Builder Showcase is back. The second edition stars Kapth Klutch, one of the most beloved and active Weekly Challange participants. His sources of inspiration and design tips, exposed to the delight of the Trailmakers community.
Would you make a quick introduction to us? What’s your real name, age, where are you from, what do you do for a living?
Greetings to you All. My name is Kyle Mahoney, age 28, from Massachusetts, US. I am a Graphic Designer & part time Twitch Streamer, better known as, KAPTN_KLUTCH.
How did you first hear about Trailmakers? Why did you decide to jump in and start playing?
My exposure to Trailmakers came from the Xbox Game Pass, but my draw to the game comes through the Creative Freedom it offers. I compare the game alot to “LEGO’s with Physics”.
Since we can build a wide range of vehicles, replicas, or totally new things from our own creative Imaginations. Even if you’re not attuned to the driving, flight or sailing mechanics yet, you can still build pretty much whatever you want, you may create something totally new and unique from experimenting.
What makes you come back to the game and spend time building and designing?
At first I tinkered around in ‘Stranded in Space’ to familiarize myself with the basics. After I was more comfortable, I’d try to re-create different Pop Culture references.
But, it was The Weekly Developer Challenges that gave me the ability to flex my creative muscles in new ways. After a few weeks and a couple of Trophies, I bonded with Twitch Chat and got exposed to this great community of fellow Builders.
Which of your creations are you most proud of and why?
There are a few things in my private collection I’m proud of, but there have been many fun and exciting themes to model after every week. My most memorable creation was the MasterPiece Challenge, where I submitted a functioning Baby Yoda [Grogu] replica.
Another key detail was an assist from a fellow Master Builder and well known name in the Community, SlimmShammy. They helped apply stabilization to the gimbels using Logic Gates - that I’m still not familiar with. It was a blast to make and even more exciting to have some collaborative assistance.
MASTERPIECE Challenge - Baby Yoda by ]{aptn ]{lutch
If you have to name one, who would be a source of inspiration for you on the game? Any favourite known or unknown creator?
I’ve got plenty of ideas jumbling around this noggin, but some days I get stumped or want to retry a build. There are TONS of great ideas to be found from content creators on Steam & Youtube.
To name a couple, I’ve always admired ‘Multiplayer Build Challenges’ amongst friend’s, like Scrapman’s “Evolution Challenges” with his buddies. Another youtuber I watch often is ThatDomGuy, for his unique style of builds and always finding ways to push new ideas innovated through his designs.
What is your best tip for someone who just downloaded the game and wants to get started?
The game mechanics might seem overwhelming in the start but there is a way to ease yourself into them through “Stranded in Space”. I took my time to fiddle around and absorb how different engines work, how certain wheels react to tertain, if weight has any factor etc.
I did my own trial and error crash testing, but If you get stuck, not sure how else to work on a Project, you can always save and come back later. Try looking into other solutions people come up with, you never know what you’ll find out there.
Would you like to add something? Words for the community, feature request?
I’ve played Trailmakers for about a Year now, there is still plenty more things I want to create! Being a part of this community and seeing it affect the growth of my own Stream Channel has been very encouraging. Can’t wait to see what else the game devs and community has to offer in future updates.
One Idea I’ve had is “Blade & Spike” Pieces. I imagined they would cause Physical Damage to vehicles without breaking off right away, then we can make Bladed Wheels for Death Races, Saw Blades for Construction, Battle Bot Royales, etc.
I hope everyone is having fun building to your heart's content. Thank you again for being awesome & for offering me this opportunity! You can find my channel at - Kaptn Klutch - Where I stream Trailmakers every Tuesday before the Weekly Challenges on Thursdays.
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So far the second edition of Builder Showcase. We hope it has been to your liking. We have loved getting to know Kaptn Klutch a little more. Thank you so much for your participation and for your amazing creations, Kyle. See you next time folks, where we'll learn more about a new top builder.