So, you wanna to build a podracer? [Building Tips Thread]

[StormieMan]

Could we use stuff like technic spears on our podracer? Or could we use them for a decoration, instead of a weapon?

[Solo]

I've never heard the term "technic sprears" but as long as it's an official part you can use it on your entry.

[SuperDave]

technic spears?

These things?

[StormieMan]

yeah...

[Jon Vanneste]

Can I have a co-pilot?

[Solo]

Sure, why not...

[Jargon]

Can my podracer be fully sentient/self-aware???

- Aaron

mumbles . . . not a half-bad idea . . .

[Solo]

Nope, needs a pilot. But it can have a droid pilot.

[FizzyPoppers]

Could we add a built setting to our pod-racer pictures? Also, will the support for your pod have to be made of lego?

http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Arthi ... /rr6_7.jpg Like this. The support isn't lego, it's just a transparent stand. Is that legal?

[Solo]

It's just a stand, it doesn't need to be brick built. If at all possible it should be photoshopped out to make your entry look better. If you want to build some scenery like some brick landscaping, you're welcome to. Just keep in mind the contest is about the podracers, not the background.

[starstreak]

Unless I missed it, only the podracer is being judged right? I mean, all because someone is good at adding a background via photoshop or has tons of bricks to build a landscape, would they get more points?

[Solo]

That is the intent, yes, but presentation is still important. You can have an identical creation and shoot one with a cameraphone and the other with a decent lighting setup, and the second is going to look better. Same for shopping out the stand vs not, or adding scenery (brick built or digital). The contest is only about the podracers - it's up to each member to build theirs as best they can and present it as best they can.

A hint on the judging - it's going to be completely up to the forum members through a series of polls. So there's no way to account for everyones taste or bias, but you don't have to worry about points for specific things included or excluded.

[Flynn]

Quick question, are we allowed to cut the cables down to the appropriate size, or does that fall under the "no modifying parts" rule?

[Solo]

Flex tube, as far as I'm concerned, is the only element where cutting is acceptable - since a number of sets required you to do this in the official instructions.

[FizzyPoppers]

so four engines are illegal, right? And also, contest entrys should use fire for the power couplings to give it a nice effect.

[Solo]

It's right there in the first post: They're not banned from the competition - just make sure it doesn't suck, because then you have twice the suck you would have had with a regular pod.

[bigospedros]

Question : I already posted an entry, but I've re-worked it. Can I withdraw my first attempt and re-enter with Version 2 ?

[Joedward]

On the other hand;

Power couplings/energy binders requirement:
That's right, these are REQUIRED and should be the only thing connecting your two engine pods together. How they look is up to you, but try and stick to these suggestions:
...
- it should be made from transparent elements to properly simulate the look
There are many ways to accomplish this and you still have room to play, so try out everything you can think of. ...

Does that mean they have to be made of transparent elements? Or is it just a very strong recomendation?

[Gold_2]

Glad 4-engine designs aren't illegal. Ben Quadinaros rocked a 4-engine pod. Well, sorta.

[Kyle]

Glad 4-engine designs aren't illegal. Ben Quadinaros rocked a 4-engine pod. Well, sorta.

I think it'd be more accurate to say Ben Quadinaros got rocked by a 4-engine pod.