Questions tagged [building]
Interested in building techniques? Then this is the tag for you.
277
questions
13
votes
1answer
2k 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
202 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" ...
3
votes
1answer
100 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
242 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
165 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
230 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, ...
9
votes
1answer
225 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 ...
8
votes
1answer
154 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
107 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
236 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
107 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
122 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
262 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
877 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 ...
5
votes
3answers
445 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 ...
15
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
78 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 ...
10
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
218 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 ...
7
votes
1answer
348 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 ...
3
votes
4answers
495 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
175 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
330 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
316 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
80 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?
3
votes
1answer
109 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 ...
17
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
403 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 ...
7
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
203 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
125 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
355 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
72 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?
5
votes
2answers
4k views
How create a custom Roller Coaster? Where I can get the track pieces?
For some random reason, I watch some videos on YouTube showing a "Roller Coaster" built using Lego.
I never enjoy to follow Lego instruction, and I always prefer to build something my own, mixing any ...
4
votes
3answers
358 views
How to eliminate a gap of an offset in a corner
So I need to build a layer with offset bricks, which I have managed to figure out. However, the corner is a problem. The dark bricks in my pic need to be in that position. How do I fill the gap ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
What are some LEGO Christmas trees designs I can build?
It's Christmas time, and I'd like to build a Christmas tree to add to my winter scenes. Unfortunately the large LEGO pine tree is a little small, and also doesn't offer much by way of decorating ...
5
votes
2answers
155 views
Going from LDraw/LeoCAD to Physical Set
Once I've designed a MOC using either LDraw or LeoCAD where can I go to get the bricks I need to then build that set in the real world?
I've been poking around forums for an hour now trying to get ...
5
votes
1answer
2k views
Trouble with 42110 Land Rover Defender transmission
I just got the 42110 Land Rover Defender and assembled bags 1 and 2. I tested everything before joining the front axle and rear axle, and the friction was quite low, not nearly high enough to get ...
3
votes
1answer
289 views
Lego Classics alternative
I've been looking at buying one of the classics sets for my young kids. My desire was to have a large collection of bricks that they could build houses/cities/etc with.
I thought that the Classics ...
2
votes
1answer
117 views
How to make a RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade)
I don't know if this is of-topic or anything, but: I have a big scene with cops and stormtroopers fighting. And the cops need some stronger weapons than some sub-machine guns. So i was wondering if ...
-1
votes
1answer
104 views
Ideas to help develop a child's engineering skills?
My son is 7 yrs. old and has really creative ideas with his bricks. I see it challenging him and wonder, "How can I help develop his product engineering/design skills?" What kind of tasks can I give ...
12
votes
2answers
2k views
How is this kind of structure made?
Recently I found a MOC made by Headzsets from Instagram, in particular this interesting structure from his EVA work. Here is a picture of his structure:
(https://www.instagram.com/p/BtCymDRHJx6/)
...
4
votes
0answers
257 views
Building techniques for designing a LEGO City Street scene?
As the question suggests...
I'm trying to build a city street in "midiscale" similar to that of Hong Kong, but I have no idea on where to even begin with something like this. This project is being ...
4
votes
0answers
274 views
How to build an arch that is angled out of Lego?
I am currently working on a MOC for the USS Orville and I am trying to figure out the engines. I have gone through a couple of iterations on my current version, but it always buckles under its own ...
3
votes
1answer
253 views
How to build a waterproof roof out of LEGO blocks?
How would Lego blocks be tiled to provide a water proof roof against the rain?
The lattes or internal support structure of the roof doesn't have to be also made of Lego. Basically the tiles on a roof ...
5
votes
1answer
185 views
What techniques can be employed to build a low-profile sliding door/wall?
I'm looking to build a sliding door or wall that doesn't use the defacto "sliding door" parts, 2874 and 4511. These parts are almost usable for my design: they are thin and have a built-in stopper ...
1
vote
2answers
128 views
Looking for sets with lots of printed parts or other special parts to use as components for my city
I'm thinking about building an early 20th century ('30s / '40s) European city, using both complete sets and parts of sets as resources
I'm looking for pieces that add detail to this city, both ...
1
vote
0answers
65 views
Custom extension cables for Light Stax?
Recently, I got the S-12012 Light Stax kit with 50 (!) light bricks. They are different from those described in this question, but they are much cheaper, colorful and with blinking/pulsating effects. ...
