Questions tagged [building]
Interested in building techniques? Then this is the tag for you.
58
questions
53
votes
13
answers
256k
views
What glue should I use for permanent LEGO construction?
The incredible precision of LEGO parts makes them attractive for building precise jigs, but the fact that they can come apart fairly easily isn't so helpful for this application. Can anyone recommend ...
- 1,065
8
votes
6
answers
45k
views
Lego remote controlled cargo train not working
I've helped my son put together the Cargo Train set (60052) but now we can't get the remote control to work.
It all looks like it's been assembled correctly with new batteries put in, but it doesn't ...
- 81
37
votes
4
answers
12k
views
When did LEGO decide that it was okay to put a stud into a Technic hole?
At one point, LEGO didn't really support putting a stud into a Technic hole, stating that it caused too much stress on the bricks. And for a while, there were no sets where that's the case. However, ...
- 1,849
43
votes
4
answers
14k
views
How do I build a curved wall?
On my latest MOC I want to build a round tower.
This is a minifig-scale build, and the tower is going to have a diameter of about 20/30 studs.
How should I go about building the "curved" wall of the ...
- 19.6k
25
votes
5
answers
1k
views
How do you plan large structures for easy and safe transport to shows?
Imagine I am building a large display that will cover many square feet and have both tall buildings and lots of small details. What are some techniques for making these things modular? Is it safer to ...
- 4,271
20
votes
6
answers
4k
views
What are some creative uses of the orange brick separator tool?
I have these piling up around my LEGO corner:
Any suggestions for creative uses? Especially multiple?
- 428
9
votes
3
answers
9k
views
Is it possible to create a custom differential if I don't have it as a ready-to-use element?
I have numerous gears, axles and other elements from different Lego Technic sets.
I wonder if using them I can make a kind of differential like this?
If not, how can I implement similar functionality ...
- 635
45
votes
7
answers
8k
views
How can I invert the direction of blocks in a structure?
I have a structure with some blocks facing in the 'normal' direction:
nn nn nn nn
| || || || |
-- -- -- --
I would like to somehow connect a layer above this that has the blocks ...
- 3,214
20
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How to make a 1 ldu offset?
LDraw units are defined so that a simple 1x1 brick has a side of 20 ldu and a height of 24 ldu.
Using simple building techniques, it's easy to create 2 ldu offset, as illustrated in this picture, ...
- 21.2k
13
votes
1
answer
6k
views
What is the best-practice for circular lego staircase construction?
Aside from using the grey key-hole shapes, I'm looking for a Lego-standard or best-practice method for building a circular Lego staircase?
Requirements:
6-8 studs "wide" (from the center to outer ...
- 597
11
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Good LEGO CAD Design Software with Technic elements and animation
I'm taking computer engineering in Gr. 11 right now and our final project is to create a robot with the first version of Mindstorms. My partner and I are making a sumo robot for the class competition. ...
- 211
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
LEGO color discrepancies and tint variations
While building my copy of set 21310 - Old Fishing Store, I noticed that there are several shades of Sand Green amongst the many tiles of this set. The picture below shows just the 1x4 tiles included ...
- 17k
9
votes
3
answers
909
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 ...
- 9,366
9
votes
2
answers
7k
views
How can I find out what parts are in a Lego set?
I am building an inventory of all my LEGO pieces and I am looking for a website that can give the pieces in a set with only the set number. It would be easier if there was information for many LEGO ...
- 91
6
votes
1
answer
3k
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 ...
- 61
5
votes
2
answers
294
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.
- 4,777
4
votes
2
answers
247
views
Salt Lake City Temple : side tower windows
I've been challenged to build the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. I've made some progress on the main wall, but the side towers are a bit difficult. Can I get some tips on how to make the dark slit in ...
- 4,777
4
votes
1
answer
2k
views
I am building the LEGO 42131 D11 dozer and some of the parts are moving in reverse when testing
I am building the D11 dozer and some of the tests like 2 and 4 are moving the parts in the opposite direction that they are supposed to be going. I took apart the entire build and rebuilt it and the ...
- 41
-1
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Why do LEGO sets have a minium age rating? [closed]
Many LEGO sets have minimum age ratings, such as 7-12, 9-14, and 16+. Why is this? Are the models really that different in terms of complexity? Also, why does LEGO often indicate that sets are not ...
69
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Is it possible to build simple logic gates with LEGO mechanics?
I built a simple bitshifter in Minecraft yesterday. I wondered if something like this could be built with LEGO?
Maybe there is a possibility to build gates with rubber bands and those movable ...
- 2,175
54
votes
9
answers
16k
views
Has anyone made LEGO fly?
It may not be the ideal material. But has there ever been a LEGO model airplane with the ability to glide, under power maybe, or some other kind of successful lifting airship? Helicopter, blimp, kite, ...
- 4,271
53
votes
5
answers
15k
views
How do I center a 2x2 plate on a 3x3 plate?
I want to be able to center a 2x2 plate in the middle of a 3x3 plate - specifically to put minifig on. Another option would be to center a 2x1 plate on a 3x1 plate.
- 675
20
votes
2
answers
5k
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?
- 4,777
20
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How much weight can a handle of Technic pegs and beams support?
Some Lego spaceships have handles attached, made out of Technic beam and pegs, and attached to the model using Technic bricks, pegs, and axles.
For example, 7644: MX-81 Hypersonic Operations Aircraft ...
user23
20
votes
3
answers
8k
views
How do I build a sloped roof with a 60° rake?
I've seen the sloped roof on the "Winter Village Post Office" and similar using plates, and I want to build a roof with a similar angle:
What should I use to ensure they are well attached?
- 19.6k
19
votes
3
answers
5k
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). ...
- 351
19
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Bridge from just basic bricks?
I teach an after-school engineering class using LEGO bricks, one of our classes has the students build a bridge. Each student gets a custom set of about 150 2x4 bricks, about 300 2x2 bricks, and, if ...
- 757
18
votes
5
answers
126k
views
What is the quality of LEGO replicas on Aliexpress?
Aliexpress sells a lot of LEGO replicas, has anyone here bought one? I am wanting to know how the quality compares to LEGO?
Example products: https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&...
- 383
17
votes
4
answers
5k
views
What are some helpful techniques for applying stickers?
It can be tricky to place small stickers accurately on small parts using adult-sized hands. The best technique I've found so far is to remove the sticker and stick it on the corner of the sticker ...
- 1,065
17
votes
1
answer
3k
views
How can I make a precise one-way clutch using Technic elements?
I need a mechanism so that if a (NXT) motor rotates forward, it moves one gear, but the other stays still, but if it rotates backwards, the first gear does not move, but the second one does.
I found ...
- 273
15
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Is there a Technique or Algorithm for Building Spheres?
There are times when I would like to build a sphere or a dome like this one:
From Small Lego Sphere Project
While this example is great, I find it difficult to scale it to another size, whether ...
- 1,793
14
votes
2
answers
4k
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 click-...
14
votes
2
answers
680
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 ...
- 19.6k
14
votes
1
answer
1k
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?
- 6,191
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What are good books for building techniques of LEGO Technic
I've been searching for good resources for especially LEGO Technic. I find the Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide by Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć. The book is very good at explaining things. Beside that ...
12
votes
2
answers
24k
views
Alternative builds with Star Wars LEGO sets
I currently own these LEGO Star Wars sets:
LEGO Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter 9493
LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon 7965
LEGO Star Wars Tie Fighter 9492
LEGO Star Wars Emperor Palpatine's Shuttle (...
- 123
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What part(s) can I use to connect technic liftarms at a 90 degree angle?
Is there a way to connect the two beams in this angle and still keep the connection strong and keep the rotation the same?
- 825
11
votes
1
answer
574
views
Plate perpendicular to bottom of 2x2 round: is this connection legal?
I've played enough with 2x2 round plates and 1-stud-wide plates to know that it's possible to attach a plate underneath a 2x2 plate and perpendicular to it, like so:
The same connection is possible ...
- 9,366
10
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Alternative for Technic, Gear Rack 1 x 7 with Axle and Pin Holes?
We are trying to build a MOC which requires Technic, Gear Rack 1 x 7 with Axle and Pin Holes and we don't have that. Could we build it? Or are there any alternatives?
FYI we do have Technic Gear ...
- 203
9
votes
2
answers
1k
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 ...
- 191
9
votes
2
answers
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 ...
- 999
8
votes
4
answers
4k
views
Representing pregnancy on LEGO minifigs without a dome
So far for pregnancy I have tried a fetal carrier that I put on the minifig's back but this limits her movements. Specifically she can't bend too far in either direction and also she can't lay down ...
- 181
8
votes
2
answers
1k
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 ...
- 4,777
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Any way to create a gear+chain, like for a bike?
I would like to create a LEGO bike. I can imagine how most of it would work, but i'm stuck at the chain.
I need a way for the turning pedals (at one spot) to cause the wheel (in the back) to spin ...
- 293
8
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Strongest LEGO structuce - (1) Pillars
What is the strongest LEGO structure?
I am going to build a LEGO computer case. Different from Mike Schropp and greenyouse, I am planing to build an upright case.
(This is a general "strongest LEGO ...
- 265
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How to speed up assembly for big LEGO technic sets (e.g. 42043 Mercedes-Benz Arocs)
Is there any ways to help speed up the assembly process when building big LEGO Technic set such as the 42043 Mercedes-Benz Arocs?
- 751
7
votes
0
answers
477
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. ...
- 669
6
votes
1
answer
558
views
How to visually search for specific parts in a 3D model?
For a missed/loose piece that needs to be reattached, I plan to check all the steps where the piece was used. If I can also get an overview of the possible piece locations from the existing 3D models, ...
- 185
6
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Pattern for vertical motion using LEGO Technic
I have a motor and some other components that move a machine vertically on the ground. Inside the machine I need to raise a part by 5 cm, up and down.
Are there some common patterns that can move ...
- 825
5
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Strongest LEGO structure - (2) Floor
What is the strongest LEGO box structure?
I am going to build a LEGO computer case. Different from Mike Schropp and greenyouse, I am planing to build an upright case.
(This is a general "strongest ...
- 265