All Questions
589
questions
12
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How can I identify a set based on one or more original sealed bags?
I have recently come into possession of one or more sets in the form of factory-sealed individual bags made of transparent plastic, containing various LEGO elements. There is neither box nor any ...
- 15.6k
48
votes
17
answers
61k
views
LEGO cleaning techniques and tools
Previously I've used toothbrushes but maybe these would eventually scratch the surface. What have you used? And was it easy?
As well as cleaning, what about drying and buffing? Has anyone tried ...
- 2,149
28
votes
5
answers
58k
views
How can I identify LEGO sets from a box or bag of parts?
I am a lifelong LEGO Maniac, and my kits from when I was a kid were passed down to my nephew, who has just passed them down to my son (40 years of history...).
The trouble is that none of my old plans/...
- 671
98
votes
8
answers
79k
views
Do any programs exist that allow you to build your own LEGO manuals?
What I'm looking for is a program or website/webapp that allows "virtual" building of a LEGO model, step-by-step, and allows you to save these single steps to get a complete building plan in the end. ...
- 5,603
89
votes
7
answers
252k
views
What are the dimensions of a LEGO brick?
What are the real world dimensions of bricks? (starting with 1x1 brick) Plates? Studs? Does LEGO think of this in metric or imperial units or something else?
- 4,261
16
votes
5
answers
32k
views
How to use Power Functions with Mindstorms EV3?
Having learned that Mindstorms EV3 doesn't work directly with Power Functions,
Q: Can you use Power Functions motors with the EV3 programmable brick?
A: No, the connector does not match.
I still ...
- 587
76
votes
11
answers
280k
views
What's the most cost effective way to buy bulk LEGO bricks?
I've found a couple places to pick up bulk LEGO, but they all have various issues.
Bricklink - I found their user interface confusing, clunky, and straight out of 1998. I'm aware of a couple of ...
- 1,749
53
votes
13
answers
245k
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 ...
- 1,055
7
votes
2
answers
13k
views
EV3-specific bricks missing from Lego Digital Designer 4.3.11 (Win)?
I have LDD on my Mac and have used it to create EV3 models (like an FLL robot, or a Lego dot-matrix printer). Recently, I purchased a cheap Windows laptop for use by a FLL team.
After twice ...
- 223
63
votes
6
answers
61k
views
Are DUPLO blocks compatible with LEGO blocks in any way?
Can I build a model out of both DUPLO blocks and LEGO blocks? Do they fit together?
- 3,204
40
votes
3
answers
23k
views
Where or how do I get replacement stickers for my LEGO set?
I have a BMW Williams F1 LEGO set 8461 that I built when I got it several years ago. I unfortunately let it sit out on my shelf for a long time. The stickers have peeled and cracked and some have ...
- 765
48
votes
2
answers
40k
views
How do I identify a LEGO part?
Over the vast years of collecting bricks of various sizes and sets, I find that during my free builds I run low on a specific type of brick. How can I go about identifying what the brick is named and ...
- 583
44
votes
9
answers
12k
views
What are the best LEGO storage options?
I have several Lego sets and I usually build them and then make them small enough so they fit back in the box for long term storage . . . but my dream is that I can take apart my model and organize ...
- 2,478
27
votes
5
answers
18k
views
How can I use more than three motors with one NXT brick?
I'm building Caterpillar Excavator with my NXT, and at the moment I'm trying to control 4 points of motion:
2 Caterpillar Tracks - These should be controlled independently to allow for cornering, etc....
- 19.5k
8
votes
6
answers
42k
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
41
votes
2
answers
19k
views
What is the bley (blay) color?
I keep reading on various lego web sites about an elusive brick color called "bley" or "blay".
What is it and what is the story behind this?
- 3,242
35
votes
6
answers
8k
views
Does the LEGO Group condone war toys?
What is the LEGO Group's position on war toys? Other brands make tanks and army stuff. I noticed LEGO sets include more realistic guns in the Star Wars range than they used to. What's up with that?
- 4,261
34
votes
4
answers
31k
views
How many different colours of LEGO bricks are there?
Excluding translucent pieces, how many colours of official LEGO bricks are there?
- 3,204
30
votes
2
answers
43k
views
What kind of plastic are LEGO bricks made of?
It’s rather obvious that Lego bricks are made from plastic, but there are many kinds of plastic.
Is the recipe for LEGO bricks plastic secret?
- 1,350
28
votes
6
answers
84k
views
In what ways are LEGO and Megabloks incompatible?
I know that the basic bricks of LEGO and Megabloks fit together, but was wondering if other elements do too.
Such as:
Plates
Rods (Ones Minifigures can hold, not Technic)
Right angle (such as Erling)...
- 5,216
27
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Why do some sets contain parts of an unrelated colour that are hidden on the final model?
With recent and current sets, I noticed that some contain parts of a totally different colour than the rest of the set. An example is 8200-1: Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen, which contains a blue ...
- 1,156
16
votes
4
answers
7k
views
How should I go about selling a large number of unsorted LEGO sets?
Here is my problem. Over the years my son had me buy a large number of Star Wars sets (including 10179, 10188, 6211, 7676, 7675) and he built them. Then he traded (or lost) most of the mini-figs ...
- 161
56
votes
2
answers
16k
views
Is there anything like a 'recipe generator' for LEGO models?
For me, most of the fun of LEGO toys, is building new things from the instructions. Rebuilding things can be fun, but if I know I have certain bricks (or even sets), is there somewhere to cross-...
- 2,149
48
votes
7
answers
58k
views
Is there any other way to program the Lego Mindstorms NXT other than the provided software?
I'm curious to know if there is any way to program the NXT other than the provided software.
I don't necessarily have any issue with the software.
Does the program created by the software translate ...
- 583
39
votes
4
answers
17k
views
How can I store LEGO bricks to prevent damage?
I have some LEGO bricks which are probably about 10 years old. They've neither changed color in any way nor dried out or anything, so it seems to be as stable as ever.
How should I store them so that ...
- 2,175
39
votes
4
answers
6k
views
What are proven methods to sort/categorize a large number of parts?
How would you recommend to sort your Lego parts? Finding a certain part in a box with parts of about 20 models takes ages.
Should I sort by color? Or by size? Another category?
- 493
39
votes
6
answers
56k
views
Why do LEGO boxes have a maximum age limit?
I am wondering why do LEGO boxes have a maximum age limit printed on them?
My girlfriend has just gifted me LEGO Starfighter (8088) and it has an age range of 8-14. Why not just write 8+? Are there ...
- 493
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, ...
- 1,839
36
votes
2
answers
10k
views
What is an Erling brick?
I have seen people refer to the "Erling brick" or "headlight brick" on LEGO forums. What kind of brick are they talking about?
user23
36
votes
7
answers
3k
views
Where can I find instruction booklets?
Is there any place where scans or PDFs of instruction booklets can be downloaded?
- 1,019
21
votes
1
answer
21k
views
NXT screen either flickering or blank, what do I do?
The screen on my LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT brick has just stopped working. It is either flickering, or blank. I have tried turning it on and off, installed fresh batteries, and I can even hear the selection ...
- 2,840
15
votes
5
answers
58k
views
Is it possible to buy a bulk of 1000s of basic bricks (mostly 2x4)?
Several years ago I remember being able to walk into toy shops and actually shovel lego bricks into a bag and thus buy them in bulk. Unfortunately I can't seem to find stores anymore that offer this ...
- 253
11
votes
5
answers
31k
views
Lego Mindstorms RCX RIS 2.0 IR tower Windows 7 / XP driver
So I've recently dug up my old Lego Mindstorms RIS 2.0 (RCX) and have spent the past few days trying to install it into my Windows 7 laptop. It worked fine, except it could not find the correct ...
- 111
152
votes
3
answers
89k
views
How much usage can a LEGO piece take before it loses its 'clutch power'?
In this article it's mentioned that one very important feature of the LEGO bricks are their 'clutch power' which is "the ability of its bricks to snap together tightly while also being easy to ...
- 13.5k
39
votes
8
answers
29k
views
Has anyone automated the LEGO hand sorting process beyond "pawing & piling"?
I need to rephrase my question. Has anyone built or used a large pigeon hole/ chute/ bin collection system to sort LEGO elements? The sorting system doesn't need to be made of LEGO bricks. I just want ...
- 5,453
32
votes
2
answers
18k
views
How do you repair yellowed or faded LEGO blocks?
In particular, I've had white blocks that have yellowed in places. Can the colour consistency be restored? Or at least improved?
I'd be more interested in people's actual experiences rather than ...
- 2,149
21
votes
4
answers
86k
views
Where can I download the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 IDE?
I want to see how well that IDE runs on my old Windows XP laptop.
I looked on www.lego.com, but it seems to all be documentation (downloads).
- 821
19
votes
9
answers
5k
views
Cleaning between the studs of a build
I've unpacked a few of my models after moving home some time ago, these models have been in a cardboard boxes for several months and need cleaning:
I've tried compressed air, which only makes some of ...
- 17.6k
19
votes
4
answers
15k
views
Is Mindstorms EV3 backwards compatible?
LEGO Group announced the next Mindstorms version, the EV3 which will be available in the Fall, 2013.
Does anyone know if the new version, specifically the controller, will be backwards compatible ...
user1262
3
votes
1
answer
29k
views
How to sell a large amount of Lego
Hope someone can help. I bought my husband a huge bundle of Lego a few years ago, but he doesn't have the time to sort it, so we want to sell it on.
We've identified a lot of the sets from pieces/...
- 39
17
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Can I remotely control the points on PF train tracks?
I'm interested in investing in power functions based trains, but want to automate switching points. Is this possible? What is the cheapest / easiest way of achieving this?
- 9,121
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 ...
- 19.5k
43
votes
5
answers
76k
views
Why are there extra pieces in my set?
I bought an advent calendar, with a minifig or part of a scene behind each door. Each piece is sealed in a plastic bag and needs to be assembled. Almost every bag has an extra piece in it. Is this ...
- 533
38
votes
9
answers
16k
views
How do I change the color of a brick?
I have a uniquely-shaped brick that I would like to make a darker shade of gray (it's currently blue).
What media is the best in terms of durability for continued use (i.e. re-use, re-configuration)?...
- 682
32
votes
2
answers
34k
views
What does the acronym MOC stand for?
This is a common acronym used in the Lego community - what does MOC mean?
- 481
31
votes
3
answers
5k
views
How does one get a job as a LEGO designer?
I always fantasized on the mysterious (and admittedly cool) job of LEGO designer. Is there anyone who knows what it takes?
Do you need to go to the Lego university and get good grades?
Is there any ...
- 3,242
28
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Are transparent neon Lego bricks made from a different plastic than usual?
There are several colors of transparent, fluorescent Lego bricks. In particular, "trans neon yellow" and "trans neon orange", introduced in the early 1990s, exist in a variety of specialized shapes ...
- 653
28
votes
2
answers
29k
views
How much heat can LEGO bricks withstand?
I was thinking on making a decorative LEGO candle holder. It would be made out of regular ABS LEGO bricks, but also transparent ones. Because there will be an open flame involved, I want to make sure ...
- 5,216
26
votes
6
answers
16k
views
Why do some minifigs have yellow heads and some are flesh colored?
When did the flesh colors start and why? It seems yellow heads are here to stay too?
- 4,261
26
votes
1
answer
15k
views
Is there a freely downloadable LEGO set and part dataset?
I'm working on a project that will require a list of all sets including all of the parts they contain. I'm aware of at least three sites which have this information (Peeron, BrickLink, and Rebrickable)...
- 39.8k