If you haven't noticed, we do an MTron collaboration at almost every Brickworld event. Note the word COLLABORATION. There is always more than one person involved and it is open for everyone to participate just like the rest of the collaborations we post.
But, not many people know the history of the MTron collaboration. The MTron collaboration first appeared at IndyLUG shows and was probably a 5 ft x 8 ft display with 3 or 4 people involved. Nobody really knows exactly where and when the collaboration first appeared. But, ever since Brickworld Indy in 2009, it has done nothing but grow and improve.
At Brickworld Indy next month, the display will be 7 1/2 ft wide and 56 ft long. There will be at least 10 people contributing to the collaboration. Of course, it is largest at the Indy show because all of IndyLUG is involved. But, even at Brickworld Chicago last year, the layout was 8 ft wide and 30 ft long. The coolest part is that in Chicago, there are parts of the collaboration from other attendees. So, the Chicago layout always has something different going on.
Over the past couple years, there has been more and more height in the structures. And, a significant amount of custom rock work is appearing in the layout. The introduction of 1 Watt LED ultraviolet lights in 2014 will make the MTron layout glow bright during the world of lights in Chicago this year.
You can find the basic definitions for participating in the collaboration here. If you have questions, send them to the Contact Us form on the Brickworld web site and the MTron coordinator (Steve McDonough) will be happy to help!
Remember, collaborations are an easy way to make something small so that you are participating in displaying. This keeps life simple - easy to carry on an airplane - easy to set up - looks really cool when you take pictures of your stuff to show friends. So, don't be afraid to contribute a space ship, a vehicle or a small building to the collaboration. Every little bit helps!
