8880 Sneak Preview

[Blakbird]

Due to length of time since the last Technicopedia update, there has been some speculation that either I am dead or have been replaced by a doppelganger. While I can neither confirm nor deny these rumors, I can state that I have been working on 1994 for quite a long time, and have been paying special attention to 8880. Such a set deserves the best I can muster, so I've been trying to kick it up a notch. I've put a little sample below of what I've been working on. I hope it will all be worth it!

I've also been working hard on the Technic Ldraw model repository as discussed here.

Edited August 4, 2010 by Blakbird

[Milan]

It is worth right now. Keep up! Looks fantastic!

[simonwillems]

Due to length of time since the last Technicopedia update ....

I check the site every once in a while because I love the concept and the really extensive reviews with the animations.

Keep up the good work!

[JunkstyleGio]

Nice work, Eric!

Hope you get the next 15 years in your Technopedia soon... It's a hell of a job.

Tip: Maybe you should use some ghostwriters/friends for speeding up the process!

[Rijkvv]

I can't wait to see it. There is one thing I want to say though: I've seen your renders in your Brickshelf folder, and you used the wrong parts for the headlights. I can imagine the printed slopes are not available, but what I mean is that you used this:

instead of this:

Maybe I'm wrong, and it's not a big issue, but I want you to know it. At least they are great renders, better than I ever will do.

[Blakbird]

but what I mean is that you used this:

instead of this:

Wow, you're right. I didn't actually make the LDraw file, it came from Koyan, I just rendered it. You've been looking very closely! I've fixed the file so that anything I may happen to render in the future will be correct.

<hint> If anyone wanted to model the actual printed headlight, that sure would be swell. </hint>

[allanp]

Ooooooooooh 1994 is gonna be goooooood! I check back most days for updates can't wait for the next one. Then I won't be able to wait for the next one and especially the one after that!

nevermind about how long it takes, it's always better to do it good then to do it fast, and yours is VERY good my friend. If only I could convince my boss of that

One day you will have created the most extensive and up to date information on every technic set ever released, it's gonna be sooooooo awsome!

[Blakbird]

Hope you get the next 15 years in your Technopedia soon... It's a hell of a job.

I think if I had stuck to my original concept and didn't keep adding "new features", I would have been done by now. But I don't regret any of the new stuff, I think it has gotten better with each update. I hope others agree that the new features like revolving animations and renders have added something to the overall appeal. Keen eyed observers will notice a number of other updates to the overall site in the newest revision as well.

Tip: Maybe you should use some ghostwriters/friends for speeding up the process!

I've thought about it, but I think it would be difficult to keep it consistent. I have had help though. A few people have been donating Ldraw models which has really saved me a lot of time.

But still much to do. Need to add the next 15 years. I'm expanding the scope to add the Competition, Star Wars, and other sets that I was originally leaving out. I'm trying to collect Ldraw models for every set or make them myself. I'm trying to render every set. I want to add all the alternate models. I want to add the supplemental sets. I want to add the Idea Books. I top of this is the fact that I don't actually HAVE any of the Competition, Slizer, or similar sets so getting the time and money to collect them at the same time is slowing me down.

I'll keep working though!

[Rijkvv]

I have found the printed slope. It can be found in the unofficial parts: 3041p01.dat

[Blakbird]

I have found the printed slope. It can be found in the unofficial parts: 3041p01.dat

I just noticed the same thing. Sigh. Now I have no choice but to fix my renders.....

While we're looking, what about the Technic badge on the front of the hood? I've never found that one.

OK, you shamed me into it. I fixed it:

Brickshelf Render

Edited September 2, 2009 by Blakbird

[Rijkvv]

It seems there is an error with that part. The pattern itself is shown, but the parts beneath the slope are visible. I think the best way is to add the non-patterned slope seperately.

[Siegfried]

OK, you shamed me into it. I fixed it:

Brickshelf Render

Wow! It's amazing how good renders can be these days. If it wasn't for the wheels I'd be fooled at a casual glance. Looking closer, the gears that control that lights don't look quite real, but it doesn't pop out (ha ha!) as much as the wheels.

Great work and I look forward to your Technopedia update!

[CP5670]

I just noticed the same thing. Sigh. Now I have no choice but to fix my renders.....

While we're looking, what about the Technic badge on the front of the hood? I've never found that one.

It's in the sticker category. 8880 is one of the very few sets to have its stickers in the LDraw collection.

I'm looking forward to the site update.

[Blakbird]

It's in the sticker category. 8880 is one of the very few sets to have its stickers in the LDraw collection.

There are indeed a bunch of Super Car stickers (which I've used) but, so far as I can tell, the front badge is not among them. Do you have a part number?

[CP5670]

You're right, that one sticker is missing. I actually thought you meant the Technic logo on the back, but I would have expected them all to be there.