Train Tech Spotlight Builder: Steinkopf

[WesternOutlaw]

Eurobricks Train Tech Spotlight Builder: Steinkopf

Welcome Steinkopf and other Eurobricks (EB) members. Today we will be highlighting one of our superb LEGO Train fans, a fantastic builder and great contributor to EB Train Tech, most know as Steinkopf.

Steinkopf's EB Avatar

Q1. How long have you been part of the EB community and how did you find EB?

Q1a. I have just recently joined Eurobricks, I have been a long time lurker of the site pretty much from the beginning. I think I found the site when doing a search for new Lego sets as Eurobricks was and to some point still is today the best place to get information and pictures of new sets.

Well I am certainly glad you decided to join EB. "Shadows" comes to mind as you mention "lurker". Did you hear that folks? EB is the best place to get information and pictures of new sets. Please note; however, EB does not post leaked or confidential pictures of new sets.

Q2. What is the significance of your user name, Steinkopf?

Q2a. When I joined Eurobricks I wanted to use the name Brickhead which has been my online moniker since 2006, unfortunately the name was taken so I chose Steinkopf which is a rough translation for Brickhead in German. I wanted to have a name that signified my love of Lego and I thought Brick was the best word to use as part of the name.

Great name - although being a fan of German food, I thought it might have meant "schnitzel", thank goodness.

Q3. Are you strictly a LEGO Train builder or do you enjoy building MOCs from other themes?

Q3a. My main passion is Trains and City, I like to build anything that falls inside this category.

That is great to hear. Trains and City have always gone together like peanutbutter and jelly. What Train fan doesn't like City? If you answer yes, please proceed to one of the other EB forums like Action or Sci-Fi. Just kidding, we welcome all LEGO themes here at EB. Speaking of other themes,

Q4. What other themes do you like?

Q4a. I love Pirates (Imperial Soldiers actually), Castle and Wild West and have a pretty good collection of all, sadly I don't have enough time to build much with them as my main building focus is currently Trains and City.

Bla, Bla, Bla, Bla, Bla, Wild West. Oh, did I hear you say Wild West? Now you're talking. You don't say? Great theme that Wild West. Seriously, all great themes! I just purchased the Kingdoms Joust set a few weeks ago and love Pirates as well. It's always interesting to find out what other themes individuals like yourself enjoy, especially as we see you building all of these fantastic trains.

Let's talk about your history with LEGO.

Q5. How long have you been building LEGO and what was your first set?

Q5a. I have been building with Lego on and off since I was 5 years old and I have been an AFOL for the last 11 years, my first set from memory was 691-1 Rescue Helicopter.

691 from 1975. There's an old set. I hate to admit that I remember seeing this set in a store I use to frequent as a kid. Now I don't feel so old.

Q6. What are your top three favorite sets (all time/all things considered)?

Q6a. That's a hard question as I have so many sets over the years, I would have to say 4512 World City Cargo Train, 10211 Grand Emporium and 10193 Medieval Market Place are the real standouts.

Let's have a look at these sets, shall we?

World City Cargo Train, I've got the green Euro locomotive on a wall shelf as we correspond. I've always liked the boxcar in this set and lifting the gold bars with the forklift - a lot of play value and fun with this set.

Simply grand! Any of the modulars are certainly fan favorites. I like the Fire Brigade myself.

Yes, Medieval Market, a beautiful set. Reminder to self: must open the Medieval Market. So many fantastic sets, not enough time to build them all.

LEGO has certainly produced so many outstanding sets over the years bringing me to my next question. Sounds like you've got a pretty large collection of bricks,

Q7. How do you store and sort your LEGO?

Q7a. I have a large number of tubs and containers and I pretty much sort parts by category such as plates, brick modified etc and then I have them separated by colour, each of those batches are then stored in zip lock bags to keep the parts clean as well as sorted.

Seems like a good method. I use the ziplock bags myself but need more tubs. It's amazing how much space LEGO can take. I'd love to see a picture of your LEGO and storage.

Q8. Can we get a picture of your "LEGO Lair"?

Q8a. Top secret I have my Lego stored throughout the house and in my shed sometimes it can be chaotic as I have well over 500,000 parts and keeping on top of all of it can be hard.

Darn, but I can't blame you and understand. I wouldn't want strangers seeing my LEGO either. Must protect our LEGO at all cost!

Q9. How about dust. Is dust an issue for you and if so, how do you clean your LEGO trains/layout?

Q9a. Dust is a real pain and I keep a lot of my MOC's in containers or boxes to help stop this, to clean dust off models I use a large basting brush, the bristles on it are very soft and are perfect for removing dust from delicate models.

I've got to get me a brush. I've been using a large duster that attaches to my vacuum. It's too large to get the small areas. This idea might help those of you looking for methods to remove dust. Lately, I've discovered that prevention is just as important. Some clear plastic coverings that I get from my laundry/dry cleaner work very well.

Let's talk about your MOCs.

Q10. What was your most difficult or challenging MOC?

Q10a. I have had a number of those but I would dare say my Xm2/2 Catenary Inspection and Repair Vehicle due to the amount of details that I have had to cram on top of a 9v Train motor.

More images available here.

A beautiful MOC! I love your building style and what you build reminds me of LGB garden trains for they have that German/Euro look about them.

Q11. Do you have a favorite MOC (from your own collection)?

Q11a. That's another hard call as I have so many I like, I suppose my top two would have to be my LBB/KLS 85 Class Steam Loco and my Legodtenstein Coastguard Offshore Patrol Vessel.

Let's get these posted to EB if you have not already shared. I couldn't seem to find your LBB 85 Steam Loco.

Q12. You have certainly created some beautiful trains. Tell us about your custom trains - are they based on an actual railroad?

Q12a. With my trains I like to do what is called Freelancing, this gives me more flexibility compared to people who model a specific railway or its stock, this however does take time to develop the skill to produce trains that look like they could exist. My trains are inspired by a number of railways in Switzerland as well as the OBB in Austria, the main source of inspiration being the RhB (Rhaitische Bahn) in Eastern Switzerland.

That explains why I think they resemble LGB model trains. I think LGB also adopts some of the Switzerland designs. I'm picturing your models traveling through Switzerland with the Alps as a background.

Q13. A similar or related question, but where do you draw your inspiration for building with LEGO (trains or otherwise)?

Q13a. I draw my inspiration from real life and I love to try and capture the look of everyday life and objects, the internet and books serve as the perfect tools to research things I would like to make, I really like to study what I am building so I can portray it accurately in physical and technical detail.

Hopefully this information will help some of our aspiring LEGO Train builders.

Q14. Do you have a favorite train builder or favorite MOC from another builder?

Q14a. There are so many good builders out there it is hard to choose just 1, I would have to say my top 3 train builders would have the be Reinhard "Ben" Beneke, Flickr user Namo-Den (Taiki Kobori) and Bricktrix (Carl Greatrix)

Let's provide our members links to these LEGO builders: Namo-Den, Bricktrix, unfortunately I can't seem to find Reinhard but I know I've seen his work.

EDIT: Reinhard "Ben" Beneke's Brickshelf gallery - thanks Peterab.

I'm familar with Bricktrix's work as he's shared his impressive 2-6-0 Standard Class 4MT in Train Tech.

Q15. What keeps you building LEGO trains?

Q15a. I just love building trains, my main goal is to build a home based model railway the LBB which will travel through different parts of the fictitious nation of Legodtenstein from a coastal city and then out too the countryside.

I'd love to see you build such a layout. Sounds like it would take a lot of space. Hopefully, space is not too big an issue for you.

Q16. What are your thoughts on LEGO's existing Train theme/line-up?

Q16a. I think the designers have done a pretty good job these days and are coming out with some really nice models that look more realistic compared to some of the trains from the past, there is also a lot of potential in the future.

They sure have with the Emerald and Maersk locomotives. I can't wait to see future hobby trains.

Q17. Which LEGO power system do you most like and why?

Q17a. I would have to say 9v, the reasons being that you can plug it into the wall and you can run trains as long as you like without having to change batteries, the 9v Train Motor is also a lot more compact compared to PF where you have the receiver, battery box and motor. Making small locomotives using PF is very hard due to the physical constraints of having to fit all those elements within a small space, with 9v you just build on top of the motor.

Interesting you should say 9V. I completely agree and would think many miss the ease of adding a 9V motor to a train MOC. While PF does lend itself to bigger and better things (like use of the larger train wheels and a variety of powered accessories). I personally like the electric functions of a train with traditional transformer and metal rail.

Q18. What would make LEGO Trains better (your thoughts on future sets)?

Q18a. Honestly speaking the return of 9v with more track options such as 56 stud radius curves, Y Points and Curved Points, sadly I don't think it will ever happen though. Realistically speaking I would like to see PF components become much smaller and therefore more build friendly particularly when building small locomotives.

Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever see the return of 9V, especially after the huge petition to not retire the 9V system. I would welcome the thought of being wrong in this regard.

Q19. What tips/suggestions do you have for beginners of LEGO Trains who want to create a layout?

Q19a. Firstly I would say think about what you would like to make and start working from there, working in modules is a great way to go as you can concentrate on a small area at a time without taking up too much room, this also helps as it gives you the ability to concentrate on detail as well. The great thing about modules is if you get tired working on a section you can pack it away and start working on a new module that joins the previous module or you could build one that is going to be placed elsewhere on the layout. The main things that you have to keep in mind is the datum points of your tracks to ensure it all goes together easily and loading gauge/clearances to ensure your trains can freely move around the layout without hitting anything.

Great suggestions for aspiring builders.

Q20. When you're not building LEGO Trains, what other toys/hobbies/collections do you enjoy?

Q20a. Occasionally playing video games or reading about a myriad of things on the net ranging from railways to politics.

Q21. Have I missed anything else that you would like to share with our LEGO Train community?

Q21a. I would like to say thanks to TheBrickster for giving me the opportunity to share my experience and passion for building Trains with the Eurobricks community.

Thank you Steinkopf, for both an outstanding interview and for being part of EB Train Tech. It's members like you who add to the quality of our LEGO Train community and I'm glad to see you posting regularly in the forum. Your trains are amazing and many can learn from your designs and building techniques.

-End-

[Selander]

Great initiative with this interview and fantastic MOC:s by Brickhead/Steinkopf.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Great interview ...and great MOC Steinkopf!

[harnbak]

Steinkopf: your work is an art aparte! Truly wonderful!

Thanks@Steinkopf for sharing your thoughts (and some nice tips in this interview) and MOCs here on EB.

Thanks@TheBrickster for giving him the opportunity.

[Captain Green Hair]

That was a great read, thanks for making that!

I too like your building style Steinkopf, it is all nice and easy and could just be a real Lego set.

[peterab]

Just a note to add Reinhard "Ben" Beneke on brickshelf.

[Younge]

A great interview and some outstanding work from Steinkopf!!!

I don't know who he is, but I hope he displays some of his work at the Sydney Brick Show in June.

[peterab]

A great interview and some outstanding work from Steinkopf!!!

I don't know who he is, but I hope he displays some of his work at the Sydney Brick Show in June.

It's almost certain he will, Dave is a very active member of the Sydney train community.

[Steinkopf]

A great interview and some outstanding work from Steinkopf!!!

I don't know who he is, but I hope he displays some of his work at the Sydney Brick Show in June.

It's almost certain he will, Dave is a very active member of the Sydney train community.

Hello Gents

Unfortunately due to issues at work I don't think I will be able to commit to the SBS, trying to get time off is near impossible due to shortages in the management team, I will however be displaying at the AMRA Sydney Model Railway Exhibition during the October long weekend.

Also thanks to everyone else especially TheBrickster for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences with the community, I would like to see the Builders Spotlight become a regular feature of the forum as there are a lot of great builders out there and it would be good to get an insight as to their view of the hobby.

[WesternOutlaw]

Also thanks to everyone else especially TheBrickster for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences with the community

Thank you Steinkopf. It's always a pleasure to learn a little bit more about our members and why they build the things they do. I also appreciate our Train Tech members who took time to read this interview and provide a comment.