It would appear that Brickshelf is being extra slow to approve the actual instructions. They're http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/timgould/Instructions/SmallInd1/mediumfactoryinstr_page_1.png With numbers from 1 to 29 Tim

Medium Factory Instructions by gambort, on Flickr These little shops are common in parts of Australia and I've seen pictures of similar in the USA, Canada and NZ. Your stock standard light industry. With grit and instructions. Enjoy, Tim

This is the most awesome building technique I've ever seen used in LEGO. I can't wait for you to finish this beauty. Tim

Great job on these. I look forward to adding to my 9V and supplementing my PFS :) Tim PS. Not sure what you mean by your = X.XX old track length. All track so far has a length of 16 studs (except flex).

Ararat bushland by Brickhead, on Flickr I've built one or two gums ;) There's some demos of how they're made here Tim

I've already done something like that. The top passenger car here (closer pic) has a large battery box in it. I sunk it so that the switch pokes out underneath the car. The bar and white technic bush on the power car go through the switch to provide an easy way to turn it on and off. Tim

And thanks again. Yeah some of it (eg. most of the cars) was about O scale (1:45-1:48) but the buildings at the back were probably closer to 1:60 and the trains were somewhere between the two extremes. Tim

Thanks all :) Making it look like an HO diorama was our hope and building off the grid was a requirement. I'm glad you think we achieved that. Tim

Short answer, not easily. Long answer follows... Most of the stock is Mike's and is up in Mike's flickr pages (or will be). I didn't get any good shots of the facades but maybe someone else did. Keep checking out the group and general shots of BV2011 to see if any appear. And unlike much of the diorama they should hopefully be somewhat intact so maybe I'll take pics at home of my favourites some day but it won't be soon. Tim

Ararat 1972 by gambort, on Flickr Mike Pianta and I worked from 1800km apart to make this LEGO layout for Brickvention 2011 in Melbourne. It lasted two days and is now mostly destroyed. But it was very fun while it lasted. More info on TBB More pics on flickr More pics on BS Hope you enjoy, Tim