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.
@NeXT-Generation
Twice is only a warm-up.
Don’t you love it when people ask silly questions. Twice.
@Sariel
Thanks
@Kron13creations
In a paper shop, surprisingly. And I call it a piece of paper.
Where did you buy that big piece of paper. ( and what do you call it )
@NXT45
I take all my creations apart once finished, so not much.
Hi! I am wondering, how much PF do you have? It must be a lot for some of your creations.
@Sariel
Ok, thank you
@Shorjok
Yeah, well, I just do facepalm a lot.
@Sariel
Don’t you love it when people ask silly questions
I see so many of them on your youtube videos, I feel sorry for you having to sift through them all.
@gabry
No, I don’t.
Hi Sariel! I know you always use ONLY original Lego parts, but I’m building a TrTr (a Mercedes Unimog U500, Dakar version) and it’s going to be quite big, so I’m not sure that classic Lego tires are big enogh. Do you know where could I find some tires good for Lego wheels? I looked for them on websites about rc TrTr, but I didn’t find what I need…
@Kron13creations
That will surprise you: in a paper store.
Where did you buy that huge paper ?
@Shorjok
I’m sure they are. Two L motors are roughly as strong as one XL motor.
Quick question, do you think that two L motors coupled together are powerful enough to kill a U-joint? I am building something quite extraordinary which has a few problems which are hard to get around.
@Hugo
Crawler, of course. It has more motors.
Which set do you think is the best for usefull pieces the Unimog or 4×4 Crawler? And why.
@Cannonboy225
No, of course not. There are no 3D models, and I have no time to make them.
Hi sariel. i want to ask you something related to your lego constructions.
If you arent making any instructions of your creations. Can your eveal the 3D models to your website so everybody could build own buildings from it?
PS:sorry my bad english. 😀
@jimmy3
Yeah, I guess so.
The mechanism for the dumping system.
@jimmy3
Which mechanism?
By any chance, when you finish the “Komatsu 930e” will you show the mechanism in the video?
@AJ
It’s very strong.
Sariel,
Are you familiar with the red 4 stud u-joint. If so, do you know how strong it is compared to the 3 stud and the grey 4 stud.
@Lucioswitch
Sorry, not really.
Hi Sariel,
is possible to send to you some picture of my project, for impression and/or to fix some problem?
@Ken Liebgott
Doesn’t look interesting to me.
I know that you are always trying to make vehicles that are actual production units. However this one was drawn by BMW and I think offers you a very unique challenge. Perhaps contacting BMW to say that you will create a LEGO replica of their unique concept will be something they are interested in. Here is the link for your entertainment http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/bmw-makes-4-old-dream-come-true-designing-233806289.html
If nothing else, take a look for an eye opening concept.
@Jiri
Thanks, but I don’t sell my models.
Dear Sariel,
I am interested in 1 of your models. Could you please contact me my E-mail. Thank you.
@Luke
Bricklink shops sell plenty of hoses that aren’t original, but nearly identical.
Hi Paul, you mention that you sometimes use non-Lego pneumatic hoses. I am going to buy some pneumatics soon but I don’t have many hoses at all, and you say that the hoses are difficult and irrational to buy. When you don’t use Lego pneumatic hoses, what do you use as a substitute, and where can it usually be bought from?
@Giuseppe
No, but I was thinking of building a hamster power armor.
hi again! Have you ever thought about making a village,a building or something like that for your hamster?
@Giuseppe
Thanks, I’m not interested.
Sariel hello, my name is Giuseppe, live in Brazil, so sorry if some word is wrong.
you already thought about attending one fauldade mechanical engineering or Mecatronica?
@Paul! I found almost everything at chrome block city that if been looking for. Only the 2Taps for the doors are still missing, hopefully Aurieliusz can help me. Many thanks for your helpful answer. Now I´m almost ready to build this wunderful Mercedes modell.
Best regards from Austria Andi
@matthew
Like this? http://sariel.pl/2009/01/tripod-gun/
hello, a while ago i made a prototype of an rc auto-cannon. just wondering if you could have a look at it and tell me how i could improve it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln5W4z62bNU
@Andi Neidhart
Sure. Read 3:17 in the Mercedes video.
Hello Paul! I´m an over 40years old Legofan and I´m buliding moc´s. Not in that professional way and not so great desingned than your models of course, but I like the development process. In theese days I found your Mercedes an I want to build it too. The only problem that I see ist to get the different chrome parts. I searched at BRICKLINK and CHROMEBRICKS but I cant find them. Is ist possible to let me know where you got them?
Best regards Andi
@Brenracer
What I do if I need some motivation is I will whatch YouTube videos on 4x4s, usually the one that I’m trying to build.
@Brenracer
Sorry, no idea.
Greetings,
I am having severe “Builder’s Block” when it comes to large Trail Trucks. Are there any ways to get you motivated? Maybe some techniques perhaps? I would like to have this crawler be an 8X8, or 6X6 with either the Mindstorms, or Power Functions powering it.
@SteveWandel
I think the 9398 Crawler set is a good start.
Wow, who could think you could do this stuff with Lego. I stated buying the mini “City” sets about 5 years ago because I liked the look of the new trucks, but after seeing what can be done with Technic now, I’d like to try some of this.
As I’m starting with almost nothing, could you recommend a Lego set that already has most of pieces you use (like suspension, remote control, differentials, etc). The 8297 set is hard to hard to find now unfortunately. Is there a newer one?
I’d really like to make a cement truck (with spinning barrel) similar to your twin steer tipper truck
@jimmy3
Not that I know of.
hello sariel. i have a question thats not related to lego. do you advertise for a website called roblox?
@AJ
Photoshop, GIMP, Pinnacle Studio 14.
What software do you use to edit you photos and videos?
I came today is your book, it’s really nice
I forgot to mention that I was in Denmark in 1971.
Good Day Sariel,
I have read ypour book from cover to cover and tried many of your concepts in various ways. Absolutely wonderful. However I did come acreoss one error that is probably not intentional. On Pg 57, under the heading “Chains” you state, “The LEGO chain system has been present in the Technic line since 1979…” However, when I was 12, I was in Denmark and bought 2 sets of the “obsolete gears” (pg 56) and they came with a chain. It is much bulkier than what is available now but it was also very strong. I still use it for certain high load constructions. Just in case you were too young to know this.
Other than this, a truly wonderful book that everyone with an interest in anything LEGO Technic should add to their collection. Take a bow sir and know that this is a job well done.
Sincerely Yours,
Kern Liebgott
@Kwon8429channel
Usually not.
yeah – amazing – you are good at photo too, but question – my smart phone cam is great for video?
hi Paul.!
I’m farhaan feroz from Dubai.
me an d my team mates have got some very good inspiration from your projects and to build a project for one competition coming near by us, we need your help..
pls contact me via email. (farhaanferoz96@gmail.com)
@JJ
I pay for the order first, just like in any normal online shop.
Ah, okay thank you
At Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarielpl/243748243695@JJ
@Emil
Where do you see a Mercedes?
Hello,
you are the only one I can ask about that, so if you buy your parts at Bricklink, do you pay the order before its is sent to you? Or do you receive the order and a bill before paying?
@Emil
They can buy what they don’t have.
Hello Sariel,
I just read that your Mercedes is done – it’s nice! You wrote that you maybe will create an instruction for it. I think it’s a very good idea, but you may know that it isn’t many people who have all the special parts which you have used. So maybe you should only create instruction for the chassis? I think creating instruction for the whole car may be waste of time.
Yours faithfully,
Emil
P.S. you may already have thought about it 🙂
@Wishmaster
Check this set, for example: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?S=9398-1
Can you tell what pieces are used for the remote control?
I see many people having slimline controllers that you extend with other controllers. but i cant find these parts. are there startre sets for these?
@Rebecca
I suggest buying some Technic sets, as they usually allow to build at least two models and then experiment with tinkering on them. The 8070 and 9397 sets for example are motorized while reasonably priced. There are no universal sets though, and you may find providing “everything” a little tricky.
My son loves and is very good at legos and inventing his own motorized creations. He has a very limited stash of the motorized pieces, though, and I want to get him more for Christmas. Are there some main “foundational” pieces or lego accessories kits that are a good place to start from? I am not looking for the directions to build. He is creative. I just don’t know what the best parts are to put into his hands to make sure he has all he needs to be creative and build.
I just realized that I forgot to put that I’m referring to the catch on your Kenworth Mammoet and the hitch on the trailer that you show in the pictures and the video. Also, I’m dealing with a very tight space, and I’d like to know if you have any ideas for a compact catch lock mechanism that would fit in a 5x3x5 box. Thanks for any help/advice you can give me.
Hi
I’m a HUGE fan of your work, and I’d like some “help” on one of my own creations. I’m creating a semi, not any in particular, out of the 8052 Container Truck, and I’m trying to make a motorized catch. I’ve been unsuccessful in doing so, and I’d like to know how you did the hitch on the trailer and how it interacts with the catch. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
@Sariel ok. would you like to see my trial truck thing when im done. it will probably be a month or two but i could still show it to you.
@Aj
You just choose.
@Sariel
ok. is there a formula that you use or do you just choose a gear ratio?
@Aj
That depends on weight, wheels, drive motors and the kind of obstacles you want to negotiate. In other words – you have to figure it out yourself.
@Sariel
what gear ratio would you recommend for a trial truck?
@Sariel ok i will try that in my next truck. thanks for the help. i love the work you do with lego technic. you are my favorite builder. 🙂
@Aj
I use gears and make space for them.
I also had another question. how do you gear down the steering so it moves slower. i have used worm gears in the past and found they slip a lot then shred and i cant use them, and when i try to use multiple gears it takes up a lot of space. so i just wanted to know what you do.
ok thanks, i will try that. i have made one before but wasnt sure because a no very experienced.
@Sariel
@Aj
I recommend pendular suspension, it’s relatively simple, doesn’t need fancy pieces, and it’s very durable.
Sariel, love your work, I would like to know what kind of suspension you would recommend for a trial truck. my friends and i have been talking about having one for a while and since i live in america there arent really any truck trials, and im 12 so my parents dont want me hanging out with adults. so ya.
thanks, Aj
@Ben Goldberg
No, I don’t.
I have a question for your FAQ: Do you take requests to build things and post pictures?
For example…
There’s a really cool type of (automatic) transmission which I would love to see pictures of online, but I don’t have a camera, and I have no mlcad skills.
I can describe it, easily enough…
Firstly, the input shaft of the transmission is a crankshaft, with two cranks on it, with those cranks 90 degrees apart from one another.
Each crank pushes and pulls on a connecting rod.
Each connecting rod pushes and pulls on the planet carrier of a planetary gear set. The connecting rod linkage is such that, for each full rotation of the crankshaft, each PC rotates a quarter turn forwards and a quarter turn backwards… basically oscillating around it’s center. Whenever either PC is in it’s most-forward or most-rearward position (which should be about 45 degrees forward from vertical, and 45 degrees behind vertical), the other is in it’s central position (straight vertical).
The planetary gear sets are slightly unusual. There are planetary carriers (PCs), suns, and planets, but no ring gears. Each PC is a 5-hole-long technic beam, with a small 8 tooth sun, a large 24 tooth sun, two 8 tooth planets, and two 24 tooth planets. Each small planet connects axle-to-axle (through the PC) to a large planet, and tooth-to-tooth to the large sun. Each large planet connects tooth-to-tooth to the small sun. The two suns are on opposite sides of the PC, with axles lined up with one another, but not connected directly to one another. If the PC is stationary, turning the large sun once turns the small sun 9 times.
There are two heavy wheels, which act as flywheels. Each wheel connects to the small sun of one of the PCs.
There are two ratchets. The input shaft of each ratchet connects to the large sun of one of the PCs. The output shafts of the ratchets connect to the output shaft of the transmission. Turning either ratchet “forwards” or “backwards” should turn the transmission’s output shaft forwards. Furthermore, the transmission’s output shaft should be able to spin freely faster than either ratchets’ inputs — that is, it should be able to freewheel.
And, that’s it!
When the transmission is lightly loaded, the flywheels oscillate with a small amplitude (partly due to friction, but mostly due to their inertial resistance to speed changes) and most of the motor’s power goes straight to the output shaft, spinning it quickly.
When the transmission is heavily loaded, the flywheels oscillate with a large amplitude, because in this situation, it’s easier for the motor to spin the flywheels than the output. Since the flywheels are out of phase with one another, and they are speeding up and slowing down, the are, in effect, transferring their rotational kinetic energy back and forth. Since this energy transfer is braced against the ratchets, there is a large torque.
If my math skills are correct, torque on the output shaft is proportional to the flywheel mass, times the oscillation amplitude squared, times the motor speed cubed.
At any given instant, the motor’s torque is surprisingly unimportant. It’s speed is important (this directly affects the transmission’s output torque), and the motor’s torque affects how quickly the motor’s speed increases, but that’s about it.
One wonderful feature of this transmission is, while the transmission itself can stall, the motor attached to it’s input shaft cannot stall, since power only moves from the input shaft to the output shaft when both shafts are turning. If the output shaft isn’t turning, the motor simply accelerates the flywheels.
It would make me really really happy if you (or anyone else reading this) were to build it, and post pictures and a video!
PS: You can, if you want, replace each of the (admittedly slightly odd) planetary gear sets with more common designs, each having only one sun, a couple planets, and a ring gear, the latter of which would connect to the ratchet; however, there are very few suitable lego ring gears, and none of them are exactly small. Or, you could replace each planetary gear set with a differential, but this also would be larger than the double-sided planet carrier.
PPS: You can, if you want to, have each ratchet’s output be a separate transmission output, instead of putting both on the same shaft. This can be an elegant way to drive both of a vehicle’s wheels, without wheel slippage during turns, without using a differential. To avoid problems which may occur when one wheel is on the ground, and the other in the air, you may want to add a third flywheel, on the crankshaft.
PPPS: Or, you can send the output of this transmission to a conventional transmission. Real world automatic transmissions have both a torque converter (which this transmission acts much like) and a multi-speed (plus neutral, plus reverse) geared transmission.
PPPPS: Oh, if you’re interested in reading more about this kind of transmission, it’s best known as a Constantinesco torque converter. But building is vastly more fun than reading, and you’ll learn more about how it works by actually watching it run than by reading about it.
@James Bonathan
How should I know?
@Sariel
awesome, do you think there is a chance that lego will be making a compact battery
@James Bonathan
Thanks, but I’m trying to use non-modified LEGO parts only.
@sariel i am in the process of modifying the battery box to fit dual 18650 batteries it would be about 7.2v and 2000mah batteries i was wondering would you be interested in one if i get a final design done, would you also be interested in an adapter to plug in any deans plug battery lithium ion even for compact builds
@Sariel
Wow
@Mark
4000 to 7000 a day.
How much siteviews do you get a day or week?
@Mondo
Maybe try to build it with real pieces instead of using programs.
Ok. When i build a pneumatic system, my pneumatic cylinders are in various positions.
How can i construct it? There´s another program?
I´m at the end
@Mondo
In Mlcad? You can’t.
thanks paul, another question
How can i install the pneumatic cylinder between the extend and the retract position?
I don´t check this 🙁
@Mondo
You can’t. You need to find a separate model of the part that shows it retracted.
hello paul, a question:
How i can retract and extend pneumatic cylinders or other motion parts in mlcad?
about an answer i would be happy
Hello Paul,
could you contact me so i can send you the link with the 2 pictures and movie from the thumbler .
ciao
Jeroen
The Netherlands
@Mark
Pinnacle Studio 14.
Wich video editor do you use?