Questions tagged [building]
Interested in building techniques? Then this is the tag for you.
293
questions
6
votes
3answers
408 views
Alternative ways of attaching roller coaster wheels
While doing a bit of research about a mine track related question, I noticed that part 24869 "Wheel Roller Coaster" is meant to be used only with part 26021 to form a form a specific ...
6
votes
2answers
860 views
Minimal mine track
I want to create a mine scene on a 32x32 baseplate. I want to run a train track across the front, and then about 12 studs into the mine. Then, I want to build a couple simple mining carts on the ...
2
votes
1answer
126 views
Building a window with the tie-fighter round dish
Is there an elegant way to build a round window with the Radial Cockpit Window? I've tried experimenting with vertical clip plates but it just ends up looking odd.
5
votes
2answers
107 views
What does 18853 (Friends flower) connect to besides 37695 (Plant stem with 3 leaves) or 11609 (Friends accessories star)?
What does 18853 (Friends flower) connect to besides 37695 (Plant stem with 3 leaves) or 11609 (Friends accessories star)?
Is there a good way to attach it to common plant stems (3741) like this one:
19
votes
1answer
3k views
Can the new road plates be used to build ramps or hills?
I have the new LEGO City road plates, and I'm wondering if they can be used to create ramps or hills. Here's the road plate system I'm referring to:
Ramps and hills weren't easy to create with the ...
5
votes
1answer
218 views
Grand piano page 269 of instructions - are the gears suppose to stop after a quarter turn or keep going when reversing directions
The directions show the gears are suppose to move counter clockwise. When I follow the directions on page 268-269, and push the reverse button on the Lego power-up app for the Grand Piano, the gears ...
2
votes
2answers
149 views
Automating rotation of a block on a track
How do I rotate a block 180 degrees after an item (like a car or train) passes a certain point in a track?
19
votes
3answers
4k views
Is there a catalog of Lego building techniques?
As a Lego noob watching Lego Masters, I spot certain techniques being used time and again, without any real explanation (Lego Masters is great for entertainment, but offers little to no instruction). ...
13
votes
3answers
476 views
In LEGO: How to build a revolving magazine rack for 2x3 tiles?
I've been trying for months to come up with a design or parts for a 4-sided spinning magazine rack, like the old wire-style you would see in book stores. I need it to be fairly stable so I can put in/...
0
votes
1answer
309 views
Are there any cases of Illegal Building in an official lego build?
I am defining illegal as it is in this answer, specifically the following
Studs-on-side bricks cannot have their side stud in the hole of a
technic brick
Bricks mounted SNOT style onto Ehrling/...
12
votes
3answers
350 views
Train level crossing using 2021 road plates
I'm interested in integrating a train level crossing into a city layout using the new road plates, but I've been struggling to figure out the best way to do this. Here's an example level crossing for ...
7
votes
0answers
153 views
Digital tool for roller coaster physics
I'm currently working on a roller coaster MOC with a looping. I started physically building the MOC but quickly recognised that it is quite a mess to build something, tear it down rebuild it, etc. ...
0
votes
0answers
65 views
Creating a Curved Grand Stand [duplicate]
I am back using Lego as an adult.
On Youtube I saw a video of a quick build of the Colosseum, which connected the same standard parts with a connector to make it curved.
I want to do something similar ...
4
votes
1answer
155 views
Question about the lantern pieces in the Winter Toy shop set
I have a question about the lanterns in the Winter Village Toy Shop. I'd like to just buy the parts to make a few of the street-lights in that set. However, from reading the instructions (steps 4 and ...
7
votes
2answers
617 views
Connecting an axle to a stud on the ground for railings
I'm trying to build railing using axles and connectors and am not finding an easy way to get the axles that go to the ground to connect in a way that would be best for my design. Three options I've ...
14
votes
1answer
3k views
Is this an error in the updated Harry Potter Diagon Alley build/instructions?
In the book 1 directions for the 2020 Diagon Alley set (see pp. 43ff), I've run into the following issue:
In building the back of Ollivander's shop, we seem to be building some type of shelving unit:
...
5
votes
1answer
222 views
What all fits into 4532 "Container, Cupboard"?
On Bricklink, the entry for 4532 (a container) lists several parts that fit, but it currently doesn't even list 4536 (a drawer). What else fits into 4532? Better yet, what are some "illegal" ...
4
votes
1answer
122 views
Wall Sconce Light
I'm trying to plan a few wall sconces for lighting as in this picture:
One thought I had was to put a transparent 2x2 round halfway into the wall with half of it hanging out and then put 2 quarter ...
8
votes
2answers
577 views
How can I complete the build of this Lunar lander from the Space and Airport Set (9335)?
We recently got Space and Airport Set by LEGO® Education (9335) for our four-year-old who loves space and really loves his Duplo. He's been enjoying putting together the different parts of the kit but ...
2
votes
3answers
231 views
What are the arguments for and against an adult tackling a complex LEGO Technic kit as their first (and possibly only) build?
Suppose I want to get an overall view of LEGO as an adult and can afford to buy an expensive kit.
I have the following abilities
Good eyesight with glasses
Good hand-eye coordination and ...
7
votes
2answers
388 views
How to integrate hardware/embedded button with LEGO?
I have two different buttons B3F-1000 and 3a250vac switch which i want to integrate into a lego "machine" which i'm powering with an arduino. Since the rest is integrated into lego plates, ...
11
votes
1answer
283 views
How to fill a vertical 1.5 stud wide gap?
How can a vertical 1.5 stud wide gap be filled, for example between this brick on a jumper plate and regular plate? I can achieve ratios multiples of 1/3 and 2/5 with sideways plates, but some ...
10
votes
1answer
183 views
Creating arrow patterns
What methods are there to creating convincing looking arrow patterns on walls and floors? (Without stickers or printed pieces)
My current solution is to use "relief" building with slope ...
2
votes
1answer
120 views
Securing vertical hinge
In this construction, I want the vertical hinge to be in this location, centered in a 3 brick wide area. On top of it is two plates and layer of studs that match the 5:2 ratio, so in theory the hinge ...
9
votes
2answers
1k views
Elevator on rails
I'd like to build an elevator for my apartment building. My plan is to use rails and grooves to allow the elevator to slide up and down. This means I have to build the elevator with the studs ...
5
votes
1answer
263 views
How can I make controller ports round for my "Lego Gamecube"
Found my wife's old 2001 "Nintendo Gamecube" and then it sparked an idea. Once I was done it looked very nice but I still feel there is something missing! How can I make round controller ...
5
votes
2answers
139 views
Technique for holding a horizontal minifig in place (swimmer)
I'm building a scene on an 8x8 base plate, ideally the depth of the base is 1 full brick high. The design is to have a swimmer minifig horizontal (i.e. swimming) but also at an angle to the base plate,...
1
vote
1answer
453 views
Lego technic 42082 4 wheel steering issue
I have just completed the build and everything appears to work as it should except the 4 wheel steering. When you turn the small wheel on the rear of the crane only the rear wheels steer. The front ...
14
votes
1answer
309 views
How to connect fire to Lord Business' Coffee Mugs?
So, we have Lord Business' Evil Lair (70809-1), and we also have some two-tone flames from another set.
How can the flames be attached to Lord Biz' coffee mugs (as seen in The LEGO Movie)?
+
The ...
6
votes
2answers
944 views
How could I make a playable LEGO piano?
I was thinking of how hard it is to make a LEGO piano.
I have already tried to use a rubber band but it did not make a good sound when I plucked at it.
My problem is that I want to make a piano but I ...
6
votes
3answers
468 views
Putting flipped plates together as close as possible
I have two plates that I would like to connect together and collapse with the studs facing out like in the image below. I need the two plates to sit as close together as possible. But I'd like them to ...
8
votes
2answers
5k views
If I were to make a LEGO fan how would I make it blow air on me?
I was just wandering off into my imagination and then it hit me: I should make a LEGO fan?
I mean, how hard could it be?
It is actually very hard for me. No matter how much ratio I put on it, it ...
16
votes
2answers
2k views
Stained glass windows on The Throneroom of Cedrica
Can anyone explain how to make the stained glass windows in builds like The Throneroom of Cedrica?
2
votes
2answers
85 views
Putting tires onto axles
I have vintage Lego sets (1970's and '80's). I absolutely cannot get the tire to fit completely over the axle. Should I try grease or hot water? I know this is the correct tire because I have some ...
11
votes
1answer
1k views
Pirates of Barracuda Bay 21322 - Is there a way to get the ship pirating-worthy?
From what I have read, when you convert the island to a seaworthy ship, you are still left with the inn part, and no cannons on the ship. All the portholes are gone or converted to windows.
Is there ...
6
votes
1answer
543 views
Simple way to build large circular plates?
I was wondering if there is a simple way to create a large circle or circular plates. I want to build a MOC of the Hero Factory assembly tower (In LDD first) but most of the pieces that form circles ...
10
votes
2answers
1k views
How does the Space Shuttle dock the ISS?
The IDEAS International Space Station (21321) comes with a miniature model of a space shuttle. And while that has its place on the space station's stand, the official LEGO product page literally ...
4
votes
4answers
530 views
How to prevent my connected axles from falling apart?
In my EV3 robot, I have two rear axles connected to each other using this part mounted like this:
[
The problem with this construction is that after a while of driving, the axles disconnect like ...
3
votes
1answer
233 views
Which pieces were used to make the flexible mesh skin for the life size Lego Bugatti?
In the linked video, around the 1:50 - 1:55 mark, a person can be seen picking up a flexible hexagonal mesh, and bringing it to the side of the vehicle. Also, close ups are visible around 2:03 - 2:37. ...
8
votes
5answers
352 views
Horizontal connection between plates
If I only have minimum height available (one plate), how can I make a horizontal connection between two components? I need the connection to be easily disconnectable yet sturdy (like technic bricks ...
8
votes
3answers
427 views
Combine Duplo feet with regular LEGO
I would like to place this Duplo pig directly on Lego bricks/pieces. I tried an intermediate Duplo 2x4 plate with Lego bricks underneath, but it doesn't look good. The problem is that Duplo feet ...
3
votes
0answers
81 views
Can 2 baseplates be connected to make 2 story level? [duplicate]
My young girls are creating a house and want to connect baseplates to make a 2-story house. Is there a way? Are there specific pieces that can connect them?
5
votes
1answer
238 views
Mounting a mosaic modularly
I have this LEGO mosaic consisting out of 3 by 3 baseplates (32x32):
As it takes up too much space lying flat, I would like to mount it vertically or near vertically, slightly leaning backwards, like ...
19
votes
2answers
4k views
How can you make a hip holster for minifigs?
Is there a way to create a holster of some sort so you could attach a LEGO pistol to the side of a minifig, around the hips?
5
votes
2answers
449 views
How to locate pneumatic leak
I have a simple pneumatic claw with a 2 pump compressor that I built somewhat recently. It worked fine for a while, producing up to 4 bars of pressure, but then the system wouldn't increase the ...
9
votes
2answers
5k views
Is this assembly legal?
This question might be strongly opinion-based, but I also think it might be interesting.
I know there is a guide for Lego builders to decide if their build is legal or not. However, the cases of this ...
3
votes
1answer
224 views
Can you identify these arch-way pieces
I'm considering starting a project inspired by some of the Arab-style buildings I've seen. Most of them use a sort of curved archway around the windows. I can't figure out how to duplicate it. Can ...
0
votes
1answer
184 views
My Mindstorms Spik3r can't turn around
When I use the button for turning it just goes backwards. Why does this happen? I've checked the instructions and didn't find anything.
4
votes
2answers
414 views
Which parts have no-friction Technic axle holes?
I want to make a no (or very low) friction inline coupling for axles. The axles must turn, transmit moderate torque, and be in phase (therefore backlash must be minimal). The axles remain inline at ...
1
vote
0answers
76 views
All terrain crane 42082 [closed]
The wheels don’t go round after the first book is finished. Has anyone else had this issue? What did you do to fix it?
