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First of all, I apologize for not posting lately, but I haven’t had a camera handy to take pictures of my MOCs so that I can post them here. Also, my Motorized Ringo Starr made it to the finals in BBcc #59 and will be at BrickFair. Voting will be held there, so feel free to drop by and cast your vote!
Last week, for my church, was Vacation Bible School. Volunteers manned the stations and projector, youth helpers were overwhelmed by the craziness that is 3rd graders. I, myself, signed up for audio and visual, and am I ever glad I did. (yes, this does tie into Lego)
On the first day of VBS I learned that I would be doing photography. The man I would work with, a particular Mr. Tucker, was a very kind person who did almost all of the church picture-taking. He coached me through the picture-taking process and loaned me his best camera. It turns out there’s more to it than just pressing the button. (Gasp!) I enjoyed my job thoroughly, however, and am convinced that at least one or two of my approx. 150 pictures weren’t terrible. (Mr. Tucker was convinced that my average was higher than that.)
The next day Mr. Tucker showed me his generosity by giving printouts of every picture I had taken the previous day, as well as a disk copy. I was very thankful. But his generosity didn’t stop there, for the next day he duplicated the feat and brought a tin of vintage Legos. ( I had told him earlier that I usualy only used cameras to take pictures of my Lego MOCs.) You had better believe that I was extremely grateful.
There was a story behind these Lego. Mr. Tucker had bought a Znap set out of curiosity some time ago and loved it. He then bought another Znap set and a Cyberslam set to expand his collection. Eventually, however, he stopped playing with them.
About a year ago, disaster struck. The Tucker’s house burned down. And yet, despite this, the Lego survived, to be passed onto me.
When I looked in the tin I thought, at first, that it wasn’t Lego because I was not familiar with the Znap system. But it was, two complete Znap sets, both with a 9-volt motor each. They proved very fun two play with and easy to build. The large pieces allow cool creations to come together very quickly. They are fully compatible with the Technic system.
It also included the Cyberslam set Spyder Slayer.
This is a wonderful set! The instructions tell you how to build a very fun creation full of playability and 3 configurations for the “Spyder”. But it also has MOCing elements that are to die for: Two rare technic figures, lots of teal, some purple, and a 9-volt motor! Thank you, Mr. Tucker!
After months of work a friend and I have finally finished our science fair project. It has been entered in somewhat prestigeous science fair and we are waiting to learn if it has been accepted. Here it is:
The Effect of Drive Type on the Efficiency of Output
Abstract
Lego© Technic builders need to know what drive is more efficient. This experiment provides that information. A hub gear, a belt drive, and a gear drive as well as motor- only (control group) were each used with a Lego© Power Functions motor in an apparatus built to press a key on a keyboard repeatedly. The machine was turned on for 30 seconds with each drive, and the number of keystrokes in that time was recorded. Ten trials were performed. The average keystrokes per 30 seconds were as follows: chain drive=188.1; gear system=184.1; belt drive=92.25; motor.5.
The belt drive proved unreliable and slipped off of the pulleys 3 times before the belt broke on the 5th trial, preventing further trials. The motor only proved most efficient, with chain drive in a close 2nd. The gear system was a few keystrokes behind chain drive. This research could be very helpful to Lego Technic builders and may greatly improve custom creations. The experiment is very specific to Lego, but the basic structure could be modified for other mediums.
I have taken off the rest of the science fair paper. It was simply too long to fit comfortably here.
I apologize for not updating this blog in a while. School dumped a lot of items on me at once and I have not had time to post here. After being gone for such a long time I checked this blog fully expecting for my stats to show zero visits for the past month. I was amazed when I saw that I had more visits than ever! A HUGE thanks to all of you who have been coming here lately despite the lack of new content.
Now that the better part of my school obligations are over with I will be posting here more often. I have a couple of MOCs to post as well as my Lego-based science project, as promised here.
I am also considering featuring other people’s creations here on my blog. There are a myriad of Lego blogs out there, however, I would be featuring only creations that impress your average, non-AFOL adult/parent. (These creations would be tested on my parents.) I might also post essays with helpful advice for newcomers to the online Lego community. Leave a comment if you want me to extend my blog to include parent imppressers and/or helpful essays.
Over ‘n out, and stay tuned!
TFOLs (Teen/Tween Fans Of Lego) and UFOLs (Underage Fans Of Lego [9 and under]) are often disappointed by their parent’s reaction to the latest cool creation they either build or find online. Non-Lego fans simply do not understand the rules of Lego and the effort that goes into any creation. I cannot blame them–you cannot fully appreciate Lego unless you have built Lego yourself. But still we want out parents to be amazed by the wonders of amazing Lego creations. This guide highlights some types Lego creations and qualities found in Lego creations that cause a parent’s increased awe. If you are a TFOL or UFOL and have your parent nearby, I suggest you invite them to read this post with you. I will include an example of each item.
1. Brickfilms
Stop-motion animation with Lego is very popular. Parents love the idea and think it is amazing that you can make a movie, of all things, with Lego. Here is an old example built by rymdrelage to promote the song “8- Bit Trip”:
You should probably stop for a moment now to pick your mom or dad’s jaw off the floor.
Thanks to Fasinating Lego Model of The Day.
2. Robotics/Motion
You can find hordes of robotic creations online if you know where to look. Most are made from the Mindstorms or NXT Lego robotic kits, but if that is out of your price range (NXT 2.0 costs $279.99) you can buy Power Functions Motors.
Robots and vehicles are great, but think out-of-the-box like NeXTORM:
Amazing, right?
Thanks to The Brothers Brick.
3. Huge Size
Anything is more impressive if it’s gigantic. Although most people don’t have enough bricks to make something the size of this model of the battleship Yamato, by Jumpei Mitsui, you can always build something impressive with what elements you do have.
Statistics:
Thanks to The Brothers Brick.
4. Creative and Original Build
Think: is a Toa really anything new? Is a spaceship truly noteworthy? Haven’t you built lots of custom minifigures before? Parents may tire of seeing the same old type of creation over and over again. But a Bionicle lobster? They’ve never seen that before.
So there you have it- the basics on how to impress your parents with Lego. Now go forth and build!
I am the admin for a group on MOCpages called Collective Creators of Non- Humanoid Bionicle. It features, obviously, non- humanoid Bionicle. If you are interested in joining go here.
A huge thanks to Jibs Studios for featuring my bionicle Lobster on his blog, Jib’s Bio Blog.
Brick Flotilla has predicted that the replacement line for Bionicle is Ben 10. If this is true, then Bioncle elements will be no more. The Ben 10 line will attract fans of the show and younger kids, of course, but the high prices and bulky, specialized elements are enough to horrify me. Only 20 pieces, at most, for $18. Sad.
The pieces may be may find their uses, but they do not look nearly so useful as Bionicle. Not to mention that it’s not Bionicle. These are not Bionicle elements. I fear Bionicle may truly be ending if Brick Flotilla is right.
“Dear BIONICLE Fans,
In reviewing the business across all of its play patterns and properties, the LEGO Group faced a tough question: should we take on a new creative challenge in the world of buildable figures that we pioneered in 2001?
BIONICLE re-invented the way consumers think of and play with the LEGO system. Through many chapters of compelling story and innovative product development, BIONICLE became a very strong property and an important part of The LEGO Group’s business. We think there is a significant opportunity to grow the buildable figure category, but it will take a more flexible platform that appeals to a wider range of ages through a variety of different entry points than BIONICLE has proven to deliver.
The easy decision would be to stick with a known entity in BIONICLE; but as history has proven, The LEGO Group achieves its greatest success by embracing the uncertainty that innovation brings. After all, BIONICLE almost never launched because it was such a big risk to the company’s way of doing business.
Because you have been such an important part of building the BIONICLE franchise and have been among its most valued fans, we are writing to tell you that the six BIONICLE Stars launching in January will be the last BIONICLE sets for the foreseeable future. Beginning in summer 2010, The LEGO Group will debut a new, more flexible buildable figure property created by the same people who brought you BIONICLE. At the same time, we are also expanding the category to appeal to a younger audience through an established third-party property, starting in January.
Since its beginning, BIONICLE has reflected the union of great product and a compelling story. Although there presently are no plans for more sets, the BIONICLE story is not ending. BIONICLEstory.com will remain an active site, with new story content updated by long-time BIONICLE writer Greg Farshtey. In addition, LEGO Group hopes to work with you, the fans, to continue to grow and expand the BIONICLE story universe.
This was an extremely difficult decision for all involved. But as seen in the tales of the Toa, striving for success in any mission requires imagination, new ways of thinking, and the willingness to take risks. We hope you will share the same level of enthusiasm we have for our plans for the buildable figure category.
We invite you to remain a part of the BIONICLE universe—a universe you have helped to build, and that we are confident that you will continue to build—in the future. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the BIONICLE and LEGO brands.
With our very best regards,
Jan Faltum, Global BIONICLE Director
Lincoln Armstrong, Senior Brand Manager, BIONICLE Team Member since 2002″
Today is a sad day. Bionicle’s ending. Just like that. No warning save for a few rumors. After eight years of wonder experiences, it’s gone. Excuse me fora moment while I weep.
<long, sad sobs>
Ok, I’m better now.
This is a big thing. Although many people criticize Bionicle, comparing it to the Gladitor sets, the Bionicle community is huge. Kids all over enjoy Bionicle and the easy ways to create Toa and Glatorian, more advanced builders create astounding creatures, titans, and anything imaginable. The popularity rivals even that of the Star Wars line. Not to mention the multiple blogs, forums, and fan sites on the web. Lego will be pelted with petitions and complaints.
For me, personally, this is a tragedy. Ever since 2001, when Bionicle first came out, I have loved the sets. I was known to have a Bionicle obsession. Every gift- giving occasion I received Bionicle merchandise. Bionicle trivia always flew from my mouth. One of my favorite books was the Bionicle encyclopedia, wich I read several times. And now it’s gone.
Let’s discuss for a moment the what Lego is doing concerning this. They have promised to continue the Bionicle storyline, with fan imput. This lessens the pain for me, the story line is a great part of Bionicle. They are going to release a new type of buildable figure that appeals to the younger age group. This is good, I suppose. The larger the range of buyers, the better the Lego company will do. But what will the sets be like? Will they use Bionicle elements? Will they have a good storyline? If they do have a storyline, it will probably not be complex. Not to mention that without sets, Bionicle is just not Bionicle.
Concerning the stars: They look promising. Nice pieces for agori- sized sets and bring back favorite characters, not to mention the new armor and foot elements. But you must take into consideration that they are the last Bionicle sets ever. This is the grand finale, and there are a mere six tiny sets? No toa- sized set, no titans? Really?
In short:
1. This is a tragedy.
2. How can Lego quit a series with a such a huge fan base?
3. What will the sets replacing Bionicle be like?
4. The Stars are disapointing for the last Bionicle sets ever.
5. Did I mention that this is a tragedy?
Upon receiving the latest Lego catalog, I flipped through it. Other than the inclusion of the new Lego Rock Band and and Indiana Jones video games, there was nothing of interest. No new sets, no special offers except free shipping on orders of $99 or more. Only when I reached the end did I realize: there was no Bionicle section!
What could this mean? The lack of any Bionicle set in a catalog was not commonplace, I don’t think that it had happened since Bionicle was first produced. Bionicle did not end, Bionicle Stars are scheduled for release in 2010 and are already available in some Toys-R-Us’s. Kids are very interested in Bionicle, lack of interest did not cost it its place in the catalog. So still i wonder what is the cause of this, there must be a reason. If you have a plausible answer please leave a comment.
This is a Pterodactyl skeleton that I built. In all honesty, were it green, it could be a live pterodactyl.
This model also demonstrates the difference between the new and old ball joint ball pieces (parts 4286267, new, and x201 [full piece number unknown], old). This picture shows the elements better.
Both elements, of course, can fit into ball sockets and be stuck on the end of a x axle. But each of them also have a few unique qualities. The older version can fit a stud (see the pterodactyl’s neck) and has a x axle opening on only one end- giving it a rounder look, like a cannonball. Standard lego builders find this version of the piece more useful.
The new version is known for its ability to have a x axle stuck entirely through it. This makes it invaluable as a bionicle knee and elbow joint, as demonstrated countless times on Bioniblog. It cannot, however, fit a stud.
Neither element sd more useful than the other in general- both element’s usefulness, like any element’s usefulness, is governed by situation and creativity.
