Model Team

[Mike_K]

Hi,

i`m interessted in building models like the model-team models. Now I want to know where did you get your bricks from? Do you build your models by computer an order the specific bricks or do you buy sets from other lego themes like Lego City?

Regards from Germany,

Mike

[Kierna]

I design my models in Lego Digital Designer, (google it) because it saves the pieces from being put together and pulled apart over and over, which wears them out.

Once I have designed a model, I order the parts from Bricklink.com

[DLuders]

@ Mike K: You can download Lego Digital Designer (LDD) at Ldd.Lego.com . You can order bricks from Bricklink.com ("The Unofficial Lego Marketplace") -- go to the Bricklink New User Tutorial to see how it works. You may enjoy Rebrickable.com -- they have quite a few "MOCs" (My Own Creations), with Parts Lists.

[Lasse D]

Unfortunately, searching for "Model Team" in rebrickable gives you only one MOC. Come on, builders. We must be able to do better than that!

[Rijkvv]

I've designed most of my Model Team MOC at MLCad. One of the main advantages of computer designing is that you get an indication of which parts you need.

However, I've thought the final bits out with real bricks.

[Mike_K]

Thank you all for your helpful answers.

Building Lego models is my balance for my job and at my job I sit in front of the computer the whole day. Because of this I do not want to build models at the computer. But I understand that this is the best way for own mocs.

I think that I first finish my sets and then I start build and customize some MOCs from Rebrickable. And maybe in the future I start building models with LDD.

Regards from Germany.

Edited January 8, 2013 by Mike_K

[Sariel]

But I understand that this is the best way for own mocs.

It's a convenient way, not necessarily the best one. Personally, I've built a bunch of Model Team creations with Technic functions included without using any software. Actually, when it comes to functions, I consider trial&error building vastly superior to using computer.

[Paul Boratko]

It's a convenient way, not necessarily the best one. Personally, I've built a bunch of Model Team creations with Technic functions included without using any software. Actually, when it comes to functions, I consider trial&error building vastly superior to using computer.

I agree with this 100%... I have talked to many people who designed mechanisms and models in CAD and when they attempted to build them, there were things that were overlooked and they just didn't work...

In CAD liftarms, connectors, and axles are the same size, but in the reality they are not...

[Anio]

It's a convenient way, not necessarily the best one. Personally, I've built a bunch of Model Team creations with Technic functions included without using any software. Actually, when it comes to functions, I consider trial&error building vastly superior to using computer.

True.

And also when the build tends to be out of the system (tricky angles, etc, both regarding functions and esthetical aspects). In this situation, designing through 3D soft is a nightmare.

[Mike_K]

Good objections, thanks.

But to do it by trial &error you need bricks and material on stock I think, or do I think in a wrong direction?

My "problem" is that I don´t have any stock material because I don´t have the bricks of my childhood and at the moment I don´t want to disassemble my sets I build till now because I like them!

What is now the best way to do? Buy sets which cut in price, buy on ebay or is there another possibility beside bricklink?

Regards Mike

[Anio]

Good objections, thanks.

But to do it by trial &error you need bricks and material on stock I think, or do I think in a wrong direction?

My "problem" is that I don´t have any stock material because I don´t have the bricks of my childhood and at the moment I don´t want to disassemble my sets I build till now because I like them!

What is now the best way to do? Buy sets which cut in price, buy on ebay or is there another possibility beside bricklink?

Regards Mike

You can built with 3D softs what can be considered as "simple", technically speaking.

Otherwise, I recommend you to buy some stuff and try with real parts.

[dandexter]

I design with LDD, any mechanical/moving parts I do a concept test with my spare parts.

[Jennifer Clark]

Interesting, I always built my own models with real bricks.

I found using the software too slow and error prone - why put another layer between you and the bricks?

I would build using odd colours if necessary, then buy bricks in the correct colours once the model was finished.

Jennifer

[Lipko]

Building with actual bricks is the best, if you have tons of parts or if you are very experienced... I personally can't imagine designing a model without having at least two models built at the same time, otherwise the building would be cumbersome. What if you have to disassemble almost the whole thing just to change a beam? You can take photos while taking it apart then rebuild it again. Just for a part in many situations.

Rebuilding the model while having the previous iteration at hand would be great, but that means a lot of parts. Maybe it's less problem in Model team, where you have less specialized parts, but in Technic, I see it as a more serious problem.

With a software, changing a part no matter how deeply it's built in is a few seconds' operation. Sure, there are many traps, that's why you have to actually build the thing too after you have something in software.

[Mike_K]

Thank you all for your arguments. They helped me a lot and gave me a view in the different possibilities to build a model.

I would build using odd colours if necessary, then buy bricks in the correct colours once the model was finished.

I think this is a good idea and the best way for me, so I decided to collect and buy used bricks and start to build with them.

Best regards,

Mike