Building instruction advice needed

[Jeroen Ottens]

Hi,

I'd like to ask you guys for some feedback.

I have been working on a new MOC for some time now (using 4 motors with 2 IR receivers... so I'll probably enter this for the TC6). I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, so I am contemplating whether or not to make building instructions for it.

The issue is that I do have a digital version of the model, but that is in LDD, so that is a pain in the but for buildinginstructions. I am currently rebuilding the model from scratch, whilst taking pictures of the process.

Here is a link to the first steps of it:

http://www.bricksafe.com/files/JeroenOttens///AR4C_BI.pdf

Now my question is:

Are the steps I take clear? Should they be smaller? Or can they be bigger? (the total model has ~2000 pieces, so this will end up in a lot of photo's)

Is the quality of the photos sufficient? (I know it is a little out of focus here and there, but I don't want to spend too much time on perfecting the photo setup)

Jeroen

[Zerobricks]

My few cents...

I would suggest you to maybe add arrows where certain bricks go and when to totate the build. Also try keeping the light level in all pictures at the same level.

Second option is to use LDD and simply group/hide parts. I need to try to make a BI in LDD someday.

[Boulderer]

Might be worth taking a look at some of Madoca's photo instructions. I found the Off-road Pickup instructions to be excellent!

[Lipko]

Parts photo per step would be nice too, but maybe it's not necessary. IMHO and important thing is to only focus (um... playing attention, not the picture focus thing) on a small part of the model per step. It can be real confusing if you have pins to be added far away from the other parts to be added.

Plus good luck with this straightforward approach, but this way you can accidentally have steps where you have to stress the assembly to insert something you didn't plan carefully enough. Therefore I usually do the opposite: disassemble the model while taking photos.

Edited December 23, 2014 by Lipko

[aol000xw]

About the parts that look unfocused use a smaller aperture.

[zux]

Nico71 produces very good photo instructions - I'd recommend having a view on those.

While some parts of your pictures are out of focus I don't see any issues following each step.

[MajklSpajkl]

I agree with Lipko - take photos while rearing it apart - I think it is easier and chances of mistakes. Otherwise I think it is fine, I prefer white background though, but that is totally irrelevant :)

[Kumbbl]

i would be able to build the model without any problems with these instructions... i would appreciate them a lot! thank you in advance...

[afol1969]

i would be able to build the model without any problems with these instructions... i would appreciate them a lot! thank you in advance...

I agree. The steps seem to be clear enough to build the model without much problems. Indeed I suggest to make step sequences while disassembling the model, to have a constant and simple sequence without any stress in parts and build order.

Nico71 produces very good photo instructions - I'd recommend having a view on those.

In general I agree. But I've converted some of his models in LDRAW - and there were some steps which are not very clear (recently I build his hot buld tractor), so I'd to find out how some submodels are built). At now I'm building his pneumatic engine, and I'm not able to see where the pneumatic hoses have to be connected....That's I prefer Madoca's photo instructions. I myself once had made a try with photo sequences, and it's really not easy at it seems. So my opinion of Jeroens' instructions: Good work

Greetings

Alex

[Jeroen Ottens]

Thanks for the feedback

It is my intention to make BI that can be followed, I'm not aiming for the perfection that is achieved by some of the members here

So I'll continue on the track I am on.

Still persevering in the photographing it while I'm building it up... (I already found one step that should have been done in another order )