How do you MOC?

[magicm]

Hi everyone!

I've been following Eurobricks for quite some time but I just recently registered. Great site and wonderful community!

I'm 33 years old and have always been interested in Lego. The MOCs that feature on this site are simply stunning! So far, I haven't had much success with building an MOC of my own. I just enjoy putting sets together but would like to dabble in some MOC experiments soon. Just wanted some advice and some questions answered if possible:

Do you usually know beforehand what it is that you want to build or do you start piecing parts together and go in the direction the MOC is going?

What about resources? Where do you get the bricks from? I was thinking of going for a large Creator set and using the pieces in that box. I have a decent collection of built sets, but I don't want to take them apart to build an MOC. Is this approach good for a start?

Do you use the Lego Digital Designer or just dive right in and work hands-on?

Any advice would be appreciated! Sorry for the mess of questions!

Edited October 19, 2009 by Shadows
Clarified topic title.

[Ralph_S]

Welcome to Eurobricks.

How you decide on what you build and how to get started probably depends very much on what sort of thing you are looking for. I tend to see LEGO as a model building tool. Most of my inspiration comes from stuff I read about in books, see on TV or in real life (think buildings, vehicles, aircraft) and I always have a long list of things that I'd like to have a go at in my mind. That means I usually know exactly what I'm going to build whenever I sit down with some bricks. I know that there are a lot of sci-fi /space / steampunk (and whatever other sort of fantasy-like genre)-builders out there who take a completely different approach, sitting down with some random parts, putting them together to get something 'interesting' and decide what it's going to be as they go along.

Creator sets are fantastic sources of the sorts of parts I use a lot of and the price per part is generally reasonably low -especially compared to sets in licensed themes (Star Wars or Indiana Jones, for instance). What makes a good source for the parts you need will probably depend on what it is that you want to build. If space ships are your thing, Star Wars might be the way to go.

I don't design MOCs on a computer. I tend to have a general idea in my mind of how I want to do certain things when I start building and might make a few small sketches on paper. I'd rather build with actual bricks.

Cheers,

Ralph

[Shadows]

Welcome to Eurobricks! While this isn't a typical introduction topic, it's actually not a bad way to start.

I've been following Eurobricks for quite some time but I just recently registered. Great site and wonderful community!

Thanks! We're glad to have you!

Do you usually know beforehand what it is that you want to build or do you start piecing parts together and go in the direction the MOC is going?

Planning is key for large scale work, smaller things can just sort of flow, but I always have a general idea of what I'm doing before I do it.

What about resources? Where do you get the bricks from? I was thinking of going for a large Creator set and using the pieces in that box.

Bricklink. Often. Too often.

Beyond that, odd lots from eBay can sometimes be a great deal, if you're very careful and know what you're looking at, but as with any purchase that you don't open new, condition is always a risk.

I have a decent collection of built sets, but I don't want to take them apart to build an MOC.

I absolutely refuse to take a set apart to build something else, nor will I break up a set unless I buy multiples of it for that purpose. I rely on Bricklink purchases in cases where I need new/top quality bricks, and an assortment of stray bulk LEGO purchases from eBay for day to day testing or the quick build that won't stay together. It's like using Creator sets, but it's basically my equivalent of junk parts that I don't mind scratching up. I'm sure that most people would consider them fine for normal use, I'm just picky.

Do you use the Lego Digital Designer or just dive right in and work hands-on?

LDD is too limited. Build. Take apart. Build some more. Listen to the lovely parts rattling about in your hands and watch as something beautiful comes out of them.

Bottom line, do what you find works best for you and most important of all, have fun! I came out of my dark ages as more of a collector than anything, sets and minifigs. I still don't MOC much for lack of space. That might be an important consideration, make sure you have room to build and let things sit and build some more later, sometimes it doesn't all come at once and you need a way to let things simmer a bit sometimes.

[Milan]

Hi and Welcome, magicm!

Great Topic!

First, I look for the real existing model of what I want to build-mainly construction equipment.

Second I scale it down using PDF provided by manufacturer. I try to build everything perfect in scale, usually 1/13 or 1/20.

Third in my mind I calculate few days to see is everything possible, even in theory.

Fourth I use MlCad to create virtual models. That is because it is easier for me to see completed model in advance, and to see is it really possible create what I want.

Fifth if I lack of some parts (usually I do) I try to find them all in ONE Bricklink store, to cut down shipping price.

Sixth I enjoy in building the model from MlCad from my computer. That is very hard and long process because CAD only shows rough model, I have to work on numerous mechanisms while I am building. I like that very much and enjoy doing that.

My advice to you if you want to build exclusively MOCs, is that do not buy sets, but only Bricklink parts which you will need. That is way cheaper, but more dangerous, you can order parts and almost regularly find out that you miss (very) few important pieces. So (very long) planning is essential, for me.

Hope it helped a bit...

Happy building!

[Carbohydrates]

Hello! What a great topic!

I build using Ldraw interfaces such as MLCAD. I very rarely start without knowing what I'm trying to build, but sometimes I'll start in on something that will naturally evolve into something else entirely. If that happens, I just go with it.

My building style involves looking at some source images or running through the idea in my head and figuring out what the trickiest parts of the build are going to be and how I can accomplish them with bricks. These are always the first parts I build. Then, I usually build from that point. It's a lot different than building with real bricks, where it's usually important to establish a strong foundation early on and detail work comes later (for me).

[magicm]

Thanks for the input everyone!

I decided to pick up a Creator set (#6753) simply because there's a store nearby (rather than ordering through BrickLink). I'm still not quite sure what I'll attempt to build, but I was thinking some alternate vehicle since the set is a vehicle set anyway. Maybe something like those airport stairs-on-wheels thing? Dunno...

Please keep the advice coming!

Edited October 19, 2009 by magicm

[Ralph_S]

I too buy some specialised parts from bricklink, but sets are still a good source for parts and if I can get good ones at a decent price, then I will. 6753 is an excellent set if you want to get into some vehicle building. I bought one a few weeks ago and suspect there are very few parts in there that I won't be able to use for something in the future.

Cheers,

Ralph

[Milan]

Sets are good to analyse the possibilities provided by Lego designers, but if you exactly know what you want to build, I think BL is pretty much the better choice.

After I have bought few new sets, I really enjoyed new pieces, but also now I have numerous parts that I have to find the place to storage them, and I know I will never use them.

That is why I tend to buy sets- great number of unneeded parts.

Also BL is is cheaper IF you know what you need.

Creator sets are, as Ralph_S said, really good for me, regarding desired pieces.

[frogstudio]

I guess that how one designs depends mainly on one's personality. Being an architect, I'm used to designing buildings in my computer... so why not do the same with LEGO MOCs? After doing my reserach, I sit in front of my PC, and using LeoCad (I prefer it to LDD, since it has more parts) I make my first draft design. Usually, this design has too many pieces, or pieces difficult to get. so, next step is to refine the model, reducing piece count and replacing the costly parts. Then I get the piece list from the program itself and try to get the pieces at bricklink. Usually I wont be able to get all pieces in a single store, but, using the Wanted feature at bricklink I can get the pieces I need from the least number of vendors, thus reducing costs. when I get my pieces, I simply build it and enjoy.. :)

Edited October 20, 2009 by frogstudio

[pedro]

Great post magicm - it's interesting to read everyone's process.

I mostly MOC Star Wars vehicles, so tend to know exactly what I'm building beforehand. I use reference from blueprints or images - easily found in books or on t'internet in databases such as Wookieepedia or through searches - or watch segments from the films where the vehicles are featured. Sometimes I'll start building one thing and find the technique I'm using suits something better so will end up building something else.

When building original vehicles on a small scale I'll just experiment and see where it takes me. Larger builds I'll have a good idea of what I'm trying to do but may sketch out some parts. I may also be inspired by certain designs I've seen elsewhere.

Usually I'll start building using any piece in any colour that I can find - almost like a sketch. When the model is complete I'll go back and replace the odd coloured parts with more approproate colour coordinated pieces. I've got a fair bit of LEGO at my disposal, but if there are specific parts I need I'll temporarily borrow them from other models while I put a small order on Bricklink for new parts. The wonder of LEGO is that you can quite happily disassemble a model and rebuild it at a later time!

I don't use any software to build digital models... I like to be hands-on with my creations. I may experiment with programs in the future though

Edited October 20, 2009 by pedro

[Peppermint_M]

My MOCing is haphazard.

My insperation is a mix of pictures I see on the internet, pictures from the SpecFic books I read,other MOCs, my latest stories I have written/come up with.

I build with parts from sets as I often buy a set to take apart for parts. On rare occasions I buy on bricklink for special or unavailable parts. I regularly take old MOCs and sets apart to build new things with.

My method of building is random. Some days I have a picture in my head of what I want to build, I go through my collection to get everything I think I could use when building and build until I have created what I saw in my head. Other times I just go through my box for parts in a certain colour, or ones that are "cool" and build something.

This is something I built with a ship in mind.

This is something I built after collecting cool parts from my boxes. No idea where I was going with it when I started and when it was finished I was quite surprised at how it turned out.

I rarely use LDD or LDraw as I prefer to play with real bricks. I only use computer ones when I cannot access my collection.

Edited October 20, 2009 by Peppermint_M

[Commander Flash]

if i end up MOCing, its usually something i base out of my head. one instance of using a picture was my Z95. Im still debating which works best for me.

[Carbohydrates]

I sit in front of my PC, and using LeoCad (I prefer it to LDD, since it has more parts) I make my first draft design.

Ha, I thought I was the only one still using the rather outdated LeoCAD interface!

[Tereglith]

Interesting topic. You all put a lot more work into MOCing than I do . I, a bit like Peppermint M, often will just sit down and trawl through my approximately 25,000 pieces (it takes a while) looking for parts. However, I usually at least have an idea of what I'm going for. I'll decide that I want to build, say, a tank, and trawl for tan pieces. Once I've got enough, I'll look at what I have, try to put it together into a tank, and then end up building a micro-scale city block (true story). I really just have to let it come to me, but for you it could be different.

[Commander Assassin]

In case you've noticed, I haven't presented any of my MOCs on this site; but I will tell you some of my tips that I use for some of my better MOCs.

-No, I do not use LDD for designing.

-I use parts from old sets that are in pieces

-If I am MOCing a vehicle or building that has already been designed, (SW ships, tanks, etc.) I print pictures of different angles of the model

-If I am building something of my own design, (made up SW vehicle, building for Apocatown, etc.) I usually start with no plan

-After 'completing' a MOC, I usually touch it up every now and then

-A large Creator set would be a cheap way to get bricks, as long as you don't want color-based MOCs

I hope that I have been some help to you as I know that I am no great MOCer like Rook, Pedro, or Vimes.

[The Sarge]

I choose what I am building beforehand, and then find reference photos. If I know I do not have the pieces, I will build it in MLCad and wait until the next time I order parts to build a physical model. I am always taking apart my sets to build something else, and occasionally I build in LDD, but the parts pallate is very limited.

[Eilif]

To you usually know beforehand what it is that you want to build or do you start piecing parts together and go in the direction the MOC is going?

I have a general idea of what I want to make, but I let the process proceed organically and the end result is usually much different than my first mental picture.

What about resources?

Sometimes I will use photographs, but my MOCs usually come from an idea rather than trying to create a scale model. I use pictures of other MOCs for detailing inspiration more than pictures of real things.

Where do you get the bricks from?

Rather than making specific bricklink purchases, I try to acquire alot of LEGO used (see the link in my sig) and new and create a collection that lets me build with what I have. Specific bricklink purchases can be great for getting that piece you are missing, but I usually change direction several times during building a MOC.

I was thinking of going for a large Creator set and using the pieces in that box. I have a decent collection of built sets, but I don't want to take them apart to build an MOC. Is this approach good for a start?

Creator is a good place to start, but you may be better off buying loose lots on Ebay. If you don't want to take apart some sets, it will take a rather large investment in pieces to be able to MOC at will.

Do you use the Lego Digital Designer or just dive right in and work hands-on?

Completely Hands on. Sit down and build. The tactile experience of building with LEGO is a large part of what I enjoy about the LEGO hobby.

In the end, it comes down to whether you're more of a planner or more of a spontaneous builder.

If you like to plan, then LDD/PAB-Online or LCAD/Bricklink are your friends, and you should be able to efficiently plan, purchase and build your MOCs. Buying per build is more expensive per piece than buying in bulk, but you won't end up with a bunch of pieces that you don't need, and if -as it seems- you like to keep you models together, this may be the best option.

If your more of a spontaneous builder that eschews planning, then there's no point in buying specific parts for a project that may change direction mid stream. Buy in bulk, sort your pieces for easy access and build away.

Oh yeah, Welcome back to MOC'ing, and have fun whatever path you choose.

[Ronan Dragonov]

Do you usually know beforehand what it is that you want to build or do you start piecing parts together and go in the direction the MOC is going?

These days I usually at least have a general idea of what I want to build first - a single engine plane, a certain style of building, a vignette theme, etc. Of course there are times for random experimentation with parts to see what just might be possible. However a MOC begins it inevitably changes during building due to parts limits and aesthetics.

What about resources? Where do you get the bricks from? I was thinking of going for a large Creator set and using the pieces in that box. I have a decent collection of built sets, but I don't want to take them apart to build an MOC. Is this approach good for a start?

You should really consider scrapping your built sets and put those parts to work for MOCing. At least in my case most of my bricks come from the official sets I've amassed over the years. Bricklink is essential if you're planning a MOC in detail or just want particular parts. In my experience a general inventory of bricks is the best start and the best place for that is what you've already got.

Do you use the Lego Digital Designer or just dive right in and work hands-on?

I've used MLCAD a few times to plan MOCs but usually it's hands-on building.

[Mraz Skintas]

A lot of the time when I decide to build something, inspiration comes from the most random places. I could be sitting on the bus and think that I should build something, so when I get home I do it. The other part of the time I usually get the idea when watching a movie or playing a level in game. But either way, I usually know before hand. After I decide I'm actually gonna do it, I get the containers holding the primary color I'm gonna use for the MOC. After I get the main color out, I go to my computer and find the best pics I can, then print them. Sometimes though, I can't find good enough pics. Luckily for me though, since I MOC mainly Halo and Star Wars lately, pics aren't too hard to find. But at times, I still have trouble getting Halo pics, but theater mode helps greatly for that.

Sadly, at times, I have to disassemble a MOC or set to get the right parts. At times I do go to Bricklink if I know I don't have the part I need. I also use Brickforge and Brickarms to get Minifig accessories to I can finish off the MOC.

[gondortoast]

hey and welcome to eurobricks

i learnt this a while ago in my business studies at school, and i follow the same rules for moc's:

do something completey new / make it up

take something and find a new use for it / make changes for a set: make adaqute changes

make it more movie accurate

find a gap in the market and produce a product / find something you need and create

(i know 1 and 3 seem the same, but y'know )

for gondor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[EllieMental]

While we've had some very detailed answers from top builders, some of the advice may be too high-level if you've done very little MOCing.

I certainly wouldn't recommend virtual building to a new(ish) builder, unless you already happen to have design or CAD knowledge. Its just adding to the learning curve otherwise.

One of my favourite exercises in improving how I look at models is to build small models from the picture only; e.g. the box art of the front cover of the instructions. You can then check your attempt against the instructions. If you fancy this, the smallest creator sets are a great purchase, as you get multiple models to build and lots of useful pieces afterwards.

Ideally, you can then sit with those same pieces and see if you can improve (based on your own criteria!) on the designs, and come up with something completely new, too. If you start off with a huge number of pieces and no real idea of what you want to build, it can be overwhelming. Limiting your parts palette by using only a particular set or, say, restricting yourself to particular colours can help.

You might also want to look at vignettes, a small form-factor style of building that can give quick and pleasing results. Its also a bonus if you have a good selection of minifigs, which I'm guessing you may have.

I find many of the creations we see in this community pretty intimidating. Whatever you do, try and feel pleased with it at the end. Its worth remembering that lego was designed to be a satisfying toy, so if you aren't enjoying yourself, you may not be doing it right!

~Ellie