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Yeah, yeah, I know I’ve been into trains for quite some time. But after months
and months of saying things like “I almost build space stuff”, an upcoming
LEGO show here in Dallas has prompted me to finally build some space stuff.
I got primed by building Jon Palmer’s
Scumcraft - Great model.
Then I moved to Allister McLaren’s
Starsky & Hutch Hovercar - This looks really nice when done.
After having drooled over this
Apollo Lander viewing
module for a long time, I decided to build one of my own.
Apollo Lander Moonbase module
That went fairly quick, and I still had way too many gray bricks left. So after
seeing Keith Goldman’s Mech Bay, and being a train guy at heart, I devised a scenario integrating
trains and space.
Behold... space based intermodal! Using standardized containers, the warehouse
module stores the containers. Soon to be built ships move the containers between
worlds. And soon to be built space trains move the containers around the
moonbase.
Intermodal Warehouse Moonbase module
Container Design:
Photo -- LDraw file
I have to say that due to time and so much amazing prior art, I was heavily
influenced by the other terrific space builders. There’s probably not enough
database space on LUGNET to mention all those that I drew inspiration from.
Instead, I’ll say thanks to those of you who might see your design elements in
these creations!
I’m hoping to get two more modules done (as well as a ship and train) by show
time... but we’ll see. The modules would be pretty basic: a landing platform for
the container ship, and a combo parking lot/gift shop for the Lunar Lander
museum.
Anyway, your thoughts and feedback are much welcomed! I still have some touch-up
and finalization to do to both modules.
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Webmaster - BIP
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com
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> Behold... space based intermodal! Using standardized containers, the • warehouse
> module stores the containers. Soon to be built ships move the containers • between
> worlds. And soon to be built space trains move the containers around the
> moonbase.
>
>
[<http://www.bricksonthebrain.com/photoblog/index.cfm?action=thumbs&gallery=
39
> Intermodal Warehouse Moonbase module>]
>
> [Container Design:
<http://www.bricksonthebrain.com/photoblog/index.cfm?action=display&photo=23
8
> Photo> -- <http://www.bricksonthebrain.com/container.ldr LDraw file>]
Ewwwwwwwwww... 8 wide!!!! *yuck!*
J/K.. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't wait to see the .TRAINS!
-brickmodder
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In lugnet.space, Rob Hendrix wrote:
> Ewwwwwwwwww... 8 wide!!!! *yuck!*
Ha! I didn't even think about that... John Neal will be so proud!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Webmaster - BIP
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com
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In lugnet.space, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In lugnet.space, Rob Hendrix wrote:
| |
Ewwwwwwwwww... 8 wide!!!! *yuck!*
|
Ha! I didn’t even think about that... John Neal will be so proud!
|
I am very proud of you, Jake! :-) For your wonderful creation, and your great
idea. I love the warehouse-- very “industrial” looking, very convincing.
And I love the idea of playing with intermodal containers and having a
“standard”. What I have found most intriguing about the Moonbase Project (I,
another LTD, actually took the time to build a module myself) is that it is a
“futuristic” world that has all of the present day stuff in it, but with
spacesuits and rockets and airlocks:-) Reminds me of the Sci-Fi of the 50’s--
very quaint and fun!
At BrickFest PDX train track was introduced on the modules. I foresee not an
intermodal spaceship carrying around the containters (too futuristic), but a
futuristic-looking intermodal train carrying around those containers. Oh,
baby:-) That would make any Moonbase train much more colorful than one merely
carrying around mined moonrocks (but would be good as well).
I had already decided to try my hand at a Moonbase train after BF PDX; now I
think I’m going to incorporate your ideas as well!
Great work, Jake!
Schleim On,
John
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Hi Jack,
You present us some very nice creations!
I especially like the idea of a standard container going along with
the MoonBase background. This will allow more people to build MoonBase
related stuff, without building MoonBase modules.
Any MoonBase builder would have a word / recommandation to say about how
should a standard container be?
I know the rendered container picture you link to is clear enough for us
to make our own, but would it be possible to have some instructions as
well (for the lazy ones..... :-))?
Cheers,
JP.
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| |
|
In lugnet.space, Jean-Pascal Rignault wrote:
> Hi Jack,
>
> You present us some very nice creations!
Thanks!
> I especially like the idea of a standard container going along with
> the MoonBase background. This will allow more people to build MoonBase
> related stuff, without building MoonBase modules.
.spacetrains, baby!
> Any MoonBase builder would have a word / recommandation to say about how
> should a standard container be?
Yeah, any help in coming up with a standard (you listening Mr. Palmer?) would be
much welcomed. I'm also not sold on that particular container design. It's
modified from another one I found online (no idea where now).
> I know the rendered container picture you link to is clear enough for us
> to make our own, but would it be possible to have some instructions as
> well (for the lazy ones..... :-))?
Yeah, I'll knock it out later in the week. I also posted the LDraw file too, so
you can download that and use it in MLCad to view it.
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Webmaster - BIP
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com
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|
I envision a remotely located moonbase evolving slowly. As more
equipment and supplies arrive the cargo containers are re-used as parts
of the base.
I made these a while back and hauled examples to brickshelf last year :
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=426119
It's a cargo container that can actually be used to connect moonbase
corridors together. The end caps come off and the body of the container
can then attach to standard moonbase flanges.
I looked at the existing train cargo containers, but decided that they
were too small. I tried to model this on on the TEU "twenty foot
equivalent unit" cargo containers used by international shipping
companies like Maersk, etc.
It's as I could get to the correct dimensions in Minifig scale. and
still work with the 48x48 baseplates. With the endcaps removed a TEU is
16 studs long, so 3 will span a moonbase plate. With some simple
adapters and removing the knockouts in the sides of middle TEU, two more
can be added to make an X connector.
Here's a few more pics :
An X moonbase connector
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=426149
A single-floor habitat super module
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=426120
I also had some cargo-cabs and engine modules at brickfest that
would be used to bring containers up/down from interstellar barges which
stay in orbit. I'm not sure if I have any pics of those : (
-JSM
JP RIGNAULT wrote:
> Any MoonBase builder would have a word / recommandation to say about how
> should a standard container be?
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.space, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Behold... space based intermodal! Using standardized containers, the
warehouse module stores the containers. Soon to be built ships move the
containers between worlds. And soon to be built space trains move the
containers around the moonbase.
Intermodal Warehouse Moonbase module
|
This is pretty cool. I really like the gantry made out of fence elements. Your
choice of Scout Trooper as foreperson is something I found a bit strange - is
this a Star Wars MOC, or is he about to leave for the staff fancy dress party?
:-)
Your container design is good, I like it how the connection point can take a
2-stud axle so as to connect them together in a chain. I’ve made some containers
of my own for a cargo-based MOC:
Mine open from the side because I wanted them to be openable while connected. I
also thought that 6-wide internally would allow for a greater variety of cargo;
the designs shown above are only wider than 8 studs for cosmetic reasons (which
would probably rule them out for trains).
Cheers,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.space, Jake McKee wrote:
This is fun...and a great look with the down-set connector attached by the
stairwell.
Now this is just plain marvy. I love the concept of space freight, and the
intermodal has interested me for a long time. The warehouse with the central
loading track is spot on and incorporates something that’s big with me
now...practical playability. I can easily see ‘kids’ moving freight on and off
hover carriers, freighters etc...now that’s fun stuff.
I played with it a bit myself:
Viatrans
space semi
Standard
Container Module
This container is a little longer than yours, but I think that your shorter
version makes more sense from a stacking/moving point of view, and to allow a
greater variety of colour and cargo. The incorporation of numbers on the sides
looks excellent as well. My thought was to eventually put custom decals on the
sides as corporate logos...using some other spacers ‘corporations’.
Perhaps a container size/connection standard would be a fun thing to
explore...get some other builders designing with it in mind?
Looking forward to the other creations.
Welcome to .space...where no one can hear you giggle like someone giggling about
being in .space
-Gil
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In lugnet.space, Gil Shaw wrote:
Yes! I totally hacked your design, and I couldn’t remember after the fact where
I’d hacked from.
| |
This container is a little longer than yours, but I think that your shorter
version makes more sense from a stacking/moving point of view, and to allow a
greater variety of colour and cargo. The incorporation of numbers on the
sides looks excellent as well. My thought was to eventually put custom
decals on the sides as corporate logos...using some other spacers
‘corporations’.
|
Yeah, I have a strange attraction to the numbers.
| |
Perhaps a container size/connection standard would be a fun thing to
explore...get some other builders designing with it in mind?
|
This would be terrific. That’s what I’m hoping for. I like the design of this
style of container, but I think a bit smaller might make more sense. Also, I
used the axles just because of the mounting design I used inside the warehouse
(the pins didn’t hold the top containers like I’d hoped). I will probably try to
redesign this after the upcoming show. I like the idea of using pings much
better than axles.
One other cool thing about this container size is that it butts up against the
Moonbase corridors perfectly. You can imagine containers hanging off empty
connectors on a display where modules aren’t hooked into other modules.
Anyone else have any ideas?
| |
Looking forward to the other creations.
|
Yeah.... me too... I’m running out of time before our show!
| |
Welcome to .space...where no one can hear you giggle like someone giggling
about being in .space
|
Heh, thanks! And thanks for the inspiration!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Webmaster - BIP
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com
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Delurk On
Snippage
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| |
Perhaps a container size/connection standard would be a fun thing to
explore...get some other builders designing with it in mind?
|
|
I have pondered the idea of containers in the past and thought that it would be
cool if they were compatible with the moonbase standard for hallways. The idea
being that given the cost of maufacturing shipping the container vs the cost of
transporting the empty back to be re-used would be cost prohibitive and large
numbers would be available for other uses.
The short version is moonbase components that can be shipped by transport and
train.
If the conainers were of the right dimensions they could be used to expand the
moonbase. The conainers would need to have ends the were removable using pins
in the same location as the hallways for the moonbase.
They wouldn’t necessarily be used on every moonbase section but the abundance of
a “free” building material might make them attractive to some builders.
Just some thoughts
Mike
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Mike wrote:
| |
The idea being that given the cost of maufacturing shipping the container
vs the cost of transporting the empty back to be re-used would be cost
prohibitive and large numbers would be available for other uses.
|
Nonsense! Containers would be shipped back to Earth *full* of MoonCheese.
As Wallace made quite clear: “Everyone knows the moon’s made of cheese.”
I suppose I shall have to make a cheese quarry module now. Hmm. Yellow,
orange, or sand green? Three weeks to OurCon at UMass? Help!
-Teddy
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In lugnet.space, Ted Welsh wrote:
| |
Mike wrote:
| |
The idea being that given the cost of maufacturing shipping the container
vs the cost of transporting the empty back to be re-used would be cost
prohibitive and large numbers would be available for other uses.
|
Nonsense! Containers would be shipped back to Earth *full* of MoonCheese.
As Wallace made quite clear: “Everyone knows the moon’s made of cheese.”
I suppose I shall have to make a cheese quarry module now. Hmm. Yellow,
orange, or sand green? Three weeks to OurCon at UMass? Help!
-Teddy
|
If you want ideas, you can look at the Blue Moon Cheese Mine & Shop MOC I made
recently for the Feb. Kid Expo here in Indianapolis... :) Here’s the link to
the pics on my BrickShelf page:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=76321
John
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In lugnet.space, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In lugnet.space, Gil Shaw wrote:
| |
Perhaps a container size/connection standard would be a fun thing to
explore...get some other builders designing with it in mind?
|
This would be terrific. That’s what I’m hoping for. I like the design of this
style of container, but I think a bit smaller might make more sense. Also, I
used the axles just because of the mounting design I used inside the
warehouse (the pins didn’t hold the top containers like I’d hoped). I will
probably try to redesign this after the upcoming show. I like the idea of
using pings much better than axles.
|
I would love to have a container standard for moonbase (or even space freighter)
applications. It lends itself to a .Space container swap at large gatherings.
:-)
| |
One other cool thing about this container size is that it butts up against
the Moonbase corridors perfectly. You can imagine containers hanging off
empty connectors on a display where modules aren’t hooked into other modules.
|
I didn’t catch that, but way cool! What better way to unload containers than to
drop them off at an airlock and pick them up later? I could almost imagine
moonbase distribution centers with multiple airlocks along the sides for all of
the cargo containers to be loaded/unloaded. Hmm... Interesting....
| |
Anyone else have any ideas?
| |
Looking forward to the other creations.
|
Yeah.... me too... I’m running out of time before our show!
| |
Welcome to .space...where no one can hear you giggle like someone giggling
about being in .space
|
Heh, thanks! And thanks for the inspiration!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Webmaster - BIP
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com
|
-Duane
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In lugnet.space, Duane Hess wrote:
| |
In lugnet.space, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
One other cool thing about this container size is that it butts up against
the Moonbase corridors perfectly. You can imagine containers hanging off
empty connectors on a display where modules aren’t hooked into other
modules.
|
I didn’t catch that, but way cool! What better way to unload containers than
to drop them off at an airlock and pick them up later? I could almost imagine
moonbase distribution centers with multiple airlocks along the sides for all
of the cargo containers to be loaded/unloaded. Hmm... Interesting....
|
Using containers in this way is exactly the way that NASA (and the
international partners) use MPLM’s (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) on ISS
(International Space Station). The shuttle carries the MPLM up in its cargo
bay, the shuttle docks with ISS, then the shuttle RMS (Remote Manipulator
System, or more simply the Canadian robot arm) is then used to pull the MPLM out
of the payload bay and attach it to a CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) on one of
the nodes. Once the payload is unloaded (and the MPLM is loaded with trash),
the RMS is used to remove the MPLM and place it in the shuttle’s cargo bay for
return to earth.
Common Berthing Mechanism
Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules
STS-100, an MPLM flight
Picture
of Endeavour on STS-100 with MPLM Raffaello in its payload bay
Picture of MPLM Raffaello attached to ISS
This is the first time I’ve resorted to sticking a lot of links in a Lugnet
posting. Hopefully you’ll like them. They give you a good idea of how the
MPLM’s are used.
Jeff
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In lugnet.space, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Yeah, yeah, I know I’ve been into trains for quite some time. But after
months and months of saying things like “I almost build space stuff”, an
upcoming LEGO show here in Dallas has prompted me to finally build some space
stuff.
|
Welcome to .space Jake! And, way to join in with a splash(1)!
Snip, but I must say that I’m impressed by the research and links you’ve
included. Your post is, in itself, an excellent introduction to .space.
| |
Behold... space based intermodal! Using standardized containers, the
warehouse module stores the containers. Soon to be built ships move the
containers between worlds. And soon to be built space trains move the
containers around the moonbase.
|
Soon to be built? No wonder my space shipment has been held up. They keep
blaming some guy named Tibor every time I call them to track the package. Ah
well, at least I know it’s not lost in space.
But seriously, that’s a couple of great designs with a fine attention to detail.
I have to go look some more when I get the chance. I really like the
surveillance cams, though they do look a little
sheepish. ;-)
| |
I have to say that due to time and so much amazing prior art, I was heavily
influenced by the other terrific space builders. There’s probably not enough
database space on LUGNET to mention all those that I drew inspiration from.
Instead, I’ll say thanks to those of you who might see your design elements
in these creations!
|
I think that much of the fun here occurs when people re-use, re-purpose and
re-interpret the designs of others. I really enjoy the mutual influence that
happens here. And now you’re part of it. I may have to build some containers of
my own. As for standards, I think that a couple of different (competing?)
standards would spice things up a bit...
Peace and shipping,
Professor Whateverly
(1) To make a real splash, however, you’d have to go to
Neptune’s Moon Lagoon
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In lugnet.space, Ley Ward wrote:
| |
But seriously, that’s a couple of great designs with a fine attention to
detail. I have to go look some more when I get the chance. I really like the
surveillance cams, though they do look a little
sheepish. ;-)
|
Why do you think people say “Never trust a sheep...they’ve got eyes all over the
place”?
Ha!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Webmaster - BIP
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com
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|
Jake McKee wrote:
> That went fairly quick, and I still had way too many gray bricks left.
Lucky you... But thats not the topic today.
> Behold... space based intermodal! Using standardized containers, the warehouse
> module stores the containers. Soon to be built ships move the containers between
> worlds. And soon to be built space trains move the containers around the
> moonbase.
Great design! As I worked on a container system for moonbase, too (yes,
I'm not only into castle), I am interested on some details of the design:
1. How do you handle stacking of containers? I failed to see tiles on
top of the containers, so stacking could cause problems. A photo of the
underside of the containers and of the position where a container is
placed would be helpful, too.
2. The crane with the extendable section is very nice, but, sadly, there
is the important part missing: How do you grab the containers?
3. What exactly ist the purpose of the 32064s (Brick 1x2 with technic
axlehole) on the small sides?
My concerns over your design come from my own design experiences with
space containers, where one design goal was to build the parts in a way
to allow automated handling, i.e. loading an unloading of containers
with RCX-controlled cranes to provide an animated scenario. Therefor my
questions over the missing tiles and the axlehole-bricks, both of which
are points of (unwanted) friction that could cause simple automated
systems to fail.
Yours, Christian Treczoks
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.space, Christian Treczoks wrote:
> Jake McKee wrote:
> > That went fairly quick, and I still had way too many gray bricks left.
> Lucky you... But thats not the topic today.
Yeah, of course, now that I'm done with this huge module, my gray bricks are
almost gone! I'm surprised how many this MOC took!
> > Behold... space based intermodal! Using standardized containers, the warehouse
> > module stores the containers. Soon to be built ships move the containers between
> > worlds. And soon to be built space trains move the containers around the
> > moonbase.
> Great design! As I worked on a container system for moonbase, too (yes,
> I'm not only into castle), I am interested on some details of the design:
>
> 1. How do you handle stacking of containers? I failed to see tiles on
> top of the containers, so stacking could cause problems. A photo of the
> underside of the containers and of the position where a container is
> placed would be helpful, too.
They are actually suspended. You can see the racks and the axles that support
them here:
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com/photoblog/index.cfm?action=display&photo=203
I'm not sure I like this as a long term solution, and a standard should probably
make sure to include a stacking capability. But for this MOC, I wanted them
suspended.
> 2. The crane with the extendable section is very nice, but, sadly, there
> is the important part missing: How do you grab the containers?
Super duper anti-gravity force field? (Which translates to: I haven't figured
that part out yet)
> 3. What exactly ist the purpose of the 32064s (Brick 1x2 with technic
> axlehole) on the small sides?
That's how the containers are mounted to racks, or the soon to be created
container spacecraft and train. They are also used to mount them to the openings
of Moonbase module corridors.
I tried to use pin/pin connectors, rather than axles, but just couldn't make it
work right on the racks.
> My concerns over your design come from my own design experiences with
> space containers, where one design goal was to build the parts in a way
> to allow automated handling, i.e. loading an unloading of containers
> with RCX-controlled cranes to provide an animated scenario. Therefor my
> questions over the missing tiles and the axlehole-bricks, both of which
> are points of (unwanted) friction that could cause simple automated
> systems to fail.
This design could be used for automation, but not that way I'm currently using
them in this MOC.
Thanks for the feedback!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Webmaster - BIP
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com
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|
Jake McKee wrote:
> Yeah, of course, now that I'm done with this huge module, my gray bricks are
> almost gone! I'm surprised how many this MOC took!
Problems like this always seem to come as surprises ;-)
> > 1. How do you handle stacking of containers? I failed to see tiles on
> > top of the containers, so stacking could cause problems. A photo of the
> > underside of the containers and of the position where a container is
> > placed would be helpful, too.
> They are actually suspended. You can see the racks and the axles that support
> them here:
> http://www.bricksonthebrain.com/photoblog/index.cfm?action=display&photo=203
Ah, I understand. Stuffed to the pin...
> I'm not sure I like this as a long term solution, and a standard should probably
> make sure to include a stacking capability. But for this MOC, I wanted them
> suspended.
Yea, a stacking solution would make things way easier.
> > 2. The crane with the extendable section is very nice, but, sadly, there
> > is the important part missing: How do you grab the containers?
> Super duper anti-gravity force field? (Which translates to: I haven't figured
> that part out yet)
I used a very nice part in my (scrapped) designs - the 32028 (plate 1x2
with door rail), which is part of the container and of the cranes and of
the locking mechanism. I throw a few bricks together and take a photo to
explain this ASAP. Maybe I switch to the 2540 (plate 1x2 with handle)
for the design, though.
> > 3. What exactly ist the purpose of the 32064s (Brick 1x2 with technic
> > axlehole) on the small sides?
> That's how the containers are mounted to racks, or the soon to be created
> container spacecraft and train. They are also used to mount them to the openings
> of Moonbase module corridors.
Primarily, I was wondering why you did not use the 3700 (the one with
the round hole)...
> I tried to use pin/pin connectors, rather than axles, but just couldn't make it
> work right on the racks.
...but this explains it.
> This design could be used for automation, but not that way I'm currently using
> them in this MOC.
Ack. That suspension-on-a-pin technique is way to difficult to handle
for a little brittle Lego machine.
> Thanks for the feedback!
And thanks for your answer!
Yours, Christian Treczoks
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
> They are actually suspended. You can see the racks and the axles that • support
> them here:
http://www.bricksonthebrain.com/photoblog/index.cfm?action=display&photo=203
Hmm, is your site down? None of the links are working.
Frank
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.space, Frank Filz wrote:
>
> http://www.bricksonthebrain.com/photoblog/index.cfm?action=display&photo=203
>
> Hmm, is your site down? None of the links are working.
It seems to be up today.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.space, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Behold... space based intermodal! Using standardized containers, the
warehouse module stores the containers. Soon to be built ships move the
containers between worlds. And soon to be built space trains move the
containers around the moonbase.
Intermodal Warehouse Moonbase module
|
Welcome to the wonderful world of space building. And a very cool start.
The warehouse overall is fairly plain and boxy, but that’s tha nature of
warehouses, so you got it spot on. That said there’s a lot of cool detailing
spattered about.
I’m building a small
cargo ship at the moment and was going to use some sort of containerisation in
the hold, so I’ll see if your containers will fit. Generally speaking I think
your containers are a bit small - real containers are quite large, but these may
be perfect for the limited volume in my hold.
Another cool & practical feature you could add would be to make the crane gantry
move across the floor so that it can more directly pick up the containers.
I look forward to seeing what you do with the space train idea.
Cheers,
Allister
p.s. thanks for the nod. I’m glad you liked it. I’d like to reciprocate by
thanking you for creating such a wonderful resource as the BI portal.
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