Official BBC Contest #53, Build a BIONICLE ‘Bot for LEGO! Options

[Tufi Piyufi]

Official BBC Contest #53: Build a BIONICLE ‘Bot for LEGO!

This is kind of a special contest: LEGO has asked BZPower members to create a BIONICLE-based robot. They’re not telling us why they want it, but it’s got to be for a special purpose, right? Although they tell us it WON’T be made into an actual set, we can only imagine where this might show up…

They have, however, given us the following. They've given us their requirements:

1. Create a robot between 12” and 24” tall, made entirely of LEGO elements.
2. The robot needs to be a biped: two arms, two legs, torso, and a head.
3. The back of the robot must contain multiple canisters of some kind.
4. The robot needs to look like a serious piece of hardware – no spindly-legged ‘bots for this one!
5. The robot can be any color or colors.
6. The robot can contain both BIONICLE (Technic) and System elements; preferably a mix of both, but not 100% of either.
7. Multiple entries allowed.
8. The face should be a robot face and not a mask.

As well as recommendations:

1. The robot should be obviously inspired by BIONICLE, but should also not be mistaken for a Toa.
2. If at all possible, the robot should NOT appear biomechanical, but purely mechanical.
3. The robot should have built-in armaments but should not have a detachable weapon like a sword or axe.
4. The robot should be reasonably articulated; arms, legs, waist, and neck should at least be movable.
5. The robot should have a good sense of scale; details will count for as much as overall shape and design.
6. The robot should have hands or other things to grab – pincers, tentacles, fingers, whaddevah.
7. Use of kanohi masks in the design is discouraged.
8. The robot should exude an aura of menace… its face should be fearsome, and its form should inspire terror!

And also legal. By entering this contest, you permit LEGO to use the design of your winning entry in whole or in part. LEGO may request the winner take additional pictures of the winning MOC, so please don’t take your entry apart! You will not be required to ship your MOC anyway… they just want pictures.

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Entries begin being accepted as soon as this topic is posted, and will stop being accepted on Thursday, April 23rd at 11:59 P.M. EST. We will accept unlimited entries for this contest, so there's no need to rush your entry.

To enter, simply post a link to your .jpg or .gif entry picture in this topic. Your entry post in this thread should appear as follows:

Entry Name:
Entry Pic URL:
Topic URL (if applicable):

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A running tally of entrants will be updated daily IN A SEPARATE PINNED TOPIC, which will be posted shortly after the first entries are received.

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Voting Process:

LEGO designers will review the entries and pick a first, second, and third place. There will be no BZP-side voting.

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Rules:

1) Your entry may not have been published prior to the start of this contest. You may make your own topic before posting in the official entry thread, but you must create a post in the entry topic before it is closed in order to be officially entered. You may only start one topic for your entry. Please post only one main pic in this entry thread and a link to the rest of the pics in the gallery on your image host (most likely Brickshelf, Photobucket, or Flickr). You can do pictures as normal in your own separate thread. If you need help posting pictures, please see this topic.

2) Don't PM the contest host unless you have to. Ask questions in this topic and the host or an assistant will answer it.

3) Painted parts are NOT ALLOWED. No non-LEGO parts. All other LEGO parts are fair game; however, for the most part, they should be Bionicle pieces and Technic pieces. Let's say, at least 75% of the MOC Bionicle/Technic parts. Pictures in which the appearance of the MOC has been edited in Photoshop or other editing software are also prohibited. If either method is used, the MOC will be disqualified. The background may be edited, as long as it does not alter the appearance of the MOC.

4) Multiple entries are permitted in this contest, but you cannot switch or modify the individual models mid contest. There is no limit to how many entries you can have, but it is recommended that you focus on quality rather than quantity. Once you have entered, you may not "un-enter" your models and enter new or modified ones in their stead. You may opt to bow out of the contest for whatever reason but you cannot reenter under such a situation. If you get disqualified for any reason, you will not be allowed to reenter with another MOC in that contest. This applies to all your entries: be careful and ask plenty of questions to be safe!

5) Any flaming will result in disqualification from the contest. Competition is good if you keep it clean. Everyone play fair, NO WHINING, no insults. I reserve the right to DQ any entry at any time for any reason.

6) Absolutely, positively NO CHEATING! Anyone found to be cheating or even suspected of cheating will face immediate disqualification from this contest and will be banned from participating in future contests. They will likely also be banned from the site. Mods know this information, so you're not fooling anyone but yourself by thinking you can get away with it. We run a check on people with multiple accounts too, which is an offense that results in banning from BZP entirely, aside from the contest... DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.

7) No "this is unfair" posting. Some people have more parts, money, time, fish, gigs left on your hard drive, etc than others. That's life; we each have to do our best with what we have. Any excessive complaining may, at the judgment of the contest runner, disqualify you!

8) Discussion is encouraged. Feel free to ask questions about models you see or about the contest in general. This is for us, the BBC builders; let's have some fun with it.

9) The contest is open to all BZP members, though voting will be conducted entirely by LEGO. "Advertising" your MOC is fine by making a signature or avatar reminding people to vote for you, but mass-PMing is frowned upon. So is advertising your MOC in someone else's thread. Spamming may result in proto loss or even post-count reductions ... don't do it.

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Prizes:

Prizes will be announced at a later date
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Contest Hosts:

Tufi Piyufi
Than: Matoran of Anger

Contest Assistants:

Taka-Tahu-Nuva
Kex
Darth Vader

Well, what are you waiting for? Break out your copy of Gundam or Terminator, pop some popcorn, and start building!

[~Ichigo Kurosaki...]

If it's a robot, is it possible to make it somewhat Transformable?

I.E. The legs could fold down and change into a tank tread-like structure?

As I had an interesting leg Idea I'd like to try.

[Gatanui]

This is really very interesting. I have two weeks of free time now so I will definetely participate!

I already have a fitting MOC built (I just need a few modifications). Question: I had already published a WIP (Work in progress) on an image hosting site. Can I use it anyway? The pics I showed were incomplete and I have to build in some modifications anyway...

~Gata.

This post has been edited by Gatanui: Apr 3 2009, 02:33 PM

[Sisen]

Well I can say I'm not going to be entering this one.

[CzaR]

As always, I will try to get something entered. An unusual theme, but a solid one.

[IceToa]

3. The back of the robot must contain multiple canisters of some kind.

What does that mean?

[Tufi Piyufi]

If it's a robot, is it possible to make it somewhat Transformable?

I.E. The legs could fold down and change into a tank tread-like structure?

As I had an interesting leg Idea I'd like to try.

Transforming MOCs would not be okay: it should just be the bipedal robot.

This is really very interesting. I have two weeks of free time now so I will definetely participate!

I already have a fitting MOC built (I just need a few modifications). Question: I had already published a WIP (Work in progress) on an image hosting site. Can I use it anyway? The pics I showed were incomplete and I have to build in some modifications anyway...

~Gata.

As long as it has not been posted on BZP, it's fine.

3. The back of the robot must contain multiple canisters of some kind.

What does that mean?

Like air or fuel canisters on someone's back: that's the look they seem to want.

[~Ichigo Kurosaki...]

Alright, guess I'll do without it then. But the canisters, they can be made of pieces, they aren't Actual Bionicle canisters or anything? And could the canisters have an actual use? Like A Flamethrower pack?

[Darknut]

This theme was unexpected I bet. I wonder if the winner's MOC gets too be part of a lego event or something.

[Omnomnom_Krom]

Is this ok? http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb91/To...uadraxus011.png

-Over and Out-

This post has been edited by AeroHog: Apr 3 2009, 02:51 PM

[Tufi Piyufi]

Alright, guess I'll do without it then. But the canisters, they can be made of pieces, they aren't Actual Bionicle canisters or anything? And could the canisters have an actual use? Like A Flamethrower pack?

Given the size parameters, I would say they're not specifically talking about set canisters. So, building the canisters would be fine. Giving them a purpose, I am guessing, would also be fine.

This theme was unexpected I bet. I wonder if the winner's MOC gets too be part of a lego event or something.

We'll see, won't we?

Is this ok? http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb91/To...uadraxus011.png

-Over and Out-

Most definitely not. Please (re)read the rules and requirements.

[Omnomnom_Krom]

Why not, is it because it has no arms?

This post has been edited by AeroHog: Apr 3 2009, 03:00 PM

[Vaka-Nui]

SO. FREAKING. AWESOME.

*Goes of to work*

EDIT: Wait... I want this confirmed first: This isn't an April Fools joke, is it?

This post has been edited by Vaka-Nui: Apr 3 2009, 03:01 PM

[Tufi Piyufi]

Why not, is it because it has no arms?

As stated, the robot needs to be bipedal, have some sort of canisters on its back, have hands/claws/tentacles/etc., and does not seem to clear the bottom height requirement, among other things. Please, read the opening post.

[Shine]

Let's say, at least 75% of the MOC Bionicle/Technic parts.

Shouldn't this be removed?

[Jambi]

Well, this is a neat surprise.

I may even enter this one.

[Vaka-Nui]

Does this count as a canister?

[ChocolateFrogs]

Wow. This is very cool. Plus seeing how they want it to be over a foot tall!
Canisters...I had thought they meant Toa canisters from 2005 or before. Hmm...

This should be quite creative.

-CF

[Tufi Piyufi]

Let's say, at least 75% of the MOC Bionicle/Technic parts.

Shouldn't this be removed?

No.

Does this count as a canister?

Technically, yes, but be advised that there are both certain size parameters and a requirement for multiple canisters. 'Canisters' does not refer specifically to 'things sets come in': it refers to 'things that are tube-shaped with ends on them'.

[-Shannara-]

What an oddly specific set of requirements. I'm quite intrigued! I'll see if I can pull something together.

-Shan

[Chrome]

Sounds interesting...

If LEGO^® is hosting it, does that mean that other participants will be allowed to enter or only BZP?

[Distorted]

Well, this is...odd.

Should be pretty fun though.

Will we still get to vote or will Lego choose the winner?

[GreenBioGuy]

6. The robot can contain both BIONICLE (Technic) and System elements; preferably a mix of both, but not 100% of either.

So... It can't be 100% Bionicle? Seems a bit odd...

At any rate, this sounds like a top notch contest!
Rest assured that I plan on entering should I find the right amount of time.

Personally, I'm very happy to be entering a contest in which the judging is done by LEGO.
I haven't been a likin' BZPower's voting procedures recently...

Just to clarify: We can make canisters out of other pieces, and not just BIONICLE canisters?

This will be most fun!

~GBG~

[Argetlam]

Wow, cool contest. I think I'll be able to join, but we'll see. I wonder how to incorporate canisters into the design... *runs off to build*

Yipp-Arrrgghhh!

EDIT: Distorted, I believe the first post said that there would be no BZP side voting. Only the LEGO reps would choose the winners.

This post has been edited by Yipp-Arrrgghhh: Apr 3 2009, 03:47 PM

[Tradakk]

This could either end up really cool, or really lame.
I might enter.

[Shadrahk Rahkshi...]

Wow. I need to go buy some LEGO Bricks. I'm gonna need alot for this. And does the canister on the back have to be made of Lego?

[Tufi Piyufi]

Sounds interesting...

If LEGO^® is hosting it, does that mean that other participants will be allowed to enter or only BZP?

I believe the contest is only taking place on BZP.

Well, this is...odd.

Should be pretty fun though.

Will we still get to vote or will Lego choose the winner?

The voting is entirely in Lego's hands.

6. The robot can contain both BIONICLE (Technic) and System elements; preferably a mix of both, but not 100% of either.

So... It can't be 100% Bionicle? Seems a bit odd...

At any rate, this sounds like a top notch contest!
Rest assured that I plan on entering should I find the right amount of time.

Personally, I'm very happy to be entering a contest in which the judging is done by LEGO.
I haven't been a likin' BZPower's voting procedures recently...

Just to clarify: We can make canisters out of other pieces, and not just BIONICLE canisters?

This will be most fun!

~GBG~

The canisters can be constructed, yes, and given the size you're working with, is probably the better idea.

[HyperSonic]

Hmm...
Any ideas what should I use as reference for the size requierments?
We don't use inches where I live...
defenitivly entering.
Oh... And the canisters...
Must they be on like a jetpack or can I put them in any abstract way I want?

[Than the Moa]

Wow. I need to go buy some LEGO Bricks. I'm gonna need alot for this. And does the canister on the back have to be made of Lego?

You can use any canister packaging (though it's a bit though to fit those in the the size limits), otherwise yes, it has to be made out of some kind of Lego.

Hmm...
Any ideas what should I use as reference for the size requierments?
We don't use inches where I live...
defenitivly entering.
Oh... And the canisters...
Must they be on like a jetpack or can I put them in any abstract way I want?

As long as it is on the back you can build it in anyway, but it must be on the back.

And for reference, 12 inches is about 30.5 cm and 24 inches is about 61 cm.

[McBobby]

I find this pretty cool, because it's not like your classic contest. Count me in.

[HyperSonic]

Hmm... *Looks at bookshelf in horror*
Yeah, that'll be easy... *Looks again* not...
Well, better make a blueprint...

[Johnuva]

How high is 14" in set form? Titan size?

[Ghost Rider]

Can we have a minifig piloting it?
Also, is it okay to have a Technic frame, but System armor?
Must the robot have hands?

[Than the Moa]

Can we have a minifig piloting it?
Also, is it okay to have a Technic frame, but System armor?
Must the robot have hands?

No, it has to fit in with the Bionicle Universe.
Sure, it just has to incorporate both and let's try to make sure the majority of it is still Bionicle. Afterall, this is still a Bionicle Based Creations Contest.
No, but it is highly recommended that it does.

6. The robot should have hands or other things to grab – pincers, tentacles, fingers, whaddevah.

[Ghost Rider]

Oh. How about a Matoran/Agori pilot, then?

[Tufi Piyufi]

Oh. How about a Matoran/Agori pilot, then?

You can only build the robot. No pilots are permitted.

[cags//cunninghat...]

6. The robot can contain both BIONICLE (Technic) and System elements; preferably a mix of both, but not 100% of either.

they should be Bionicle pieces and Technic pieces. Let's say, at least 75% of the MOC Bionicle/Technic parts.

Which of these takes precedence? The second one seems like it was tacked on due to being part of the default rules.

[pi = 3.14159265....]

What do you mean when you say "Canisters?" Do you mean that I have to put a bionicle canister on it's back?

[Ballom]

Yes!

I have such a good idea for this one.

~B~

[Shine]

Is "biped" meant to imply that the entry is required to be humanoid?