LEGO!

[anarky]

*Or should I say our horribly underfunded education system? [/micro-rant]

Combination of underfunded educational system, political correctness and oversensitivity gone awry (can't have little Johnny having nightmares about six million people gassed because of their religion, can we?), and No Child Left Behind leaving pretty much all children behind. But everyone will continue to blame the teachers. After all, they have tenure! (And it's not like the teachers who don't actually want to put up with little Johnny's bullshit don't stick around, being miserable in an underpaid job, because of tenure, right?)

There's a very good book called Lies My Teacher Told Me. I don't necessarily agree with all the conclusions the dude draws, but it's full of interesting factoids that are never taught because the far right thinks it's a "blame America first" mentality to admit that we as a nation ever did anything wrong. If you want the far left version, A People's History of the United States has a lot more goodness (and a lot more jumping to conclusions to fit an ideology, but, hey, if you're reading it, you're either smart enough to catch when he's doing that, or you subscribe to the ideology already).

Anyway, LMTTM states pretty plainly that most kids hate history because it's so sanitized to make everyone happy, and they discover how cool it is if they are required to take a history course in college. I know that was true with me. I plan to make sure my kids know all the cool (and bad) things in our past before they graduate.

Because, fuck, dude, you want kids to get interested in ancient Rome, tell them the stories of the most insane Roman emperors. I can't imagine any high schooler being captivated by (or thoroughly disgusted and unable to turn away from) the story of Caligula. (And this is not an invite for the character to throw out some stupid anecdote about fucking his high school history teacher.)

[Rollo Tomassi]

I remember how shocked I was to find out about the Japanese internment camps in CA during WWII. So much history about the war and school just skipped over the embarrassing parts. Also, they always seemed to think the war started with Pearl Harbor, but I've since discovered the events leading up to the war are much more intriguing.

[Diabolical]

The thing that initially sparked my interest in WWII was the Holocaust, possibly introduced by the story of Anne Frank.
The fact that something that indescribably horrible could, and did, happen grabbed my attention. This was something you couldn't make up and I wanted to know how and why it did.
I don't remember being told the details of the Holocaust in school, but I'm sure it was glossed over, leaving only the major details (Nazis, Jews, camps, 6 million, slaughter, etc), but I'm not shocked kids today are learning far, far less. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if 9/11 is already being sanitized.

[vynsane]

the LEGO company has a standard policy that they don't make "war toys" - obviously, this definition has it's gray areas, since they make star wars and have made indiana jones sets, but they won't make a straight-up "military" theme with just tanks, fighter jets, soldiers, etc. - and what military figures they've made have been intentionally vague as to their allegiance, calling any nazis or russians "enemy soldiers" in the IJ sets.

that said, of late, the licensed and non-licensed themes have leaned towards a "battle in a box" mentality, providing characters and/or vehicles from two disparate factions (aliens and humans in Alien Conquest and Space Police 3, Team X-Treme and Backyard Brawlers in World Racers, etc) so the line has blurred that much more between a peaceful toy to intentional conflict.

[Ran]

I remember how shocked I was to find out about the Japanese internment camps in CA during WWII. So much history about the war and school just skipped over the embarrassing parts. Also, they always seemed to think the war started with Pearl Harbor, but I've since discovered the events leading up to the war are much more intriguing.

I found out about that when I was stationed in Riverside. One of the camps was on the west side of the base. The only thing remaining from the buildings is the concrete slabs.

the LEGO company has a standard policy that they don't make "war toys" - obviously, this definition has it's gray areas, since they make star wars and have made indiana jones sets, but they won't make a straight-up "military" theme with just tanks, fighter jets, soldiers, etc. - and what military figures they've made have been intentionally vague as to their allegiance, calling any nazis or russians "enemy soldiers" in the IJ sets.

that said, of late, the licensed and non-licensed themes have leaned towards a "battle in a box" mentality, providing characters and/or vehicles from two disparate factions (aliens and humans in Alien Conquest and Space Police 3, Team X-Treme and Backyard Brawlers in World Racers, etc) so the line has blurred that much more between a peaceful toy to intentional conflict.

They made the green army guys from Toy Story, but I don't believe they had guns. I think their accessories were a radio, a metal detector, and a stretcher.

[Rollo Tomassi]

Another cool idea would be an oil drilling platform.

And I've mentioned this before, but football Legos. Have three or four different sets to build a full length field.
1. RedZone set. Comes with the endzone, out to the 20 yard line, field goalpost, big tall stadium lights, and some bleachers. You'd have to buy two for a full field.
2. GridIron set. ostensibly (ha!) the 20 yd to the 40 yd line. Comes with a injury cart, the team bench, more lights, maybe a little water cooler, etc. Again, you'd need two for a full field.
3. 50 Yard Line set. The middle of the field. Comes with some of those big TV camera stands that move up and down and big bleacher section. and a jumbotron screen above the seats. And more lights.
4. Pressbox set. More stadium, topped off with a pressbox. Made so you can have seating on the opposite side of the 50yd set's seats. And yes more lights.
I suppose you'd have to do it with just two teams, but if they got the NFL license imagine having sets come with specific little Lego players for each franchise.

[vynsane]

*boilerplate post i'm submitting to all LEGO-themed fora i regularly visit*

I've recently revisited the "Modular Starfighter" concept as I found it hard to design new modules for the previous incarnation. The 'hard-points' for attaching modules weren't universal enough. The separation of the cockpit 'tub' and the canopy also ended up being less than optimal. I started with an isolated fuselage that includes the canopy (it's highly influenced by the Vic Viper fighter in 7066 Earth Defense HQ) and then split the fuselage behind the pilot's seat, adding techinc bricks in between. I then built the engines/wings and connected them to the hard-points in the rear fuselage module via angled technic connectors, and added a small 'tail fin' module to the end of the fuselage.


A security patrol flight of two Tanuki Corp. modular starfighters in the "Kitusne" light interceptor configuration skims the atmosphere of the planet Xirlon.


Modular Starfighter security patrol - front by vynsane, on Flickr


Modular Starfighter patrol - rear by vynsane, on Flickr



Modular Starfighter Revisited - modules by vynsane, on Flickr

LDD files:

• Exploded View
• "Painted"

I also developed an alternate cockpit module, this time housing a Flight Control Droid instead of a conventional cockpit for a human. The back-story on this was very fun to write:




Kitsune/Mujina Droid-Controlled Fighter variant by vynsane, on Flickr



Deep Space patrol by vynsane, on Flickr

The Tanuki Corp. modular starfighter system is easily adaptable to varying needs. By replacing the cockpit module with a droid control system, this otherwise standard Kitsune configuration becomes a very capable drone fighter.

It's not uncommon for strike wings of up to 6 Kitsune/Mujina Droid-controlled fighter (K/M-DCF) variants accompanying a single human-piloted standard configuration Kitsune fighter to be very effective in attack and defense missions. The AI necessary for such effectiveness is likened to that of a trained police dog, obeying the masters commands and actions with a series of pre-programmed algorithmic responses and analytical reactions to unforeseen situations.

Results of completely un-manned K/M-DCF flight wings have, however, ranged from disappointing to disastrous, depending on the amount of free will the AI is given. One account of a test flight of a group of K/M-DCFs with the standard "police dog" AI ended in a brawl over who would be the pack leader, inciting multiple attempts to "assert dominance" that caused multiple hull breaches and the loss of one Droid Control Module before safety measures could be enacted.


I'm having a lot of fun coming up with names for these things. The modular nature of the concept makes it hard to pin down actual names, but the idea that certain configurations are popular enough to be 'standard' helped address that. Since the modules can cause the fighters to take on different shapes, I've been playing with shapeshifters of Japanese folklore - "Kitsune" being the Fox, "Mujina" being a type of spirit that can often take the shape of a faceless human (which gave birth to the idea of the droid control module in place of the cockpit). The corporation that builds these is Tanuki, yet another shapeshifter.

LDD files
Droid Control Module

[Ran]

New Batman Legos

LEGO 6858 Batman vs. Catwoman $11.99
LEGO 6862 Superman vs. Lex Luthor $19.99
LEGO 6863 Batman vs. the Joker $29.99
LEGO 6864 Batman vs. Two Face $49.99
LEGO 6860 The Batcave $69.99

And Marvel? with more DC

6865 Captain America Avenging Cycle – $24.95
6866 Wolverine Chopper Showdown – $49.95
6867 Loki’s Cosmic Cube Escape – $49.95
6868 Hulk’s Helicarrier Breakout – $99.95
6869 Quinjet Aerial Battle – $129.95
And just to add some extra stuff, here’s the list of the DC Universe sets:

6858 Catwoman’s Catcycle City – $24.95
6860 The Batcave – $129.95
6862 Superman Vs Pow.Armor Lex – $39.95
6863 Batwing Battle – $59.95
6864 Batmobile and Two Face Chase – $99.95

And Series 7 mini figures

Internet Geek
Bride
Daredevil
Operatic Viking Lady
Tarzan & Cheetah
Easter Bunny
Swimmer
Tennis Player
Riot Grrrl
Aztec Warrior
Bagpiper
Future Cop 3000
Flower Child
Necromancer
Little Red Riding Hood
Poseidon/Neptune

[jjreason]

Vyn, those are awesome. :O

Ran, I'm looking forward to the Marvel stuff, with any luck there will be lots of cheaper, smaller sets with figures included.

[Rollo Tomassi]

Those prices are in AUS dollars. So you're sticker shock can abate some.

[vynsane]

Vyn, those are awesome. :O

thanks, mang... here's some more for yo face!



Tengu class Heavy Interceptor by vynsane, on Flickr

A convoy of GHL transport frigates charters a course across the galaxy secure in the knowledge they are guarded by a top-gun squad of Tanuki Corp. Tengu Heavy Interceptor pilots.

While attacks are rare, space pirates can pack impressive weaponry that will endanger even the most armored ships. To meet the firepower requirements of high-profile clients that have to move valuable materials across the galaxy (such as GHL, as is the case here), Tanuki Corp. engineered the Tengu configuration Heavy Interceptor.

Featuring dual pulse cannons affixed between the fuselage and each engine/wing module, the Tengu can deal out an impressive amount of damage to slower vessels. Generally, a compliment of Kitsune Light Interceptors will accompany a wing of Tengu Heavy Interceptors to pick off any attackers that can evade the more powerful, but slower-moving, starfighter.

LEGO Digital Designer Files

• Tengu Class Heavy Interceptor (GHL livery)
• Modular Starfighter Heavy Weapons Module (isolated)

Infamous Aliss Oyuki and her starfighter the Denublian Sunset by vynsane, on Flickr

Security camera footage from an asteroid outpost captures an image of the infamous mercenary Aliss Oyuki piloting her highly customized modular starfighter "Denublian Sunset".

The highly customizable nature of the Tanuki Corp. modular starfighter system makes it not only a favorite of large scale corporate defense contractors but can also fit the needs of some of the galaxy's seedier denizens.

In this instance, we see Aliss Oyuki's personal starfighter, boasting a unique dual fuselage/single plasma cannon configuration, with its distinctive custom orange and dark red paint job (hence the name "Denublian Sunset" after that moon's distinctive red and orange hues at dusk.)

Speculation and rumor hint at a highly customized firmware update leading to nearly self-aware yet incredibly reliable AI housed in the Droid Control Module affixed to the starboard fuselage. Oyuki has also reportedly increased the handshake protocol effectiveness to the point that her two accompanying K/M-DCF variants (sporting matching custom paint jobs inverse to that of her fighter) have exhibited autonomous decision making far superior to anything Tanuki Corp. has developed thus far.

Tanuki Corp. refuses to confirm or deny rumors at futile attempts to contact Oyuki or her software developer, and won't even entertain questions about how their technology finds its way into less than reputable hands.

LEGO Digital Designer files

• Aliss Oyuki's Denublian Sunset

[Rollo Tomassi]

Aliss Oyuki is a saucy little minx.


I'm getting, like, addiction shakes to start getting those bigass modular Town sets. I'm all 'damn I really can't afford that' but then I see pics and my brain says 'fuck it. Order it.'

Im doing the same thing with the Maersk train set and the Emerald Night train. And that doesn't include upgrading each to a working powered remote train. Which is roughly $50 to get the IR receiver, the motorized wheels, and the battery pack. For each. I can skip the remote control because you can power multiple trains with the flip of a switch, so I already have more than enough controllers from the trains I already have.

[vynsane]

I'm getting, like, addiction shakes to start getting those bigass modular Town sets. I'm all 'damn I really can't afford that' but then I see pics and my brain says 'fuck it. Order it.'

Im doing the same thing with the Maersk train set and the Emerald Night train. And that doesn't include upgrading each to a working powered remote train. Which is roughly $50 to get the IR receiver, the motorized wheels, and the battery pack. For each. I can skip the remote control because you can power multiple trains with the flip of a switch, so I already have more than enough controllers from the trains I already have.

double VIP points, free shipping and free holiday-themed vignette set with orders over $99 this month... more than enough incentive. Free mini hogwarts' express with purchase of diagon alley as well...

[Rollo Tomassi]

What do you use the VIP points for?

Edit. Never mind. I looked it up. Yes, that does make it more compelling.

[vynsane]

this one requires a little bit of back-story - there's a LEGO builder by the name of peterlmorris who's created a TON of starfighters, and this one has engine modules based on some of those designs, hence the 'PLM' designation. the fighter to the left in the second pic is the 'Archangel' he designed that served as inspiration.


PLM-T1 "Bakemono" class interceptor by vynsane, on Flickr


PLM-T1 "Bakemono" ceremonial fly-by by vynsane, on Flickr

Tanuki Corp. in conjunction with Starfighter Engineering unveils the PLM-T1 "Bakemono" class interceptor, flanked by a Starfighter Engineering "ZR-42D Archangel Plus Alt 1" and Tanuki Corp. "Kitsune" class Light Interceptor in parade formation among the moons of Flanula.

When posed with a large contract for a client with high performance demands and nearly non-existent development timeframe, Tanuki Corp. subcontracted the design of a new high-performance integrated engine/weapons module to Starfighter Engineering.

The PLM module was developed and integrated with the standard "Kitsune" class fuselage in the PLM-T1 "Bakemono" configuration Interceptor. The "Bakemono" fits right between the "Kitsune" and "Tengu" with a higher performance envelope than the Light Interceptor, but packs nearly the same offensive punch as the Heavy Interceptor.

- Much thanks to peterlmorris for the inspiration and instructions!

LEGO Digital Designer files:

• PLM-T1 "Bakemono"
• PLM Engine Module