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.
Hey Sariel, we spoke recently about coupling your 2 speed auto gear box and directional gear box, just wanted to thank you for the use of your designs and great site, and to let you know I’ve ordered enough parts to incorperate 3 of your designs into one vehicle I’ll keep you posted of my progress (which will be slow due to working a full time job!) and I’ll credit them in my videos.
@Sven
Sorry, if you want instructions, I recommend buying some Lego set.
Hi Sariel,
my little brother is also a big Lego fan.
He is 11 years old. he saw the Leo tank on this site.
my question:
do you have an instruction plan from this beautiful tank modell???
i hope you can help me.
Sorry for my bad english!
@kyle
Yes.
Hey paul, I was just wondering about the way you control revewrsing lights, dose this ware out the 24 tooth clutch gear at all? Thanks Kyle
@dberaha
I don’t always use the knob wheel for steering. In fact, I think I do it rarely.
Hi sariel
just asking, why do you always use the knob wheel for steering?
arent the bevel ones better?
answer please
tks
david
@Mike
Yes, you can. In fact, I’m using two myself whenever possible (sometimes there is no space for another 20t).
Reading the updated gear tutorial I noticed that you can use two of the 20t idlers with LAs, right? Just like in the strengthened differential. Or is this superfluous? Don’t the single bevel gears snap?
@sqiddster
You can easily find answers using Google. I’d rather not suggest any illegal actions.
@Sariel
Could you explain that in a bit more depth? What could one of us do to avoid trouble? What do you do to avoid trouble?
Thanks!
@kyle
No, thank you. I have no plans for any more Scanias at the moment.
hey paul, i tought you might like to take a look at a scania truck i saw on google, i think it would be a very nice build gor you when your better. http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/scania%2520r%2520580%252010×4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/2007/12/australian-scania-roadtrain-no.html&usg=__TKV2-mkrAX46iJwwwRnqsthD2LQ=&h=327&w=448&sz=128&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=SYui6a7h0ZCVEM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=156&ei=2uBOTZ7eMMmFhQe36_SjDg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dscania%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1003%26bih%3D595%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=108&vpy=113&dur=296&hovh=192&hovw=263&tx=177&ty=109&oei=2uBOTZ7eMMmFhQe36_SjDg&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0
@Miguel
What do you mean by custom development?
Very interested in you work I would like to talk to see if you would be interested in a custom development.
@sqiddster
I do, sometimes.
Do you ever have a problem with music copyrights?
@gert
They have required scale.
i love ur work i have built every one of ur modles id like to credit u on the Rumbler i used it in a trtr race bac in the states and it worked very well u made ur land rover on my birthday so i had to build it srry about mr.fluffy best regaurds your friend and always will,
David
@ Sariel:
Do truck trial vehicles also have a maximum allowed width. length, height?
Ah I see,
Restricting parents have banned facbook unfortunately, nevermind,
Thankyou
@Oli
Here Oli: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+differential+works
And as for my new tow truck, yes, I have decided about the wheels. Actually, I have this truck more than 50% complete, as you would notice if you checked my Facebook page.
Hi Sariel,
You’ll probably think I am a bit stupid, but I have been building Lego vehicles for a longish time and although I use differentials in them I havnt a clue why they are used. They always cause an annoying loss of traction and I can see no benefit In them. Could you please explain.
Also just wondering, which wheels will you be using in your tow truck 2 (if youve decided yet), just so I can get an idea of it’s size. (hope you use the ones that were in your hummer). And if it will have a gear box.
Thankyou
@Touhou
No, and I can tell you why – because it doesn’t matter. It’s just numbers.
Have you ever counted, how many legobricks do you have?
No time??
Sure you do not want so …
Just had to modify some projects …
I hope to answer
@João Pedro
I have no time for NXT.
Hello.
You’re a builder so good because it does not really start doing some constructions in nxt?
I await response ..
I love their constructions.
If you have a child your child should love their constructions.
@kyle
I did. Well, it sure is huge.
hey, have you seen this MOC before : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR81NhBNlq8&feature=fvw : its huge, what are your thoughts?
@Fernando C. Goncalves
I know this tractor. I’d rather build the Steiger Panther tractor, I like its look better.
hello, how are you?
man, you are doing a very nice job with lego. congratulations.
i have an ideia for you, is a big tractor, the name is big bud 747, is the biggest tractor in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaXo0yZcXkc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY7aMTsxwUk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5N9t_z7c6o&NR=1
please let me know what you think.
@Ninjafluff
I have a regular full-time job, so I don’t really have “so much time”. And I don’t have to travel to participate in a Truck Trial race because races are held in my city, usually pretty close to where I live. Lastly, it doesn’t take much money to build like this, because I disassemble all my models and re-use the pieces, and the pieces I own come from some 4 years of looking for best deals & cheapest pieces possible. I never buy Lego at regular stores because it’s expensive, I’m using Bricklink for loose parts and sometimes for second-hand sets.
As for the photos or videos, you can just drop a link in the comment.
I just have to ask. If its too personal then don’t worry about it, but what do you do for work that lets you have so much time and money for your builds? Not to mention travel for stuff like the truck trials. And one more thing. I have an idea for independent suspension that doesn’t use u joints or lego suspension pieces. I was wondering what you might think of it. As in what would you think might be able to make the gearing stronger. Can I send you a couple of pics or a video? And if so, where would I send them. Thank you and to let you know I am a huge fan of your site and builds.
@Sariel
I never thought anyone could stand the horrors of windows movie maker. You must be very patient or lucky. I’ll just have to get torrents, i guess.
@legonut
I’m just using simple Windows Movie Maker. There are ways to bypass copyright filters, but this is not exactly legit, so I can only suggest you to google for it.
I know you have many videos on Youtube with music, and none which I can find on Audioswap, so how do you get past the copy write issue? I use Adobe elements, if that helps, but I have a feeling you use iMovie
thanks, thought is was going a bid mad! will look forward to them!! “_”
@olI
Here: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=32467
Hello Sariel,
could you tell me what the electric part you use to measure RMP and speed which was in your leopard tank and octopod videos is called? If it is possible could you give me a link to the bricklink listings of it, as I have no idea what it is called.
Thankyou very much
🙂
@kyle
Yes, but I won’t start until the Charger is complete.
am i mistaken in saying that you said that you were making instructions for your landrover chassis?
@Henk Versteeg
Feel free to use it.
Hello Paul,
If you don’t mind I will use your ‘lifting’ idea building my next Lego Spider. Visit my website next week and you will see the first attemps of this new Spider. And of course I will put a link to your great website !
Greatings,
Henk
Hi Sariel! On the book: in my opinion you could cover some basic mechanics, explained by tutorials e.g. on gears, you could write about your building methods, after all it’s your book, and I guess in an appendix you could publish some instructions, ideas etc.
You could also have a chapter on “dilemmas”: weight vs. power, speed vs. torque, what kind of suspension to use (indep? live axle? pendular?), pneumatics vs. LAs, should one go for simplicity or complex mechanisms; some advice on how much Lego pieces can take and how to use them to their maximum strentgh without damage (not everyone can spend a whole lot on them 🙂 ), you seem to have much experience in this latter field. Well.. that’s pretty much it 😀 hope I helped.
@João
No, I don’t.
Hello
I know you’re busy with the construction of dodge but I’d like to ask you some questions about the Lego tecnhic 8297 …
You do not have instructions to put the motor car?
I ask your help please …
I await response
@Oli
No.
Ah thankyou, have you ever thught of using sticky back plastic for shapes which would be hard to create out of bricks?
@oli
Well, I can tell you how I make stickers: print them on regular paper, cut them out with scissors and put a transparent duct tape over and around to keep them in place.
Hi Sariel,
I was just wondering if you could tell me how you make successful custom stickers?
@Wojtek
Pierwszy raz słyszę o takim programie.
Czy ma Pan wiedzę jak w programie BrickStore wygenerować listę różnic pomiędzy listą posiadanych klocków a listą klocków potrzebnych do budowy modelu?
@Francis David
Paper.
Hi Sariel,
I’m building a mini photo studio, which used material for the white background?
@BrickTuts
I don’t trade links. If you think my website is worth linking to, promote it. If you don’t, then don’t.
Dear Sir,
In regards to your phenomenal website “Sariel.pl” we have decided to promote it with a link in our modest website “BrickTuts.com”. We would appreciate your collaboration if you could also place a link of our website on your website.
It will be helpful if you could respond to this message, in order to have no future misunderstandings.
Yours Sincerely,
The BrickTuts Team
You’re quite welcome. The tutorial is a very good one and well written!
Cheers,
Doug
@Doug
You are indeed right, I corrected that. Thank you for your help.
@Sariel
Paul,
Here’s the excerpt I am referring to:
“The best thing is that we can transform part of one property to increase the other, we don’t need to transform all of it. In the case of our sport car it means that we can pick a drive motor, and use the first of the aforementioned rules to gain extra speed at the cost of some needless torque. …”
The first rule you talk about before the excerpt above (where the gear illustrations are) is gearing down: increasing the torque but decreasing the speed. For a sports car, I thought you would want to do the opposite, which is gearing up: decreasing the torque and increasing the speed.
“A different example would be a rail crossing barrier. We can raise or lower it with motor, but the nominal speed of any motor will be probably too large. A barrier should take at least several seconds to be fully raised or lowered, and most of the Lego motors run at more than 100 RPM. We need to use gears to get rid of this needless speed, and in exchange for that we will get extra torque, which can be used to operate a longer and heavier barrier. In this case, we use the second of the aforementioned rules.”
The second of the aforementioned rules is gearing up: increasing the speed and decreasing the torque. As u said above, a barrier should take several seconds to raise and lower, thus being slower in speed, so I would think the gearing rule applied here would be gearing down, not up.
Is my thinking correct?
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply!
Doug
@Doug
I’m not sure which part you mean exactly. Could you specify?
Paul,
I am brand new to Lego mechanics and find your Gears tutorial a great resource-thank you so much for providing it. I have one question which is currently confusing me. In your examples of the sports car and the rairoad barrier, are your applications of gearing up and gearing down reversed in those two paragraphs? Please advise and elaborate further, if you can.
Thank you again for your excellent website and videos.
Doug
@Aram
That depends on a whole lot of thing that I can’t possibly know about your model.
im building a feller buncher and i wanted to know if you recommand using 1 or 2 actuators for the boom arm
Okay, I think Ill think Ill use the pf’s then.
@Oli
Oli, I don’t know the exact specifics of what you want to build and I will not build it for you, especially not using comments. Experiment a lot and you’ll get it right sooner or later.
Hi again,
I am struggling to decide which pair of motors I should use, 2 PF XL or 2 Rc buggy motors. bear in mind that the two motors would drive a common axle, be powered from separate 9v battery boxes and have an enourmous amount of pressure on them (I would be using them to power a conveyor belt in a 1 meter long self unloader trailer) the PF motors are cheaper but would be harder to install, wheras the other motors cost more, and being 13 means I have less money than I would like to spend on Lego.
Thankyou 🙂
@Oli
http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=61904
http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=61905
Hi sariel,
I have a dilemma, for a project I need 10 linear actuators but I also need the housing for them you know, the part that attaches to the bottom. I can’t find them on bricklink, do you happen to know what that part is called?
@Aram
Both, but if you’re going to suggest Ripsaw or Gravedigger, then you’ll be like 100th person to do so.
do you take ideas for models by fans or do you find models on your own?
@kyle
Thanks, fixed that.
hey, didn’t know if you realised but in your ‘4-speed manual compact gearbox’ post there is a recent comment at the top of your page with an offencive word, i’m sure you weren’t aware of this or you would of changed it, thought you might like to know as i’m sure your website is child freindly,
best regards kyle
@gogolego
And look nothing like wheels.
You know those pods that you use to store parts, the would be really good drift wheels for the dodge charger, because they are plastic and even have axle holes!
Mmmm… Well I can see what you mean although I would love to prove you wrong.
@Oli
Absolutely not. The weight-to-power ratio of Lego motors is way too small.
Surely if you built a very light chassis mainly from technic axles, with some sort of lego ships sail wrapped around the wings with some micromotors, for flaps and and the propeller…..@Sariel
@Oli
No. It’s impossible to build a flying plane using only Lego pieces for two reasons: Lego motors are completely not suited for it, and Lego pieces have bad aerodynamic properties (lots of holes and few smooth surfaces).
Sariel,
Have you ever seen a working (flying) RC plane, built entirely of Lego?
And if not, do you think such a project is possible?
@Sariel
Ok, thank you!
@Mike
Jantar is a name of a Polish seaside city, and it is also a very ancient Polish word for amber (today we call it bursztyn).
Hi Sariel, I have a question totall yunrelated to Lego. Is “Jantar” a Polish word? Does it mean anything, apart from being the name of a series of sailplanes? Thanks!
Thankyou, I have told my son and he is very pleased 🙂@Sariel
@Oli
Well, your son is sure one amazing 13 years old builder 🙂
As for the types of physics I had in mind, it’s generally how the vectors of forces work or how weight is distributed. It also helps to understand the gear ratios and simple mechanics, such as e.g. levers. I don’t recall having a full grasp of these when I was 13.
My most sincere congratulations to your son!
(Using some of your ideas)
It’s just, my son who is 13 (and want’s to be an AFOL) built this truck which I was most impressed with (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFk7cNuGI9I)
May I enquire what types of physics would be beyond a 13 year old?
@Sariel
@Oli
No, I don’t think so. When I build, I’m using some understanding of physics that is kind of beyond 13 year olds.
Hi!
I was just wanting to say that I think your creations are wonderful, and do you think that a 13 year old could be as good a builder as, for example, you?
Also, do you draw plans out for any of your Lego models?
I just realised that you didn’t have an anniversary for Mr. Fluffy’s death. Did you forget about it? I found nothing on your facebook page either.
Hi Paul!
Lots of interesting creations you do !
For me the best, as a Landy driver, is the black landy serie 2a!
As you described in the FAQ you normally not sell your projekts…
…but if you would build the same one for me incl. funktion
…what´s the price?
greetings from germany
…Michael
thankz a lot now i can try to build a p-1000 if i have enough money 😀
your projects are AAAWWWEEESSSOOOMMMEEE!!!!
@hector
Tracks hector. These are tracks.
http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=57518
uhm,i looked it up in a dictionarie,but when i translate it from dutch to english i get the word caterpillar track and i wasn’t sure if this was the right word.
is it the right word?
and again your projects are just amazenly AAWWEESSOOMMEE.
@hector
I’m sure you can find a proper word for these things in English. Just try. Dictionaries are all around you.
uhm yes i know but the things around those wheels.
and again your projects are just AAWWEESSOOMMEE
@hector
These are wheels, not tires. Here: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=6595
and i also had an other question,
these tires u use for tanks and exavators i dont know what it is in English.
my question,where could i find those because i can’t find those parts on LEGO and bricklink.
and again your projects are AWESOME.