Questions tagged [building]
Interested in building techniques? Then this is the tag for you.
265
questions
5
votes
2answers
68 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
82 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
227 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
833 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
421 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 ...
14
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
72 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 ...
5
votes
1answer
199 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
240 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
487 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
152 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
324 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
294 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
104 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
384 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 ...
0
votes
1answer
112 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
346 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
313 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
129 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
1k 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
262 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
110 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
103 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 ...
13
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
247 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
249 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
246 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
182 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
123 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
62 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. ...
3
votes
0answers
295 views
How can you get the pipes on Steamboat Willie to work reliably?
We recently began building 21317 Steamboat Willie. We've got it mostly built, but the pipes keep getting stuck. The rear one works, but the front one keeps getting stuck up and won't go down. We've ...
8
votes
2answers
422 views
Has the building technique of Technic pins in a brick cylinder been used in an official set?
One of my favorite building techniques is to place a Technic pin into the anti-studs of a brick. This allows two bricks to attach bottom-to-bottom.
It's a pretty secure connection, but I'm not sure ...
4
votes
1answer
201 views
Is it possible to build 3 or more concentric circles / nested circles / telescoping pieces?
There are round 2x2 pieces.
There are round 4x4 pieces with round 2x2 holes, the 2x2 can slide/rotate inside of it.
There are "macaroni" pieces to make an 8x8 circle with a 6x6 hole.
But are there no ...
4
votes
2answers
187 views
Best Way To Make This 8x8 Grate Plate Flush With The Wall?
I would like to use the 8x8 grates on the side of the building (studs out) as window pieces so there is nothing behind them. I'm wondering if there is a better way to have a more stable connection. I'...
6
votes
2answers
136 views
Mecha Rail Launchpad Building techniques?
Another mecha question, but this time, at least I think, is not so intense as my last question.
I've decided to take my biggest and most ambitious LEGO project yet, a custom MOC of a Pacific Rim ...
2
votes
1answer
408 views
Where is an instruction sheet for Ausini set 25418 guitar?
I bought an Ausini brick set AUS-25418, which is a guitar, however as cheap as it was the price, it didn't have the building instructions, at least it looks like no piece bags or stickers are missing. ...
5
votes
1answer
186 views
Building advice for “hunched” mech lower torso design?
Another mech based question, let me clean up as best I can...
So, in LDD, I'm working on an Evangelion Unit from the popular manga and anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and have decided to build EVA ...
4
votes
1answer
342 views
I'd like to build a mechanism to press buttons on a remote control. What is a good basic approach to use?
I have a small remote control like device with about 11 buttons. The centers of each button are placed about 1.1cm apart, and each are about 0.7cm in diameter (this means about 0.4cm between the edges)...
0
votes
1answer
1k views
My Lego Technic 42082 wheel stuck and can't move [closed]
After I finished my 1st manual book, I found out that my crane wheel can't move. May I know which part that I did incorrectly?
9
votes
4answers
514 views
How can I assemble 2 opposing gears so that the axle rotations are perfectly parallel?
Due to the way all the modern LEGO gears are perfectly quarter-turn symmetrical, there doesn't appear to be any way to assembly 2 opposing gears such that I get a 2 perfectly parallel axles.
This ...
1
vote
0answers
63 views
What can I do with all my brick separators? [duplicate]
Since LEGO has started adding a brick separator to each of their larger sets, I have more brick separators than I know what to do with.
Due to inflation, they also aren't really worth anything to try ...
4
votes
2answers
502 views
What are some good purist rotacaster / omni wheel designs?
In robotics, rotacasters or omni wheels are often very useful.
It's possible to buy LEGO-compatible ones from some third parties, here's one random example:
Unfortunately, LEGO has yet to make any ...
