Since the release of the game, the gnomes have been my favorite characters. They are also my more accomplished characters. A little bit ago, I started to take a keen interest in engineering. I like the fancy side of the gnomish engineer; it's a bit out of the ordinary. Moreover, I am quite the handyman myself. I like to tinker, to make things that are not necessarily useful, in order to relax.

One day, at work, I thought: "As I'm planning to build a new, quieter PC, what about making a new case at the same time; one a little stronger than what you may find on the market?" At that time, I already had a general idea of the design. Once at home, I started to sketch the plan for the case, and, while leveling my engineering in-game, I had an epiphany! I decided that I would make a case that is linked to the engineering profession.

Later, while discussing this project, friends of mine (diligent WoW players) convinced me to detail it on the forums. So, I posted the first thread.
However, I didn't have a lot of money to spend on the case's look. So, I did a lot of recycling (for the manometer, the screws, etc.), and I bought a few trinkets like tubes or neon lights.

Are you purely self-taught in this area or did you take courses that helped you design this case?

My career is a bit distinctive: I followed my studies until I obtained an advanced vocational training certificate as a management assistant. Then, as I thought that working in an office was too stressful, I decided to take some courses to become a plumber. Thanks to that, I obtained a permanent employment contract with a swimming pool manufacturer (I'm still in training by the way).

However, as far as DIY is concerned, it's my father who taught me everything I needed to know in plumbing and electricity. And my grandfather, a cabinetmaker, gave me info about woodworking. Gradually, I learned how to manage by myself.

One can guess that it's not your first attempt to modify a PC. Why did you want to work precisely on the gnomish technology?

It's not the first time I've done it, but the previous attempts were never completed because I lacked the motivation, time, and money.

When I do DIY, my goal is to relax and, since I like the WOW universe a lot, and gnomish engineering even more, I decided to complete this case whatever the cost.

Moreover, the theme I chose is very rich. My mind was filled with images as soon as I started thinking about this project. I saw the manometers and the tubes streaming out and flashy lights. With a bit of motivation and such a rich theme, it was easy to complete the project. Apparently, it seems that a lot of players like it as well.

What is the most difficult to do: assemble the different parts, the preparation, or the finishing touches?

I don't really know. My biggest problem is that I organize my work on a day-to-day basis. Anyway, it's why I use the word “DIY." Actually, nothing is really planned in advance except the final result.

To stick more closely to the question, I would say that for me, the most boring parts of the project are the finishing touches, because that needs more accuracy; that's supposed to hide the imperfections.

But the step I enjoyed most was unquestionably the general design of the case. I still have two or three sketches of my first ideas.

As the project is now well-advanced, did you receive a few requests from goblin engineers to help them make their explosive technology more widely accepted?

Unfortunately, no goblin engineer tried to contact me. However, several persons asked me if I planned to commercialize my project when they saw the final pictures. But to be honest, I doubt that I can make any money with it.

What would you recommend to other players who would like to start such a project?

I would recommend them to choose a subject appropriate to their imagination, to be motivated, (that's very important), and to be patient because sometimes it's difficult to make everything go more quickly. Another important thing too: You need to show a bit of imagination. Once you have the first draft in mind, you can improve the idea gradually.

You kept us informed on a daily basis with a topic on the forums: What were the first feedback and comments from the other players and how did that affect your work?

What impressed me the most all along is the very positive and open-minded behavior of the other players. They often found the project interesting and funny; sometimes they gave me some advice and they asked a lot of questions. That helped me to maintain my motivation in this project.

I still have some finishing touches to put on the case. I am having some difficulty in finishing the project because of the overtime I have to put in, but I must confess that I can't wait to show you my PC, complete and assembled. Before that though, I still need a few gold pieces in order to buy the epic components that will go inside my case!