BattleBrik :: wargaming with LEGO::

Changes Coming

battlebrik — Thu, 12 May 2011 22:22:07 +0000

Yes, this blog has been dormant for a long while…but now it is coming back (as blogs sometimes do).

A revamp is in process so stay tuned…

Paradigm Shift

battlebrik — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:56:35 +0000

A great line from an old Dilbert:

That grinding sound you hear is my paradigm shifting without the clutch.

That describes how I still feel about building fighty little robots!

My 10 year old got it right away and is surpasing me in his ability to design.

I on the other hand can’t seem to let go of bricks…

Chassis

battlebrik — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:21:55 +0000

I’ve been putting it off, but really I want to tinker with the Mechaton rules.

For the consummate rules tweaker, this ground is just too fertile to ignore!

So, I’ll keep it simple to start. One of the first things that occurred to me was an alternate “chassis”.

The official rules mandate a 2 dice / 4 attachment arrangement…let’s call that a “normal chassis“.

From there it is not so great a jump to imagine two additional configurations: a 1 die / 2 attachment “light chassis” and a 3 dice / 6 attachment “heavy chassis“.

I have a feeling this is probably a pretty common variant others have tried. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

BrickForge

battlebrik — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:02:49 +0000

I haven’t had to place an order with BrickLink yet because we have so many pieces from all the years of collecting sets.

However, I’m wondering for those of you who have…have you ever ordered custom pieces like those from BrickForge?

I am a purist and won’t even touch a MegaBlock, however these custom pieces look very useful.

Anyone have any experience with them?

BrickForge :: Nightstick

9-Long

battlebrik — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:33:23 +0000

If you had never played a wargame in your life, I imagine when you got to the section of the Mechaton rules that talks about a “9-long ruler”, you might be a little confused.

The rules assume you are capable of abstract thought and because of this they don’t really spell out the measuring system per se.

However, the illustration in “The Filed Guide” section clears up any misunderstandings.

For posterity, here’s a pic of the “9-long ruler” implemented.

Record Sheets

battlebrik — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:49:53 +0000

I’m liking record sheets. Some may not want or need them, but it is a no-brainer to me that you have to have ‘em.

There’s a couple of different takes on putting one together.

So far I’m liking Yokiboy‘s and The Raven‘s, but I can’t help but feel there is a better option.

I’m not a graphic artist, but I’m gonna try my hand at one soon…

Plano Lego

battlebrik — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:41:25 +0000

Hundreds of little pieces everywhere and you have to find that exact one…

You know, the light grey half-plate-stud-whatzit….

How in the world to keep these pieces organized?

Enter the old fisherman’s friend: Plano!

I have two of these 27 compartment babies filled up and I’m in dire need of some more.

How is everyone else sorting/storing their Mechaton LEGO?

Amazon.com: Plano 3750 Size Prolatch

Banana Basher

battlebrik — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:25:05 +0000

Thanks to Darrin at No BS Just ABS for the name!

BrikWars!

battlebrik — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:55:59 +0000

If not the first, BrikWars is at least the best know freeware miniatures wargame implemented with LEGO.

I’m providing this link for completness sake and so the title of this blog isn’t just a big sham.

I haven’t played this since way “back in the day” so I don’t have a sense of how its current implementation plays…but it is a pretty hefty rule set with a substantial fan base.

Maybe someday I’ll get back around to it, but for now, here’s the link:

BrikWars

Scout Mech

battlebrik — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:04:42 +0000

I’m experimenting with mechs that are specifically designed to be “scouts”.

The idea is to give up the weapons for maximum defense, move, and communications…

This kind of mech can focus on taking unprotected stations and spotting for other mechs.

Anyone have success with this approach?