lugnet.admin.statistics, lugnet.admin.database, FUT: lugnet.admin.database: This is a daily report of recent changes made to the data in the . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No new sets ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No updated sets ---------------

lugnet.admin.statistics, FUT: lugnet.admin.general: This is a traffic report for the news/discussion groups on LUGNET. The table below, based on 5-minute snapshots, shows how many new messages have recently been posted. Messages which have been crossposted are counted once for each group in which they appear. PAST 24 HOURS (What's hot today) ----------------------------------------- 23 lugnet.* 6 lugnet.trains.* 6 lugnet.trains 4 lugnet.admin.* 4 lugnet.events.* 4 lugnet.events.brickfest 3 lugnet.admin.statistics 3 lugnet.loc.* 2 lugnet.loc.se.* 2 lugnet.loc.se 2 lugnet.org.* 1 lugnet.admin.database 1 lugnet.announce.* 1 lugnet.announce 1 lugnet.cad.* 1 lugnet.cad 1 lugnet.edu 1 lugnet.loc.au.* 1 lugnet.loc.au 1 lugnet.org.fr.* 1 lugnet.org.fr.freelug 1 lugnet.org.us.* 1 lugnet.org.us 1 lugnet.robotics.* 1 lugnet.robotics PAST 7 DAYS (What's hot this week) ----------------------------------------- 167 lugnet.* 28 lugnet.admin.* 21 lugnet.admin.statistics 21 lugnet.loc.* 20 lugnet.trains.* 20 lugnet.trains 15 lugnet.cad.* 12 lugnet.technic.* 12 lugnet.technic 11 lugnet.announce.* 11 lugnet.loc.se.* 11 lugnet.loc.se 10 lugnet.build.* 8 lugnet.cad 7 lugnet.admin.database 7 lugnet.build 7 lugnet.events.* 7 lugnet.loc.au.* 7 lugnet.loc.au 6 lugnet.announce 6 lugnet.events.brickfest 5 lugnet.announce.moc 5 lugnet.castle.* 5 lugnet.castle 5 lugnet.general 5 lugnet.market.* 5 lugnet.org.* 4 lugnet.cad.dat.* 4 lugnet.cad.dat.parts.* 4 lugnet.cad.dat.parts 4 lugnet.mediawatch 4 lugnet.org.fr.* 4 lugnet.org.fr.freelug 4 lugnet.robotics.* 4 lugnet.robotics 3 lugnet.cad.dev.* 3 lugnet.loc.ca.* 3 lugnet.loc.ca 3 lugnet.market.shopping 3 lugnet.town 2 lugnet.cad.dev 2 lugnet.people.* 2 lugnet.people.newbie 2 lugnet.publish.* 2 lugnet.publish.railbricks 2 lugnet.space 1 lugnet.build.arch 1 lugnet.build.microscale 1 lugnet.build.military 1 lugnet.cad.dev.mac 1 lugnet.color 1 lugnet.db.* 1 lugnet.db.inv 1 lugnet.dear-lego 1 lugnet.edu 1 lugnet.events 1 lugnet.fun.* 1 lugnet.fun 1 lugnet.games.* 1 lugnet.games 1 lugnet.market.auction 1 lugnet.market.brickshops 1 lugnet.org.us.* 1 lugnet.org.us -- news@lugnet.com

lugnet.admin.statistics, FUT: lugnet.admin.general: This is a daily snapshot of the numbers of e-mail subscribers to LUGNET news/discussion groups. The number shown next to each group is the number of e-mail addresses on the outgoing mailing list for that group. The histograms on the far left summarize the time intervals at which people have chosen to receive the groups. If the newsgroup name is a hierarchy (ends in .*) rather than a single group, then the number shown next to it is the total number of unique e-mail addresses across all mailing lists for that hierarchy. Note: Although these numbers do provide certain insights on readership, they do not fully indicate total readership, because there is no way to track subscriptions except the ones going out by e-mail. (Keep in mind that all these discussion groups are also read via NNTP and HTTP.) Time Intervals / Digests Histogram% ================================= ========== 0 Immediately 6 Every 6 hours - >0-20% 1 Hourly 8 Every 8 hours = 20-40% 2 Every 2 hours d Twice daily o 40-60% 3 Every 3 hours D Once Daily O 60-80% 4 Every 4 hours W Once Weekly @ 80-100% #S = Number of subscriptions #U = Number of unique subscribers 0123468dDW #S #U WORLDWIDE GROUPS o-------=-| 18869 3429 lugnet.* O-- ----| 178 71 lugnet.admin.* O-- --| 21 21 lugnet.admin.curators o- - =-| 32 32 lugnet.admin.database O- - | 16 16 lugnet.admin.finance O- --| 39 39 lugnet.admin.general O- --| 20 20 lugnet.admin.nntp O- =-| 15 15 lugnet.admin.statistics O- -- | 17 17 lugnet.admin.suggestions O- -- | 18 18 lugnet.admin.terms o- =-| 40 40 lugnet.adventurers O = | 12 12 lugnet.ambassadors O- - --| 24 24 lugnet.animation O--- -----| 813 460 lugnet.announce.* O- - ---=-| 160 160 lugnet.announce O- = | 20 20 lugnet.announce.auctionbrick O- = | 18 18 lugnet.announce.bimp O- --| 18 18 lugnet.announce.biportal O- -= | 30 30 lugnet.announce.bricklink O- = | 18 18 lugnet.announce.brickmedia O- -- | 17 17 lugnet.announce.brickset o- =-| 66 66 lugnet.announce.brickshelf O- - | 17 17 lugnet.announce.briktrak O- - | 18 18 lugnet.announce.fbtb O- - | 27 27 lugnet.announce.iltco @-- -----| 303 303 lugnet.announce.lsahs O- --| 50 50 lugnet.announce.moc O- - | 23 23 lugnet.announce.mocpages O- - | 28 28 lugnet.announce.peeron o- - =-| 28 28 lugnet.aquazone o- - =-| 33 33 lugnet.basic O- - --| 22 22 lugnet.belville O- --| 34 34 lugnet.boats O- -- =-| 55 55 lugnet.books O- - --=-| 511 198 lugnet.build.* o- --=-| 86 86 lugnet.build O- --| 36 36 lugnet.build.ancient O- =-| 52 52 lugnet.build.arch O- =-| 40 40 lugnet.build.contests O- --=-| 69 69 lugnet.build.mecha O- =-| 29 29 lugnet.build.microscale O- - -=-| 43 43 lugnet.build.military O- =-| 45 45 lugnet.build.minifigs O- --| 27 27 lugnet.build.mosaic O- - | 20 20 lugnet.build.schleim O- ---| 48 48 lugnet.build.sculpture O- --| 16 16 lugnet.build.vignette O-- - --=-| 953 254 lugnet.cad.* O- - ---| 106 106 lugnet.cad o-- - --=-| 455 135 lugnet.cad.dat.* o- -=-| 58 58 lugnet.cad.dat o- -=-| 66 66 lugnet.cad.dat.ideas o- - -=-| 162 101 lugnet.cad.dat.models.* o- -=-| 87 87 lugnet.cad.dat.models o- - -=-| 75 75 lugnet.cad.dat.models.sets O- ----| 122 76 lugnet.cad.dat.parts.* O- --=-| 75 75 lugnet.cad.dat.parts O- ---| 47 47 lugnet.cad.dat.parts.primitives o-- ---| 47 47 lugnet.cad.dat.scenes o- -=-| 30 30 lugnet.cad.datfest O- ---| 190 104 lugnet.cad.dev.* O- --| 77 77 lugnet.cad.dev O- --| 33 33 lugnet.cad.dev.lcd O- --| 33 33 lugnet.cad.dev.mac O- ---| 47 47 lugnet.cad.dev.org.* O- ---| 47 47 lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw O- = | 12 12 lugnet.cad.ldd O- =-| 37 37 lugnet.cad.leocad o- -=-| 78 78 lugnet.cad.mlcad o- -=-| 45 45 lugnet.cad.ray O-- ------| 157 86 lugnet.castle.* O-- ---=-| 77 77 lugnet.castle O- --| 26 26 lugnet.castle.ninja O- - ---| 54 33 lugnet.castle.org.* O- - ---| 28 28 lugnet.castle.org O- - =-| 26 26 lugnet.castle.org.cw O- --| 13 13 lugnet.clikits O- - | 19 19 lugnet.color o- =-| 50 50 lugnet.dacta O- -- =-| 95 50 lugnet.db.* o- -- =-| 33 33 lugnet.db.brictionary O- - =-| 33 33 lugnet.db.inv O- - --| 29 29 lugnet.db.scans O- -=-| 59 59 lugnet.dear-lego O- --| 20 20 lugnet.disney O- --| 21 21 lugnet.duplo O- -=-| 42 42 lugnet.edu O-- ---| 200 91 lugnet.events.* O- ---| 52 52 lugnet.events O- -- | 12 12 lugnet.events.1000steine-land O- - | 6 6 lugnet.events.brickbash @-- --| 43 43 lugnet.events.brickfest O- --| 29 29 lugnet.events.brickswest @ - | 13 13 lugnet.events.brickworld O= --| 10 10 lugnet.events.houseofbricks O- - | 16 16 lugnet.events.legoworld o- =-| 19 19 lugnet.events.nwbrickcon O- --| 21 21 lugnet.fabuland o- =-| 41 41 lugnet.faq O- --| 104 34 lugnet.fun.* O- --| 28 28 lugnet.fun O- --| 19 19 lugnet.fun.community O- --| 19 19 lugnet.fun.crafts O- --| 21 21 lugnet.fun.holiday O- --| 17 17 lugnet.fun.party O- --| 16 16 lugnet.galidor o- - =-| 298 52 lugnet.games.* O- --| 26 26 lugnet.games o- - =-| 272 50 lugnet.games.lego.* o- =-| 22 22 lugnet.games.lego.alphateam o- -=| 28 28 lugnet.games.lego.chess o- =-| 31 31 lugnet.games.lego.creator o- --| 21 21 lugnet.games.lego.friends o- =-| 24 24 lugnet.games.lego.island o- =-| 25 25 lugnet.games.lego.legoland o- =-| 30 30 lugnet.games.lego.loco o- =-| 16 16 lugnet.games.lego.mystyle o- - -=| 31 31 lugnet.games.lego.racers o- =-| 26 26 lugnet.games.lego.rockraiders o- =-| 18 18 lugnet.games.lego.stuntrally O- ---| 92 55 lugnet.gaming.* O- ---| 37 37 lugnet.gaming O- ---| 31 31 lugnet.gaming.brikwars O- -- | 24 24 lugnet.gaming.starship O- ---=-| 90 90 lugnet.general O-- ---| 43 43 lugnet.harrypotter O- ---| 20 20 lugnet.inst @- - | 19 19 lugnet.inv O- ----=-| 418 220 lugnet.lego.* O- --=-| 96 96 lugnet.lego O- - -=-| 166 166 lugnet.lego.announce o- -=-| 49 49 lugnet.lego.dacta O- - -=-| 107 107 lugnet.lego.direct o- -- =-| 176 78 lugnet.legoland.* o- -- =-| 47 47 lugnet.legoland o- - =-| 28 28 lugnet.legoland.billund O- - --| 51 51 lugnet.legoland.california o- =-| 22 22 lugnet.legoland.deutschland o- =-| 28 28 lugnet.legoland.windsor O = | 30 7 lugnet.licensed.* @ = | 5 5 lugnet.licensed @ = | 5 5 lugnet.licensed.avatar o o | 7 7 lugnet.licensed.batman o o | 7 7 lugnet.licensed.spiderman O = | 6 6 lugnet.licensed.spongebob O---------| 520 223 lugnet.market.* O- --| 29 29 lugnet.market.appraisal o-- --=-| 55 55 lugnet.market.auction O- ---| 43 43 lugnet.market.brickshops o-- ------| 112 112 lugnet.market.buy-sell-trade O- - ---| 34 34 lugnet.market.jambalaya O- - - | 31 31 lugnet.market.services O- - - - | 29 29 lugnet.market.shipping O---------| 152 152 lugnet.market.shopping O- - - =-| 35 35 lugnet.market.theory O- --| 34 34 lugnet.mediawatch O- - =-| 46 46 lugnet.modelteam O-- - -=-| 210 69 lugnet.off-topic.* O- ---| 37 37 lugnet.off-topic.clone-brands o- =-| 24 24 lugnet.off-topic.debate O- --| 34 34 lugnet.off-topic.fun O- - -=-| 39 39 lugnet.off-topic.geek o- =-| 22 22 lugnet.off-topic.pun o-- =-| 54 26 lugnet.off-topic.test.* O- =-| 23 23 lugnet.off-topic.test o-- =-| 15 15 lugnet.off-topic.test.bar O- --| 16 16 lugnet.off-topic.test.foo O---- ----| 1213 498 lugnet.org.* O- --| 26 26 lugnet.org o- -=-| 34 34 lugnet.org.au O-- ----| 214 98 lugnet.org.ca.* O- --| 20 20 lugnet.org.ca O-- --| 31 31 lugnet.org.ca.monlug O- --| 25 25 lugnet.org.ca.nalug O- = | 18 18 lugnet.org.ca.novalug @ - | 7 7 lugnet.org.ca.obb @- --| 25 25 lugnet.org.ca.parlugment O = | 4 4 lugnet.org.ca.quelug o- -=-| 38 38 lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto O= - | 10 10 lugnet.org.ca.salug O- --| 16 16 lugnet.org.ca.viclug O- - --| 20 20 lugnet.org.ca.vlc o- -- | 21 13 lugnet.org.fr.* o= = | 9 9 lugnet.org.fr o- -- | 12 12 lugnet.org.fr.freelug O- --| 11 11 lugnet.org.glug O- ---| 84 53 lugnet.org.it.* O- --| 18 18 lugnet.org.it O- ---| 66 51 lugnet.org.it.itlug.* O- ---| 45 45 lugnet.org.it.itlug @- --| 21 21 lugnet.org.it.itlug.market o- - --| 17 17 lugnet.org.nl O- --| 15 15 lugnet.org.scibrick O---- ----| 791 333 lugnet.org.us.* O- --| 21 21 lug

lugnet.loc.se: In lugnet.loc.se, Andréas Rootzén wrote: > Jag och Jonathan kommer (dvs om inget oförutsett händer). > Om det är fler från södra delen så samåker vi gärna. > Johan? Joel?...fler? Då jag numera bor i Munkedal skulle det för mig bli en omväg att åka via Jönköping så jag är tyvärr inte så intresserad av att samåka. /Johan V

lugnet.loc.se: In lugnet.loc.se, Johan Karlsson wrote: > In lugnet.loc.se, Mikael Sjöstedt wrote: >> In lugnet.loc.se, Johan Karlsson wrote: >>> Det råkar inte vara någon som har c:a 100 st Mörkröda 1x1 tiles som man vill bli >>> av med för en lämpling summa slantar? >> Sorry! Lite för ovanlig för att jag ska ha mycket såna. Mängden finns på >> Bricklink men priset kanske är för högt? >> >> Micke > > Behöver IOFS inte skaffa alla 100 st på samma gång eller från samma ställe. > > Och mjo det blir lite väl dyrt, med mitt mått mätt, på bricklink. :( För jag > antar att det kostar 25% i tull att beställa från USA. > > /Johan Jo, Om man beställer från ett land utanför EU måste man normalt betala tull. Blir lite nyfiken på vad det är för modell som kräver 100 st mördkröd 1x1 tiles. Är det något du vill berätta i det här läget eller få vi vänta tills det blir klart? /Johan V

lugnet.events.brickfest: In lugnet.announce, Steven Barile wrote: > Where: Portland, OR at the Oregon Convention Center, Hall A > When: March 26-29, 2009 (setup: Th, convention: Fr-Sn) > Hotel: Red Lion Hotel (mention BRICKFEST for room block rate) > Who: All AFOLs! > > YES, it’s that time again! Join us for the 3rd Portland BrickFest back at the > OCC Hall A and the RED LION, and all the Burgerville you can stand to eat! > From all the AFOL feedback we have received asking when the next BrickFest is, > we are expecting a great turnout from all the familiar faces, as well as all > the new AFOLs that have join our community in the last couple years! Wow, I > can’t believe it been two years! > > It’s easy to get to the OCC & Red LION: ~$2 for a MAX light rail ride form the > airport; so no rental car needed. Once downtown MAX is free, so enjoy the > many fine restaurants and microbrew pubs that make Portland a fine place to > visit! > > SEE YOU THERE! > > Steve Barile > > Q&A > Q: Has BrickFest changed formats? > A: Nope! We believe that the current BrickFest format works great and we are > keeping it the same. Of course we strive to make the event the best possible > and make tweaks as needed. > > Q: Is there a public expo this time? > A: Yes, there will be a public expo on Sunday afternoon only, same as last > time. BrickFest is for the AFOLs, there is no rush to setup the displays, so > have fun attending sessions, arranging and rearranging MOCs, and goofing off! > > Q: Will there be workshops and sessions. > A: Of course! There are so many topics to discuss and share and MOCs to see, > we’ll be expecting many of you to volunteer to give talks and host round > tables etc… one of BrickFest’s assets is the sharing of the tribal knowledge. > > Q: When can I register? > A: Registration will begin January 1st 2009 (for book keeping purposes), but > mark your calendars, I already rented the OCC! > > Q: Is Christina Hitchcock involved? > A: Christina is completely behind BrickFest ’09 and will be taking an advisory > position. Steve-- Count on Deena and I to be there as well. The offer we made to you at BrickCon a week back still stands--if there's anything we can to do help out, give a holler and we'll give it a go. Meantime...I have to start thinking NOW about what I want to build...! Play Well and Prosper, Matthew Crandall "The Brick Detective"

lugnet.announce, lugnet.cad, FUT: lugnet.cad: The beta update of L3PAO to go along with Lars' L3P 1.4 beta is now available. The .zip contains two files. Replace your existing versions with both of the files in the archive. There may be issues with certain activeX controls not being installed on your system, so keep a backup of your old L3PAO just in case. I'll put together a complete install once a bit more testing has been done, I wanted to get this out for people to play with. Note that your old .l3a scene files {[will no longer work]} with this version. Up until now, I had been adapting each release's save/load routine to maintain backwards compatibility with all previous versions, but the function was getting messy so I decided to reformat the save file structure. If anyone has a desperate need to get their old .l3a files ported into the new version I might write an import routine, but I don't get the feeling that too many people have extensive .l3a file libraries. I believe I've addressed every one of Lars' new options and attempted to handle all of the interdependencies between them but I'm sure there is lots of tweaking to be done. The "default.l3a" that is included in this .zip is the default program state settings which are loaded on startup and are in the new file format. Feel free to make all the program selections as you'd like them, then save the scene file over "default.l3a" to set your personal startup state. You can grab the beta here:

lugnet.trains: In lugnet.trains, Steven Barile wrote: > Oh yeah... I'm also wondering how to fit all the Pf into the engine.... maybe > stuff it all in a powered box car, batt, receiver and motor and have Dummy > engines. The problem with this is that it doesn't really work with a switching layout where the locomotive often needs to move on its own. I agree that its a good solution for a public display that runs in loops though. On the positive side for me, my switching layout is already complete with 9v track, so I can continue to use what I have. If I ever do decide to totally convert, the all-plastic track will be nice, as I won't need to electrically isolate my yard from my mainline. I'm also nervous about the new couplers though. My woodshop skills aren't great, so my train tables aren't anywhere close to level. Right now the couplers compensate by rotating, but it looks like the new couplers may cause problems. Like the PF stuff though, I'll wait till I get my hands on some before completely judging them. -Elroy

lugnet.loc.au, lugnet.trains: In lugnet.loc.au, Jean-Pierre Manalo wrote: > G'day all, > > The Sydney LEGO Train Club (SLTC) has recently presented it's third layout at > the 46th Annual Australian Model Railway Association (AMRA) Exhibition. > > ~|- > ~ > airport, shipping port, town andtwo separate bridges that were each > over three metres long. > > > ~ > Children's Most Popular Exhibit" category - the third-year in a row that > we have won this award. This year, we had close competition from a G-scale > layout, "{Traintasia}". > ~|- > > Once moderated, images that I had taken of the layout during the show will be > available from my Brickshelf folder: > > > > > For those on Facebook, you should be able to see these images from my > Facebook Photo Gallery (you may need to add me as a Friend in Facebook): > > > > Any comments are much appreciated. Hope you're all well! > > Cheers, > J.P. Manalo Great work SLTC! An impressive layout and congratulations on your win. That blue tower is a work of art. Hope you all had fun. Cheers, Braith.

lugnet.org.us, lugnet.edu, lugnet.robotics: OK, so I got roped into going to a meeting of a fledgling Robotics League in Orange County, California. They invited me because one of the founders of the League knew I was into Lego. There were several FIRST and FLL coaches, mentors,and club organizers from other areas of SoCAL present. The idea was to use their expertise to help start up new teams in my area. But while there was plenty of talk about involving local schools, afterschool programs, churches, etc. no one had any idea ADULTS were into this stuff. Huh? I've never been involved with FLL before, and I've been out of the AFOL scene entirely for years now, but I thought AFOL groups and FLL were intimately connected. When I told these people there were internantional conventions, LUGs, websites, Lego trains run by RCXs, GBCs, Moonbase, etc., they looked at me like I was speaking in tongues. Then after humoring me for awhile they went on with the "real" organizing... Has this been the normal reaction most of you have experienced getting into FLL? Or is FLL something AFOL are just aware of and not really interested in? Anyone in OC (or anywhere, for that matter) know how to root out some closet AFOL who might be interested in starting up/mentoring new FLL teams? Evidently there are only FOUR teams between LA and SD county! Darrell

lugnet.org.fr.freelug: Bonjour Voici la lettre d'information du site "FreeLUG : French Enthusiast LEGO(c) User Group" (http://www.freelug.org). Cette lettre recense les articles et les brèves publiés depuis 1 jour. Nouveaux articles -------------------------- ** Locomotive CC 6500 RC / 2ème partie ** par Grrr_31 le 10 octobre 2008 Deuxième volet d'un article dédié à la création d'un MOC de la CC 6500, une légendaire locomotive électrique française, utilisant la technologie RC de la société LEGO. -> http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=795 Nouvelles brèves -------------------------- * BrickFest '09 * - 10 octobre 2008 Voici la traduction de l'annonce de BrickFest 2009 de Steve Barile. BrickFest '09 Où : Portland, état de l'Oregon, USA. Au centre de convention de l'Oregon, Hall A Quand : 26-29 mars 2009 (Montage : Jeudi ; Convention : du Vendredi au Dimanche) Hôtel : Red Lion (mentionnez BRICKFEST pour les tarifs (...) -> http://www.freelug.org/breve.php3?id_breve=297 -- Erik Amzallag FreeLUG - French Enthusiast LEGO User Group http://www.freelug.org/

lugnet.trains: --snip-- > IF the new > PF system uses the same track dimensions, then TLG should at least still have > been making cars for both Passenger and cargo trains. IF the track is > compatable to the Battery system, again we should have been getting new cars to > add to or vary the Battery system layouts. --snip-- > My 2¢ worth, > > -- Don GtwLUG St. Louis Maybe I'm wrong but it sounds like you're reading the absence of these things as evidence to the contrary. We haven't seen new passenger or cargo wagons for many years and I doubt we'll see them anytime soon unless Trains really start making a big profit. Tim

lugnet.trains: In lugnet.trains, John Gerlach wrote: > In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote: > -snip- >> I'm looking forward to the new PF trains, though I'm still trying to wrap my >> brain around how I'm going to be able to fit all of the components into the >> locomotive size I currently build. I really don't want my RS3 to have to always >> pull the same car behind it in order to include the battery box, which likely >> won't fit inside the RS3's 4-wide body, but I don't see another solution. >> >> Unless I move to 8-wide trains, of course, which I'm actually starting to do, >> somewhat because of this change. >> >> -Elroy > > As someone in an 8-wide train club, our biggest concern is whether the PF trains > will have enough power to pull our heavy trains. > > We've got our fingers crossed that the new motors / remotes / batteries will > work for us, but we're also stocking up on the now discontinued 9volt parts > while we can still get them. > > JohnG, GMLTC This is one of the reasons I would have preferred for TLG to continue producing the 9volt system until at least there was a 'working' PF system. Our club continues doing train displays including this Sunday and the next two Sundays. We do our best to give a great display and it is very discouraging to say that all the trains, including track are discontinued. We seen the looks we are given as people turn away, less interested. IF the new PF system uses the same track dimensions, then TLG should at least still have been making cars for both Passenger and cargo trains. IF the track is compatable to the Battery system, again we should have been getting new cars to add to or vary the Battery system layouts. I too will hold my judgement on the new system, until I hear or see if it meets the test as a replacement for the 9volt system... My 2¢ worth, -- Don GtwLUG St. Louis

lugnet.trains: On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:14:58 GMT, you wrote: >"our designers worked on the first train set using the new Power Functions >system. This set will be truly aimed at the AFOL community to acknowledge the >importance of the adult LEGO hobbyists in the LEGO train world." Hummm... you would think that a set "truly aimed at the AFOL community" would have the real power of powered track. :( But I'll cross my fingers that the Power Functions really will have a battery small enough to fit in an engine (cause I don't like dummy engines at all if they can be avoided) and will be powerful enough to pull a train as well as the old 9V. Steve has a great point about power functions motors and official cross-axel train wheels working together for great new train engine possibilities. So it will really be a matter of battery power. -Matt :) ----------------------------------------------------- Matt Chiles 1006 Horseshoe Bend Rd Centerville, WA 98613 USA Phone: 509-773-5724

lugnet.trains: Jordan got it right, Thanks Jordan! :) Recently I was made aware of some of the internal structure of LEGO and this might offer some insights. In most big companies there are typically more then one product group. There are several in LEGO and there are at least two that release trains, The "City" group who targets the 5 and up market and has internal design constraints that match that target age group. And "Direct" group which targets an older, perhaps more sophisticated builder; aka Adult or "hobbyists". Power Functions (Pf) is a universal electrical system for all of LEGO, so it logically follows that Pf will be used for all trains from all product groups. But I don't know this as a fact. As for the 8 wide and powerful enough motors questions. There is now more then 1 way to motorize a train. 1) There is the RC train motor, which is as powerful as the 9v train motor. There is the issue with currently shipping motors is the gripping "o" ring on the wheels don't grip enough; try white LEGO rubber bands or non LEGO rubber bands or "O" rings. 2) Now that there are official LEGO train wheels that connect to "+" axles you can use any LEGO motor to power the axles; including the new Pf motors. The smaller Pf motor can pull a train a well as a single 9v motor, we tested it. And then you can use the axle twisting large Pf motor which should be able to pull a small child! Oh yeah... I'm also wondering how to fit all the Pf into the engine.... maybe stuff it all in a powered box car, batt, receiver and motor and have Dummy engines. SteveB In lugnet.trains, Jordan Schwarz wrote: > In lugnet.trains, Ram Sreerangam wrote: >> I am curious, does anyone have an update as to what happened to the Hobby Train? >> Should we be looking for something new beginning of '09? >> >> -Ram > > I didn't work on the Hobby Train, though I'll try to give you my best answer. > Those who did (such as Tim Gould) may want to add their comment as well. > > The Hobby Train was an effort to develop a fan-created train set, and that > effort has now concluded - and the hobby train sets sold out at this point also. > > The next big thing for LEGO Trains will be the Power Functions train system. > There are a few AFOLs providing input that may influence this new system. > According to the press releases, this system should debut by Summer of 2009. We > haven't received any recent information on the new system, other than that it > will have some commonality with the current Power Functions system. It will use > the current RC train motor, the PF IR receiver, a new IR speed controller, and a > Li-Ion battery with a 4x8x4 stud form factor. > > Now, the following statements are purely my opinions and are in no way binding: > > My speculation is that the new sets, when released, will not resemble the "Hobby > Train" system - that is to say, I do not expect a universal assortment of parts > with instructions for dozens of fan-created models. I would expect that a > freight train or passenger train, or perhaps both, will be released - with a > target age group of 5-12. We may see a similar release to the RC trains, where > there are two sets offered, at different price points and with different levels > of sophistication. I don't know whether these will include any fan-designed > models; my thinking is no, that the fan involvement is limited to development of > the the new drive system for the trains. > > Of course, if you're interested in fan-designed trains, be sure to follow what > shows up in Railbricks and on LEGO Factory. > > -Jordan Schwarz

lugnet.events.brickfest: Great to have you visit PDX again! Hope you bring that monster camera of yours to capture the fun! SteveB PS Hey, maybe we can have a garlic party at BrickFest as a special event... now to find a tie back to LEGO or AFOLs for that??? In lugnet.events.brickfest, Todd Lehman wrote: > In lugnet.announce, Steven Barile wrote: >> Where: Portland, OR at the Oregon Convention Center, Hall A >> When: March 26-29, 2009 (setup: Th, convention: Fr-Sn) >> Hotel: Red Lion Hotel (mention BRICKFEST for room block rate) >> Who: All AFOLs! > > Cool. Now I know what weekend -not- to have my next Garlic Party. :) > > I'm going to try to make it out there for this. > > --Todd

lugnet.events.brickfest: Thanks Will, I just might take you up on that offer! :) Welcome aboard! SteveB In lugnet.events.brickfest, Will Chapman wrote: > Woohoo! I'm thrilled to see BrickFest come back again! Last year was a real > blast, and the OCC Hall is a fantastic place to showcase all of those great > MOCs. Please let me know how I can help, Steve.

lugnet.events.brickfest: Thanks Will, I just might take you up on that offer! :) Welcome aboard! SteveB In lugnet.events.brickfest, Will Chapman wrote: > Woohoo! I'm thrilled to see BrickFest come back again! Last year was a real > blast, and the OCC Hall is a fantastic place to showcase all of those great > MOCs. Please let me know how I can help, Steve.

lugnet.admin.statistics, lugnet.admin.database, FUT: lugnet.admin.database: This is a daily report of recent changes made to the data in the . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No new sets ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 updated sets --------------- * {Number:} 1184 * {Name:} [Ninja Blaster] ({was:} +AHs-Ninja Blaster+AH0-) * {Theme:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Ninja * {Year:} 1999 * {Pieces:} 23 * {Figures:} 1 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} ? * {Number:} 1185 * {Name:} [Mini River Ninja] ({was:} +AHs-Mini River Ninja+AH0-) * {Theme:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Ninja * {Year:} 1999 * {Pieces:} 24 * {Figures:} 1 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $2.00? (USD) * {Number:} 1186 * {Name:} [Mini Siege-Cart Ninja] ({was:} +AHs-Mini Siege-Cart Ninja+AH0-) * {Theme:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Ninja * {Year:} 1999 * {Pieces:} ? * {Figures:} 1 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} ? * {Number:} 1187 * {Name:} [Gray Ninja] ({was:} +AHs-Gray Ninja+AH0-) * {Theme:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Ninja * {Year:} 1999 * {Pieces:} 22 * {Figures:} 1 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $2.00? (USD) * {Number:} 5372 * {Name:} Skeleton Chariot * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2008 * {Pieces:} ? * {Figures:} 1 * {Picture:} N * {MSRP:} ? * {Number:} 7009 * {Name:} The Final Joust * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 62 * {Figures:} 2 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $8.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7029 * {Name:} Skeleton Ship Attack * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 628 * {Figures:} 7 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $70.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7036 * {Name:} Dwarves' Mine * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Dwarves and Trolls] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Dwarves and Trolls+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 575 * {Figures:} 6 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $50.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7037 * {Name:} Tower Raid * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Dwarves and Trolls] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Dwarves and Trolls+AH0-) * {Year:} 2008 * {Pieces:} 364 * {Figures:} 5 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $30.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7038 * {Name:} Troll Assault Wagon * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Dwarves and Trolls] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Dwarves and Trolls+AH0-) * {Year:} 2008 * {Pieces:} 161 * {Figures:} 3 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $20.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7040 * {Name:} Dwarves' Mine Defender * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Dwarves and Trolls] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Dwarves and Trolls+AH0-) * {Year:} 2008 * {Pieces:} 86 * {Figures:} 3 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $10.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7041 * {Name:} Battle Wheel * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Dwarves and Trolls] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Dwarves and Trolls+AH0-) * {Year:} 2008 * {Pieces:} 508 * {Figures:} 6 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $40.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7048 * {Name:} Troll Warship * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Dwarves and Trolls] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Dwarves and Trolls+AH0-) * {Year:} 2008 * {Pieces:} 493 * {Figures:} 9 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $80.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7090 * {Name:} Crossbow Attack * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 54 * {Figures:} 3 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $6.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7091 * {Name:} Knights' Catapult Defense * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 123 * {Figures:} 4 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $10.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7092 * {Name:} Skeletons' Prison Carriage * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 193 * {Figures:} 5 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $20.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7093 * {Name:} Skeleton Tower * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 398 * {Figures:} 5 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $50.00 (USD) * {Number:} 7094 * {Name:} King's Castle Siege * {Theme:} [LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / Skeleton Army] ({was:} LEGO / SYSTEM / Castle / +AHs-Skeleton Army+AH0-) * {Year:} 2007 * {Pieces:} 973 * {Figures:} 9 * {Picture:} Y * {MSRP:} $100.00 (USD)

lugnet.admin.statistics, FUT: lugnet.admin.general: This is a traffic report for the news/discussion groups on LUGNET. The table below, based on 5-minute snapshots, shows how many new messages have recently been posted. Messages which have been crossposted are counted once for each group in which they appear. PAST 24 HOURS (What's hot today) ----------------------------------------- 34 lugnet.* 10 lugnet.loc.* 7 lugnet.trains.* 7 lugnet.trains 4 lugnet.admin.* 4 lugnet.loc.au.* 4 lugnet.loc.au 4 lugnet.loc.se.* 4 lugnet.loc.se 3 lugnet.admin.statistics 3 lugnet.build.* 2 lugnet.general 2 lugnet.loc.ca.* 2 lugnet.loc.ca 1 lugnet.admin.database 1 lugnet.announce.* 1 lugnet.announce.moc 1 lugnet.build 1 lugnet.build.arch 1 lugnet.build.microscale 1 lugnet.cad.* 1 lugnet.cad.dev.* 1 lugnet.cad.dev 1 lugnet.events.* 1 lugnet.events.brickfest 1 lugnet.market.* 1 lugnet.market.brickshops 1 lugnet.mediawatch 1 lugnet.org.* 1 lugnet.org.fr.* 1 lugnet.org.fr.freelug 1 lugnet.technic.* 1 lugnet.technic 1 lugnet.town PAST 7 DAYS (What's hot this week) ----------------------------------------- 158 lugnet.* 28 lugnet.admin.* 21 lugnet.admin.statistics 19 lugnet.loc.* 16 lugnet.cad.* 14 lugnet.trains.* 14 lugnet.trains 13 lugnet.technic.* 13 lugnet.technic 11 lugnet.announce.* 11 lugnet.build.* 10 lugnet.loc.se.* 10 lugnet.loc.se 9 lugnet.cad 7 lugnet.admin.database 7 lugnet.build 6 lugnet.announce.moc 6 lugnet.castle.* 6 lugnet.castle 6 lugnet.loc.au.* 6 lugnet.loc.au 5 lugnet.announce 5 lugnet.general 5 lugnet.market.* 4 lugnet.cad.dat.* 4 lugnet.cad.dat.parts.* 4 lugnet.cad.dat.parts 4 lugnet.events.* 4 lugnet.mediawatch 4 lugnet.org.* 4 lugnet.org.fr.* 4 lugnet.org.fr.freelug 3 lugnet.cad.dev.* 3 lugnet.loc.ca.* 3 lugnet.loc.ca 3 lugnet.market.shopping 3 lugnet.robotics.* 3 lugnet.robotics 3 lugnet.space 3 lugnet.town 2 lugnet.build.military 2 lugnet.cad.dev 2 lugnet.events.brickfest 2 lugnet.people.* 2 lugnet.people.newbie 2 lugnet.publish.* 2 lugnet.publish.railbricks 1 lugnet.build.arch 1 lugnet.build.microscale 1 lugnet.cad.dev.mac 1 lugnet.color 1 lugnet.db.* 1 lugnet.db.inv 1 lugnet.dear-lego 1 lugnet.events 1 lugnet.events.nwbrickcon 1 lugnet.fun.* 1 lugnet.fun 1 lugnet.games.* 1 lugnet.games 1 lugnet.market.auction 1 lugnet.market.brickshops -- news@lugnet.com