All Questions
8
votes
3answers
300 views
Where can I find examples of everyday objects built in Lego?
Suppose for example I am interested in creative ways people have made trees, or minifig scale furniture, or just architectural details like windows. Is there some encyclopedia that organizes pictures ...
8
votes
3answers
332 views
What is the easiest technique for large builds?
I recently acquired the Space Shuttle set, #10231, and find that it isn't a staged build--one with sequential bags. This leaves me at a bit of a loss over how to organize and search through 1200+ ...
8
votes
3answers
659 views
What is the rarest LEGO production element (colour/shape combination)?
What is the rarest LEGO element according to the following criteria:
Genuine LEGO elements, not those available through third party vendors or otherwise modified elements. (So nothing from ...
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?
8
votes
3answers
204 views
Are there any great LEGO designers that are well-known?
I know that many designers work for LEGO but I was wondering if there was some 'Star Designers' that we should know by name. Of course, I would also like to know what they are famous for.
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
5answers
344 views
What is the best way of getting muck out of bricks?
I purchased a large bulk load of bricks for my 7 year old. Most have washed up quite well, but some of the bricks have various substances stuck in their underside.
The types of foreign substances ...
8
votes
6answers
10k views
How to fix Mindstorms Error Code 1003
I am using the Lego Mindstorms Education Kit, software version 2.1. Everything was working fine writing programs and downloading them to the robot until all of a sudden when I tried downloading a ...
8
votes
1answer
445 views
What does SNIR stand for?
I know that SNOT means "Studs Not On Top", but I've also seen "SNIR" used, often in the same context as SNOT, but clearly different - what does it mean?
8
votes
1answer
421 views
Why does the Erling brick have a ridge below its outward facing stud?
Why does the Erling brick (#4070) have a ridge below its outward facing stud?
Whereas the more versatile and less common #87087 does not? The #87087 piece also has a better use in SNOT usage, as it ...
8
votes
1answer
346 views
How can I create a visually appealing Castle wall from one colour?
I have a bag of hundreds of classic light grey 2x4 bricks, and 2x1 bricks.
How can I use these to make some interesting castle walls?
8
votes
3answers
709 views
Where can I find LEGO X-Pod Playoff rules and printoffs?
Where can I find X-Pod Playoff rules? LEGO doesn't seem to be hosting them anymore.
Asked because of this question. Hopefully it can be mirrored on a few sites so that it doesn't disappear again.
8
votes
3answers
1k views
How accurate is the ultrasound sensor when moving?
Can I use an ultrasound sensor while the Robot is moving, or will it give bad data?
8
votes
4answers
1k views
Can I control 2 NXT bricks from a computer using bluetooth at the same time?
I am thinking about starting a project involving controlling the movement of a mindstorms robot depending on some input from a Kinect device; however the robot will require at least 6 motors. I have ...
8
votes
3answers
188 views
Any reasons for the introduction of the new-style raised arch?
The new-style raised arch (to the left, 92950) got introduced in 2009, and has been gradually replacing the old-style arch (to the right, 3455) across the board. However, after four years, not only ...
8
votes
1answer
180 views
What are the angles used in angle connectors and liftarms?
LEGO makes Technic Angle Connectors, like these:
(Here are names and part numbers).
They also make angular liftarms, like these:
(part 32348).
That last part has an angle of 53.5 degrees. ...
8
votes
2answers
243 views
Why is there such a small supply of dark red 1x4 bricks?
I've recently been thinking of building in dark red because it looks so nice, but as I've been looking at how much it would cost to get the bricks, I found that 1x4 dark red bricks are almost ...
8
votes
2answers
214 views
How can I add additional detail to large walls?
I've seen some rather impressive castle builds over the years, and with the release of Helm's Deep I'm clearly going to be building a few myself now.
As this set uses the LEGO sticker sheet to add ...
8
votes
1answer
190 views
What different series are or have there been designed primarly for girls?
My daughter loves to play with LEGO sets but she is really wants to play with pink or 'girl' LEGO. I have ordered a few of the new LEGO Friends sets but I was wondering what other LEGO themes' have ...
8
votes
2answers
346 views
Why do official Lego sets sometimes use 1 large part when several would work just as well?
It seems like one of things that makes Lego so great is the ability to rebuild sets into something new and different. However, I know that sometimes TLG uses large pieces to lower costs and/or build ...
8
votes
3answers
353 views
Are there any Star Wars vehicles that have not yet been produced in a Lego kit?
This includes all six films and the Clone Wars spin-offs. Every vehicle I can think seems to have been produced as part of a kit at some point. Are there any that haven't?
8
votes
1answer
301 views
Is it safe to overload LEGO train motors?
When I was in Fana'Briques in 2008, there was a speed record competition for TGV-themed train. The setup used a section of custom-made straight track (aluminium rails if I remember correctly) and was ...
8
votes
2answers
466 views
What is the Mindstorms NXT Education kit?
I am considering gifting some Mindstorms NXT 2.0 to school, because I think they would get great value from it. I see that there is an "education kit", and I wondered if that's the way to go.
Does ...
8
votes
2answers
316 views
How can I use System and Bionicle elements together?
I have a small collection of Bionicle elements that I would like to incorporate into my System builds but I am a little unsure how to use them.
What are the different ways to use these two types of ...
8
votes
2answers
235 views
Why are there “unique” characters in many sets?
When I was young, about 30 years ago, I'd had no problem to have two policemen, two yellow astronauts or knights. Then I had some lack of Lego sets and didn't know what was happening on this field.
...
8
votes
1answer
251 views
Which Lego board games come with minifigures instead of microfigures?
Of all the LEGO board games that have been produced so far, which ones come with minifigures instead of microfigures?
8
votes
1answer
253 views
How can I connect the RCX 2.0 to an external power source?
I want to build an auto-feeder with the RCX 2.0 for my cat. The problem is, that I often had to exchange the batteries. Is there an adapter for the RCX to connect it to a power point?
8
votes
3answers
375 views
Does the basic 2 x 4 brick have a common nickname?
Some bricks, such as the Erling brick, seem to have common nicknames in the LEGO building community. As the basic 2 x 4 brick appears to be the foundation of the system, it is reasonable to suppose ...
8
votes
3answers
375 views
What material is used to make capes and cloth in LEGO sets and where do I get it?
It seems like a conspiracy to keep everyone from knowing this. Custom cape sellers don´t say what it is, the women from the draperies I questioned always say something along the line of "coated ...
8
votes
1answer
244 views
What are all the different ways that LEGO pieces join together?
Has anyone made a list of all of the different types of connections between LEGO bricks?
Obviously there's the stud connection - but there's also the ball and socket joint, the more recent ...
8
votes
1answer
114 views
What does DTC stand for?
I was reading at the Brickipedia site about upcoming 2013 LEGO sets and found several in a list which were referred to as "DTC", as in "40055 DTC Seasonal Halloween 2013" found here. What does the ...
8
votes
1answer
218 views
Will playing with motor by hand damage it?
If you play with a train that is PF-motorized by hand, will you damage the motor? Or any of the other parts (IR Receiver, Battery box)?
It is essentially working as a generator when turned by hand, ...
8
votes
1answer
158 views
What part is this grey keyhole shape and what set(s) is it from?
I've recently found this grey keyhole-shaped piece - there are a fair number of them that stack together to form a circular staircase. There is what looks like a part number on the bottom but it is ...
8
votes
2answers
439 views
How did the LEGO Duck become a classic icon?
The LEGO handmade wooden Duck was released in 1935, long before the LEGO Brick was created. Many other wooden toys were made which can be seen in The Lego Museum, the duck however features in books, ...
8
votes
1answer
240 views
Which BIONICLE set did this mask came from?
I just unearthed a rather wealthy stash of semi-rare Great Kanohi masks. Never knew I collected them! Anyway, among them was this clear transparent Kaukau (Great Mask of Water Breathing):
You may ...
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
152 views
What method do you use to safely remove creases from fabric sails from the Pirate sets?
I have creased sails. Is it safe to iron them, or is there a better method?
8
votes
3answers
359 views
Do any of the KRE-O Transformers sets actually transform?
KRE-O, a LEGO-compatible brick toy, has several officially licensed Transformers models. I have two of the smaller ones and they do not actually "transform" - you take them apart and put them back ...
8
votes
1answer
160 views
What does EV3 stand for?
I was wondering what the official reason behind the name of LEGO's latest MINDSTORMS robotics platform. What does "EV3" stand for?
8
votes
1answer
492 views
Can I use a generic (non-Lego) transformer with a rechargable Power Functions battery?
I've recently ordered a LEGO® 8878 Rechargeable Battery Box:
I was wondering if I really need to get the (rather expensive) LEGO® Power Functions Transformer or if I can substitute a (cheaper) ...
8
votes
1answer
291 views
Is 'plate between studs' SNOT supported by one of the LEGO building software?
Do any of the multiple LEGO building software supports 'plate between studs' SNOT assembly?
8
votes
2answers
310 views
How can I make custom LEGO packaging?
How can I print high-quality custom packaging for a custom-made model?
I am aware of DesignByMe. But as many of you know, the pieces for that are limited, as are the options for making your own box.
...
8
votes
2answers
336 views
How to remove scratches from LEGO windshield parts?
I was storing my windshields from cars with other my bricks. Now they are scratched, nearly not transparent just translucent. Is there a way to sanitize transparent parts from scratches?
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
2answers
512 views
Removing glue from Lego bricks
When I was five my Dad used some kind of a good glue to put together a set together so I didn't loose any pieces. Putting the ethics of that action aside, I want to split the bricks from another and ...
8
votes
1answer
242 views
How can one find old archived issues of LEGO Mania Magazine?
Do any libraries contain old archived issues of them? Preferably ones on the WorldCat system?
I'm not sure if my limited storage space can handle more LEGO Mania magazines, so I'd prefer a format ...
8
votes
1answer
1k views
TTF font for Lego bricks
I'm in the process of reprinting labels for the zillions of LEGO storage drawers in Junior's toy room.
I'm not looking for a font that depicts Latin alphabet characters seemingly built out of LEGO ...
8
votes
1answer
293 views
How to repair leaky pneumatics?
Some of my pneumatics parts, mostly pistons, have seals which no longer prevent the air from escaping completely. On some parts they are unreliable and on others they are not working at all.
Why do ...
8
votes
1answer
1k views
Is a N2 or CO2 paintball tank a viable power source for a LEGO pneumatic Engine?
I would like to know how a LEGO pneumatic engine would perform when powered with a nitro (N2, HPA) or CO2 tank. I have seen a few RC cars powered with air (from soda bottles), so I am wondering if it ...
8
votes
1answer
208 views
How do I remove orange (rust?) stains from white elements?
I'm building with some yard sale Lego, and have several elements that have orange stains on them. If I had to guess, I'd say something seeped onto the bricks while they were in storage. At this point ...
