Lego Roofs

[Jareth]

So, there are two types of roofs. One made from sloped bricks, like they did when I was a kid and the new technique to put a plate on a hinge brick and slant it.

I can see advantages in both types. The parts collector in me really likes the slope pieces, and it's easier to make a different sized roof from slope bricks.

Now the other type of roof, I first saw in this set, 2009 "the Farm"

http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?S=7637-1

and I hated it. Mainly because it made the barn looked like scafolding with a tarp thrown on it, but it does make the roof look....wrong.

Now I've got these...

Mill Village Raid http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?S=7189-1

Blacksmith Attack http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?S=6918-1

The Mill http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?S=4183-1

And I have to admit that I'm ok with the roof technique. Perhaps it's the few detail pieces added to it, or perhaps it's because they are using large plates instead of tiles and that makes it easier to customize it. In any case I like these roofs a whole lot better.

anoyone else have an opinion on roofs?

[AussieJimbo]

I've just been discussing the challenges of roofing with Lightning Tiger.

Slope 45 roof tiles are fine up to a point but once the building is beyond a certain width, the roof just ends up to tall. I wish I had a good quantity of 33 degree tiles which would reduce this issue.

A solution I've used on a larger building is to build roof panels out of 45 degree tiles and rest these at a flatter angle but I've only done this on a parapet style roof.

It really comes down to the individual building and what looks right with it.

:classic:

Edited June 25, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[Vindicare]

I like both really, they have they're pros. But, I like the brick built slope roof better. I like the finished product better. Although, a plate with 2x2 tiles on it would look good.

[charlieboy]

Much prefer a brick built roof myself. They have a display of the new Mill sets etc... posted above in my local Lego shop and they dont look all that great in the flesh. To me they have a cheaper look to them than sets built with proper bricks, almost like Lego couldnt be bothered to finish the set properly so they used big plates to cover a big area to get the job done quickly.

[ziljin]

I've just been discussing the challenges of roofing with Lightning Tiger.

Slope 45 roof tiles are fine up to a point but once the building is beyond a certain width, the roof just ends up to tall. I wish I had a good quantity of 33 degree tiles which would reduce this issue.

A solution I've used on a larger building is to build roof panels out of 45 degree tiles and rest these at a flatter angle but I've only done this on a parapet style roof.

It really comes down to the individual building and what looks right with it.

:classic:

For real, the brick built roofs can look funny on bigger structures if you do not have any of the smaller angled slopes. That is one distinct advantage to the plate roof, you can set any angle you want.

[Brick Smiley Productions]

For real, the brick built roofs can look funny on bigger structures if you do not have any of the smaller angled slopes. That is one distinct advantage to the plate roof, you can set any angle you want.

True, but having tiles all lined up doesn't look as good as if you used bricks. The bricks make it have a panel type look to it. Just pros and cons. I think it would depend on the build.

[Aanchir]

Putting a plate on a hinge brick is far from a new technique. It's been done for years-- for instance, in this set from 1988. The types of hinge and plate have changed a lot over the years, but the technique has not.

In my opinion, both techniques can be carried out effectively. The 2009 farm set indeed reduces the hinge technique to the bare minimum, which makes the roof look pretty awful. On the other hand, the Fire Temple from Ninjago uses the technique very effectively.

Both techniques have design advantages and disadvantages. Plate-based roofs are flatter and often sturdier, while slope-based roofs allow for more variations in texture and angle in a smaller space. Plate-based roofs often take up less interior space, while slope-based roofs connect more solidly to walls and are less likely to leave a seam. It depends on which matches the type of building you're trying to cover.

Edited June 26, 2011 by Aanchir

[Pingles]

Hinges are great if they are for someone who wants to actually play with minifigs in the building.

I'm not a big fan of the look but I think if the hinges are cleverly hidden it's a great technique.

[Hrw-Amen]

I can't say I am a big fan of plates and hinges for roofs. It just looks to me as if they are not a proper model. It may sound silly, but they look more likes toys to be played with than models, which I know LEGO is a toy, but as an adult rather than a child I like the modelling aspect more than the playing one. Having said that the 45 degree ones can get a bit high on large buildings, but in my expereince not many large buildings have roofs that go to a point nowadays anyway, at least not in the manner of just being a straight triangle if you get what I mean? They normally have flatter bits on them as well. At least I know what I'm talking about even if I am not explaining it very well.