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.
@kuba xd
Niestety nie mam na to czasu. Polskie opisy moich modeli są na Lugpolu. A i tak wszyscy się uczycie angielskiego.
Sariel can you add polish language to this page??? Thera are a lot of peple from poland watching you. You have something in common in poland too 😉
Right. Just like you listed under your resources links. Sorry.
@zagnut
Um, the Bricklink?
We’ve ordered your book! We also saw the MK II alternate build and there was Noodle and Furball.
We watched the robotic arm. Did you get the compressor from LEGO Education? Do you have any sites you use for specific LEGO parts or anything?
It’s a hamster, named Noodle.
I’ve just gotten back into LEGOs after a good 30 year hiatus, as my 6 yr old son absolutely loves them. We watch your MK II review video a lot (my favorite). He loves your gerbil. What is your gerbil’s name?
Hi there!
I was wondering: how many copies are sold of your book?
I have for more than a year now and even though I’ve read it completely it still helps me with basically every problem 😉 . And as Ken Liebgott said: “I hope that you can surprise all of us with your next book with a title of “Super Advanced Technic Building Methods” or similar.” I would really like that too, but I guess that a difficult job, because you learned me so much in your ‘first’ book 😀 .
@Shorjok
Yes, that would make a drastic difference, these two motors offer two entirely different steering experiences.
@Sariel
Well, the lights are only to be used on occasion for display purposes, and maybe at night…
As for the load, I’m hoping to keep it under 2 kg, and otherwise as light as possible.
Should I just use an M motor for steering instead of the servo? Would that make much of a difference? Thanks for the help.
@Shorjok
I doubt, but maybe if there’s little load on the buggy motor…
Would one LiPo rechargeable be able to power a Buggy motor, servo motor and 4 LED lights?
I know there’s the general rule of one battery box per buggy motor, but I was wondering if you could offer some wisdom 🙂
Thanks
@AJ
It’s your choice to make.
hi sariel,
I am working on an m1117 truck, I have done all of the scaling many times, and the truck seems a bit big for the axles. should I fit the body to what I think would look good and perform good or should I build it as is and see how it looks when complete.
@Alexander
Of course it will.
I’m building a crawler tracked viercle that will carry quite a few kilos of weight, will that effect my pneumatic suspension
Hello Paul,
I am working on developing force sensors for LEGO, and would like to get your feedback on the ideas we have. Happy to collaborate if this is of an interest.
Let me know,
bw,
Yaro
@Rahul
Well, my books has quite a lot of tips.
Hey Sariel,
Really love your awesome creations, and wish I could someday create as awesome tanks as yours.
Could you please recommend some starting point on modeling a tank. Any books on tanks, or website where I can find more information on tanks.
Thanks in advance for your help 🙂
@cri2fast
I no longer have time to film truck trial, sorry.
because this year you did not post the video of the truck trial 2013?
Hi I was wondering if you could watch 2 videos that I made of my first Lego Technic creations.
The videos are, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcAWKJr-8PY and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9d8_grbTxc. I hope I didn’t waste any of your time.
@Kim Ebsen
I don’t think so, but thanks. Too frail to hold the models as big and heavy as I need.
Hello i have seen your SR 71 project and was thinking maybe some of my technics from the Afterburner project will / can help you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZAps77GG5c
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=483705
For more information please send me an e-mail.
Best Regards.
Kim Ebsen DK
@Aunt Ellen
hello Ellen,i think the dune bogey set is a good one for your nephew, that or the red and white helicopter, which is a mulit-model set. those where my first technic sets.
@Sariel
okay thanks,but I found a system im working on and perfecting with a medium motor with a clutch gear 🙂
@Aunt Ellen
As far as smaller and currently available sets go, I think 42007 is worth a shot – all boys like motorbikes 🙂 – or perhaps 42005 with its cool suspension system.
@Sariel
Thanks very much for the quick and helpful reply. Unfortunately, that set doesn’t appear to be available yet, at least in the United States, and I was hoping to have something for him for Christmas. Maybe I’ll start with a smaller set we can build together to see if he likes Technic, then follow up with a larger set in 2014 if he does.
BTW, I’d welcome opinions from other readers, if they feel inspired.
Thank you for providing so much information and being so responsive to readers.
@Aunt Ellen
I think it’s best if you see some sets for yourself, and here’s a playlist of my video reviews that can help you make up your mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM2WunRNvKI&list=PLLCj285H1QB6VU4PWwWW7LRrirzA8amff
The 42023 Construction Crew set is a good starter set, for example. And the reviews aren’t overly long and feature funny hamsters, perhaps you and your nephew could watch them together 🙂
I would like to introduce my 13-year-old nephew to Technics. I’ll be buying him your book. Can you recommend any blocks/sets I should buy along with it? The Lego Store seems to only offer kits for specific models, not starter kits with a wide range of parts. Thank you.
@george
Unfortunately not.
Hello friend , do you have the instructions of Komantsu 930 ? is there any possibility to publish it? greetings from Greece
@Kenneth
Sorry, my bad. I got these from here: http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=Aurimax
No i mean the bars creating the windshield. In the video i can see that you have used 3 fully chromed pcs. I really need those……..
@Kenneth
I have never chromed this part. What you saw must have been this: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=71184
I am building the Mercedes and i have a problem with one spesific part the Chrome Silver Bar 4L Lightsaber Blade. I see that you have it chromed in both ends, where did you get it?
@Arsh Sohi
The answer is in the FAQ: I’m using MLCad for modelling and LDView for rendering.
which software you use on computer to design your creations
@hayden
The simplest solution would be to use a Servo motor. Definitely not a micromotor, it’s too weak.
Hi,i was looking for some advice. I have one PF Medium motor for a simple steering system for my
future remote controlled Lego car. I kind of got it to work but I cant seem to get the gear on the trailing board in the middle again because its to power full.(small board with ridges) I was thinking on switching to a micromotor but they are hard to find. I tried following your model in your book, but I have a few problems. what do you recrmend? a different motor? a different steering system?
I need a simple system. thanks for reading and email me if you can!
-hayden hathaway
@Sariel
Yes! I know. I have six pieces of 8886. So it’s clear. But how I can control three function from RC controller (item no : 5282) at the same time?
Anything that the Hamsters recommend seeing is an absolute must see.
I hope that you can surprise all of us with your next book with a title of “Super Advanced Technic Building Methods” or similar. Everything you create is a delighful surprise.@Sariel
Please, see http://lugbrasil.com/forum/index.php?topic=9574.0
@Ken Liebgott
Thanks Ken. I hope I can still surprise you. In fact, I’m just looking at plans for a WW2 submarine model with some motorized functions and Model-Team-like exterior.
Over the past few years I have seen the incredible innovation that you have in the creation of accurate scale models of many kinds of vehicles ranging from off road to tanks to super hero tansports. As I see it, you are mostly interested in smaller designs and not huge mechanical beasts which some other builders such as Jennifer Clark create. I think this is fantastic as it shows the diversity of MOCs that are possible with a “child’s plastic toy” with which so many of us “old children” use in so many unique ways. At one time I remember asking you why didn’t you build someting and now I understand why. You build what interests you and not what others think you should build. I also understand that building massive projects requires a massive amout of parts. I have tried a couple of massive builds only to realize that all my parts are far short of what I need to do so.
Now a friendly suggestion to those who ask Sariel why don’t you build some project or other. Build your idea yourself and share it with all of us so we can see YOUR creativity. Sariel has shared with all of us many tools such as the gear ratio calculator and his very impressive “The Unofficial Lego Technic Builders Guide” to help us all be better builders. So ask not what Sariel can build for you but what you can build for yourself.
Have a wonderful day.
@quay pompey
I suppose I can, but I’m not interested.
can u build A WALKING DRAGLINE
@quay pompey
I’m not planning one at the moment.
when u go make a lego long boom excavator
demolition
@Márton Regős
I’m simply using this: http://shop.lego.com/en-PL/LEGO-Power-Functions-Extension-Wire-8886
Hi Sariel!
Congratulations For your new Dakar Truck!!
I have followed your website for one year. I’m a similar LEGO TECHNIC fan and builder from Hungary.
I have some questions
How you can contact PF M motors for the steering and another for differential locking from 6272c01 LEGO part meanwhile you use only one RC controller? For example in the Dakar Truck and the Pagani Zonda.
I think I don’t know to take off all advantage of the RC sistem
So what for the the two bottoms on the undersurface of RC controller? What for the auxiliary output on the part 6272c01?
Could you answer these question?
Tanks!!
Martin
I was looking at your gear ratio calculator tool, and it seems that the gear ratio reported is inverse of true gear ratio.
If driver gear is 8t, and followers is 24t, the ratio (as per your book) should be 3:1 (if I got that correct)
Also, on page 138 of the book, can you clarify which combination produces more stress, larger driver gear, or larger follower gear?
@Lamboguy59
A PC.
The type of computer u have?
@Sariel
Hi there!
Just viewed your gear ratio calc. This is really great stuff! Keep it up!
Hi there,
just got your book from my local bookshop. Excellent!
Thanks for putting the effort to put it together.
All the best
Please contact me at my e-mail address. I have an important request to ask of you but I don’t want it to be made public. I believe it will be of great interest to you.
@Lamboguy59
What is what?
Then what is it? @Sariel
@Anthony
Just one.
On Tumbler, how many of R/C channel you use? Also, it’s really nice work.
@tabuk
Of course not.
have you Building Instructions of Tumbler ( please ) ?
Thanks
No.
What computer is that in the pictures of your work bench? Ailenware?
@Rafal
Ale po co, jak naklejki z zestawów możesz kupić za grosze?
Qrde nie wiem czy juz pisales, czy zlewasz to, ale moze by dalo zrobic jakiegos manuala jak skalowac i drukowac sobie naklejki. Trzymam troche zestawow Lego i nie chce ruszac naklejek, a chcial bym sobie druknac zastepcze. pozdrawiam
@mike
Oczywiście, możesz.
pawel czy moge wstawic link na mojej stronie i co powiesz na jej temat
@Jimmy3
Depends on what you’re looking for. It’s an ugly set, with limited functionality, and most of the parts it provides also come in other sets. Watch my review and make up your mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq-nColRWj0
Oh, by the way Paul, would you recommend the new technic set “42000” to a friend? I’m debating whether I should buy it or not.
Hi Sariel! I asked a while ago but was wondering how many PF battery boxes an motors you have.
Thanks,
NXT45
@Giuseppe
I’m not going to build them all this year. Not even half of them.
how you can estimate that you will be able to build all these models this year?
@Kron13creations
It’s nice.
Hi Sariel.pl
What do you think of my own blog ( http://kron13creations.wordpress.com/ ). ( I am only 13 years old ). Metioned you and your blog in it.
Hope you like it .
@Giuseppe
Look here: http://sariel.pl/future-projects/
Could you tell us which model you doing?
true! I had forgotten! sorry!
@Giuseppe
Or you can just use Google Translate.
you could expand the number of people accessing the site, putting some choices of language to other countries
example
Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and others
Hello Sariel,
First of all, congratulations for all you work and nice realizations!
a would like to inform you that ther is a little bug on gears.sariel.pl
There are 4 positions where there are no proposed gears, may be they should have a red cross on them.
For liftarm it’s the 2×2 and 4×4 positions
For Briks it’s 5×2 and 1×3
Thank you again !
@Sariel
Thanks!
@gabry
Sure.
Can I cite your website on my twitter profile?
@TheBoss
What country do I live in? Well, to find out, you could look at this website’s address, which ends with “.pl”. Or click the “About me” in the menu.
@TheBoss I can not believe that you don’t know where he lives. Well I guess I can. Why can’t anyone think before asking questions?
I have a question for you that you have not answered and should put in the Q&A. What country do you live in? If in the US, what state?
@SteveWandel
Servo motor is definitely the best and simplest option here.
@Sariel
Real cars now have these function on 1 switch in the car. The really complicated ones have extra positions where they lock the rear, then front diff. So start off RWD, then AWD, 4WD (ie AWD with centre diff lock), 4WD with rear diff lock, 4WD with rear & front diff lock.
It was more a question if you’d tried to get a 3 way position happening. I guess doable with the servo motor, but maybe too difficult to keep compact with normal motors as it’s hard to tell where the “middle” position would be.
I’m thinking too hard at the moment. I’ll just do AWD, and then lock the diff for now. And try to add more function later.
@SteveWandel
But these are two different functions that you may want to operate independently. So, how do you expect to do that with one motor?
Have you ever tried to do a 3 way selector? ie I’m working on a compact system to make 2wd/4wd with centre diff/4wd with locked diff. I’ve seen ways to lock a diff, and I’ve seen ways to switch 2wd/4wd, but I’m trying to combine them with 1 motor. Can you direct me to any places that may have done this?
PS I’ve hinted I want a copy of your book for my birthday coming up. I’m looking forward to some good reading 🙂
@Giuseppe
Why don’t you try?
@Giuseppe
Because I don’t want to.
why do not you do a Shelby Cobra?
@Giuseppe
I could, but I don’t intend to.
you could make a 6-speed gearbox + reverse (without turning to the other side)?
@cri2fast
I have no idea.
I want to know if the battery power function can hold two engines nxt?