When does a set become a MOC?

[Paul B Technic]

At the moment I am having a bit of a run at building a number of MOC's and also modifying some official sets.

I have been thinking about the point where an official set becomes a MOC and can be classed as this. I have generally been referring to the models which are based on an official set and then modified as a MOD but again I am not sure what the point is where it is fair to class them as this? Is changing a few parts the same as building a whole new section and changing the main functions to work in a different way?

Thoughts please :)

[jodawill]

I wouldn't ever call something a MOC unless I made it from scratch with no instructions whatsoever.

MODs are still cool though. I would just say they're two completely different things.

[Takanuinuva]

I think as long as the final model still somewhat resembles the original model. Its a mod/revamp.

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I'd have to agree. If a decent portion of the creation, say 20+% was constructed from a manual, I'd classify it as a mod

[Covi]

I'd have to agree. If a decent portion of the creation, say 20+% was constructed from a manual, I'd classify it as a mod

Amen to that!

[Hrw-Amen]

Anything built without the aid of a manual or construction information is a MOC (Even remembered instructions count.) whereas anything that you build with instructions is and then modify at some point is a MOD.

[TheLegoDr]

I agree with the above. think if it was/is an official set, it will always be a MOD, unless the final result shows no similarities to the original set, then it could be a MOC, but it would be a MOC with just the pieces from that set I guess. If you only change the colors or a minor tweak here and there, I would call that a MOD only, not a MOC.

I want to say if you build it without instructions based on images in your head or that you've seen somewhere, it is a MOC. However, you can certainly buy other people's MOCs with instructions and those aren't official sets. I'd still call those MOCs.

So I think it all depends on official set to begin with and branch out from there.

[Paul B Technic]

Thanks everybody for the replies, MOD it is then :)

[splatman]

What is it, when you build an official set up to a point, then build your own way from there?

Case in point: I've built the frame of 6989 M:Tron MCM (just the frame and wheels), and built my own thing on that. No pix, unfortunately.

Kinda the same as building your own car body on an existing automobile frame (non-LEGO).

[B Rick]

...However, you can certainly buy other people's MOCs with instructions and those aren't official sets. I'd still call those MOCs.

I guess we should call that a SOC..? Somebody's Own Creation... :-p

Edited January 11, 2014 by B Rick

[B Rick]

On a more serious note:

There will always be a grey area. Different for each and everyone of us. I've modded my Haunted House in such a way that for me it's a MOC, but for everyone else it will always be a MOD because, well... with all those original design details and colors it still looks very much like the original set. Same goes for my hearse, eventhough it's my own 7stud-wide interpretation (MOI) with a build-up using my own structural ideas to make it look as the original set with just a few alterations.

I think when looking at someone elses creations people will call it a MOD unless at least 95% is scratchbuilt. And you know... It really doesn't matter. I don't care that much for LegoLingo. If a threadtitle states MOC or MOD I will check them out.

[Paul B Technic]

Thanks for the feedback. The more I think about it the less what it is called matters compared to what it actually is :)

[BrickG]

Measuring the grey area and having strict definitions is pointless. Just do your best at estimating. People won't always agree either.

Sometimes I barely mod a model. Like giving the official Y-Wing some landing gear. It's still modded. But barely. I won't submit it as a MOC. A MOC in my mind needs more substantial changes or additions.