Are there SNOT models with instructions for beginners?

Question

I would like to introduce SNOT building to my daughter. I have used this method only a few times myself and when I did, I was just messing around. I feel it would be simpler and less frustrating for my daughter if we had models and instructions similar to what a regular set would give you. When teaching children and even for a beginner like myself, it would be great to have step by step tutorials including pictures and an end goal to build confidence using the SNOT method.

I saw that there is a website for learning SNOT techniques but it mainly shows how to put different types of bricks together. Does anyone know of SNOT models with instructions suitable for beginners?

Answer 1

Chris McVeigh has some nice LEGO projects on his website that use SNOT techniques. Many of the projects have PDF instruction guides.

I stumbled on his work after seeing his LEGO ornaments a few years back. Now that the Christmas season is beginning, a few of those ornaments would be a fun way to introduce this technique to your daughter!

Answer 2

There are tools to generate 3D LDraw models which will use SNOT techniques to make sure the overall structure looks nice, most notable:

• Bram's Sphere Generator
• LSculpt

Depending on her age, your daughter should be able to build the small yellow bunny on that last page, and the result is a very good illustration of why SNOT is useful.

Bram's Flicker page also shows quite a lot of possible SNOT techniques holds a lot of good inspiration as well.

Answer 3

While it doesn't have every SNOT technique, and they call it "sideways building", the official LEGO Master Builder Academy series is really quite good and introduces quite a few very good advanced techniques. I felt they were more than worth the money for my nephews.