All Questions
12
votes
1answer
507 views
Can I write programs for the LEGO RCX 2.0 in Java/C++?
Is there a library which makes it possible to write LEGO Mindstorms programs for RCX 2.0 in Java or C++? With the LEGO software it takes so much time to write good programs.
12
votes
1answer
7k views
In what ways are LEGO and Megabloks incompatible?
I know that the basic bricks of LEGO and Megabloks fit together, but was wondering if other elements do too.
Such as:
Plates
Rods (Ones Minifigures can hold, not Technic)
Right angle (such as ...
12
votes
1answer
617 views
Is there difference between different colors of LEGO axles?
There are a few different colors of LEGO Technic axles, but not enough to really use for artistic variation - black, grey, some beige, and recently I have started seeing blue.
The particular color ...
12
votes
1answer
268 views
How is the corner on Azuma Makoto's LEGO bonsai tree done?
I'm looking at doing my own version of Azuma Makoto's bonsai. I know it will probably not be a 100th as good, but I want to try anyway. The first step is obviously building a similar base but I'm ...
12
votes
1answer
296 views
How does LEGO decide it needs a new element?
Aside from the need to add licensed series specific pieces, how does LEGO decide it's time to introduce a new shape to the element palette?
11
votes
9answers
8k views
LEGO cleaning techniques and tools
Previously I've used toothbrushes but maybe these would eventually scratch the surface? What have you used? And was it easy?
As well as cleaning, what about drying and buffing? Anyone tried polishing ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
Are LEGO bricks recyclable?
Yes, I know that it is kind of a dumb question, as no one would want to dispose of LEGO bricks.
But it's a curiosity thing: are Lego bricks recyclable?
11
votes
5answers
1k views
Are companies producing custom molded LEGO pieces legally entitled to do so?
We have seen (or I have seen, given I am a member of a few popular BIONICLE fan sites) an uproar from custom molding companies -- that is, companies that create their own LEGO pieces.
My question is ...
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).
...
11
votes
8answers
913 views
What pieces are prone to breaking?
I've had a few pieces break over the years, which was a real bummer as I was not expecting them to.
What are some commonly used pieces that are prone to breaking? Pieces that should be handled ...
11
votes
3answers
2k views
Why does LEGO have a maximum age limit?
I am wondering why do LEGO boxes have a maximum age limit printed on them?
My girlfriend has just gifted me LEGO Starfighter (8088) and it has an age range of 8-14. Why not just write 8+? Are there ...
11
votes
1answer
301 views
Is this element some kind of Technic connector?
I am thoroughly confused about an element I have come across:
I have never seen a piece quite like this.
It's unlike any Technic connector I've seen, so I doubt if that is what it's for.
The two ...
11
votes
1answer
1k views
What does the acronym MOC stand for?
This is a common acronym used in the Lego community - what does MOC mean?
11
votes
3answers
2k views
What was the first set produced by The LEGO Group?
What was the first Lego set produced, and when was it first released?
11
votes
4answers
253 views
How can I fix a flattened gear?
I have an old small gear that somehow got flattened to an oval shape. The axle hole is too narrow to slide a bar through, although it is not completely closed shut.
How can I repair this gear?
11
votes
5answers
810 views
Have any Lego sets been released with errors/mistakes in the build instructions? If not, why not?
I was thinking about the documentation process of a large set like the Death Star and it got me thinking; surely at some point Lego must've released a set of instructions that contained a mistake?
...
11
votes
1answer
366 views
What are these Technic “Zapfen” (“stoppers”) called in English?
What are these pieces called in English? Google translator doesn't help in this case...
11
votes
3answers
375 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 ...
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 ...
11
votes
5answers
558 views
Are there any health concerns with letting children use old LEGO kits?
I have a hoard of LEGO kits that passed from me to my nephew, and now to my son. Some of the kits that are included with the set date back to the early 1970's. Are there any health risks with passing ...
11
votes
2answers
514 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
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
746 views
Is Technic compatible with Mindstorms?
My wife bought me a Mindstorms NXT 2.0 for my birthday. I've been reading up on it from as many sources as possible however apart from the 9695 Education Resource Set which adds some additional bricks ...
11
votes
2answers
936 views
Is it possible to change the battery in a 54604 light brick?
I got 4 of these in in a bulk lot of Lego, but the lamp is getting quite dim in a couple of them.
Is it possible to change the battery in a 54604 light brick?
It looks like the brick should open, ...
11
votes
1answer
205 views
What color has been produced in the highest volume?
What color makes up the highest percentage of LEGO elements produced since ABS plastic was introduced in 1963?
11
votes
1answer
3k views
How are LEGO bricks categorized?
What are the names and categories of LEGO bricks? Is there a consistent naming scheme? Does Lego have an official name or identification for different pieces?
11
votes
1answer
964 views
What is the difference between the NXT 1.0 controller and the NXT 2.0 controller?
I've tried to look this up but I can't find anything. As far as I can tell, the controller bricks (the white ones w/ buttons and a screen) are exactly the same and the only difference is NXT 2.0 comes ...
11
votes
1answer
343 views
Who is (or was) Susan Williams?
I've heard the name "Susan Williams" associated with LEGO products, especially in the 1980s. Who is / was she?
11
votes
1answer
838 views
Starting out with trains: PF, RC, 9v or what?
I've always wanted Lego trains as a child, but never had any. However, now my son is old enough to appreciate them, I thought I might invest in some 2nd hand sets. The problem is, what standard to ...
11
votes
3answers
327 views
Will Mindstorms EV3 be backwards compatible?
LEGO Group announced the next Mindstorms version, the EV3 which will be available in the Fall, 2013.
Does anyone know if the new version, specifically the controller, will be backwards compatible ...
11
votes
1answer
472 views
What does imprinted information inside bricks mean?
I just randomly checked the imprinted information inside some of the bricks in my Lego sets and found that it varied.
I found several different types of information:
Most pieces have Lego copyright ...
11
votes
1answer
172 views
Why do the tubes in the Seattle Space Needle Architecture set need to be cut?
I just received the Seattle Space Needle from the Architecture series. There are tubes that the builder is required to cut to a certain length for the model. This is the first time I've encountered ...
11
votes
2answers
531 views
Can I use the WeDo USB hub with normal Linux distributions?
I haven't found a lot of detail on the WeDo USB hub. Is this device usable with Linux? I found one article that indicated the OLPC XO had support for it, but it implied there was custom support ...
11
votes
3answers
219 views
Is there a way to remotely operate the push-button light brick?
The push-button light brick seems to be popular with Lego at the moment, and included in quite a few sets.
I'd like to find a way of being able to operate it remotely, so that I can include the ...
11
votes
1answer
2k views
NXT screen either flickering or blank, what do I do?
The screen on my LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT brick has just stopped working. It is either flickering, or blank. I have tried turning it on and off, installed fresh batteries, and I can even hear the selection ...
11
votes
3answers
318 views
What are some free kid-friendly tutorials to get started with Mindstorms Nxt 2.0?
My daughter (10) got the NXT 2.0 for christmas. It doesn't really come with any tutorial. I'm looking for something she can follow which will teach her to use each of the sensors and slightly more ...
10
votes
8answers
1k views
How can I efficiently pick up bricks off the floor?
My floor is covered in bricks. My bare feet can't take much more abuse. Is there a way of collecting up the bricks easily, or should I just get on my knees and start scooping them up with my hands?
10
votes
4answers
811 views
LEGO for a 1 year old
I have a son who has just turned one. I like my LEGO and my desk at work is covered in minifig's etc, the problem is my wife isn't as keen on them. I was wondering can anyone recommend a set that ...
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?
10
votes
3answers
292 views
What are the essential resources for learning the fundamentals of LEGO building?
After years of buying and building LEGO sets, my six-year-old son is tearing through the first level of the Master Builder Academy. He's fascinated by micro-building, and generally seems liberated ...
10
votes
4answers
518 views
How can I make micro-scale water?
This is totally boring:
How can I add some variance to it that helps to distinguish a rippling lake from a raging ocean from a fast-moving river, while keeping a look that's appropriate for ...
10
votes
2answers
570 views
Why does LEGO now use studless technic designs?
It seems to me that sometime between 1998 and 2006 (between the Mindstorms RCX and NXT), LEGO switched from using studded technic bricks (like this:)
to studdless beams (like this):
In my ...
10
votes
1answer
624 views
How to build bridge using 4.5/12v train rails from 1969 Lego brochure
I am interested in building a bridge for my layout and stumbled upon this forum post in which user 'Istokg' posted a picture of a train bridge made from the blue rails used in the pre-1980s train ...
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 ...
10
votes
2answers
2k views
How much heat can LEGO bricks withstand?
I was thinking on making a decorative LEGO candle holder. It would be made out of regular ABS LEGO bricks, but also transparent ones. Because there will be an open flame involved, I want to make sure ...
10
votes
1answer
247 views
A piece with no place in Heartlake Stables
I recently bought this set for my niece for her birthday, when we were finished setting it up we noticed a larger orange piece that we couldn't find a place for but was in the set and in the back of ...
10
votes
2answers
528 views
Are Samsonite gears compatible with modern Technic gears?
Do the old Samsonite gears (above) work with current Technic gears (below)
LEGO bricks tend to be backward compatible with older bricks, but since I don't own any Samsonite gears I cannot tell.
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 ...
10
votes
2answers
330 views
What can I do to repair my minifigures loose neck/head joint?
I have a number of loose neck joints on my minifigures. How can I repair them? Any suggestions?
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 ...
