Hey guys,

for a planed MOC of mine I am looking for ideas for a brick build chain. I don't know if this the correct forum for that, but hey, it say building techniques in the header :)

At first I considered using regular lego chains but the scale would be too small and I could not realize the rest of the detail I wanted.

Then I came up with this design. Thanks to the tolerances it is able to bend just enough for what I need. Even the chunkyness is spot on.

But the scale turned out to be too big. The model would have been 80x80cm or something like that.

So I was wondering if any of you have already build a chain or have a good idea just like that.

My main constraints are:

buildable in LBG
can hold tension
can bend at least a tiny bit

I thought about using ingot pieces but didn't get it to work.

I'm curious to hear your ideas, thanks in advance :)

For a large chain like that, one of the first things that comes to mind (which I've considered myself but haven't yet come up with an appropriate MOC for it) would be using these and either these or these in between (depending on how big or small you want the links to be). Connecting these parts with Technic cross axles would allow you to create some rather sturdy links that flex freely, and close to life-size to boot.

Now granted, this isn't exactly what you asked for—it's Technic-based rather than System-based and doesn't come in Dark Bluish Grey. But to be honest, Technic might be a smarter choice than System for what you seem to be asking for (since that would likely make it easier to make the links themselves sturdy while still allowing them to flex). And while it doesn't come in Dark Bluish Grey it does come in light bluish grey as well as several metallic colors (including Titanium Metallic, which is close enough in hue to Dark Bluish Grey that it might still work for your purposes).

You could probably borrow an idea from the Super Mario Sets:

https://www.brickmerge.de/71381-1_lego-super-mario-begegnung-mit-dem-kettenhund-erweiterungsset

This could be modified/ enhanced with this part:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=41677#T=C

Otherwise, if it just needs to be a static illusion consider things like bucket handles, Minifigure helmet visors/ protective glasses, scissors, or tools or even something like the claw bar:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=48729#T=C

You will need some clips and otehr stuff to secure things in place, but when arranged meticulously this can look like chains.

Mylenium

Thanks for your input so far

18 hours ago, Lyichir said:

Now granted, this isn't exactly what you asked for—it's Technic-based rather than System-based

Actually I would not mind technic.  But it would turn out too big. My idea above is too big to begin with. But you are right, you could build a beautiful life size metallic chain with it!

 

9 hours ago, Mylenium said:

Otherwise, if it just needs to be a static illusion consider things like bucket handles, Minifigure helmet visors/ protective glasses, scissors, or tools or even something like the claw bar

I just came up with this rigid tube core idea. It is still to big, but maybe if I find the right piece to stick to those brick modified I will get somewhere

 

Can you use technic chain links, as they make good chains.