nychase

Just sold a batch of 130 Technic sets (one buyer) since I just had too much. Believe me, you will end up with too much and then have nothing to do but sell it. The good news is that its hard to lose money.

Thats what I did. Works well.

I don't actually own a 42009 but what you are describing sounds like binding on the pulley string between the inner and middle booms. Sounds like the string is getting stuck.

Well... I guess I might have been wrong! When I initially looked it looked like they were under the pneumatic switches under the red tiles. Upon closer examination across many different photos and videos I am now unsure. The lighting changes and makes it quite difficult to determine red vs orange....though it looks different from the tiles which are red in plenty of the shots.

Its certainly common knowledge about those RC sets having the motors. Years ago you could get the full set (any of the 3) for 40 bucks no problem. Its the only reason I have 14 RC motors which desperately need some Sariel MOC's as a new home.

Should you actually want to roll the dice on doing this there is a very small window of time where you can actually be profitable. Case in point...you can see that the 9 beam in Orange is on the new arcos, you could easily sell any you have now for 9 dollars each and then get them back when it comes out. I thought about doing this to a friend recently but decided better of it since timing is the only reason I could have made 8.60 per part. I was one of those people that paid 10 dollars for the crawler wheels in black before they came back with the crawler all because I couldn't wait (HAN's 6x6 was to blame). Other than that...its complete speculation. I would have assumed the black axle/friction pins would have kept going up just like the black bush. But before you know it some seller in germany has 6000 of them and the sales market is gone. I don't know how...but I swear they just have access to the molds and the ABS to just make these parts when they wish.

Having built models from non-stepped CAD files before I can say that its actually more enjoyable. If you're just following instructions perfectly then yay, you can follow directions. If you are building the sub assemblies and determining their sequence then you really start to understand the mechanisms, the build and the reinforcements needed to hold it all together. You really start to understand the stresses these models experience and why the designer chose certain elements in certain locations.

Couldn't have said it better. I recently sold off 70% of my collection by set and literally threw away the boxes for the stuff I am keeping. Its simply just too much to hold on to. I kept only three boxes, 3451 statue of liberty box and a MISB 5571/5563. I also had every technic set until 2 years ago and have just basically stopped buying. I'd like to buy a volvo and 42009 crane and now the arcos for sure but honestly there is very little there that doesn't exist in build-able MOC's, which often provide a greater challenge and enjoyment then the standard sets anyway. Lego IS expensive, always will be. But its hard to actually lose money on lego....very hard.

Yes, your correct about that. There ARE two models (Ingmar's 8258 and Barman's V8) that both had to be disabled due to a security flaw. Reactivating them was delayed until everything was ready with this next update (due to the new handling of the files).

Can you give me an example of dead links? There are a few that were place holders that never had anything but I'm not aware of any actually dead links. To answer you question though, No, MOCplans hasn't died down. In-fact traffic and sales have continued to increase month over month. MOCplans should be coming out of "beta" very soon. It has been a very long road testing the functionality and reliability on the user side and now completely rebuilding the seller side (which is currently handled by admin). The new development has been waiting on the ability to allow the seller to control all aspects of their sales more like a proper store. Now that its been worked out we have been working on figuring out the upload / conversion process to integrate with the user side (to remove any admin steps). I anticipate there will still be a new-MOC review process within reason to try and keep the quality consistent. That being said, this is a fluid process and nothing is set in stone. Things will certainly be adapted as needed.

I would slap a b#$ch to be able to build Sheepo's Bugatti. Same goes for M_Longer's Kenworth Rotator

Barman put the lengths of each into the photo in the instructions on page 441. The lengths are 7.1 , 9.5 , 8.7 , 9.5 , 10.6 , 5.9 , 5.9 , 7.1 (In inches) Don't bother use lego brand tubing since its just for decoration anyway. Yes thats the correct service pack. They are the standard fiber cables from 8480. Surprises? Personally, I didn't bother using the battery pack. The power from the train transformer is plenty even at the slowest speed to give enough light to accomplish the effect. Plus this way you only have to turn the dial and everything works. Also, make sure to checkout Barman's M-Motor mod....you will just need a 3x5 L bracket, some pins and a 20cm extension cable (to convert 9v to PF).

The Medium bands are perfect...any color will work. They can be purchased on Bricklink

Well...success I guess. Not really positive that a redo of the foil solved the problem or perhaps a complete rebuild of the mechanism removed some of the friction but either way, its now working as expected.

Ill try flipping the foil. Perhaps I used the insulated side of it that caused a bit of resistance in the circuit that caused these problems. I'll report back.

Its RARE that I start a thread but I have an issue I would like some feedback on. I have a mechanism that inherently has significant friction involved. The motor powering the mechanism is a "new style" 9v motor, powered by an old 9v battery pack. When connected directly to the 9v battery pack the motor is capable (though not thrilled) of properly operating the mechanism. Its certainly stressed but it gets the job done. When I introduce the PF receiver into the equation (foil trick) the motor is now basically unable to operate in the same high friction points (Stalls out). I don't actually know how to solve this issue but I have three possible options as I see it. 1) Reduce friction in the mechanism: Its really not possible unless I use silicone since its not a gear train. Its two tiles moving against eachother, but there are lots of tiles creating the friction. 2) Change motors: The design is such that I really can't. I was able to sub in a PF Medium and while it worked directly connected the odd shape in a studded build required the use of a gear train that again couldn't cope with the Friction once connected to the receiver. Regardless, this option almost created more problems than it solved. 3) Change to V2 Receiver: Yeah, I don't have one and don't' want to buy one without knowing if it will work (How crazy is it that I DONT have something??). I have read many things about the V2 receivers but Im not sure that what I am describing would be solved with the receiver swap. Any insight would be great appreciated!

Done, was just waiting for the link.

Its worth mentioning that if you mounted two firgellis (not sure how easy it would be) that had the internal gear train swap then they would have a combined 66lbs of lift force. I built the 3 section boom for Han's 8421XL and just one with the geartrain swap was plenty strong. I mention two incase someone wanted to mount a 4 section boom...it could certainly be lifted. I am seriously considering converting my 8421xl to this...still wouldn't be cheap! Eric...Did you investigate if the top-back of the boom had the clearance to be at an 82 degree angle? It was a big hassle with the 8421xl and still somewhat a problem in Jennifer's Demag to get the lift angle I wanted. If its simple on this then the firgelli might be the way to go for people (like me) who are sick of these pathetic OEM booms that are in serious need of a little blue pill.

I actually don't see any changes that are jumping out at me. Could you point me in the right direction?

In an effort to both promote this fantastic model and add a new feature to MOCplans this model is now available to view on MOCplans. http://mocplans.com/v8-engine.html More information is available here http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=74802&st=125

Been a while since an update. In an effort to boost adoption rates of using MOCplans.com I have just launched the ability to allow for "free" access to certain models. The idea here is that there are many of you who are not comfortable spending money first to find out what MOCplans is about so now you can see via free models. As part of my trial process I used Barman's V8 model since I had the files already and had the model on my desk above me. Needless to say when I asked Barman if I could actually post the model (rather than just test with it) he was all for it. If you haven't built this model Its both worth you time and certain to be a conversation piece. It can be found here http://mocplans.com/v8-engine.html In addition to this method of "free access", Ingmar (2LegoOrNot2Lego) has also released a modification model (5th Wheel hitch for 8258) that requires a log-in to the service but is still free (no checkout required). There isn't a huge reason why the difference rather just trying to see what sort of bounce rates occur from having to log-in first. If you can think of other, "free", publicly available models that should be added please let me know. Hopefully we will finally be releasing the ability for designers to manage their own products soon. It has been a long road with Paypal routing and other problems but I am optimistic it will release soon.

I'm sorry I no longer have it built to check. The action was never smooth on the boom.

I had trouble too. I think I needed to adjust both the amount of links and the placement of them (i.e. on which side of the "kingpin" link).

I am happy to report it is very much in the works. Ideally, each designer will be able to decide how they want to handle their models distribution.

Well...THAT...and I am an active member on this forum as well.