Hello from So. California

[Andy D]

Hello,

I started LEGO back in the 1980’s with my son when he was very young. When he lost interest in LEGO in his early teens, I did as well. Then about mid 1990’s my wife started getting me LEGO space sets for me for Christmas, mostly as a gag, but because she thought I was just a big “kid” (well she was right, I was and still am). She got me those sets for a few years and I lost interest in LEGO again. Then in 2008 I discovered LEGO Mindstorms, my wife got me a LEGO Mindstorms for Chrisrtmas 2008 and I got interested again, was not able to build much for about 6 months (I did not really lose interest, I was just way too busy with work) then got a couple of Technic sets mostly to add to my collection of parts and when the NXT 2.0 came out I got one in October 2009 and I have been building off and on since then. I guess might say I had two episodes of my “dark ages”, but both as an adult.

I like to get some of the more complex Technic sets for parts and to see how the LEGO Masters assemble the elements. Mostly LEGO satisfies two parts of my psyche. The assembly and design satisfies my artistic needs and the programming satisfies my scientific curiosity.

I like to build small robots that explore the environment using the sensors. I like find ways to modify some of the larger Technic sets to use the NXT and I like to expand my LEGO knowledge by seeing what others have done both online and by reading books and trying out some of the constructions and programs involving NXT.

I found Eurobricks mainly because of the information on the new 8043 Excavator as that was one of the new 2010 sets that I just purchased. I haven’t had time to start it yet. When I do get around to it I will either build using Jurgen Krooshoop’s modifications or wait until LEGO publishes their modificatons (it looks like a fun set!)

Later,

Andy D

Edited August 25, 2010 by Andy D

[RoryoCox]

Welcome to Eurobricks, Andy. I am sure you will find our forums interesting.

Make sure you enjoy the site

[XimenaPaulina]

Welcome to Eurobricks Andy D! That was a pretty interesting intro. It's good to hear you use lego as a means to satisfy your 'scientific curiosity'. How I wish I could build lego robots like you do, but I just don't have your 'scientific curiosity'. Instead, I use lego as a creative outlet, as seen in my MOCs. Well, hope you continue enjoying the site.

[Andy D]

Welcome to Eurobricks Andy D! That was a pretty interesting intro. It's good to hear you use lego as a means to satisfy your 'scientific curiosity'. How I wish I could build lego robots like you do, but I just don't have your 'scientific curiosity'. Instead, I use lego as a creative outlet, as seen in my MOCs. Well, hope you continue enjoying the site.

Thanks!

That is what is so great about LEGO. There is something there to satisfy many of our needs. LEGO has such great growth potential for all. Children can start off expressing their artistic abilities which can lead to the expression of our artistic abilities throughout our lives. With NXT (and other robotic platforms) they can learn to appreciate their scientific curiosity and learn logical though process. These artistic and scientific outlets can and do carry over into our adult lives as is evident by the number of AFOL's and TFOL's present here and on other forums. As long as we express our imagination (however we do that) it will help to keep us young and active (even 'Old Guy's" like me).

Keep on building, keep on creating.

Andy D

[Dutch]

Welcome to EuroBircks Andy D.

[Milan]

Welcome!

Hope you will be satisfied with your Excavator!

[Andy D]

Welcome!

Hope you will be satisfied with your Excavator!

Thanks to all for the messages of welcome! I am sure I will like the Excavator, it appears it will be a complex and fun build and I should learn more about gearing and construction technique which I can apply to other builds.

I am really enjoying reading and seeing the wonderful MOC's presented in this forum. There are really some very talented builders who frequent this forum, I am glad I found it!

Thanks,

Andy D