DLuders

Mahjqa now has 12 pictures of his Lego Technic Tachikoma on his Flickr photoset, including the Parts List (click on image below to enlarge). He noted that "Two things still missing on this list: The small Pwer Functions Battery Box ( http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=84599 ) and the Power Functions Receiver ( http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=58122c01 ). Soon, this will be available on Rebrickable.com . Let me know if you need an update when it is. "The relevant LXF file can be found here: build.mahjqa.com/lxf/tachikoma.lxf ."

Looks good so far! It looks like you're using Lego Digital Designer (LDD). Are you going to make your GINAF dump truck model with a bed that raises up?

On his Brickshelf gallery, pcility posted pictures of his "LEGO 8110 Unimog U400 full motorized". The pictures are too big to link here.

A good mariner is always prepared for the "unexpected". The air pump can also be used as a "bilge pump" to empty the boat during rough weather!

Wow! Didn't James Cameron (of "Titanic" fame) use one of these last week to dive to the deepest part of the ocean?

George Staples (saberpurple) posted this of six different types of vehicle suspensions, using simple Lego Technic models. Here are excerpts from his discussion on MOCpages, he wrote: "This is a suspension tutorial, or a idea guide for suspension systems. I have included 6 suspension types each with their pros and cons, and best uses.... 1) TANDOM PIVOT: The tandem pivot is built to connect two axles together, and have a central pivot point. Pros: Two axle have suspension; compact size; Fair ammount of travel. Cons: Axles move together; No "squish" in the supension; Lots of friction when driveing axles. This type of suspension is good for smaller MOCs. The size is limited to the tire size, and smallest Technic beams. 2) PENDULAR: The pendular suspension is another very simple design. It's basic idea is wheels on the sides, and a pivot point in the center of the axle. Pros: Has the best travel(distance from lowest point of suspension to highest; Simple to build; Good for small MOCs; Steering can be attached easily, and steering shaft can be the pivot shaft. Cons: No "squish" in suspension; When one wheel moves up, it tilts the wheel onto it's edge; If equipped on front and rear, cab of vehicle tips over. My suggestions for using this suspension are: use this mainly for front axles, If used for rear and front axles rubber bands must be used to level....The main problem with the rubber bands is that it's hard to get the cab level, and keep it level.... 3) RUBBERBAND PUSHDOWN: The rubberband pushdown suspension is fairly simple, but more complex than the preceding suspension types. The reason I named this Rubberband pushdown is because the rubberbands push the suspension rods down. Pros: Squish in suspension; Adjustable squish by tautness of rubberbands; Versatile size. Cons: Suspension provides little Roll (side to side bounce); Can be rater stiff unless used with large vehicles; Can bend axle. One thing you have to make sure to do when building this type of suspension is to make sure the axle is properly secured to the frame. I had to use 8 rods from bending forward and backward. 4 rods are adequate to make this work properly, just make sure the axle can't bend too much. 4) LEAF SPRING: Pros: Uses only lego pieces; Good for heavy vehicles. Cons: One size (Realativly speaking); Very stiff; Adding steering can be a pain. This suspension is very stiff, and has almost no roll. When building a model with this suspension, you need to make sure to fortify the frame, so that the suspension actually bends instead of the frame. I recommend this for only large vehicles, If you want a similar type of suspension for smaller vehicles use the rubberband type. When building this for a rear axle I suggest using the rectangle piece shown here, and the differential that goes with it. It is the simplest design I have found so far. Just make sure to attach the rectangle piece to the bottom of the rods. If you want a tutorial on how to build the leaf spring, I have one on . 5) INDEPENDENT: Pros: Each wheel moves on its own; Wheels don't tip when moving up and down; "A" arms are provided and can be easy to set up. Cons: Steering can be a pain to get straight; Dimensions are limited when using A arms; Can be hard to fit in small models. This is my favorite type of suspension, because each wheel can travel on its own, and are not attached via solid axle. Another good thing about this suspension is that you can adjust where the springs go, and there by adjust the "squishyness" of the suspension. 6) PNEUMATIC (AIR BAG): The pneumatic suspension system is unique in that it is readily adjustable. Pros: Adjustable; Linear design; Can be used for a variety of vehicles. Cons: Requires pneumatic parts; Can bleed off axle is only attached at one pivot point; Hard to add multiple drive shafts. ...One good thing is you can adjust the height of your MOC, and you can adjust the suspension tension. I would recommend this for trucks, and maybe the occasional tricked out car. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * If you use the LDD for a MOC, or use the leaf spring/Air Bag on a MOC, a little credit would be much appreciated. Thank you for looking, and please comment. I spent quite a while on this! [Lego Digital Designer] (LDD) files are available for the following:" Leaf Spring Pendular Rubberband Tandem

Nice creation in the spirit of "Model Team"! GTO = "Gran Turismo Omologata" (Italian for "Grand Touring Homologated").

What a great creation! I saw these two additional photos on Mahjqa's Flickr photoset:

What Lasse D did not mention was this explanation of his above:"This kind of Model Team trucks are used for displays at exhibitions where children can come and control them. It is important that these models are robust and easy to use. The red truck was used at LEGOWorld Copenhagen this year. It has a lot of problems, especially when it comes to robustness and grip. The green truck is new and an attempt at remedying the problems of the old truck. "Both trucks are models of FAW Jiefang 6x4. Instructions for the old (2011) model: http://c-mt.dk/instructions/instructions.php?model=FAW Instructions for the new (2012) model: http://c-mt.dk/instructions/instructions.php?model=FAW_Jiefang2012 "Stats: Red vs Green: Weight: 936g. vs 879g. Weight distribution: 74/26 vs 69/31 Pieces: 653 vs 714 Drive: permanent 4WD vs 4WD using simple differentials Speed: XL geared 5:9 vs. XL geared 5:7 (see the speed difference) "The shorter length, more robust frame, slower steering, better 5th. wheel, weight distribution and differentials make the new green design clearly superior."

If using Lego is considered to be a "toy" in the business world, how come General Motors (back as the #1 car maker in the world) uses it to track warranty repairs? See this article on Automobile magazine.

@ Apus: Welcome to Eurobricks! You should send an e-mail to the SR 3D developer (Sergio Reano at xsergio74@yahoo.com ) to get a faster answer. He browses this forum occasionally. I've corresponded with him via e-mail, and he's very helpful with specific questions like yours.

I think that THIS FORUM (on Eurobricks) is the best one around -- friendly people, good banter, and great MOCs. I'm looking at the list of Technic Forum visitors right now, and there are a total of 19 different people visiting right now (7 registered users + 12 "guests"). There are many people who visit here who are "lurking". Please step forward! If one believes that there are only ~20-30 Technic builders in the world (i.e., the ones who post on this forum), then TLG would have dropped the Technic line long ago. There have got to be THOUSANDS out there, but they are either too shy to post here, or don't know that Eurobricks exists. Let's get the word out!

@ Lipko & Potty: As one of the "judges", I will say that all circumstances (similarities and differences) between contest entries will be evaluated by all of the "judges". Squabbling about it here is not necessary; we can read each entry (the submission date, who thought of what, etc.). There are many good entries, so it will be difficult to select the winner, I'm sure. Please take a breather and leave the fair/balanced evaluation to the MANY "judges", OK?

Yes, for a big country, the USA does not seem to have a lot of Technic AFOLs. However, with this forum (and others), it is easier than ever to communicate and SEE what others are building. Don't get discouraged! Maybe the American-styled Technic trucks for 2012 will attract more interest.

@ Voodoo Hand: I like the wheel bogeys on your tank: If your tank is not running in a straight line, it could be that the Lego Technic Treads are not "matched" to be the same on each side. There is a difference in the ability of the newer tread pieces to bend around the sprockets, so one side of the tank could encounter more friction (and thus, turn a bit via skid steer). You should both read this TechnicBRICKS article about the "New(er) Sytle for Wide Link Treads": The 57518 Technic Treads have appeared since 2007, and one can select parts from older (~2007-2009) Technic sets to get the older type treads (per this Bricklink webpage). One can alternate old/new/old/new Technic Tread pieces to get around the problem of tight bends:

While I understand the "pros" and "cons" of putting hobbies on a resume, I still would do it. Here's why: 1) The employer can see where your PASSION is. Are you a dull "robot"-type person who just does a job, or can you lend some LIFE and INTEREST to the workplace? 2) You really cannot "fake" your real personality for long. If you like Lego Technic, why hide it? It offers an outlet for CREATIVITY, while some work environments don't allow for much creativity (just rote repetition of boring tasks). Lego Technic building shows that you HAVE A BRAIN. 3) For technical jobs, working with complex models (such as Lego Technic) can improve your visualization of things. As Paul Boratko says on his Crowkillers website, "Studless building is like playing chess -- you must always plan 5 moves ahead." Many technical jobs require that, AND MORE.

Since you're in the USA, I would use Krylon Fusion spray paint (which is sold in lots of stores). Yes, most Lego parts are made of ABS plastic (black stormwater sewer pipe material). If this paint can stick on PVC lawn furniture (which flexes a tad), it should do fine on ABS too. Click on the link above to see all of the colors and the technical information about the product. You could go to Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. to buy a small, black ABS storm sewer pipe fitting, and see how the Kyrlon paint adheres to it. That way, you will be assured that it will work well on your Lego ABS wheels. I'm not a Lego purist, so I don't have any qualms about PAINTING Lego. After all, it's just a MODEL of a real car, truck, etc. Painting a real Chevy's wheels with a non-stock color does not make the entire car some other brand -- it makes it UNIQUE and special! Alternatively, you could what Paul Boratko (a Pennsylvanian) uses -- Coat of Chrome to place a thin layer of CHROME on the wheels.

It looks really good! For those not familiar with Han's Articulated Hauler 6x6, here it is (pictured below for comparison):

I think that the upcoming (2H2012) 9398 Lego Technic 4x4 Crawler set will lend itself to LOTS of customization. One could create various types of Trial Trucks (using the components supplied) to enhance torque, or speed, or a little bit of both. It will be good to compare your replica's video with dokludi's (which you referenced in your original post above):

@ grum64: I have a Woodworking hobby, and saw these parallel-jawed pliers: "English-made with heat-treated, flat-nosed jaws. Smooth-jawed model gives a tight, non-marking grip. Serrated model holds tightly and includes a lengthwise groove to hold wire or drilled rod." -- Mfg Brownells SPECS Both 5" (12.7cm) long, 1-1/8" (2.9cm) deep. Brownells is a firearms/shooting supply company, so if you could grip them, you may find them at a Sporting Goods store in the UK.

I would put your Lego Technic experience on your resume. You could say that you are a "serious technical modeller" of cars, trucks, or whatever you prefer using the "Lego Technic building system" involving gears, drivetrains, etc. Make it sound TECHNICAL and not a "toy", and people will take you seriously. Since you are in you mid-20s (from your profile), people will take you seriously. I find that, at my age (mid 50s), people raise their eyebrows at me when I mention I like Lego Technic, but I don't care. It's WHO I AM. Don't fake it -- be proud!

The Lego Technic fish art reminds me of this Haida Whale and these Salmon (from the native tribes of British Columbia, Canada):

@ BManCan: Do you mean this Robolab website?

@ Dazmundo: Have you seen this webpage about "JAVA control class for Dacta"? It contains a download that may be useful. Be sure to read all of the comments at the bottom of that webpage.

Here is danim's : @ danim: Here is how to put your YouTube videos directly into a Eurobricks post: (1) Copy the original URL of your third YouTube video, which is (in this case) .(2) Paste that URL into your favorite web browser. (3) Once your video opens in your web browser, copy the new URL in the address box. In this case, it is as follows (note that I removed the http:// to enable you to see the entire string; you will not remove the http:// when doing this for real): www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2oqCqNnlWk&feature=youtu.be (4) Strip-off everything after the ampersand (&) character, so that it now looks like this (again, with the http:// removed for this instruction only; keep the http:// when doing this for real): www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2oqCqNnlWk (5) Copy that new, shortened URL into the "Insert Media" button (6 buttons to the right of the "smiley face" emoticon symbol, which you see when you do a new post). Press the "Insert Media" confirmation button, and you should now see your video picture on the Eurobricks computer screen!