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Last weekend, M>ltc displayed our current layout (called “Mount Freedom”) at the Langwarrin school. The layout is 7×3 modules (each module is 3 32×32 baseplates square). It is not our largest to date, but it is probably the largest we will show for a while, because the decision has been made to downsize our main layout. We are currently looking at 4×2 or even 3×2 modules for our main layout, with the possibility of having a 2nd layout that can be attached if desired. We would also like to provide a play table for kids, with a simple loop using the new RC trains. Also possible is including a separate space or town layout without any trains for non-train shows.

The main reason for this is the cost (in time and money) involved in transporting such large layouts. But also factoring into it is the fact that many local train shows are limited in space, and are more used to long thin layouts as are common among scale modelers. This new format will solve both those problems.

Anyway, here are some pics I took of the layout (including 3 BRE bridges which I will post about soon), and here are some pics I took of other exhibits at the show. Of particular note are these Z scale layouts, which are designed to look like larger home layouts. Very nice indeed.

Since the Google ads (those pesky little ads that appear various places on this site, not least of which is over on the right there) have proved massively lucrative, I’ve been able to take over the world and live in luxury for the rest of my life!

Well OK, that’s not entirely true, but they are now generating enough income for me to start paying for my hosting here, which up to now was generously provided free by Northstar. So as of this month, I’ve finally joined the capitalist dot com rat-race. Or the capitalist dot info rat-race anyway.

Thanks Google!

It’s back! Better than ever!

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Well I’ve had this LEGO Technic sign sitting around for quite a while, and I finally decided to hang it somewhere. And where would be better than above my building area?

As usual, things aren’t as easy as they appear. First, the sign is designed to be mounted on screws sticking out from the wall – it has 2 “keyholes” in the back, and as I am renting, I didn’t want to screw anything into the wall. So I had to find a way to attach a string to hang it, and worse still, one of the holes was actually damaged around the edge.

But fear not! Technic to the rescue! Joining some specially crafted technic parts with a sturdy piece of string provided the perfect solution, I only wish I had that much spare LEGO string to make it a 100% LEGO solution!

And quicker than you can say “Technic Axle 5.5 With Stop”, my sign was hanging above my workbench! Another successful Technic project!

Last weekend, 4 AFOLs, admirably led by Sue Ann, presented a panel at the Continuum Sci-fi Con in Melbourne.

Sue Ann did a great powerpoint presentation, covering what AFOLs are, how they get together – online and in person, and showed off some nice MOCs. Also present were Travis, Duncan, and yours truly, all with a few MOCs to show people. An enthusiastic crowd asked lots of questions, and I think we all got something out of it. All in all a fun day!