How to build a Lego MOC?

[Alegomind]

Hello to everybody!! I'm an italian guy with a Lego passion! I don't speak english very well then please forgive me if I make a mistake and above all correct me!! This is one of my first Topic, I have never built a MOC Lego model and then, how begin to build? There is some scheme to follow? Have you some advice to give me? When you begin to build a new model, from where do you begin usually?

[Stormbird]

Hi there

Well it depends what you are building ?

Do you want power functions ? if so you need room for them.

Does it have wheels ? If so scale it to match the wheels you have.

Does it have tracks ? If so scale it to match the tracks you have.

there is some good advice in this book.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unofficial-LEGO-Technic-Builders-Guide/dp/1593274343/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431799032&sr=1-4&keywords=lego+technic

Try and find a 3 view and scale it for the size you want to build.

regards Paul

[Alegomind]

Thank you very much for your answer!!! I have been too general! for example, if i want to build a tuck, should I begin from gear box? Steering sytem? Bottom? I don't search accurate scheme but just some advice form you experience ;)

[dhc6twinotter]

Welcome to the forum!

Before I start the build process, I usually make a list of the function and motors I want to use. Sometimes, I make sketches to figure out the motor placement and overall layout of things. If I have more than eight functions, I list which functions to group together in a gearbox.

Once I start to build, I usually start with the most difficult section(s). If I'm building a large moc, I usually bounce back and forth between difficult sections. I find that if I can't figure something out, setting it aside and coming back later usually gives me some new ideas.

If I were building a truck, I would probably start at the axles/suspension, then chassis and drive motor placement, then whatever special functions it has, then the cab design.

As for building tecniques, building a few sets will give an idea how pieces and gears fit together. I usually start at the base of my moc and work up, although when building with studless parts, I do have to think about the vertical structure as well.

I hope that helps.

[jorgeopesi]

My first school were the people from my spanish forum (Sheepo, Blastem, Parda) and brickshelf, I saw a lot of galleries thinking how it works everything then I arrived here and I still learning. My technique now is build axles first, gearbox or mechanisms, chassis for everything and bodywork, everything do it with calculator next to me.

Edited May 16, 2015 by jorgeopesi

[Alegomind]

Thanks to everybody for the answers!! you give me very important advices!! But just one another question, what does calculator serve? I know something about gear trasmission but is it necessary make some calculation?

[jorgeopesi]

Thanks to everybody for the answers!! you give me very important advices!! But just one another question, what does calculator serve? I know something about gear trasmission but is it necessary make some calculation?

Just for achieve the right proportion if you build a real vehicle.

[PKW]

Ciao! the gear calculator is useful To understand The power/Speed of a car, it is not necessary if you have enough experience with PF but it could be useful to understand which/how many motos use for a function

I'mm not an expert builder but I start searching photos of a "real version" of My lego (la musa ispiratrice) even if I building something only ispired by real ones, so I Can have an idea of The proportions And usually set a certain wheel type To decide The scale, after I build what is more important that respect The dimension i've choosen: axles And transmission, with a bit of the bodywork

[Kiwi_Builder]

All of these people take the process way more seriously than me

What I do is I decide what I want to build then look for some images on google of the real thing and also search for other people's models of what you are trying to make because seeing how other people have solved problems that pop up in the building process will help you to get a better result. Now here is where I stray off from how other people do it. Lets say that I am building a truck (as I do 90% of the time ). I would build the model chassis and axles first to try and find a good location to put them all and have it look realistic, for this and all the stages hereafter I don't actually have any reference images or specifications or anything there with me, I just build from what I see from my memory, I find that works well when doing bodywork and chassis and functions that it helps me to put my own spin on the model, of course if you want a precision model that is exactly like the thing you are trying to build then I would recommend having the images and any specifications you can find with you while you build. Next I move on to installing the functions of the model to make sure that you don't run out of space for the functions as you are building. I follow this by building the bodywork to encase it all and finishing off with the cab. But you don't have to stick to this process, if, like I do, you suddenly have a really good idea for a part of the build that is further ahead in the process than you are, just do that idea and run with it, often my functions end up becoming a part of the strength of the model and the sides. So even if this technique isn't the most professional way to build a model, it has worked really well for me so far

[Kelkschiz]

I think there are a lot of different ways to start with building a new MOC. Everyone tends to develop their own design and building process. Me personally I tend to focus on functions. So when I start to build a new MOC I tend to start with building the part of the build that is the most complex and difficult to design. Once I finished that the rest of the MOC gets build around that.

For instance, I really like to build tanks with shooting mechanisms. In these tanks the turret is by far the most complicated part to build and within the turret, the shooting mechanism is the most complex. So I start with building the shooting mechanism, then come the control functions like elevation of the gun and rotation of the turret. When the turret is done the rest is relatively easy.

Sometimes I also like to make some drawings both of complex mechanisms and of the exterior looks. Actually that is how I usually start. An idea pop into my head and then I make a quick drawing of the idea. Then I start building it, or better put, trying to build it. With some complex mechanisms it can take quite a few attempts before I get it right.

Edited May 17, 2015 by Kelkschiz

[Alegomind]

Thanks you again!! Now I have some clear ideas in my mind! But I have noticed that someone puts his projects in a new topic and asks to others some advices, can I do it as well?

[Jim]

Hello to everybody!! I'm an italian guy with a Lego passion! I don't speak english very well then please forgive me if I make a mistake and above all correct me!!

Hi, welcome to EB!

Your English is perfectly understandable, so don't worry about that.

Have fun!

[Alegomind]

Hi, welcome to EB!

Your English is perfectly understandable, so don't worry about that.

Have fun!

I assure you that my english is horrible, I manage to write but I have a horrible pronunciation :(

[andythenorth]

This is a good question. For trucks, I always start from the axles, this is just learned from experience rather than any kind of system or thinking about it.

Axles:

- define the scale of the vehicle. Height, width and length are defined by axle spacing, wheel size, and wheel track width.

- need to be strong and compact. It's hard to make compact strong axles, it's relatively easier to strengthen a chassis.

- are where some of the most complex systems are located: steering, differentials, hubs, suspension.

[Alegomind]

Try this piece :P

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=4459

Very useful in Technic :)

Thank you!!!

[Jurss]

Just start, and then you'll find out.

I'm starting form that, what is the goal. If the goal is design, then i start to make some parts of body, so they look good, or as original.

If it's something with special functionality, then i make first that funtional mechanism, and then build anything else around it.

P.S. Don't worry about english, here is lot of memebers, with no native language - english

[GoldCivetta]

I usually start with the rear drive and suspension, then I go to the front steering and suspension, then I make a frame for all of it to go on.

[Alegomind]

Just start, and then you'll find out.

I'm starting form that, what is the goal. If the goal is design, then i start to make some parts of body, so they look good, or as original.

If it's something with special functionality, then i make first that funtional mechanism, and then build anything else around it.

P.S. Don't worry about english, here is lot of memebers, with no native language - english

thank you for your advices!!