FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below is a list of the most common questions people ask me. Please read these before you ask me something – the answer may be already there, and it will save your time – not to mention mine.
Where do you buy all these things, and how do I get them?
I don’t buy these things, I create them myself. These are not official LEGO sets, just custom designs not available for sale.
Can I buy any of these from you?
Not really. There are basically two reasons for this: firstly, I only build every construction once and then take it apart, without creating any form of instruction. Hence, if I were to re-build a specific construction for you, I would have to rely mainly on my memory. Secondly, and more importantly, all my constructions are very ‘technic’ in nature – they contain a number of moving parts and mechanism that may get damaged and malfunction. If you want to buy them, you probably want to put their functions into some use, and it means I can’t guarantee they will work properly in every condition, not to mention the problems with shipping. They can’t be glued solid or reinforced – it’s just the way the bricks work; they can be put together, but they can be put apart as well. And I have no time for some emergency service or handling dissatisfied customers, sorry.
If the above does not discourage you, there is obviously always a space for negotiations. Be aware, however, that the specialized parts I’m often using and plenty of labour needed must reflect on the final price. We’re talking $1,000+ here.
Do you make instructions?
Usually I don’t, and there is a number of reasons for it. Creating instructions takes much more time than the actual building did, and hence it would drastically reduce the number of my constructions. I tend to use plenty of specialized parts that are rare and expensive – so even with the instruction in hand, you would most likely have to do a lot of shopping, and then perhaps feel unhappy about the way you spent your money. Finally, I deeply believe that creativity is what LEGO is about. So I’m taking many photos and I’m explaining how the mechanisms are built and on what principles they work. This plus your creativity should be enough. If you want complete, step-by-step instructions – go buy some LEGO sets.
You should submit your creations to LEGO Ideas!
No, I don’t. The LEGO Ideas program rejects vast majority of submissions, including every single Technic submission up to date, and there are strict guidelines which most of my creations don’t meet.
What software are you using to create 3D drawings and schemes?
I’m using MLCad for modelling and LDView for rendering, and LPub for making instructions.
Can you send me more photos of something?
No. The construction you’re interested in is most probably already taken apart, and I really don’t keep any photos hidden from you. I only keep the photos I have published. If they’re not enough – sorry, there really is no more.
Does “Future Projects” page list all your future projects?
No. I have a number of secret projects, which are highly experimental and hence more likely to fail. I don’t list them there to avoid being hard-pressed, as they are more unusual and more difficult to complete than the regular ones. But if such a project enters a stage at which it’s very likely to be completed, it will be listed in the “Currently building” section under a code name.
Can I use any of your ideas?
Of course, that’s why I publish them. I believe that the ideas should be exchanged in the Lego builders community freely.
Do I have to credit you when I use some of your ideas?
Not necessarily. It will be nice if you do, but that’s not really the point, and I don’t require it. I’d rather see my ideas developed further and put into a good use, than look around for credits.
Are you keeping all your constructions?
I’m keeping none. I take them all apart in order to build something next, to re-use the parts. I have no regrets about it – anything I build can be recreated, and even if I kept it intact, I would feel compelled to improve something in it sooner or later. My need for building is simply stronger than my need for looking at my creations.
How many parts do you have?
Probably less than you think. I’m not a collector, I only buy necessary parts, and I’m re-using the ones I already have. Moreover, I want to hold all my parts within my workbench, and that implies certain limits.
What does your workbench looks like?
Messy is the word, I guess. The video below shows all the details.
Where do you get all your parts?
There are many sources available, starting with the LEGO Shop itself, including eBay and probably the most specialized: Bricklink.com. I’m shopping almost exclusively online, because the prices are more affordable that in local shops available to me.
Can you sell me some parts?
No. As mentioned above, there are numerous sources of LEGO parts available. Most of them are faster and cheaper than I could be.
Do you have some special technical education?
Not a bit, I’m a linguist by education and a webdesigner by profession. I simply have a strong interest in mechanics, and a plenty of experience with LEGO bricks. All I need to build is some mathematics, geometry and access to the Wikipedia.
You should show LEGO what you build, or work for them!
Thank you, actually the company is aware of my work, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to hire me or turn my creations into LEGO sets. It doesn’t work that way.
How come your photos look professionally edited?
I work as a webdesigner. Graphic design and post-processing of photos are essential part of my profession.
Are you a professional photographer?
No, I have little idea about professional photography. I’m using a DLSR camera, a pair of good lamps, and a big piece of paper as the background. Nothing really tricky.
What cameras are you using?
As of 2018, I am using Canon EOS 70D camera with Canon 17-55mm lens for photos, Lumix G7 for videos, as well as two GoPro cameras: 4 Session and 5 Black Edition.
Are you building with LEGO bricks only?
Usually yes. I’m using both LEGO and non-LEGO strings, rubber bands and pneumatic hoses, as these originals parts are most difficult (and least rational) to buy. Occasionally I use 3D-printed parts, which is always clearly stated, and sometimes I use third-party remote control devices such as SBrick or BuWizz, where LEGO Power Functions system is too limited or too outdated for comfortable use. This, again, is always clearly stated. Other than that, it’s all original LEGO bricks down to the last single part. And I don’t modify, cut or glue my bricks.
Can you build something from the Star Wars theme?
I have no interest in Star Wars theme at all, sorry.
What’s the difference between terms “Truck Trial” and “Trial Truck”?
Truck Trial is the name of the competition. Trial truck is the name of a vehicle built specifically for this competition.
Can you make instructions for some good Trial Truck?
No. It’s simply pointless – Truck Trial is a sport somewhat similar to F1 races, which means that there are no ultimate solutions nor ultimate vehicles. Construction of trucks used in the Truck Trial is continuously evolving, the improving of vehicles never really stops, and new solutions pop up every couple of months only to become outdated sooner or later. There are many different approaches to building, various builders focus on various aspects of their vehicles, and ever most successful trucks are being improved and experimented on. Some vehicles can perform excellent against certain types of obstacles while failing against other. I’m still trying to develop a decent, universal vehicle, but even if I succeed and create instruction, it will soon become worthless. Given the extreme complexity of Truck Trial vehicles and hence long time needed to create such an instruction, it would very likely be outdated by the time it’s finished.
How come you build so much?
There is a number of experienced builders who work really fast. In my case, I believe imagination is the key: I don’t have to try out every solution that comes to my head, because often I can imagine how it would work without touching a single brick. It’s not difficult, it’s just a matter of experience and knowledge on the LEGO bricks. There is also a matter of planning – when I build something big, I’m trying to plan it in theory as much as possible. I’m checking the exact size of the mechanisms I want to include in it, I’m trying to figure out the best way to put them together. It takes little effort, and it’s really helpful, or even crucial in case of the most complex constructions.
How long does it take to build these things?
That varies a lot, depending on the complexity of a given model and the amount of spare time I have at the moment. In most cases, it’s between 3 and 6 weeks, but some large, complex models can take as long as 3 years.
@Páll Rúnar Gíslason
Of course, a clutch gear can do that, just as well as the linear clutches presented here on my website.
Hi
I have a question, is it possible to do build a lego gear on a RC car that does allow the gear to continue spin if the motor has stopped, i mean if the car is moving then the motor stop the car will continue to move, not break because the motor has stopped. I hope you will understand this 🙂
@gogolego
So? http://www.lm-software.com/mlcad/
yes
sorry i cant get bricklink to work on my computer and ebay stuff is over priced. oh well i’ll just get thT NEW TECHNIC SET the forest tractor.
@gogolego
Did you try Googling for it?
how do you get mlclad?
@ivan
You can use any idea you find here as you wish. I don’t know of any side-effects.
@Sariel
Can i use your “Compact pendular steered suspension” for my #8273 Tow Truck motorized version? are there any side effect?
@ivan
No. Try looking through instructions for some official Lego sets, like 8297 or 8436, that should help.
Hi Sariel,
I am new for Lego Technic. I bought a #8273 Tow truck. Further, I want to make it motorized. However, I don’t have any mechanical background. Do you have a link or instruction of how to make a differential and steering gear so that I can use a XL motor & M motor to make it move and turn? Thanks a lot!!!!!
ivan
@darksheep
Yes, I know Jerrec’s work. But he didn’t mention SC as a source of inspiration, and this tank is technically simple, even though it looks awesome.
http://www.e-klocki.com/2009/09/20/swiss-just-got-their-motors/ look at this . It kind of looks like the star craft tank. interesting i think.
@owen
No.
What i mean is do you have all of the sets on that page?
@owen
I’m not sure I understand the question. Setechnic.com was a French AFOLs community the last time I checked.
is setechnic.com all of the sets you have?
@Sariel
Yes i do think that would be pointless 🙂
please send me an email i think you have my address , i would like to talk to you about and idea i have . just don’t wana post it in a public forum just yet.
@darksheep
Yes, I’m familiar with SC vehicles and I had this tank under consideration actually. But its siege mode transformation is impossible to reproduce, except for a very large scale. I mean the scale at which you can put motors inside the tracks. And what good is a siege tank that has no siege mode?
Hi . I love your work it is amazing really really is !!!
I have an idea for you that you might like what about building this tank (http://www.starcraft2.com/features/terran/siegetank.xml). Its got grate functionality think it would be challenging and think it is some thing you might like to do and i would like to see 🙂
I would try my self but i am don’t have lots of experience building and i am new to lego (back after 10 years ) i also have a lack of money and parts , plus i stay in South Africa its hard getting stuff hear .
Any way keep up the good work 🙂
Dzięki. Napotkałem jeszcze jeden problem. Batery box często mi się przegrzewa niezależnie od ilości podłączonych silniczków. Myślę jednak, że to problem akumulatorów.
@Mikołaj
Nie wiem, teoretycznie wytrzyma dopóki się nie zagrzeje do takiej temperatury przy której zabezpieczenia w elektronice go wyłączą.
Mam pytanie. Ile czasu (mniej więcej)pf medium może wytrzymać pod napięciem bez ruchu? Np. w układzie sterowniczym pojazdu snow white z technic bricka?
@capb
Try this: http://sariel.pl/2009/01/direction-sensitive-gearbox/
@capb
If so, what is it called?
Hey, is it possible for a single motor to have the ?output? wheel to always turn one way with the motor turning clockwise and counter clockwise?
@echowave
Yes, I’m using bracings that are explained in the Ideas category.
hey sariel
i have a question about the new differential included in the new off road truck (8297) when i tried to attach a motor to that set, the gear seems to slip at a specific point (where a bevel gear is loaded). when watching your models run on youtube, this problem doesn’t seem to happen.
do you have any solutions?
Thanks
@Smithy
I can show how the photos are taken, the entire setup. As for the WordPress, well, it’s simply the newest version with one of the most popular themes and a handful of popular plugins. Nothing really tricky.
I love your models. I’m envious of the way you’ve been able to sue the remote control functions.
Would it be possible for you to write an article about your actual website? Where you host it, the plugs in you use for wordpress, how you take the videos and stuff like that? I’ve tried to find out how you do the photos bit of your posts and haven’t found out how.
@legokid
Listen. It’s 50 cm long. If you need a wire that long, you use it. If you need a shorter one, you try the 20 cm one. Some models need 50 cm, some need less. That’s it.
well I mean is it to long becos it is 50 cm long and that is relly long
@legokid
I have it. What you mean ‘too long’?
OH! sorry I mene 50cm!
do you have the power function 20cm long wire and is it to long?
@crawlerdude
It just needs the cabin and the front winch. It should be ready for the race on September 5th, and I will probably publish it shortly after.
how is the alvis coming?
@legokid
Yes.
did you get the lego technic bulldozer and was it a good buy.
@legokid
Does it matter? I don’t see any point in your question. And please try to avoid posting several comments in a row. Plus there are things like the capital letters and punctuation marks, if you missed that.
if you want to tell me
but how many
@legokid
Just enough.
how many xl and m motors,switch,light,irand ir remote do you have? I relly want to know.
@owen
No, all my motors are fine.
do your power funtion motors ever just stop working? becace i have and 8 motors total and recently 5 have stopped working . do you have ideas that can help me fix my problem? well greatw work on everything.
@bobsurankle
Yes, check the TechnicBricks blog, there are several solutions that do that.
thank you for that, sorry, but i have another question has sprung to mind: do you know of a way to put 2 linear actuators end to end to make a really long one?
@bobsurankle
It has some biblical meaning: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sariel
But basically it’s just a nickname I picked up when I entered the AFOLs community. I was looking for something short, distinctive, easy to spell and easy to remember, that’s it.
Can i ask… where does the name “sariel” come from?
@Sariel
Ah, good stuff! I missed that part of the post. Will look into it, seems very interesting. Thanks for the redirect, much appreciated.
@Leroy
Perhaps my live axle design is what you’re looking for? It’s presented in the post about the SandRail.
@Sariel
Yup I noticed in the model video’s, but I mean in the more complex suspensions, like the compact pendular steered suspension. For example a very sturdy suspension like that, but with shock absorbers.
I’m just looking for alternatives to the simple Lego solution, since I’m thinking of a model that might weigh a bit more 🙂
@Leroy
You mean shock absorbers? Well, most of my suspensions use shock absorbers.
I love your work at the models so far, a very good source of inspiration.
I studied your suspension designs thoroughly, and trying to modify them with shock breakers. Maybe a challenge to design a good suspension system with shock breakers included?
To be honest, I’m curious with what you can come up with 🙂
@crawlerdude
Because trial trucks take an enormous amount of work to complete, equal to building 3 or more regular constructions. And besides I don’t need many trial trucks, I only need one that performs well. I’m building the Alvis right now, and we’ll see how it turns out.
Dear sariel,
why dont you build more trial trucks?
@jonas
I’m not interested.
or a range rover
hi:-) Can you build a Bowler Wild Cat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLvlfAyduvA
@Mikołaj
Nie. Po prostu zimą zobaczyłem Pisten Bully w akcji i to mnie zainspirowało, to że mniej więcej wtedy Lego zapowiedziało swój ratrak to przypadek.
Mam jedno pytanie. Czy istnieje jakiś związek pomiędzy twoim SnowGroomerem a zaestawem 8263? Ozcywiście twój jest lepszy ;-).
Hello…
Great site, and I love your models they are very good,especialy the looks. You have a good taste in music (as heard from the videos)and in animal names- Mr. Fluffy certanly is fluffy. kepp up the good work!
bobsurankle
(I know its a strange name but I like it)
@Rob
No. As I explained in the FAQ, I don’t build German tanks and I definitely don’t build the ones used in WW2.
Hi!
Can you bulding model of tiger tank?
@JasonWilliams
No disrespect for crowkillers, what I meant was basically that he intentionally limits his skill to one area only. Ok, you can develop transmission systems and so on, but after all how many 2×4 cars can you build in the same scale?
I just have different approach, perhaps a more chaotic one. I jump from one subject to another, but it didn’t stop me from e.g. developing a tank design very far from where I started it. But I’m not going to detract from crowkiller’s merit or criticize him.
Yes, I am definitely going to build at least two supercars, one of them studless (Lamborghini Reventon) and the other one made of bricks (Koenigsegg CCR). I have little experience with that subject and I’m not sure how it will turn out eventually, but it is possible that Koenigsegg may end up with 11 motors and remotely adjusted seats or steering wheel’s angle.
First off I would like to say, GREAT site! I have been building for Over 25 years and I must say, you are an excellent builder! I do have to disagree with your thoughts on crowkiller’s cars all being the same. I actually have got to see them in person at a Lionel Train/Toy show last month, and this chap has some real talent, in fact he had 5 or 6 cars on display and his table was the most talked about at the show. The only thing that I have noticed that most of his cars all have in common are the wheel wells, but really how many different ways are there to make a proper wheel well with studless parts? I also think that he has that aspect perfected, so why change it? Other than that, every car has a different suspension design, chassis, seats, steering system, and transmission build. And with every new car he is pushing the limits, for instance, I have noticed that he has gone to having the body as a separate unit, that can be removed to view the workings inside. That idea is just brilliant. He demonstrated with one of his models how eveything came apart and could be quickly assembled(Front/Rear suspension, transmission, Chassis, engine and then the body just dropped right into place) Let’s just say that we were all blown away, including myself. I actually just got an auto magazine that had an article and interview with him about building and designing. I am going to go out on a limb and say that his Mustang is the best Technic model that I have ever seen(With no disrespect to you). Have you ever thought about building a studless technic supercar? I know you have built some buggies, and your construction vehicles are AWESOME. I bet you could build a Really unique supercar. Just my thoughts. Take care! And keep up the awesome, awesome work!
@Ramon
No, I don’t have any affiliations. I’ve seen all his creations, they are pretty impressive and he sure has developed a lot. My only reservation is that he sort of builds the same thing over and over, without much real difference.
Hello. Wonderful builder. Do you have any affiliation with crowkillers? If no, what are your thoughts on his studless building? crowkillers seems to take this building style to another level. Good Luck to you in the future with your building.
i was wondering if we could work out some deal, for you yo build something for me . if you want to then just email me trevyh@gmail.com
@Joshua Tulberg
My email is on each first photo in my gallery.
hey paul,
love your work, I have a few questions I would like to ask over e-mail.
(as well as a picture I would like to attach of the vehicle I will be talking about)
please shoot me an e-mail (as I could not find your e-mail on this site)
@hans_stefan
You mean how long is it being produced? No, I don’t really know.
Hi,
do you know what is the typical technic set lifespan ?
I’m assuming it is 3 years, but I’m not quite sure.
Marcin
I was very impressed by your works! Really fabulus.
I would like to build lego cars, but the designs you show here are much beyond my current skill. For now I’d just want to have a control that drives it back and forth, and a control for steering. Can you point me to resources/links/books/ideas that might help me to start? (I should mention that I have very little knowledge in mechanics but I’m willing to learn if necessary)
thanks
a bit of a general request, but for some of your future builds, could you include pictures of the chassis and/ or under body? It helps a lot to understand the design. thanks
@alex
I print them on regular paper, with a standard printer. Then I use a transparent adhesive tape to put them on place, that’s all.
Hi
Can you give me some tips on how to make customized stickers as you do?
Thanks,
Alex
@Valheru
Well, the way I see it – he wants it, he gets it 🙂 And by the way he’s thinner now. He lost some 20 grams since this photo was taken (out of 90).
What are you thinking feeding your hamster with chocolate? If you did some research, you’d know that they are susceptible to diabetes.
From the look of that poor fella, he is straight out of SuperSize me. Jesus!
@Sariel
It is still available off shop@home for CAD $150. Now to convince my parents to get it for my birthday… (the hardest part of course)
lol, thanks
@Murcielago53
Well, I got my 8297 for $120 and I felt it was worth the money. If you can get it around that price – I’d recommend it then.
im trying to get some large wheels, steering parts, and shock absorbers. I am looking at the 8297 set. I recently got my hands on the 8275 bulldozer so im a lil short on cash. Would you recommend the 8279 set for parts? I find that bricklink is over priced and its hard to find what you want w/o having to pay heavy custom taxes. Thanks
@Diane
Try using a clutch gear or a rubber belt.
I am trying to build a car with power function steering and can’t figure out how to attach your nicely provided steering module to the motor without blowing up. Can you point me in a direction for instructions? Thank you!
Ohh My gosh Mr.Fluffy is the cuttest little thing ive ever seen. Have a nice day Sariel and Mr.Fluffy
Julian(the Lego kid)
@Sariel
I’ve built it (although my inventory and skills are very limited).
Video:
It wont work with worm gears, because they all have equal form. To make the vehicle work, the worms on one side would have to be the opposite of the other side’s worms. This way, the Lego can go side-to-side, like the real one, but when the axles are spinning in the opposite direction, the vehicle will turn instead of moving forward-backward, as you can see it in the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxVp4W6guAE
BTW, check out my PF handset for wheeld vehicles, i think thats a really good one 🙂
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JUW-KvZfaZ6572L-lvnnjg?feat=directlink
@OlSom
Power them through universal joints. Use them to connect worm gears to axles located above them, where you can use bigger gears freely.
@Sariel
i think it would be hard to power them, as they are only slightly bigger then the smallest gear. i’ll maybe try it tomorrow, but i only have 4 worm gears… will see.
@OlSom
Well, I suppose a regular worm screws could be used. They would obviously seem much smaller than they should be, but I believe they would function properly.
@Sariel
hmm, this was a reply on your reply on
”
Hi!Can you build this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uynmApjhWI
Tanks
”
the screw-drive thing
@OlSom
What wheels?
@Sariel
I see, the mechanics doesnt look difficult, but how would you build the “wheels” ?
I just wanted to say thanks. I have really enjoyed this website and come back to it often. I have shared it with my sons to get inspirations for some of our building ideas. Thanks for such a great resource. Steve.
Hi Sariel!
“And I don’t modify, cut or glue my bricks.” As a purist, I deeply appreciate :-)))
Thanx for your creations and detailed website!
Cheers,
Karl
@Ilya
There you go – I added answer with some photos above. Hope that’s what you’ve been loking for.
@Sariel I don’t mean gold recipe, I’ve been looking at various ideas to combine my own preferences. I just wanted to look at your workbench and storing system, if possible 🙂 And, thanks for inspirations!
@Ilya
I don’t think there’s any sort of a ‘golden recipe’ for sorting. I keep most of my parts simply on the table, only some very specific parts are stored in drawers or cases or containers.
Would you mind sharing how do you store all your bricks and parts? I’m starting with Lego (being 30+ years old), and I have hard time sorting and storing all the things 🙂
man, you’re really a master!!