All Questions
15
votes
3answers
7k views
Where are LEGO parts made?
Are all LEGO parts made in a single factory, or are there multiple factories? Where abouts is it/are they? If there are several, are there different factories for different pieces/sets, or do all ...
11
votes
1answer
516 views
What are all the different accessories that I can get for an NXT?
Pretty simple...What are all the different accessories that I can get for an NXT? I know this could turn into a list, but this will be a helpful list, I think.
11
votes
2answers
2k views
What is LUGBULK?
I have heard that LEGO have (or had) a programme called LUGBULK whereby clubs can purchase bulk lots of LEGO components direct fom LEGO.
Is that true? If so, is it economical and how can I get ...
10
votes
5answers
2k views
How can I create synthetic imagery (rendering) of LEGO models?
I'd like to know how I can create computer imagery of my own models or existing models.
How can we do photographic quality or cartoon like images?
7
votes
2answers
1k views
Good LEGO CAD Design Software with Technic elements and animation
I'm taking computer engineering in Gr. 11 right now and our final project is to create a robot with the first version of Mindstorms. My partner and I are making a sumo robot for the class competition. ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views
How can I convert an image's pixels to actual LEGO colors?
The LEGO Group released a few "mosaic" sets a while back, which came with clear baseplates and a bunch of 1x1 bricks. I have been wondering recently if it is possible to use an image as a reference ...
6
votes
1answer
271 views
What is this challenge to solve the Rubik cube as quickly as possible using LEGO bricks?
I saw videos of people participating in race to resolve a Rubik cube as quickly as possible using Mindstorm LEGO robots.
Can you provide information if there is a competition, who is involved?
What ...
18
votes
3answers
2k views
What is the difference between the NXT and the RCX?
What is the difference between the NXT and the RCX? I know that the NXT is newer, but what features does it have that the RCX doesn't have, and vice versa (if the RCX has features that the NXT ...
18
votes
3answers
447 views
How do you plan large structures for easy and safe transport to shows?
Imagine I am building a large display that will cover many square feet and have both tall buildings and lots of small details. What are some techniques for making these things modular? Is it safer to ...
18
votes
3answers
2k views
How are LEGO sets designed?
I've often wondered how it is that LEGO goes about creating new sets. I can easily imagine a person sitting in a room all day with unlimited pieces of every shape but with some of the complicated sets ...
17
votes
7answers
5k views
Is there a reliable way to determine what minifigure is in a LEGO Minifigures series package?
I would love to have one of each minifigure from the various LEGO Minifigure series. Unfortunately, as you receive a random minifigure in each package, this is more difficult than it should be. I ...
14
votes
3answers
404 views
How should I store unused stickers?
What is the best way to store stickers for future use? I have some unused LEGO sticker sets in plastic bags. The one on top in the bag has become brittle and is flaking.
14
votes
1answer
406 views
What are LDUs and how do they relate to LEGO bricks?
What are LDUs? I see technical people talking about plans and designs in terms of LDUs. I understand it's a measurement unit.
What does it mean and how do LEGO bricks relate to them? Why are they ...
14
votes
4answers
1k views
How can I motorize City-scale wheels?
I'd like to build city-scale (6 studs wide) vehicles motorized with either PF motor or clockwork. The primary problem right now is connecting wheel(s) to motor. Are there small enough LEGO wheels with ...
12
votes
2answers
4k views
How do I print images onto minifig body parts?
I have seen a few custom minifigures out there with images on certain body parts never produced by LEGO. What is the best way to achieve this? I have heard of some people printing out the image on ...
9
votes
2answers
25k views
Where can I download the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 IDE?
I want to see how well that IDE runs on my old Windows XP laptop.
I looked on www.lego.com, but it seems to all be documentation (downloads).
9
votes
1answer
354 views
Steering mechanism for City-scale vehicle
I'd like to build city-scale (6 studs wide) motorized vehicles with PF remote control. There are already several suggestions on how to motorize wheels. The next challenge is steering
mechanism that ...
9
votes
1answer
324 views
How much weight can a handle of Technic pegs and beams support?
Some Lego spaceships have handles attached, made out of Technic beam and pegs, and attached to the model using Technic bricks, pegs, and axles.
For example, 7644: MX-81 Hypersonic Operations Aircraft ...
8
votes
2answers
2k views
Why do some minifigs have yellow heads and some are flesh colored?
When did the flesh colors start and why? It seems yellow heads are here to stay too?
5
votes
4answers
4k views
Is it possible to buy a bulk of 1000s of basic bricks (mostly 2x4)?
Several years ago I remember being able to walk into toy shops and actually shovel lego bricks into a bag and thus buy them in bulk. Unfortunately I can't seem to find stores anymore that offer this ...
25
votes
3answers
4k views
Are DUPLO blocks compatible with LEGO blocks in any way?
Can I build a model out of both DUPLO blocks and LEGO blocks? Do they fit together?
20
votes
6answers
1k views
Are LEGO minifigs' arms supposed to come off?
I can get the arms off my LEGO minifigs, however, will doing so repeatedly wear them out?
19
votes
5answers
676 views
Does longterm storage in a connected state harm the studs/tubes?
Does storing bricks in a connected state lessen their longevity?
15
votes
4answers
1k views
Why are minifigure head studs now hollow?
Comparing my childhood minifigure heads to my post dark age ones, there is now a hollow stud at the top vs the solid ones I grew up with. At what point did this change happen and what was the reason ...
14
votes
1answer
396 views
How can I determine the name of a brick?
Over the vast years of collecting bricks of various sizes and sets, I find that during my free builds I run low on a specific type. How can I go about identifying what the brick is named and what ...
13
votes
4answers
616 views
How to make a 1 ldu offset?
LDraw units are defined so that a simple 1x1 brick has a side of 20 ldu and a height of 24 ldu.
Using simple building techniques, it's easy to create 2 ldu offset, as illustrated in this picture, ...
12
votes
3answers
405 views
What are the female parts called?
What is the proper term for the "female" section of the piece that the "studs" insert into? I have heard "pipes", "tubes", "underbits". Is there an actual term for the female section?
11
votes
2answers
513 views
Is there a Technique or Algorithm for Building Spheres?
There are times when I would like to build a sphere or a dome like this one:
From Small Lego Sphere Project
While this example is great, I find it difficult to scale it to another size, whether ...
11
votes
2answers
365 views
Which hand is this minifigure extending normally?
I remember more than one argument with a friend over which way LEGO minifigures' hands should be oriented to be correct (with the thumb pointed upward/inward, like a human hand's neutral position).
...
10
votes
3answers
9k views
How can I wirelessly connect the NXT and an iOS device?
I've seen videos around YouTube (like this one for a car) that show an ability to control a Mindstorms set via iOS (either iPhone or iPod Touch). I am just getting started with Mindstorms, but find ...
10
votes
4answers
2k views
What are the largest Technic-compatible tires on the market?
I am looking for the largest LEGO wheels with tires available to build a nice-sized RC LEGO car.
Of course I will start with the simplest prototype, but I would like to achieve a design which will ...
9
votes
4answers
588 views
Will my LEGO bricks discolor in indirect sunlight?
I have a bunch of new LEGO sets because of my new status as an AFOL. I've got them sitting on the dresser in a room that gets indirect sunlight (see below). There is no direct rays hitting the LEGO ...
9
votes
2answers
455 views
What's the largest LEGO construction ever?
In terms of the number of bricks used.
Is this house, constructed by James May for the show Toy Stories, the biggest?
8
votes
2answers
365 views
Is it possible to obtain a replacement part for a collectible minifigure?
My son's latest collectible minifigure purchase was missing its legs. Is it possible to get a replacement set of legs?
8
votes
2answers
2k views
Is it possible to build Lego bricks with a makerbot replicator 3D print?
Is it possible for plates, tiles or small pieces ? Is it possible to use MLCAD with a Makerbot replicator ?
Thanks
8
votes
1answer
339 views
Are the X-Pods balanced?
I own a few X-Pods and want to play the X-Pod "Play-Off" game again. While I want my game pieces to look neat, I also want to win.
Does each X-Pod have the same chance of winning? If not, then I ...
8
votes
5answers
2k views
What is piece 4211642 from 10179 - UCE Millenium Falcon?
I'm working on making sure I have all necessary pieces for 10179: Ultimate Collector's Edition Millenium Falcon (a painstaking process, to say the least). I recieved the set not entirely complete, ...
7
votes
1answer
300 views
Lego with hollow posts underneath - dates?
When did TLG change the small posts on the underside of the modern bricks and plates , eg 1x6 and 1x4, to hollow ones?
6
votes
2answers
331 views
Exact dimensions of studless Technic beams
I'm looking for the exact dimensions of the studless Technic beams. I found a number of answers for studded beams but there are some more aspects for the studless beams which are not covered.
I'm ...
5
votes
1answer
99 views
How long are Star Wars exclusives usually in stock for?
I'm currently looking into purchasing the Super Star Destroyer, but I'm wondering how long they will be in stock for. The reason I ask is I know that LEGO used to have a Tie Fighter in their ...
5
votes
1answer
355 views
What changes were made to Maersk blue?
I read that Lego recently changes the color of Maersk blue. Is this true? If so, why the change?
27
votes
2answers
1k views
What is SNOT building?
I have seen reference on LEGO forums to "SNOT building". This sounds gross! Are there really squishy-sticky LEGO bricks, or what?
17
votes
6answers
815 views
What is the basis of purism in LEGO building? [closed]
LEGO purism is the idea that LEGO constructions should be made with only with official Lego blocks with no modifications. Other bits of plastic, papercraft, metal supports, and so on are frowned upon.
...
13
votes
3answers
1k views
How do you store your built models for long-term display?
My wife and I recently started to re-enjoy Lego and had a lot of fun building the Grand Emporium and a few other pieces but now they're collecting dust and we're lucky enough to have a few spare rooms ...
12
votes
2answers
643 views
Are LEGO elements safe to use in an aquarium with fish?
Are LEGO elements safe to use in an aquarium with fish? I've never seen LEGO elements in a working fishtank.
12
votes
3answers
891 views
How do I build a sloped roof with a 60° rake?
I've seen the sloped roof on the "Winter Village Post Office" and similar using plates, and I want to build a roof with a similar angle:
What should I use to ensure they are well attached?
11
votes
3answers
353 views
Why are Lego sets put in such big boxes?
I am wondering why Lego puts sets in big packages. All bricks are put in small plastic bags and from my experience the packaging could be at least half of what it is.
There is so much told these days ...
10
votes
2answers
2k views
Can I use RCX sensors and motors with the NXT brick?
I have a bunch of motors and sensors from the original Mindstorms set. It seems a shame I can't use these with the more recent NXT set. Are there any unofficial modifications that allow you to convert ...
9
votes
3answers
234 views
Why can't I reproduce this SD card box in LDD?
I've built an SD card box a few years ago. Now I am trying to reproduce it in Lego Digital Designer.
However when I tried to reproduce the closed version, LDD refuses to snap it in place.
In ...
9
votes
1answer
416 views
Where can I find the LEGO fire dept. logo in high resolution or in vector format
I want print a high resolution version of the Lego fire department shield (the shield with three flames that is used on all Lego fire trucks). When I search with Google, I find mostly low resolution ...
