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One of the most interesting LEGO sets in recent times has been the 6661 Mobile
TV Set of 1989. This set was sold everywhere, and would have an otherwise dull
existence if it weren't for the fact that Germany has a very interesting
variation of this set... the West Deutsche Rundfunk (WDR) version of this set.
West Deutsche Rundfunk is a northwestern Germany TV Station that appears to have
had a promotional 6661 set made with the stations letters "WDR" printed on the 2
1x4x3 blue panels that make up the truck of this set.
What has been found among German LEGO collectors is a normal 6661 set with
normal 6661 instructions... and one polybag that has a pair of "WDR" panels
instead of the normal "TV" panels found in most examples of this set.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/82930629@N08/8515592640/sizes/l/in/photostream/
When researching this special promotional set, I sent an image of it to the
folks at the LEGO Archives/Collections in Billund. They had never seen or heard
of it before, so they sent the image I provided to the folks at the LEGO Sales
office in Munich Germany. Again, they too had not heard of it, and wondered if
it wasn't just a normal 6661 set with stickers placed on it at a later date
after it left TLG.
Ordinarily one would think that this was not a TLG sanctioned set, and therefore
something that was created later. However, I'm aware of the existence of
several of these in MISB (Mint in Sealed Bag)... and that could not have been
done easily outside of TLG. And the 1x4x3 blue panels didn't have a sticker
covering the old image. No, it was an image that was put over the old "TV"
image on the parts.
Well that got me thinking about how this could have escaped the folks in
Billund. The only thing I can think of was that perhaps an executive at WDR in
Cologne Germany contacted an executive at TLG in Billund, and asked to have some
of the regular 6661 sets contain the WDR truck panels. If this was done as a
special project... then maybe it was produced without having documentation
produced about the existence of this special version. And if it was produced
for WDR in Cologne, then it may have been sent directly from Billund to
Cologne, thus bypassing the (then) German Sales Office in Hohenwestedt Germany.
Whatever the story really is behind this very unique set... this is a very
valuable collectible on the secondary market. Perhaps only a few hundred of
these were requested by West Deutsche Rundfunk... and distributed thru them.
Whatever the reason... it's sets like this that make my research of LEGO sets
and parts for my Collectors Guides... pure pleasure!! :)
Cheers,
Gary Istok
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We had a great second-chance sumo competition at our May SMART meeting. We voted
on building a Space Elevator ribbon climbing robot for our June meeting. The
June meeting will be on the 29th, in the Michelangelo room.
Build a robot that can climb a ribbon. The ribbon I'll be bringing is a 3" wide
woven nylon "Caution" tape that I bought at Home Depot. If you want to get some
of your own, you can get it for under $20. Look for 500’ Heavy Duty Reinforced
Caution Tape", Empire manufacturer, SKU 719-282, usually in the tool aisle at
Home Depot.
The motivation for this is that there are two space elevator competitions coming
up this summer. For the mini-challenge, anything that can climb a ribbon is
great. If you want to see the rules for the competition, you can find them at
http://www.isec.org/sec/index.php/family-science-fest.
See you at the next meeting!
--
David Schilling
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In lugnet.loc.ca, Gail Meagher wrote:
I can't see the Target flyer, sorry. I was planning to check it out at my other
half's yesterday, but they started painting the building next door, so I have to
stay away if I want to keep breathing.
---------------
Superstore has a LEGO movie in their flyer (full price, new release). LEGO
Batman: the Movie DC Super Heros Unite. Includes a Clark Kent / Superman
Minifig. Available May 21st. $15.97
-----------
S@H has a FREE Iron Man vs. Fighting Drone Set with Orders of $50+
Gail
> ---------------------
>
> I'll post later if there is anything in the Target flyer. I can't see it on
> this computer.
>
>
> Gail Meagher
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Lars C. Hassing wrote:
> Back in 1973 when I was 12, together with my younger cousin I made a
> 6 minutes Lego film in Super 8,
> [...]
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW583kCiOWo
Marvellous! I enjoyed it thoroughly.
--
Anders Isaksson
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The Wal-Mart flyer has a bunch of DUPLO sets in it this week, Friday May 17-
Thursday May 23.
$15 (was $21.86 - $24.86)
Creative Cars
Number Train
Toddler Starter Building set
My First Construction Site
$11 (was $15.86 - $17.86)
Toddler Build and Play Cubes
Build and Pull Along
My First Garden
---------------------
TRU flyer good Friday May 17 - Thursday May 23.
20% off Monster Fighters, Hero Factory, and Basic sets.
---------------------
I'll post later if there is anything in the Target flyer. I can't see it on
this computer.
--------------------
The Coles / Chapters / Indigo stores in the area have had Minifig Series 10 in
for over a week now. Way too many skydivers, painters, and motorcycle mechanics
out there. Took me six stores to get two sea captains with seagulls.
Gail Meagher
Halifax
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Well my Unofficial LEGO Sets/Parts Collectors Guide (1949-90s) on
DVD/download... will have a companion coming out in about a year... for the
years 1990s-present. This has been a work in progress for some time... and will
NOT be released early.
Also... the current (1949-90s) version is going to have new upgrades in a few
months... a few additional chapters, as well as hundreds of more photos. NOTE:
all future updates are free to current DVD/download owners as a download!!
Also... there is a "book" in the pipeline... but it will not be an all
encompassing book on LEGO... it will be more like a "companion" to my LEGO
DVD/downloads.
Stay tuned for future news on this... ;)
Gary Istok
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In lugnet.general, Matthew J. Chiles wrote:
> Wow, I stop by Lugnet to do a little ancient research and there is life! My old
> buddies are here, Gary and Larry! And not only that, there are stories of long
> lost sets coming to light - just like the old days...
>
> OK, Gary, while I have your ear... do you know or can you somehow find out if
> Lego set 4305 really exists and if so where it was sold? Thanks!
>
> And keep of the good work on your book. I want to own a print copy of the
> multi-volume set someday...
>
> -Matt
Hi Matt!
Sorry for the long delay in response... I've been very busy...
Is that the Xcyber 4305 set you are referring to?
Gary
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In lugnet.general, David Eaton wrote:
snip
>
> Oh, and from the "Learn Something New Every Day" department, I learned from
> Abner at the recent BrickFair that apparently LEGO once took out a patent on a
> monorail *CROSS* track. Dunno what the details are, but now I'll have to make it
> a mission to find out more about it...
>
> DaveE
I heard that as well! I've sketched out a design as to what I think could
potentially work, using the 'guts' of an existing switch track, but, alas, since
I don't own a 3d printer, I won't be prototyping anytime soon...
There was those .jpgs of the patents of the monorail track and train I 'copied'
from old web pages, but there was no monorail cross track.
Dave K
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In lugnet.general, David Koudys wrote:
> But, more importantly for shows, invariably someone will throw a switch or
> two during the show. Since we usually have 5-6 monorail trains moving
> around, this has led to some spectacular derailments (as much of our
> monorail is well above the baseplate level)
Yeah, we've had that happen for both monorail and 9v rail-- never a pretty
sight!
> Having completely separate loops offers lots more flexibility and takes up
> less space.
Yeah, we debated whether or not the "world's longest monorail" should mean that
it's a single loop, or merely CONNECTED track that ought to count. So if we had
(say) 3 loops connected by some switches, should we count the switches and
separate loops as one big number? Or just count the distance that a single train
would travel? We ended up playing it safe and counting only the loop that the
train traveled.
BUT, I have to say the temptation to make it take up less space is huge. The
amount of square footage necessary to make a layout that's on par with
world-record sizes is daunting, unless you do things like lots of little loops
and have vertical climbs!
> I've watched many families try to figure out where a monorail train will go
> in the layout, and the kids have fun following the many trains around.
Hmmm... I hadn't thought much about that, but it sounds like a great challenge
for kids, actually. I wonder if you could set up a REALLY long loop, and then
put different color "stations" on it, and have the kids determine the order of
the stations visited. Could be rather difficult depending on how complex you
made the loop!
> In the future, I may add a switch or two back into the layout, but for now,
> I'm good that they're not there.
Yeah, it definitely makes sense. The switches are fun to fiddle with, but they
do cause a lot of issues as you point out.
Oh, and from the "Learn Something New Every Day" department, I learned from
Abner at the recent BrickFair that apparently LEGO once took out a patent on a
monorail *CROSS* track. Dunno what the details are, but now I'll have to make it
a mission to find out more about it...
DaveE
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In lugnet.general, David Koudys wrote:
> But you're thinking about this too much.
... I'm not sure I understand this concept.
> If we all agree on-
>
> a straight equaling 10 inches
> ...
Inaccuracy! It burnsss usssssss!
> I tried physically measuring the ramps, and seriously, the length that the
> monorail train actually traverses isn't much more than 10 inches or a
> straight piece--it's negligible.
Yeah, it's not a huge amount-- 0.8 studs is only 2.5% of the distance of a
straight, so it'd take about 40 ramps (or 20 "complete" ramps) to make up the
distance of a single straight. But with that said, I figure when we get into the
ballpark of 400 individual ramps (200 bottoms, 200 tops), it's more than 8 feet
of track!
> And if we're all agreed on the numbers above (or whatever numbers you want
> to change them to--I'm good with that as well),
Oooo! I have some numbers to switch them to! (... Some of them may not be fully
rational, in more than one sense of the word!)
I was actually thinking I might make a quickie web calculator that did the messy
calculation for me-- the "easy-to-remember" numbers are all in stud lengths,
which are really bizarre in inches/feet/etc, and too long in metric for me to
remember. So I always do calculations by converting track sections to studs to
metric to feet (guh).
> As it is, DaveE's (et al) record is pretty much not going to be touched by
> me.
>
> Though I may be convinced to try.
Yeah, this latest one's pretty big. It could definitely get beaten with the
right participants, but it won't be easy. We certainly aren't looking to try
again in the near future. I'm still working on the final numbers (going through
photos to see what we ACTUALLY did versus what we PLANNED on doing). Should be
in the 1900 foot ballpark, if our 'rough' counts were correct.
DaveE
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Back in 1973 when I was 12, together with my younger cousin I made a 6 minutes
Lego film in Super 8, half of it using stop motion animation. Inspired by the
popular Apollo program, we built a rocket with several stages and room for the
LM, a launch vehicle, an aircraft carrier and many busses, cars and houses.
Minifigs were not invented yet, so we used small 1x1 brick men.
The film was a gift to our grandparents' golden wedding anniversary.
After the party our grandparents took the film and us to Billund, where we
showed it to Godtfred Kirk Christiansen. He liked it and had a copy made. We, in
turn, got a Lego factory tour and got some big sets to take home ;-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW583kCiOWo
/Lars
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Back in 1973 when I was 12, together with my younger cousin I made a 6 minutes
Lego film in Super 8, half of it using stop motion animation. Inspired by the
popular Apollo program, we built a rocket with several stages and room for the
LM, a launch vehicle, an aircraft carrier and many busses, cars and houses.
Minifigs were not invented yet, so we used small 1x1 brick men.
The film was a gift to our grandparents' golden wedding anniversary.
After the party our grandparents took the film and us to Billund, where we
showed it to Godtfred Kirk Christiansen. He liked it and had a copy made. We, in
turn, got a Lego factory tour and got some big sets to take home ;-)
/Lars
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In lugnet.general, David Koudys wrote:
>
> Dave K
Talking about monorail for shows and such (since we were, indeed talking about
that ;) )....
Ever since the big 12.5 x 12.5 layout we did back in 2009 (I think), I've tried
to avoid putting switches into my show layouts. First, as we all know here,
switches get old, and with that age, become 'less functional'.
But, more importantly for shows, invariably someone will throw a switch or two
during the show. Since we usually have 5-6 monorail trains moving around, this
has led to some spectacular derailments (as much of our monorail is well above
the baseplate level)
This isn't saying that we don't experience monorails falling off tracks now--we
still do, but it isn't 'purposely caused'.
I do find that TD'ing a layout without switches is easier, and the separate
loops are more fun. Having completely separate loops offers lots more
flexibility and takes up less space. As well, all length of track will have a
monorail train traversing them at some point (which sometimes doesn't happen
when you add a bunch of switches, unless those switches are only for
turn-arounds). I've watched many families try to figure out where a monorail
train will go in the layout, and the kids have fun following the many trains
around.
In the future, I may add a switch or two back into the layout, but for now, I'm
good that they're not there. I'll save em for something important *cough* beat
DaveE *cough*
:)
Dave
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In lugnet.org.ca.obb, Janey C. L. Gunning wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.obb, David Koudys wrote:
>
> > Anyway, show 14 (15?) will be at St. Jacobs store display. The OBB CSL will
> > remain at the St. Jacobs store display until the 15th (16th?) show--
>
> Thank you Dave, for this display. Shoppers at the mall are enjoying it, and its
> great press for Brickfete 2013!\
Here to help as I can! BrickFete is very important to me for a litany of
reasons that are too long to list.
>
>
> > And (hopefully) we will have a surprise (a few, possibly) for you!!!
> >
> > Looking forward to the upcoming shows!!
>
> We are looking forward to seeing all the updates.
> Cheers,
> Janey Red Brick
The updates are looking forward to seeing you!! :)
And all the other FOL's at BrickFete 2013!!!
The continuing, ongoing (my entire life, as well as everyone I've ever spoken
with) is that I have too many plans, and not enough time (or LEGO!)
If people have the chance, they should check out Wil Wheaton's video regarding
being a geek and how we love what we love. It's absolutely fantastic! As I'm
on a network that can't access YouTube at this time, I can't link it. I'll try
to remember to do so when i'm off this network :)
Dave K
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In lugnet.general, David Eaton wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman wrote:
> > Did you ever convert the final stud length measurements into inches or
> > centimeters?
>
> I've just assumed that LEGO's accuracy with stud-to-metric measurements is neigh
> on perfect (or, too close for me to accurately measure discrepancies). So, I've
> just assumed an interstud spacing of 8mm per stud.
>
> > I'm curious what accuracy is needed (in terms of significant digits) in order
> > to accurately (within, say, 1/10 inch) state the track length of a layout on
> > the order of 2,000 feet. Is that level of accuracy possible?
>
> I guess it depends on what the composition of the layout was. I'm pretty
> confident in the "lengths" established for long straights, short straights,
> start/stops, curves, half-curves, and switches (when straight). Ramps and
> switches (when curved) are another matter.
>
> So, in our recent record, the switches (when curved) are probably pretty
> irrelevant, because we used so few of them (we tried to use them all pointed
> straight, to maximize distance).
>
> The ramps are (of course) another matter. There were something like 200+ ramps
> used in our layout, which means for 1/10 inch accuracy, I'd have to be accurate
> to within (roughly) +/-0.0008 studs for my ramp measurement, and I'd doubt I'm
> that accurate.
>
> I wonder if the patent office has any more accurate descriptions of the elements
> that we could use...
>
> DaveE
I know I'm speaking to two of the most 'detail oriented' people I've ever had
the fun of working with...
But you're thinking about this too much.
If we all agree on-
a straight equaling 10 inches
a quarter straight equaling 2.5 inches
a curve equaling 15 inches
ramps equaling 10 inches
a reverse switch equaling 5 inches
a switch--17.5 inches (I actually added the straight and the half curve)
a half curve equaling 7.5 inches
If we all agree on these parameters, then we can ascertain 'who has the biggest'
;)
I tried physically measuring the ramps, and seriously, the length that the
monorail train actually traverses isn't much more than 10 inches or a straight
piece--it's negligible. And if we're all agreed on the numbers above (or
whatever numbers you want to change them to--I'm good with that as well), then
that should be good 'nuff
As it is, DaveE's (et al) record is pretty much not going to be touched by me.
Though I may be convinced to try.
Going with this, I should actually inventory my collection again. As it was
inventoried 3 years ago, I have 276 feet of monorail track in my personal
collection. Dunno if that number's changed.
The latest OBB space layout has 146 feet of monorail track.
I can e-mail you guys the excel spreadsheet that I use to figure all this stuff
out :)
Dave K
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Inside the power plant, Ahsoka and Barriss make their way to the factory reactor
through the Battle Droid foundry, but their approach has been spotted by a
Geonosian drone.
Click the pic for more details...
AC
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This is a call out to all AFOL, LEGO collectors, builders, hobbyists,
enthusiasts within walking, driving or flying distance of Toronto, Canada.
The Brickfête Team would love to see you this summer for our annual LEGO Fan
Convention. Join us for some good times completely focused on our beloved
obsession with the brick. You will see some amazing displays, have chances to
get involved with fun games and event, as well as hear from an official LEGO
Designer and LEGO Master Builder.
This July 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2013!
Hilton Hotel, Airport Rd in Toronto, Canada
To register for the four days visit our AFOL portion of our site…
www.brickfete.com/AFOL/event and please note, space is limited so act now,
operators are standing by.
We have secured some great room rates (however those end soon, so book now
before you end up paying full Toronto prices.)
If you are from out of town (or country) we are located right across from the
Toronto Airport, which means you can just fly here, board the shuttle to the
hotel and not worry about renting cars, maps or public transit.
Join our website’s free forum if you have any questions or want to discuss
things such as sharing a room, collaborative builds, or just a chance to connect
with others before the event.
Our list of events are being posted and there is something for everyone to get
involved with.
Have you built something cool that others would love to see???
Do you want to hang out with other amazing builders?
Listen to LEGO guest speakers or get involved with build challenges or contests!
Don't forget those prize raffles and all the other fun activities!
Want to have chances to win LEGO prizes or bid in the LEGO auction??
Display with us and enjoy the company of other AFOLS.
We can’t wait to see you on the attendees list and to see what you have built.
If you are new to conventions and are hesitating… check this forum post out and
feel free to ask questions www.brickfete.com/AFOL/thread/120
All the rest of the details and more can be read on www.brickfete.com
See you in July,
Janey Red Brick & Chris Magno
On behalf of the entire Brickfete team!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does your child love LEGO?
Check out Brickfête’s Public Expo Days
The general public is invited to view the awesome LEGO Creations on display
July 13th and 14th, 2013 – 10am until 3pm
Tickets sold at the door and online
We cant wait to see you there,
The Brickfête Team
“A festival run by fans, made by the fans, for the fans.”
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