Community Building Challenge Created by You

[22kane]

I've noticed in several other forums that they often have a community build where interested members contribute a MOC to a specific theme with specific rules in place. The question is, has this ever been done in the train forum? The other question, would it work?

It seems like the Star Wars and Pirate folk do these types of things often and I would love to see what the train community could offer. Being a newer member I don't know the rules on starting such a thing and I know we would need staff permission at least from The Brickster I would imagine.

So, thoughts, comments and whatever else. And remember I said "would this work?"

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EDIT:

I've added a poll to help promote ideas and let us keep track of what our EB Train Community might be interested in seeing. Please take a moment to vote. -TheBrickster

Prize Ideas:

Aside from a Train Tag for the winner(s), please share your ideas for any non-physical award/prize (eg. front page recognition, a picture next to me (okay: just threw that one in for fun ), the winner gets interviewed, etc, etc...

[roamingstop]

Personally I think it could be a fun thing; but you would need to decide between physical MOC or LDD equivalent? Then someone would need to specify scales; parts (available list or all possible), colours (available list or all possible).

Some possible themes:

• Wild West Cargo Train
  
• Scenic mountain tours
  
• Inter-regional rail
  
• Old timer's rally (not just steam, but early diesel and electric)
  
• Fuel loading / unloading depot
  

[Sir E Fullner]

That actually sounds like a great idea. However, I think that would only work with LDraw and LDD.

[tedbeard]

I've noticed in several other forums that they often have a community build where interested members contribute a MOC to a specific theme with specific rules in place. The question is, has this ever been done in the train forum? The other question, would it work?

Are you talking about physical displays like the Classic-Castle City, Moonbase and the newly proposed Port Brick Standard or are you talking about online challenges or contests where someone sets a theme and rules and people post pictures of what they have built?

[22kane]

Are you talking about physical displays like the Classic-Castle City, Moonbase and the newly proposed Port Brick Standard or are you talking about online challenges or contests where someone sets a theme and rules and people post pictures of what they have built?

I was just talking about when someone sets a theme and rules and people post pictures.

[tedbeard]

I was just talking about when someone sets a theme and rules and people post pictures.

OK, so what you are talking about is called a contest (if there are prizes) or a challenge (just for fun).

In either case you find a couple of people who will help, come up with your guidelines and post about it. Try to make your rules clear and set a reasonable length of time. Make sure to acknowledge people who enter and stick to your own deadlines. I would suggest looking over other sets of rules and borrowing liberally from those that have come before.

It's just that easy. OK, not really but if you start with a small challenge you can see how it works.

[Sokratesz]

I wouldn't mind a 'community build' thread for the old 12v era :D

[pinioncorp]

Why don't we do a LDD community build where everyone adds a carriage? We each add something different to create something unique. Just set the guidelines such as parts, width, length and height limits.

[WesternOutlaw]

I'm reading some nice ideas in regard to a building challenge. I do want to point out that contests are created by our moderating team as they require prizes, resources, and collaboration between staff; but I am certainly open to ideas and suggestions. In regard to a community build, this usually involves a physical meeting or "get-together" in which you bring your creations - more difficult than an on-line contest as we have international membership.

A building challenge; however, is just for fun and does not involve prizes. Feel free to continue to discuss those ideas here.

[22kane]

Why don't we do a LDD community build where everyone adds a carriage? We each add something different to create something unique. Just set the guidelines such as parts, width, length and height limits.

I could be down with something like this even though I'm not well versed in the LDD world. I'd certainly give it a try. If someone out there wants to organize this please be my guest. Above me The Brickster stated there would be no prizes which I think is fine. This would be for the fun of it. If anyone wants to get this rolling with rules and so on, go for it. You wouldn't be stepping on my toes, I just asked the question.

I would also like to point out that building MOCs and posting pictures would be more challenging and in the end members could even trade designs if they wanted. And if anyone wants to share ideas on how we could go about this whole thing feel free to message me. I do have a few ideas on how to get the ball rolling.

[WesternOutlaw]

As I give this some additional thought, I think it would be a really nice idea to generate some nice MOCs and building among train fans. I'm not real fond of the LDD idea as I personally prefer to see real builds vs digital designs, but that's not to say I will nix the idea if there is strong interest. I do think real/traditional building is much more fun.

Please take a look at this Build a Ghost Train Building Challenge to get some ideas how a challenge would work. I kept the rules out for more fun. As the building challenge would be just for fun, I would be willing to throw in some special digital Train Tags for the winner(s) (like a red train arrow or train engine to appear below the winner's avatar (see my US flag, etc.)).

I would like to see a champion organize the entries keeping in mind that the simpler, the better and more fun. This involves starting the topic and establishing the rules (once approved), and organizing the entry pictures/thumbnails.

The nice concept here is that this could be a challenge created by our LEGO Train community, as opposed to a contest created by myself and the other staff. Let's see what you all are interested in seeing and maybe we can get some ideas flowing and a champion or two. Challenge on!

[legoguy475]

I'm really Interested in building popular GM EMD Models like the SD40, SD60, and GP38-2, and building some of the older GE U Boats and Dash 7s.

[WesternOutlaw]

Hey All:

I've added a poll for all to express their interest and keep track of what members might be interested in seeing as part of a challenge.

I do not believe we've ever built a Building Challenge based upon the ideas from all of our members. This might be a fun little endeavor and the first of its kind here on EB. It's always fun to be creative!

If I've left any choices off the poll, be sure to share your ideas within this topic. I can always add/modify for inclusion if there are enough votes/interst in one thing.

If anyone wants to champion this Building Challenge, as mentioned above, I'm looking for takers (22kane as this topic starter or other brave member). Honestly, the reward for coming up with an idea is helping implement it.

Let's see what y'all want to do.

[Sokratesz]

Why does it have to be a challenge?

Why can't a community build just consist of people submitting MOC's to a pre-set theme without the competition element?

Everytime people throw terms like 'challenge' into something just to make it seem more interesting or to appeal to an audience that doesn't fully understand the implications of it, it reminds me of this brilliant South Park episode:

- Sok.

Edited August 13, 2011 by Sokratesz

[WesternOutlaw]

Why does it have to be a challenge?

Why can't a community build just consist of people submitting MOC's to a pre-set theme without the competition element?

You can basically do that now. The Challenge does add that level of competition which helps drive interest. We're talking about getting a tag below your avatar if we vote/select a winner - it's not "high stakes".

[Sokratesz]

Good, because I wanted to make sure that it had not been put there simply because it sounds awesome.

- Sok.

[roamingstop]

Cross-over theme build would be fun; similar to the LRZ / Fire trains concepts... (there are many opportunities still to do; plus unique MOC concepts)

Alternatively the team could be highly creative and attempt to render a real life scene; e.g. Swanage Railway + stations...

[WesternOutlaw]

Making it sound awesome will also help make it awesome. Marketing and publicizing helps create interest and drive participation. I don't want to see it simply become a topic with 2-3 comments. That's partly why I'm here to help whoever wants to champion the idea(s).

[Sokratesz]

Making it sound awesome will also help make it awesome. Marketing and publicizing helps create interest and drive participation. I don't want to see it simply become a topic with 2-3 comments. That's partly why I'm here to help whoever wants to champion the idea(s).

I doubt many AFOL's are susceptible to that kind of tomfoolery. LEGO's regular target audience might be, but usually when something is good, people will come regardless of what label they've put on it :)

- Sok.

[22kane]

So this is what I have come up with. I welcome any thoughts or opinions etc.

The main purpose will be to build a freight train. Each member will design and build a freight car to be added into the train. All entries will be built to fit on current Lego track and should be able to roll freely with current trains and rolling stock- meaning a 10 stud wide model will not be appropriate. Actual width will be stated in the rules if this becomes official.

Each participant will have a variety of loads to choose from and will design their rolling stock around the load. The car does not need to be prototypical as I would like to encourage some free thinking on this. Loads will consist of traditional goods to fictional goods. Here are some ideas- coal, wood, minifigure heads, money tiles, oil, deceased pirates, mail, push brooms, Darth Vaders soul, guns, steel, gravel, mini tie fighters, auto mobiles, ships or boats etc etc. The load itself does not need to be featured especially if it is a classic design or prototypical such as a box car. You can state in your description of the car what load it contains but you don't have to show it. For the odd load cars it would be best to feature the load such as minifigure heads.

When the final decision on loads is finalized each member will announce what load they would like. The first to post his/her load will have ownership of that load and no one else will be able to use it.

I would also be ok with allowing track side structures to be involved. After the cars and structures have been submitted we could vote on both categories of the winning submissions. I like The Bricksters idea on having an Avatar made for the winner.

If we decide to allow trackside structures one type of load may be used on a structure and train car. Example- a coal car and coaling tower may be submitted by two different members. I would think two weeks would be enough time to build and then submit. Once everything has been submitted within the proper time allowed a voting poll would be open to all members of EB to pick their favorite train car and track side structure. I don't think an actual prize is necessary as this is for fun. I would certainly like an Avatar made for each of the category winners to flaunt their win.

So, chew on that. Let me know how you feel and I would be more than happy to come up with all of the rules. Let me know.

[22kane]

Cross-over theme build would be fun; similar to the LRZ / Fire trains concepts... (there are many opportunities still to do; plus unique MOC concepts)

Alternatively the team could be highly creative and attempt to render a real life scene; e.g. Swanage Railway + stations...

I also like the idea of a fire train and so on. There are many ways we could do this.

We would need front page advertising too, just to get members interested. We could advertise the contest for a week before it actually begins. Again, I would be fine with running the event and I can keep track of the participants.

Please suggest additional ideas as I would really like to get this going. I think we could bring some needed attention to the Train Tech forum. Seriously, Lego trains are the best part of Lego, right? :)

[AndyC]

How about participants have to create a freight car for transporting something related to their favourite (non-train) LEGO theme of past or present? So maybe you could have a Futuron rocket transporter, a rolling Castle catapult or something equally crazy. The more imaginative the better.

[22kane]

How about participants have to create a freight car for transporting something related to their favourite (non-train) LEGO theme of past or present? So maybe you could have a Futuron rocket transporter, a rolling Castle catapult or something equally crazy. The more imaginative the better.

That's a great idea too.

Edited August 13, 2011 by 22kane

[greenmtvince]

How about creating a modular layout as part of the challenge similar to N scale model railroaders' N-Track standard. We say people can pick either a straightaway or curve module and can build to their hearts content on that space. If folks ever come together for a show or convention, they can bring their modules and link them together into a larger layout. This overcomes the issue of all forum members being so geographically ispersed. If it's an LDD challenge, people can upload their modules and folks in the community (with sufficiently powerful computers) can combine modules to create different layouts.

I feel train modellers have their very own specific interests and don't really enter contests or community builds unless there's some crossover between the theme and their long term modelling plans. This would overcome that to a certain extent in that people would have the creative freedom to model a train station in Finland, a Maersk container yard in the US, a moonbase railroad, bridge crossing a pirate cove or whatever! Additionally, it's small enough so that people with their own layouts could incorporate this into their larger layout plan, and those that don't have the space or cash for their own layout could have a diorama (or their own operational shunting/switching layout.)

Here's a proposed module standard:

The idea is that you have two mainline tracks to run trains. On the straight module, the only restriction is that there is one length of straight track on either end 4 studs from the table edge and another 8 studs from the one closest to the edge. The corner module is designed in a way that could accomodate ME models R56 or larger radius track (if they ever make it...)

It could have some additional restriction like track height is at 30" so if people want to build up ballast or a large trestle they can drop the table height and still link up with other tables. Or the mainlines must be cleared 2 studs on either side and to a certain height to allow large 8-wide trains.

[WesternOutlaw]

I doubt many AFOL's are susceptible to that kind of tomfoolery. LEGO's regular target audience might be, but usually when something is good, people will come regardless of what label they've put on it

Sok: I think you're missing the entire idea/concept of what is being proposed. When we have any sort of building challenge or contest, it requires publicizing to generate interest. That's what I'm here to assist with. The alternative is for members like 22kane and others who have shared creative ideas regarding this challenge to create topics that simply get ignored with little or no exposure. It's NOT at all "tomfoolery", but rather sharing information with others who may be interested in participating. Voting for your favorite and a tag for the winner(s) serves as a small incentive adding to the fun.

So this is what I have come up with...

Interesting idea. Let's see what others think.

How about participants have to create a freight car for transporting something related to their favourite (non-train) LEGO theme

I really like this idea. Cross-over with other themes allows a much higher level of creativity and for non-train owners to participate. We saw this with the Train Container giveaway, and it was fun seeing all the splendid non-traditional train containers.

How about creating a modular layout

Much like a physical Community Build in which members show off their creations in a mall or face-to-face get-together. Keeping it simple would be my only concern with this idea. If we get too technical, it will take the fun out of it.

Great ideas all!