Modifications to sets

[Kenneth]

Hey all!

I'm sure this question seems obvious, but I've searched high and low and can't seem to find much...

Is there a site (other than digging through forums) that offers info / pictures / instructions for "modifications" to existing sets. Seems like this would be a very common practice, say for example, making the new Toy Story train PF with a battery tender and motor. Sure, I've seen a picture here and there but I guess what I'm looking for is where you all get ideas to enhance your sets? (I know I can just think them up and build them, but sometimes looking at what others have thought of helps me decide what I like)

Thanks!

KP

Edited May 30, 2010 by Kenneth

[Corvus]

Hm, interesting question. Sites often have individual forums for MOCs, but I have to say I've never seen a forum just for mods. Then again, I don't browse a lot of forums.

As for instructions, I'd say the best way to learn is just by fiddling with the set yourself. I always mod my sets, either to get rid of over-simplified parts or add interiors. My main problem is structural integrity- after a mod, I'll find that the set isn't quite as strong as it once was, or has some glaring failure.

I usually start by finding the things I dislike/think I could improve on in a set. I don't MOC much, as I have a hard time just getting started, and where to put the first piece. Modding sets is fun, though, but I often get deeper into a mod than I intended- sometimes almost entirely taking apart a set because I didn't know just how deeply embedded some part was.

[DLuders]

If you are into LEGO TECHNIC, Han's "Original Mods" page is for you: http://www.designer-han.nl/lego/original%20modifications.htm .

[BobaFett2]

You should probably look in the site's MOCLists, going to the section with the type of creation the modified version would be under.

[larry marak]

Good question Kenneth. I haven't seen such a site, probably because 1. You'd need something like LDD to produce graphic instructions and 2. You'd be incorporating elements of copywrite protected Lego instructions as part of what you are modifying.

A verbal discussion of mods with a parts list and photos might be both legal and workable.

[Kenneth]

All, good ideas! I'll continue my search...

Ref: original post, here's photo examples of an excellent Toy Story PF mod but unfortunately it lacks a parts list which in turn would make ordering the right pieces for the mod much easier.

Another example is this Caboose for Emerald Night (sorry not trying to turn this into train tech, just my favorite theme), but again without even just a parts list makes it quite difficult to reverse engineer or source the parts.

As for instructions, true about copyright, but I was thinking more just the instructions to build the enhancement portion.

One of the reasons I ask if something like this exists; I have thought of making a blog of unofficial set mods for people like me wanting to do them. Anyone with an opinion on that, would you like/dislike/contribute mods??

Thanks,

KP

[CP5670]

I don't think there is any large site dedicated to mods specifically. You can find lots of set mods on Brickshelf though.

I modify almost all of my sets in some way, with the changes ranging from trivial to substantial. I had planned to post some quick pictures of various mods I've done on Brickshelf, but have never really gotten around to it.