Erik Leppen

Like the scissor lift truck! I'd love to see some buildup pictures :)

Nice tow truck! I happen to just have recieved my 8052 so I might just try this one out :D

I think a universal and enforced limit doesn't work. There is not one fixed ultimate maximum that applies to all situations one will ever face. Common sense is the best solution. Edit: also, "line" is not well defined in a forum that scales to fill the browser window.

A little tip that I usually use: if you quote a post containing (somewhat large) pictures, you can change the IMG tags to URL tags and change the image into a link. This way the image is still in the quote, but without stretching the page :)

I have 8258 and 8265 and I think both are great sets. I think 8258 is the best of them all. It has everything. Complex gear mechanisms that are very fun to build, cool functionality in the finished model, a great looking final product, and a good parts assortment in various colors. Also the B model is interesting. It uses one motor to drive four functions, so it is also quite playable. 8265 is also excellent. For its size it is quite complex and compact and I found it a joy to build. Also it has nice attention to detail like the railings, lights, mirrors. It has no motor, so you ahve the typical hand-driven Linear Actuator problem, so the playability is a bit less, but the build and looks more than make up for that (I don't mind limited playability, for me the build is the play). I have no experience about the other sets. The container truck 8052 looks interesting and blue is a rare color, but it seems a bit limited in functionality and the alternate model is outright stupid. I'm really looking forward to the mobile crane 8053, as both models look great to me and it seems to have a lot of functions and an interesting parts collection. The off roader 8297 doesn't really interest me, too much gray for my taste and I don't care for the motorized functions. I don't really care that much about off roaders anyway.

This is very well replicable in Lego with + + .

It's highly probably a new part. Think about it ... if it's what you're suggesting, then there's no way the 1 x 2 liftarms are fixed to the long liftarm, as the long liftarm only has round holes which would mean the end section can freely rotate. Also, the visible underside suggests the liftarm goes through both red axles.

This is almost exactly what I did in one of my mobile cranes (not uploaded yet), but the problem with this is that the very long gear train consumes a great part of the energy, so it's not very much stronger than using just two parallel LAs. Also it's quite hard to combine with other functionality alraedy going through the boom axle (e.g. an extension mechanism).

Collecting all the parts to build a specific MOC and combining them into single packages for that specific MOC, can also be seen as a labor-intensive process to help the people wanting to build the MOC getting their parts in a simple way. If you look at it this way, I don't particularly see much wrong with it. As long as the original designer of the MOC is credited, I might even consider this a good thing for people wanting to build it. Those people can then just buy such a parts package much like a set with no instructions, and use the instructions to build the model. That the person organizing the parts makes a bit of profit doing so, isn't even that far-fetched of a thought. After all, he's dealing with lots of worldwide cash transfers. But I might be wrong of course. It might be someone trying to rip off other people's work. But I'm not going to assume people have bad intentions if there's no reason to believe that.

As far as I know the only way to see this is to check the serial number at the bottom of the linear actuator (near the orange axlehole); the new actuators have code 36X0.

This looks like great news :D Does this mean the improved version of the set will soon be going to hit the stores again?

Actually when I read this, before clicking the link I thought you were referring to another part. As your part wasn't the one I expected, let me request one too. I'd like to see the 1 x 2 plate extension removed from this element: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=85970 Just make it exactly as is in all other respects but without the plate extension!

I guess opinions differ on this one :) I for one, really dislike 8421's outrigger system, the way they fold out is quite lame and totally unlike real mobile cranes. At least the outriggers of 8258 move out the same way as they do on real cranes. On real cranes, extending the outrigger and deploying the "foot" are two separate actions too. So I find 8258's outrigger system very realistic in that aspect. But yeah, I don't really care about motorization anyway. Technic is not about motors for me, it's about techniques. And I think 8258's outrigger system has nice techniques.And indeed, it's a good thing they try different things. It would feel cheap if they had simply copied 8421's outrigger system. :) For this reason I like the outriggers on 8053, which are, again, a wholly different system.

Yes (Netherlands). An Intertoys shop I recently visited had a large shelf of Lego and a smaller, separate, shelf for Megabloks. Although I thought the Megabloks sets were mostly just "brick buckets" rather than actual models. Can't remember having seen other brands.

That's the easiest name to remember. Especially at meetings, because remembering someone's "real life" name when you know his/her "internet" name is the easiest when they coincide. Sooo...I guess you know my story too now (hint: it's equally boring ) Edit: plus what Rohan says... it gives you most control about what comes up first when googling your name :)

If I had to guess, I think these are very high quality renders of 3D models of proposed pieces. We have a topic about proposed pieces. Hmm, what could we do

I'm certainly more of a complicated mechanisms person. For example, the 8258 crane can't lift much and the stabilizers don't really stabilize, but in my opinion Lego is not meant for that. It's plastic, not steel, so I don't expect the kind of performance found in real-life products. On the other hand, all functionality in 8258 is there and the movements are realistic, and for me, that is more important. I don't really care for a strength test, but I like things to be able to make all the movements. In multi-axle trucks (mobile cranes) I always try to have the steering have realistic turning angles for each axle (which means, every axle has its own angle). I'm mostly the opposite. The gearbox in 8480 is amazing and the fact everything can be controlled from one motor makes for a lot of cool mechanisms. Compared to that, 8275 is a better play model, but technically a lot less interesting for me.Also I love gear trains :) I guess that's why I like linear actuators in general and 8265 in particular. I'm probably going to like 8043 even more if I ever get my hands on one :) But I'm not standing at large events showing creations that visitors can play with. So realibility is not a top priority for me. I never "extensively use" models :)

I'm not sure this is still open, but I have thought of a few more interesting parts :) Part 8 Part name: Slope Brick 1 x 2 x 1 1/3 Inverted with Curved Bottom Part description: the inverted version of the existing curved slope brick. http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/slope_brick_inverted_round_1x2x1_1over3.png Part usage: for the creation of rounded undersides. Part 9 Part name: Technic Beam 31 Part description: straight thick liftarm with 31 holes http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/technic_beam_31_and_brick_32.png Part usage: easifies building long structures in sets like 8258, 8285; less room needed for structural part which leaves more room for functional part. Part 10 Part name: Technic Box Beam 5 x 5 with Open Center 3 x 3 Part description the top one in this image: http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/technic_box_beam_5x5_and_variations.png Part usage: strong frame for bevel gear transmissions and for structural construction in general. The direction of holes makes it easy to connect to the existing 5 x 7 box beams. Part 11 Part name: Technic Beam 3 x 5 U-shaped Part description the center one in this image: http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/technic_box_beam_5x5_and_variations.png Part usage: strong frame for bevel gear transmissions and for structural construction in general. Notice how the direction of holes is the same as the end of the existing 5 x 11 box beams. Part 12 Part name: Technic Pin Joiner 3 x 3 Bent with 5 holes Part description the bottom one in this image: http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/technic_box_beam_5x5_and_variations.png Part usage: strong frame for bevel gear transmissions and for structural construction in general. Notice how the direction of holes is the same as in the current pin joiner 2 x 2 bent (with 3 holes) Part 13 Part name: Technic Beam 5 x 7 L-shape Part description http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/technic_liftarm_5x7_l.png Part usage: suggestion to "replace" the current 5 x 9 double-bent liftarm with diagonal section, because that diagonal section is always in the way and rarely useful. Also this part was wrongly spotted on the first images of 8052 which made some people enthousiastic, so I think this part is wanted. Part 14 Part name: Plate 2 x 2 T-shape Part description http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/plate_2_x_2_t_shape.png Part usage: another way to create half-stud offsets. When used in walls this can create a single 1 x 1 area sticking out for decoration or detail. When used in combination with 1 x 2 plates this can create interesting 1.5-stud intervals. When used in combination with tiself a very strong half-stud offset can be created. See http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ErikLeppen/WishParts/plate_2x2_tshape_usage.png Edit, 2010-09-14: a Brickshelf account on the name of Lyyar has pictures of nonexisting parts I think are quite useful too. http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=445051 Note: these are not my ideas. Someone else posted them on Brickshelf.

8454. It doesn't have a "main feature" like almost all other Technic sets, but seems to be the result of a bunch of small, uninteresting techniques thrown in one model. Edit: also the alternative model is bland. /edit I think 8289 on the other hand is a very good set.

In no particular order (and not including the "true classics" as they're mentioned everywhere already: 8448 Supercar II (the wing door version). On par with 8880 because of better suspension, modular design and cool doors. 8460 Mobile Crane. This has been a long time favorite of mine. Lots of functionality, all working great. 8528 Crane Truck. Wonderful techniques, looks great, impressive size. 8265 Front Loader. Looks great and lots of functionality in relatively small space. 8865 Test Car. Much functionality considering part count and set age (I don't even own this set, but I once borrowed the instructions from a cousin). It's funny how people can think so differently... I for example found 8285 Tow Truck relatively uninteresting :)

Er... you know this is from years ago, right? I'm not aware of Brickshelf having a feature that shows the last edit date of a folder, but I happen to know this model is nowhere near recent (as in, 2007 at the latest) Also, the model has a few flaws. The proportions aren't really right; the boom is way too large in comparison. Also, the outriggers don't really work that well. I think it would have been good to post an unfinished more recent version which was meant to become the Demag AC1000 9-axle mobile crane (but it's not too late for that ). Okay, it's not finished and has been disassembled long ago too, but at least it's somewhat in proportion and has outriggers that actually lift the model Maybe I should go work on that one again... (but I'm much more into studless now...) But thanks for posting anyway Man these don't even work If you want strong outriggers, studless is not the way to go (but I learned this only after having posted this) One rigid connection at the bottom of the outrigger connection point, and one at the top, is enough to connect the outrigger firmly to the truck chassis. If the part of the truck chassis between the four outrigger connection points is rigid, and the outriggers themselves are, then you're basically done. The AC1000 happens to have all three of those things kind of right. The AC700 hasn't.

You might want to look a bit harder :P On Eurobricks I'm more of a lurker than an active participator at the moment :)

I thought the new axle joiners were a bit thicker; this would mean the "clips" on the driving rings are under constant pressure. This could damage the part over time. Also, a free-sliding driving ring is not what you usually want in other constructions, because it couldn't be set in a neutral position reliably

Part 1 Part name: Slope Brick 30 1 x 1 x 2/3 Inverted (Inverted Cheese slope) Part description: Cheese slope, with the stud reciever replaced by a stud. Inverted cheese slope. Part usage: Extending the possibilities for SNOT building where, e.g. the back side of headlight bricks or the bottom of sideways parts can also be finished of with sloped angles. This would simplify creating certain shapes in small constructions by better using the underside of parts. Part 2 Part name: Technic Beam 2 x 3 Rectangular Part description: Small thick Technic liftarm with six round holes in a 2 x 3 rectangular pattern. Part usage: A lot of small Technic constructions could benefit from this part, similar to what happens with the new 3 x 3 T beam. It would replace the "double perpendicular joiner + axle 2 + double split perpendicular joiner" construction by one simple part that also has two additional holes. Part 3 Part name: Technic Pin Extender Round Part description: A pin (with or without friction, doesn't really matter) of length 1 connected to half of a "Pin Joiner Round". Part usage: This could be used to "lengthen" pins by one stud without having to resort to all kinds of new pin types. This could be useful in both aesthetic and structural constructions, and would be useful in a lot of the places that the current Pin Joiner Round is now used and in combination with this part and with various Technic pins. Part 4 Part name: Technic Axle 11 Part description: Technic cross axle of length 11 studs. Color coded, only available in Medium Stone Gray Part usage: For the same reasion axles 5, 7 and 9 are gradually introduced: to further extend the possibilities of studless building with its odd stud nature. Even in sets (8265 comes to mind), axles 12 are used where an axle 11 would have fit better (last half stud lengths are currently unused). Also, adding the axle 11 would make the array of axles complete up to 12. Part 5 Part name: Technic Liftarm 1 x 2.5 x 0.5 with Hole and Axlehole Part description:Thin liftarm of 2.5 studs with hole and axle hole at a distance of 1.5 studs from each other. Part usage:Currently there are very few parts that can create half-stud axle distances; one usually has to resort to the Technic Cam which it usually too large and has an unsuitable shape to fit in small spaces, or the Engine Crankshaft End piece which has very bad clutch power. A simple liftarm like this would resolve that problem and extend the possibilities of Technic half-stud constructions further. One thing this would be useful for is for mating 8t or 24t gears with 16t gears, or 12-t or 20t double bevel gears with each other (in the same plane). ,The reason for having an axle hole and a round hole is to avoid confusion with existing thin liftarms, and to have two different orientations due to asymmetry, extending the possibilities even further. Part 6 Part name: Technic Gear 28 Tooth Double Bevel Part description:Technic Gear with 28 teeth the same style as the current 12t and 20t double bevel gears. Color coded to be available in only one color. Suggested color: Dark Stone Gray Part usage:To extend the possibilities of Technic gears and complete the range of double bevel gears up to 36. Right now one has to refer to the 36 tooth gear where a smaller one would save space. Also, this would be the only gear to have a number of teeth divisible by 7, which is sometimes needed in combination with the Technic Turntable which has 56 teeth. Part 7 Part name: Technic Gear 32 Tooth Part description:Technic Gear with 32 teeth the same style as the current 8t, 16t and 24t gears. Color coded to be available in only one color. Suggested color: Black Part usage:To extend the possibilities of Technic gears and complete the range of spur gears up to 40. Right now one has to refer to the 40 tooth gear where a smaller one would save space. Also, this gear would be the only one that could quickly create a 1 : 4 gear ratio which is sometimes needed to line up movements with each other.

I already expected at least someone would come up with the bird idea. I think you did great with that MOC :) I started building something (a little bit like 8460, but studless) but I can't be really concerned to actually finish it (also, because I can't get the driving ring switch to work properly... By the way I love that little yellow crane a few more posts up