Aha, I know what I'm doing now :-) (photos 22nd Oct)

[Wirelizard]

I haven't had a chance to go to the art shop yet so I've done some work on the loading crane and colour test...

Many thanks to the Admiral for the inspiration for the crane, kudos to you 

You must have access to a lasercutter? Lucky sod.

Looks very cool, I think you're winning the "Migod it's gonna be huge! " sweepstakes so far!

[OSHIROmodels]

'Fraid so...

But if people aren't happy about it (it is a bit of an unfair advantage) then I don't mind withdrawing my entry 

cheers

James

[Vanvlak]

'Fraid so...

But if people aren't happy about it (it is a bit of an unfair advantage) then I don't mind withdrawing my entry 

cheers

James

No way! Want MORE 
Is it CO2 or Nd:YAG or diode? We have a 9kW CO2 monster at work, but it's a bit too expensive to run for this sort of work as we use it for research and would have to change from deposition or welding to cutting head each time.

[Thunderchicken]

Well done Jimbib! 

I notice in the top left hand corner of the first picture you've revealed you secret stash of booze (well, not that secret)  With that and a lazer cutter you're asking for trouble, lets see how many fingers you've got left by the weekend.

As for the colour scheme for the metal work all I can add is maybe a bit of wear and tear from the martian atmosphere.

[Overlord]

But if people aren't happy about it (it is a bit of an unfair advantage) then I don't mind withdrawing my entry 

I see no reason to do that.  Contestants will inevitably have a varied range of materials, tools, paints, ability, experience etc to hand. This would apply to any contest.  The important thing is to take part and show what you can do with what you have.

[former user]

thank You @silent invader, I second that with all my heart

and as a competitor, I do not have any problems with a lasercutter 
so this is indeed plasticcard for the crane?

[Zafarelli]

'Fraid so...

But if people aren't happy about it (it is a bit of an unfair advantage) then I don't mind withdrawing my entry 

cheers

James

You see me getting green with envy here. From the pictures, I can't quite recognize the material - polystyrene, or something else? And what thickness? I might have a few more questions for you, if you don't mind

[gamer Mac]

Looking good James.
Don’t dare withdraw from the competition. Unless you are scared we will put you to shame with our amazing skills. 
We are all jealous of you having access to the laser cutter.
The build is looking great so far.
Can’t wait to see this progressed.

[Svennn]

Laser cutter - pah! 

Ask him what he does for a living 

I do actually agree with all thats been said. Its all about the posts from everyone, its not even like there is a prize

[Dewbakuk]

He's perfectly allowed to use a laser cutter. He just has to cut out the templates I need for my build too 
I'll expect to pick them up at BLAM.

[Hammers]

Not at all James - for me LAF comps aren't about winning or even taking part, they're about sharing and learning. 

Oh, and it's looking rather good! 

To me it is all about crushing and humiliating the opposition and to strew salt on their workbenches!

[Anpu]

No withdrawing is allowed!   
I am thrilled to see the finished result!

Anders

[OSHIROmodels]

  I'll stay in then  

The material that's been laser cut is 1.5mm mounting card (hence the slightly brown edge), it's basically free as we have loads of off cuts from a job a while back (it's all 110mm x 720mm).

Many thanks for the encouragement and prepare to be amazed   

cheers

James

[former user]

it goes without saying that all competitors who loose against You get a free lasercut 
preferrably plastic 

so anyone - vote for Jimbibbly   

[Malamute]

Looking even more spectacular with each new set of photos. That crane is marvellous.
I am very pleased you live so close, we can get a game in using it as soon as its finished