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.
@hector
Thanks. I was thinking about it, actually. P-1000 and P-1500 were surely impressive. Maybe when I run out of ideas for new tanks, I will model one of these.
i’m sorry if my english is bad because i am dutch.
i just read that you didn’t like to build military things of germany and russia.
but still i’ve got the question or you maybe could build a p-1000 landkreuzer.
because without thinking it was af WW2 germany,it’s still a masterpiece of engenering
and by the way your projects are AWESOME,
Hector
can u plz make instructions for ur land rover i like it and looks awesome
good
@OLI
I agree with you, but on his facebook page he said he was thinking about making instructions.
Please can you make instructions for your lego landrover defender!!! It’s brilliant
Thanks. Good luck with quadraman. Don’t sail it out of range of the remote like I did with my catamaran. Lost £30 🙁
@OLI
I have no idea.
hi,
I just wondered if there was anyway to “re-enforce” your 4 speed compact gear box as when i buiilt it into a RC “dennis bosman style” volvo nl 12 it keeps tearing up my gears.
Also
As you’re an experienced builder of big RC models I just wondered if the same model would work with steering on the rear axle of the trailer syncronised to the cabs front axle steering for sharp bends (with a receiver on the same chanel as the cabs one).
@kyle
Well, go ahead then.
do you recall saying that you would like to see a upgraded version of your jeep wrangler rubicon? because thats just what i intent to do with triangular tracks in i studfull bodywork. 🙂
@oren90
A small wireless surveillance camera. I don’t know the exact model, but there are plenty of those to be found at eBay.
Hi paul
i have a question regarding some of your videos,
in some of the videos of the vehicles you made like the tanks or the trucks, you give a view from onboard of the vehicle, what camera are you using for this?
Right, thanks. I’ll make a truck of some sort but my next project will be a crane i think.
@Ben
A winch in a crane to adapt for the weight of the load. I can’t think of something else.
Paul…Could you give me an idea of what to do with a gearbox, other than a vehicle? I can’t seem to think of anything!
P.S. RIP Mr. Fluffy
@kyle
@kyle
Because it steers better. I though it’s quite obvious, just look how the steering is done in the 8421 set. This may also explain a bit on the geometry of steering: http://www.jenniferclarkbass.com/lego/images/skip/steering_trig_lrg.gif
When building a 8+ wheeled model, you offten use the front 2 axels for steering. I know you use different gear sizes to make the front axel turn guicker than the 2nd axel, but why?, whats the difference from: same speed to different speeds?
Hi! I have an idea here:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=442200 (may not yet be public, it’s fresh)
for a wheel hub to use with big, rear wheel-drive car models. It holds the axle on a two-studs long part, so the wheel is held securely. You can pop it into the suspension arms of 8448 for example, just make sure you offset the upper arm inside by one stud. Or, don’t; you can play with suspension geometry. I tried googling for mlcad updates (e.g. suspension arms, 3l u-joints etc.), without success, do you know where I can get it?
Thanks,
Mike
@Mike
Sure, except no one uses a single layer of liftarms in Trial Trucks. We always build multi-layered, complex studless structures that offer more space for mechanics and are more PF-elements-compliant than studfull beams could. Personally, I only use studfull beams in the frame for really long vehicles with low silhouette that limits the height of the frame.
Sariel, it seems to me you tend to build frames for vehicles studlessly with long liftarms. While I have obtained some 11 long liftarms and find them extremely useful, wouldn’t it be better for your trial trucks to use chassis built from studfull beams? For me 16 long such beams have served well for cars, I think they offer rigidity liftarms cannot.
@lewis
What do you mean?
why are none of your trtr on bricktrucktrial like your competitors?
no i’ve heard of it but never gon on it
Kyle, why don’t you check the Brickshelf, there are lots and lots of track-equipped car models.
if the track idea worked, would it be power in the direct center of the triangle? what would you do? and would you use the new tracks from the bulldozer or the old tracks used on the T28 super heavy tank modle?
yay old theme!
Yes, I did.
well taht dosen’t matter to much, but did u take a look at the pic?
The one I already took apart?
just thought you might like this concept for your hummer modle: http://24valve.com/images/Essen_2004/HummerH2-tracked.jpg
Of course.
will the quadramaran actually go on water?
thx:)
Wheels are entirely taken out of the silver champion set. Power Puller’s rims are the same diameter but wider.
question R.E dodge charger prodject: are the wheels from two different sets i.e wheels from 8497 and the tyres fromm 8880, i know the wheels are found on the silver champion modle but also wanted to know if the rimms where the same from the power puller modle? thanks for your time:):P
I see. I noticed you tend to use the new double bevel gears, they’re much stronger, On second thought, it might be very hard to make sure the bands only slip a bit when you want them to. I’ll try to experiment with it, though, just out of curiosity. Good luck with the Fiat!
I don’t know how was your searching done, but all it takes is to search the Bricklink for ‘speed’. Here, it took some 3 seconds to find: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=32467
Where can i get the RPM Meter you’re using? Ive searched http://www.bricklink.com ALOT and ive not found it! Where did you get it?
We absolutely don’t use rubber bands in Truck Trial, and most of us doesn’t even use any form of differentials. Our trucks need extremely robust drivetrains, so the basic direction in our building processes is to eliminate all weak, complex mechanisms – including differentials. We even reduce the number of gear wheels to as little as possible.
Sariel, are rubber bands used at all in truck trial vehicles? Can they convey the torque if they’re hard enough, or more than one are used? I’m asking because I have an idea which would use rubber bands. It would act kinda like a central differential, basically locking the front and rear axles together, but letting them slip a little when in a curve so that tensions in the drivetrain are reduced. If you’re interested I can make an MLcad model, but since I don1t have Lego motors I can’t test the idea.
Well yes, a gearbox really. 🙂 Thanks!
Yes to both question, except it’s a gearbox, not a clutch.
Is the 8043 excavator driven directly by two medium motors? I guess Lego doesn’t use a subtractor. Does one of the motors operate the clutch that changes functions?
I don’t make blueprints. I download them. You can find link in the right column.
How do you make your blueprints?
thanks didn’t realise that, will do after school:(
This is simple, you can actually see it on the pics of many of my models. Look for the photos that show the chassis from underneath.
please could you send/post an image of a basic shock placment for pendular steering lay out, as i can’t gat my head around it. thank for your time.
I really don’t see what’s the point of your question.
Hey, how many pf parts do you have? I know that you can’t really go more than 4 channels, so I was wondering if some of the motors were idle.
well i will try this one out for my self, and tell you what i think about it.
I’m sure it would.
Would a geared up subractor be able to steer a boat if it were conected to the propellers?
I think that Mr.Fluffy has earned his place to be here.:)
I think you mean Mr. Fluffy from the FAQ. And the answer is no.
but shoulden’t you bring the FAQ from Mr. Fluffy away?
😉
Just got my hulls today, and i already own two rc motors so i will be able to start my project strait away. Thanks for the tips.
Yes, he is.
I don’t want to make you cross.
But isn’t Mr. Fluffy dead?
Jetro;-)
The RC motor is very strong and would be certainly a good choice. But I would keep it away from water anyway.
Would it matter if the motor wasn’t that fast, and could you use the rc buggy one because the shaft dosent contain any electrics?
2838
I’m not sure. This motor is very fast but terribly, terribly weak. And I know from experience that water is quite thick and generates serious resistance on a propeller, especially on a large one. Personally, I stopped using this motor for anything as soon as I got motor of any other type.
Yes. The one on the far right,do you think it could do the job?. I have tested it in a cup of water with a propeller on the end. you should try this for yourself, but make sure that the propeller in already in the water before you run it to prevent it from splashing!!!!!.
I think I know which motor you mean, but you may want to check this anyway, it’s an excellent reference material on motors: http://www.philohome.com/motors/motorcomp.htm
Thanks for that. In the future i will think again when i am writting to you. I am not sure of the name for the motor i am refurring to, but it is 5 studs long, 4 studs wide and 2 and a third studs heigh. if you want i will point out to you any mistakes. But that wont happen a lot. :p
I actually appreciate it greatly when my linguistic mistakes are shown to me. And it wasn’t your first nor second comment with such terrible grammar, hence my loss of patience.
The hulls are 49 studs long, 6 studs wide and 6 studs tall. I don’t know which motor you mean by the ‘9 Volt’ one since since Lego motors have their respective names and almost all of them can run at 9V.
Thanks for your time, and on the idea for a rotating propeller system. Would it be using a worm gear casment and do you have any idea what motor would be best for the job. I was thinking of using the 9volt one, how about you?.
no need to be rude about it, i was in a rush and didn’t have time to check what i had written. hope this one is good anough for your standards. could you give my the dimentions for the lego 7244 hulls, as i will be getting three of my own soon. just saying there have been times when your english hasent been the best and nobody said anything.
Sorry Kyle, I don’t answer questions which are THAT grammatically terrible. Ever heard of a spellchecker? These come with every major browser these days.
i mean the 7244 hulls
what are the dimensions of the hulls cos am building my own with free hulls but havent arrived yet (postmen;( )
Hi Paul. Sorry for the comment here, but I wasn’t able to find any other way to contact you.
I’ve recently started to build the Mercedes concept car I showed you a couple of weeks ago and I think it’s going to have really awsome terrain capabilities. Write me an email if you’re interested in pictures (I’ve come as far as having most of the chassis done).
thanks
love the new site
5 each.
so is that 5 pieces for 5 pound
Yes.
just like to know, when you go on to bricklink and it says e.g ‘qty5 5 pounds’ dose this mean 5 pound each, or 5 for 5 pounds
sariel, I found a problem, when you go to look at a picture it wont let you look at the next, one unlike on the old theme but the new theme is still very good dispite my earlyer connents. thanks hope to see some new models in the future ,
kyle
Thanks Bob.
I like the new theme…
I’ll finish dealing with some technical issues and then I’ll be glad to hear your opinion. Personally, I like the new theme very much.
whats happening to your site, i prefer the old theme it felt more friendly and less corporal and chessey. sorry but its the truth!!!!
Bring back the old Theme!!
It was much nicer
@david
Erm what?
do you got published?
@David
Nothing. Its waiting for its turn.
what’s going on with your scania?
was wondering how i could show you some ideas of my own ideas (if you want me to) and am looking foward to your boat project.
@kyle
I intend to.
was wondering if you were continuing with your idea for your first boat
@Mihály Stépán
They came apart, that’s what I meant by braking. Enclosing them with liftarms wouldn’t help, some guys suggested tying a string over them.
@Sariel
I think you wrote that they didn’t break, just came apart? Wouldn’t enclosing them in a smooth liftarm frame help? Just an idea..
@Christian
I love the layout of this car. I need to work out the dimensions of a model in the Truck Trial scale, and then I’ll see if I can build it.
@Mihály Stépán
It felt a bit weird, as I was actually competing against my own creation, but it was fun anyway 🙂 He didn’t do well though, he placed somewhere at the end, but still better than me since I was forced to give up because of the broken chains.
Hey Sariel! Good job with the Hummer there! What was it like to have a fellow racer driving a Wrangler of your design? How did that guy score in the race?
@Sariel
There are measures in this image: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mercedes-benz-hexawheel-concept-by-siyamak-rouhi-dehkordi/full/#3000250 … As it is a concept car, this is probably the best you’ll get, but that’s pretty good anyway.
What’s exciting with this one is the mechanics in my opinion, not the goal to have an as accurate model of the “real” car as possible.
@Christian
Very interesting! I wonder if I can get a blueprint somewhere…