4DBrix goes DIY

[zephyr1934]

I still don't understand why Tom doesn't simply exit the production and let designated producers like BTD do the fulfillment while paying him a royalty for the design (similar to what BTD already does with Nate's wheels).

[Amicus1]

He was offering print on demand since not many other producers were stepping up. Also for the people who want a guaranteed same quality.

[JopieK]

I recognize the problems that 4DBrix has, I have the same with the sticker stuff, it is hard to focus on production next to a full-time job and a lot of other things that often need higher priority.

Apart from that, maybe we should then start a dedicated topic for 3D printing these? I got an Ender 3 (pro) two month ago, it works really well. I did not try ABS / ASA yet, but PLA and PETG works really well. Not for purists, but even TLG is becoming more and more positive about 3D printing (see their LEGO inside tour part, but I also know that from the educational division).

[Amicus1]

As the 4DBrix website gets reconstructed, a marketplace framework is being put in place for exactly that purpose.

[supertruper1988]

On 8/13/2020 at 7:53 AM, zephyr1934 said:

I still don't understand why Tom doesn't simply exit the production and let designated producers like BTD do the fulfillment while paying him a royalty for the design (similar to what BTD already does with Nate's wheels).

He has exited? He is just slowly releasing the files on his site and Brick Train Depot has secured permission to sell prints of the designs. Prints will be done by OKBrickWorks. 

[Mr Hobbles]

On 8/13/2020 at 7:53 AM, zephyr1934 said:

I still don't understand why Tom doesn't simply exit the production and let designated producers like BTD do the fulfillment while paying him a royalty for the design (similar to what BTD already does with Nate's wheels).

I guess that's part of the issue - if Trixbrix and others can get away with manufacturing similar items without paying the royalty, why would anyone else?

[Daedalus304]

45 minutes ago, Mr Hobbles said:

I guess that's part of the issue - if Trixbrix and others can get away with manufacturing similar items without paying the royalty, why would anyone else?

As for other manufacturers selling similar items without paying royalties - they either have presumably have done the design work on their own and are NOT profiting off of somebody else's work, or they've decided that they are happy to make money from somebody else's work without compensating them for it. Could be they have permission to use it royalty free, could be they don't care about supporting the person who made their business possible.

I don't know about anyone else, but one of those feels an awful lot like stealing to me.

 

[Lord Xayd]

On 8/12/2020 at 10:17 PM, supertruper1988 said:

Sorry to hear of this! I know I am not Tom but I am an owner over at Brick Train Depot. We will be offering his full line as he makes them available. He has not released the Monorail track yet but when he does, we will offer it. I know its unknown on a timeline, but there is some hope that there is a solution on the horizon. 

TY!

I will absolutely keep an eye out.