Technicopedia

[Blakbird]

If you don't mind me asking, how would publishing pictures of boxes infringe LEGO's copyrights? Some large sites do it (BrickLink and Peeron, for example), and they seem to get away with it, unless they have some sort of agreement with TLG.

Those sites are riddled with disclaimers. Google "LEGO Fair Play Policy" to see the legal requirements associated with posting such things. It isn't hugely complicated, but I'd rather just not deal with any legal stuff.

I would be more than happy to contribute to Technicopedia's hosting, and I'm sure others would as well. Have you considered putting a link on the site so those who wish to can donate?

Thanks for the offer. I have considered adding a way to do such a thing (donate) but haven't had time to come up with the details and haven't decided if I think I would get enough response to be worth the effort. After the bashing I took for trying to sell the Gallardo instructions I made, it seems that most people think everything Lego community related should be free. That almost put me off of updating the site any more at all, but I've received enough positive comments from people who really like the site that I decided to keep going.

[allanp]

I think this has been discussed before. I have indeed dismantled them all and placed them back in their boxes and will be reassembling them. I do plan to add some features to the site when I do including some pictures of the build process and of the parts assortment.

Oooooh that's cool! You know the 144 piece engine build stage of the test car needs a mention there!

However I am hesitant to show any boxes or instructions because those are LEGO copyrights and I really don't want to stray into the "fair play" policy if I can help it. Too much work. At the moment every single thing on the site is my own work (or something donated).

Well yes I can understand that, you already put sooooooo much work into your site and I am very greatful for that. But now you have me curious. Isn't the design of the model itself and its parts just as copyright protected as the boxes?

I also don't have all of the boxes so even if I was to add that feature it would be incomplete.

Unless you would be willing to accept donations of pictures from other people like the LDRAW models then I see your point. Besides it's still a fantastic website and can't wait for 1995

Edited February 1, 2010 by allanp

[allanp]

Thanks for the offer. I have considered adding a way to do such a thing (donate) but haven't had time to come up with the details and haven't decided if I think I would get enough response to be worth the effort. After the bashing I took for trying to sell the Gallardo instructions I made, it seems that most people think everything Lego community related should be free. That almost put me off of updating the site any more at all, but I've received enough positive comments from people who really like the site that I decided to keep going.

Just went to technicbricks and read all those comments. And after you put so much work into all of it too. Some people just don't get it do they. Well...all's I can say is......

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[CP5670]

I think it would be a good idea to include a few box pictures, assuming you have the time for it of course. The copyright isn't a real issue in practice, certainly not any more than the models themselves if you are taking your own pictures. A few sets in the past have had pretty cool and elaborate boxes, such as 8448, 8094 and several large sets in the early 80s.

You probably already have all the boxes that I do, but I keep all my boxes and could send you images if I happen to have something that you're missing.

[grepin]

Those sites are riddled with disclaimers. Google "LEGO Fair Play Policy" to see the legal requirements associated with posting such things. It isn't hugely complicated, but I'd rather just not deal with any legal stuff.

Ok, fair enough

Thanks for the offer. I have considered adding a way to do such a thing (donate) but haven't had time to come up with the details and haven't decided if I think I would get enough response to be worth the effort. After the bashing I took for trying to sell the Gallardo instructions I made, it seems that most people think everything Lego community related should be free. That almost put me off of updating the site any more at all, but I've received enough positive comments from people who really like the site that I decided to keep going.

I remember not everyone was particularly happy about it, but the feedback I was able to see here on EB was mostly positive, if I remember correctly. In any case, what usually happens on the Internet is that only a very small minority of dedicated users will donate to any given site or cause, but from what I hear those donations alone tend to be enough to sustain a reasonably sized site, and in your case anything would certainly help since you're the only one paying right now.

Please do let us know if or when you decide to ask for help with Technicopedia. Some people may even be able to mirror the site or host traffic-heavy files to alleviate the burden on your hosting account.

I think it would be a good idea to include a few box pictures, assuming you have the time for it of course. The copyright isn't a real issue in practice, certainly not any more than the models themselves if you are taking your own pictures. A few sets in the past have had pretty cool and elaborate boxes, such as 8448, 8094 and several large sets in the early 80s.

You probably already have all the boxes that I do, but I keep all my boxes and could send you images if I happen to have something that you're missing.

I also might have a few boxes you guys don't, so I'm also more than available to help with this if it ever goes ahead.

[zyrex]

Please do let us know if or when you decide to ask for help with Technicopedia. Some people may even be able to mirror the site or host traffic-heavy files to alleviate the burden on your hosting account.

Indeed, I also really love your site and can't wait for the updates for the upcoming years.

Anyway, if you would like to, I have my own server and a connection without any BW-limits I would like to help out with, if you are interested. Just PM me :)

[paul_delahaye]

Hi Blakbird,

Do you also have the Dacta educational sets to add to your site in the future?

I remember some of them from my school days :-)

[Blakbird]

Hi Blakbird,

Do you also have the Dacta educational sets to add to your site in the future?

Not at the moment. My collection is limited to Technic, Expert Builder, and the associated Technic Racers and Star Wars sets. I don't have the Bionicle marketed as Technic or any of the Dacta at the moment. I'd enjoy adding these, but it will have to be later after the rest of the site is finished.

[Kalapixie]

I have skipped through most of the pages in this thread, but I did do a thread search and didn't see anything off hand. So if I might so humbly suggest, that maybe you add a Pneumatics category on the Other Category.

My boyfriend had a ultimate builders accesory set for his Mindstorms, which came with Pneumatics. Unfortunately for me, we don't have many Pneumatics, or really any instructions. So I'd love to see some pneumatic sets, and where I could get them. Too bad lego discontinued them.

The Technicopedia so far has been very helpful and I appreciate the work put into it!

- Melody

[backbone]

Blakbird, are you planning a update? I mean descrption of 1995 and newer sets.

[phool]

Blakbird, are you planning a update? I mean descrption of 1995 and newer sets.

I do believe Eric is still working on this most awesome resource, however there has been a hiatus of sorts. Refer to the thread he posted here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?...st&p=617828

I'm sure I am one of many people who are (im)patiently awaiting the latest update!

[DLuders]

Unfortunately for me, we don't have many Pneumatics, or really any instructions. So I'd love to see some pneumatic sets, and where I could get them. Too bad lego discontinued them. - Melody

@Kalapixie (Melody): Lego did not discontinue Pneumatics. In fact, there is a current Set #8049 "Tractor wih Log Loader" available now for ~$US60. If you go to this Lego Shop at Home (S@H) website http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?...;cn=57&d=70 and select YOUR COUNTRY in the dropdown menu at the top-center part of that webpage, you can have one delivered to you this week. There is a nice animation of it at http://technic.lego.com/en-us/Products/default.aspx .

If you need Lego Technic PNEUMATIC pieces or older (discontinued) sets, go to http://www.bricklink.com , select "Catalog" from the dropdown menu at the top of that page, and type in the word "pneumatic" . You can see what is available from the Unofficial Lego Marketplace worldwide!

Instructions for MOST Lego sets are available from either http://www.brickfactory.info/ , and parts inventories are available from http://peeron.com/ . Happy hunting!

Edited June 7, 2010 by dluders

[Blakbird]

Blakbird, are you planning a update? I mean descrption of 1995 and newer sets.

Yes, I'm still working on it. I've recently completed my move but all of my sets are still disassembled. I have completed re-assembling the sets from 1977 and am actually planning some new content on those older years as I complete the building process. 1995 has been 90% done for several months, and will probably stay that way until I catch up again. I've also been working on several projects of building instructions, one of which is still under way.

[Blakbird]

Major Update

I've just finished posting a major update to Technicopedia which adds 1995 and introduces several new features.

• Includes 1995 with sets 8210, 8225, 8235, 8280, 8412, 8422, 8440, 8460, and 8485.
  
• For the years 1977 and 1978, I've added extensive coverage of all the alternate models, photos of the parts palette, and photos of the build process during construction.
  
• I've added a beta version of a new feature called "Technical Fundamentals" which has tutorials on how various basic technical concepts work along with animations and parts lists. I don't have this section linked from anywhere yet because I don't know where to put it.
  
• I was pretty burned out when I posted this update, so there are probably lots of typos in the new sections. I'll try to fix whatever is pointed out to me.
  

[phool]

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG And there was great rejoicing!

Thanks Eric for all of your amazing work. The only downside here is that I will not get any work done today

Edited June 23, 2010 by phool

[DLuders]

Major Update

[*]I've added a beta version of a new feature called "Technical Fundamentals"

Folks, be sure to visit Blakbird's new "Technical Fundamentals" webpage. It has extensive discussion about Technic Gears, Steering, Suspensions, and other moving parts, with lots of pictures and animations (one of which appear below). It is an excellent reference for AFOLs, new and old alike. Thanks for your efforts, Eric!

Edited June 26, 2010 by dluders

[Zerobricks]

Wow, thats really cool! Should be helpfull for those first to gears! Renders are great and colorfull, so they just beg for attention.

[Plastic Nurak]

Eric, thank for your work, it's awesome! Your site has become an important, precious reference for me. If you need some little help (like models rendering), I'll do you with pleasure .

[Jetro]

Love the tutorial section! Great work and looking forward to seeing your further updates.

[vmln8r]

Great work, I love the colourful, shiny renders. The bottom left one looks like a weight lifter with spindly arms

[grepin]

I've been waiting for this update for a long time, and as always it's another great addition to a great site

This one is somewhat special to me, since two sets from 1995 are part of my original collection (it was a small collection) and I coveted a few of the sets from 1995 for a very long time. Adding to this, I recently completed the 'Tech Build' collection for that year, so your reviews allow me to understand them better.

Now, since you asked for it, I tried to take note of the little flaws (mainly typos) your fatigue caused. I probably missed a few, but hopefully this will help a bit.

In the 1995 year page:

• pinnalce -> pinnacle
  
• ened -> ended
  
• "and 8400 series were introduced which would" -> "and 8400 series were introduced, and they would" (maybe just add the comma)
  
• "4 Tech Build models were released in 1995." -> "5 Tech Build models ..." (then again, maybe 4 since you put 8485 apart)
  
• plae -> plate
  
• "(a seen on the yellow gearbox at right)" -> ??
  
• disadantage -> disadvantage
  

In the 8485 set page:

• "the buttons and a different" -> "the buttons are a different"
  
• The Control Center User Guide states that up to 51 movements can be saved in the unit, with a maximum of 41 in a single program (thus leaving up to 10 movements for the other program).
  
• "but it still" -> "but is still"
  

[CP5670]

I have been looking forward to this update for a long time too, and it was well worth the wait. As you said, 1995 was a landmark year in many ways and brought out a lot of substantially sized sets for a single year. 8460 could have been a flagship set in its own right if 8485 hadn't come out the same year.

The dinosaur in 8485 (which is indeed a T-Rex, according to the S@H catalogs) is easily my favorite model in the set, and is totally unique in both its concept and its mechanisms. You mentioned that 8460 seemed unpopular to you, but I think that might actually apply more to 8485. It was only sold through S@H and at $220 it's by far the most expensive Technic set ever made, despite having a relatively low piece count. As a kid, it seemed like a poor deal to me compared to 8480 or 8880, and I didn't get one until several years later on ebay.

8422 was my first Technic set of moderate size (more than $15 or so). In addition to the tires, the printed headlight pieces in it were also unique to the set.

As for the short life of the crank handle piece, it was probably because the dark gray 3/4 pin came out in 1996 and more or less made the handle obsolete.

Edited June 24, 2010 by CP5670

[Blakbird]

Now, since you asked for it, I tried to take note of the little flaws (mainly typos) your fatigue caused. I probably missed a few, but hopefully this will help a bit.

Thanks, I've corrected those. Note that I intentionally left 8485 out of the "Tech Play" count since it does not say that anywhere on the packaging on instructions.

[Blakbird]

It has come to my attention that some people have not been able to find the new information (alternate models, etc.) for the old 1977 and 1978 sets. This area is accessed by clicking the "More Information" button at the top of the page. I guess this is not very conspicuous so perhaps there is a better way to do it to make sure that people find it. I'm open to suggestions.

[DLuders]

It has come to my attention that some people have not been able to find the new information (alternate models, etc.) for the old 1977 and 1978 sets. This area is accessed by clicking the "More Information" button at the top of the page. I guess this is not very conspicuous so perhaps there is a better way to do it to make sure that people find it. I'm open to suggestions.

I looked all over your Technicopedia homepage, and on the "1977" and "1978" models' pages, and can't find any button that says "More Information". Perhaps as the "owner" of the website you're seeing more options than are available to your AFOL customers?