 | | | | | | |
| |
|
Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> Because you know all the idioms. To draw an analogy, I can code in C++ or
> Java a lot faster than I can in Lisp, because I know more idioms and
> patterns. That doesn't (in and of itself) make C++ *better* than Lisp, just
> different. You need a different metric to decide whether C++ is better or
> worse. Partisan facile-ness with it doesn't count.
Yup, that certainly is a large part of it, and I don't think there is any point in
my life where my skill (or lack thereof) at the two systems was equal therefore
allowing a valid comparison. I think there is something else though, a mindset,
something wired in my head - I can look at a random pile of Lego and almost
literally see diggers, bridges, houses, trains, ships, fairground rides, death
traps, you name it, but I look at a pile of meccano, znap or knex and all I see is
a pile of metal and plastic. Nothing about the system leaps out at me the way it
does with Lego. Of course, this could be due to my lack of idioms but I think
there is something more :-)
> Hope that's clear. I'm NOT trying to pick a fight (I consider all three
> other systems I mentioned far inferior) just trying to say that I understand
> where the perception referenced comes from.
Indeed, one superiour aspect of Meccano that immediately springs to mind is that
standard vertical structures cannot be pulled apart the same way Lego ones can
without extra bracing. The bracing idioms are probably quite a large barrier to
young kids making really good Technic models.
From an artistic and aesthetic point of view, however, I think Lego really is head
and shoulders above the rest by any standing.
Jennifer
http://www.telepresence.strath.ac.uk/jen/lego/
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.technic, Jennifer Clark writes:
> allowing a valid comparison. I think there is something else though, a mindset,
> something wired in my head - I can look at a random pile of Lego and almost
> literally see diggers, bridges, houses, trains, ships, fairground rides, death
> traps, you name it, but I look at a pile of meccano, znap or knex and all I >see is a pile of metal and plastic
Death traps? Ever had your wiring checked? :-) only joking.
I once saw a Sabre jet crafted in Meccano. It was very well done, especially
hard as it's not cylindrical along it's lenght, but tapers toward the tail.
Must have required some neat sheet metal work though.
I think the worst aspect of Meccano is doing up those nuts, especially when
you have to put one spanner on the bolt to prevent rotation and another
spanner on the nut leaving no hands free to hold on with. The Meccano I was
using also suffered from spanners that were hard to get on the nuts due to
the tolerances. Also some of the nuts we're tight on the bolts and therefore
hard to tighten.
Meccano is the best of course when it comes to one dimensional curves
especially with the plastic panels, but on the visual side it's rubbish with
all those exposed bolt heads.
From time to time you here of old men, Meccano enthusiasts who can't stand
it if you even mention the word Lego. I'd love the oppertunity of showing
them Jen's or Dennis Bosman's models. They'ed probably expire, if they
survived the shock I'd love to see them eat their words about the
'superiority of Meccano'.
Steve
| | | | | | |
