Generic Contest Discussion

[D3K]

Although it is probably one of the most popular categories for Technic MOCing, I would actually like to see an "Earth-mover" contest, sort of similar to the recent crane contest. Seeing as it is so common, people would actually have to think a little outside the box to make something unique/fascinating, something that I think happened now in TC8 as well (amongst others, the entries of Zblj, Erik Leppen, DavSod, rhplus, JamesJT, aminich/Ludo Visser are all models not often seen in Technic form).

I'd like to see the same with earth moving equipment like loaders, dozers, excavators etc etc

[aminnich]

That would be the coolest contest, would definitely need more time though. But u have my vote for that contrst D3K

[agrof]

I would like to add also an idea into the hut:

Pull-back motor(s)!

Category 1: vehicles

Category 2: alternative functional application - the more unusual/crazy the better

I believe this could be a really innovative and fun contest.

Edited November 10, 2015 by agrof

[Epic Technic]

I would like to add also an idea into the hut:

Pull-back motor(s)!

Category 1: vehicles

Category 2: alternative functional application - the more unusual/crazy the better

I believe this could be a really innovative and fun contest.

I believe that part specific contests are not really good because not everyone can take part. I personally do not have a pullback motor so I would not be able to take part.

[Lipko]

I believe that part specific contests are not really good because not everyone can take part. I personally do not have a pullback motor so I would not be able to take part.

pullback sets are among the cheapest sets.

[aminnich]

I agree with epic technic

[Vectormatic]

pullback sets are among the cheapest sets.

And are great little part packs in terms of panels and such, the red/white F1 car from a few years back is still one of my favorite technic models from after my dark ages.

[Samer]

Hi everybody I love this topic. I wanted to get into the crane contest to try to build something good but time didn't serve me well. To the topic:

Did anybody before suggest model-C contest. Taking one of the most interesting sets each half year and make your model only from this set of parts. This has disadvantage for people who didn't buy it, but also has some good advantages: fairness, challenge, one interesting thing: how will u proof you were strict to the rule? So you'll have to create instructions :-D

[Jay Psi]

Hi everybody I love this topic. I wanted to get into the crane contest to try to build something good but time didn't serve me well. To the topic:

Did anybody before suggest model-C contest. Taking one of the most interesting sets each half year and make your model only from this set of parts. This has disadvantage for people who didn't buy it, but also has some good advantages: fairness, challenge, one interesting thing: how will u proof you were strict to the rule? So you'll have to create instructions :-D

We've already had a C-Model contest, at the back end of last year. I don't remember any stipulation about instructions, I think it was taken on good faith that every builder stuck to the limits (600 parts, maximum of two sets from 2005 or later).

Here are the general, voting and results threads if you want to find out more about how it went.

Edited November 10, 2015 by Jay Psi

[Epic Technic]

pullback sets are among the cheapest sets.

They're not super cheap every where

[Jim]

They're not super cheap every where

Lipko didn't say that. He said they are among the cheapest sets, which is true. A pullback contest is definitely on the list, so I recommend everyone to get one or two pullbacks, for future use

[piterx]

What about a contest where everyone has to use the same wheels?

[Jim]

What about a contest where everyone has to use the same wheels?

That's on the list too

[Samer]

We've already had a C-Model contest, at the back end of last year. I don't remember any stipulation about instructions, I think it was taken on good faith that every builder stuck to the limits (600 parts, maximum of two sets from 2005 or later).

Here are the general, voting and results threads if you want to find out more about how it went.

Thanks for sharing that.

[Jurss]

What about contest with pullback and same wheels

[Vectormatic]

What about contest with pullback and same wheels

Yeah, we could make it a C-model contest for one of the specific pullback racer sets!

[Jim]

What about contest with pullback and same wheels

Hehe

[Epic Technic]

Lipko didn't say that. He said they are among the cheapest sets, which is true. A pullback contest is definitely on the list, so I recommend everyone to get one or two pullbacks, for future use

I said that with the wrong tone, all I meant was that they aren't available everywhere :( and I feel as if anyone should be able to enjoy and partake in competitions. And to not be restricted by needing one single specific piece in order to have a valid entry.

[dr_spock]

Parts can be purchased from Bricklink or see the Technic bargain thread for when those pull back sets go on sale in your area. Using uncommon parts can be a problem for those with spouse approved spending, lack of disposible income, poor student, etc. I guess it remains to be seen if participation is impacted, not that less competition is a bad thing. Contest time frame should have some room for contestants to purchase the part, hopefully that won't drive up BL prices with demand...

[Jim]

I said that with the wrong tone, all I meant was that they aren't available everywhere :(

Okay, no problem

and I feel as if anyone should be able to enjoy and partake in competitions. And to not be restricted by needing one single specific piece in order to have a valid entry.

I definitely agree!! But for pullback motors I am willing to make an exception

NEXT CONTEST CONCEPT?!

Okay guys....I've done some thinking on the next contest and we've had some debate about the concept. The concept is almost finished, but we need to make sure it's feasible. So, I'll just throw it out here.

Build an official LEGO set, which included an A and B model. There will be a size limit, like 25x19x19 studs in size (foldable parts can stick out, as long as the model can fit in the 25x19x19 box).

• Size limit (x y z)
  
• Moving parts like a crane can be bigger than the size limit, but the models need to be able to fit in the dimensions provided
  
• Pneumatics are permitted
  
• 3rd party strings, hoses and rubber bands are permitted
  
• LEDs are NOT permitted
  
• Electronics (PF elements, SBricks and Mindstorms) are NOT permitted
  

The main problem we see is that contestants need to build a model, take it apart for the B-model, etc. What are your thoughts?

[Epic Technic]

Build an official LEGO set, which included an A and B model. There will be a size limit, like 25x19x19 studs in size (foldable parts can stick out, as long as the model can fit in the 25x19x19 box).

• Size limit (x y z)
  
• Moving parts like a crane can be bigger than the size limit, but the models need to be able to fit in the dimensions provided
  
• Pneumatics are permitted
  
• 3rd party strings, hoses and rubber bands are permitted
  
• LEDs are NOT permitted
  
• Electronics (PF elements, SBricks and Mindstorms) are NOT permitted
  

The main problem we see is that contestants need to build a model, take it apart for the B-model, etc. What are your thoughts?

The real problem I see is that its way too small for LEGO technic, I think having similar size constraints as the model team competition's.

By the way, when can we have another model team competition?

[JJ2]

Build an official LEGO set, which included an A and B model. There will be a size limit, like 25x19x19 studs in size (foldable parts can stick out, as long as the model can fit in the 25x19x19 box).

• Size limit (x y z)
  
• Moving parts like a crane can be bigger than the size limit, but the models need to be able to fit in the dimensions provided
  
• Pneumatics are permitted
  
• 3rd party strings, hoses and rubber bands are permitted
  
• LEDs are NOT permitted
  
• Electronics (PF elements, SBricks and Mindstorms) are NOT permitted
  

The main problem we see is that contestants need to build a model, take it apart for the B-model, etc. What are your thoughts?

Awesome looks like this is going to be a good contest. The A-B model part I think is cool but will be a challenge.

Edited November 11, 2015 by JJ2

[BusterHaus]

The main problem we see is that contestants need to build a model, take it apart for the B-model, etc. What are your thoughts?

I like the idea of limited size very much. It forces you to be creative. The relatively small size should also allow having two identical sets of bricks for building the A and B models simultaneously.

[Appie]

Looks like a good competition to me. I tried to build a B model with the 200 parts max contest, I got pretty far but in the end the parts I had to use to keep the A model at 200 parts were killing me to add functions on the B-Model (barely managed 2)

Should be less of a problem with just a size limit

Pullback should be fun too.

[MajklSpajkl]

That sounds great!!! I like the size limitation, but perhapse I'd propose volume limitation:

25x19x19 = 9025 cubic studs

A model that is 35x15x17 = 8925 cubic studs would meet the limitation. Its B model could be i.e. 21x21x 20 = 8820 cubic studs. I think it would add to diversity of the entries so that we don'get 17 trucks and 5 buses :-P

No part count limits then?

I think a bit more time than the usual month would be necessary in orther to makeva good A model and a nice B out of that. I believe not many builders will think about both models simoultaneously.

I don't think dismantling the A model to make a B model should be to much of a problem, if there's enough time available.

I guess B model should contain only parts from A model. No xtra parts allowed.

And the final Q: When?????

Cheers, looking forward to this one.

Edited November 11, 2015 by MajklSpajkl