legocharles

Bricklinking Cavegod's UCS AT-AT

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Hi.

I thought I would share my experince with the bricklinking and building of one of the most wonderful MOCs I have seen in my life: The 6100+ pieces UCS AT-AT designed by Cavegod.

I have already bricklinked the UCS 10179 Millennium Falcon and had lots of fun doing it. Some threads already discuss in lenght the process of doing so.

Since there seems to be no thread from other members discussing in details this adventure (please point me to one if it already exists), the following posts will describe, step by step, my own experience.

Comments are gladly welcome! Here's a picture that shows in a great way the sheer size of that thing...(with Cavegod, its creator):

16007083234_b28c181859.jpg

Edited by legocharles

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I´m building this too. Here are a couple of links that can be of use.

Cavegods own thread: http://www.eurobrick...opic=37258&st=0

Dr.Daves build: http://gimmelego.blo...-ucs-at-at.html

If you don´t have a couple of 10030 UCS Imperial Star Destroyers lying around, the LBG 3961 is going to be tough.

The LBG 2489 will also be a challenge. There are some other parts that are starting to get expensive, but I think the two mentioned will be the hardest to find.

Edited by P85

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I´m building this too. Here are a couple of links that can be of use.

Cavegods own thread: http://www.eurobrick...opic=37258&st=0

Dr.Daves build: http://gimmelego.blo...-ucs-at-at.html

If you don´t have a couple of 10030 UCS Imperial Star Destroyers lying around, the LBG 3961 is going to be tough.

The LBG 2489 will also be a challenge. There are some other parts that are starting to get expensive, but I think the two mentioned will be the hardest to find.

Thanks for the tips! It was the blog Gimme LEGO (Dr.Daves) that got me interested in building the AT-AT. I have already read the different topics about custom UCS sized AT-ATs available on this forum and I have decided to go with Cavegod's version because the building instructions were available (I already got the needed files, ordered directly from its ceator) and his version is, by far IMHO, the best looking one.

First step: Get the instructions and the parts list: DONE.

Second step: see what parts I already have...WORK IN PROGRESS..will report back soon!

Again, any comments or helpful suggestions are welcome!

Edited by legocharles

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Check the parts list very carefully. If I were to do it again, I´d start by identifying the parts that can be used regardless of color. A lot of the technic stuff inside can be what ever color you have on hand. All the red parts in the feet can also be any color. And if you check the LDD files on the legs you will find an alternate way to build the top of the foot with the 95188 part. Different from the slopes used in the LDD file for the complete AT-AT.

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Cool! I'm currently building a few smaller ones, approx 20" tall but bk where as detailed as CaveGods.

What is your price estimation on needed parts?

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Well, of course, some parts will be hard (impossible?) to find...

The LBG barrel (2489) I dont have, and only five stores on bricklink sell it (each store has one to sell...). That part, for now, will be replaced by its DBG counterpart.

The LBG 8x8 dish (3961) I dont have either, and only one of those is for sale on BL (although, being a fan of the older classic space theme, I seem to own every one of those sets that contain the dish, in the older light gray...) The light gray shoud do the job...

16441852298_96238c16f1_o.jpg16442020010_41fc171fbf_o.jpg

Edited by legocharles

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I am almost finished searching through my loose parts...looking good...There is no way I am going to dismantle any set I own, but I have lots of loose LBG, DBG and Technic parts. More details soon...

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Cool! I'm currently building a few smaller ones, approx 20" tall but bk where as detailed as CaveGods.

What is your price estimation on needed parts?

20" is actually minifig scale. Cavegod's AT-AT is way too large.

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Doing good so far...I already have 4000+ parts from my own collection of mixed and loose parts!

I have already ordered one of the rarest parts: those two large wheels in LBG (They can only be found on the UCS Imperial Star Destroyer 10030).

Those three main reactors are HUGE and I already own three of those in the old light gray, but they shall remain forever on my UCS ISD :)

16628665882_c7d1b637a3.jpg

Edited by legocharles

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http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/11365/ucs-at-at-ready-for-duty/p1

Here's a link that details some of our earlier experiences in building this incredible model.

Thanks! I thought I had done my homework and had read everything there was to read about this giant. Lots of useful infos on that page...BTW, what are those alternative parts for the two giant wheels? (out of curiosity, since I have already bought those...)?

Edited by legocharles

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There is a guy who sells (cheaply) instructions on rebrickable for a more minifig scale at at walker which is what I followed as a plan. However it is pretty unstable and having built one I pretty much had to redesign the entire legs and especially feet. It was suffering from pretty bad broken ankle syndrome. It is also a little top heavy so I am trying to reduce the weight. I have two pretty much 95% built but am going to redesign the side panels a bit. The most useful part of his design is the body frame and the engine underbelly part. I am approx 3k parts into it and built the majority from spare parts and 3 at at walker sets we had.

CaveGods is awesome and I would love to build one just like it for display. BrickPlumber also has one which is out West and is all over Flicker, those two are the best UCS style ones out there that I have seen. For my son and I though we are personally trying minifig scale, though that's defendant on what size you rate the minifig at, how tall you are basing Luke or Stormtropper and which size you go with (anywhere between 18 and 25 meters I think).

I am currently half way through building a bricklinked 10179 aswell having acquired all the pieces last week, so it will be fun to see them together.

Good luck with your builds.

As I think about thisi wanted to share my thoughts on why I think that Lego may stay clear of a UCS Ar At walker. It seems the biggest challange with one is weight distribution and ankle strength.

Unless TLG can find a way to make one that passes it's tests for durability etc I really do not see one coming. If the definition of a UCS model is one that has more detail than playability, an increase in detail is probably going to increase the weight.

The most recent $109 priced one really is not the best looking model, but for an At At walker it is stable and possible, attributes that I think they wanted to achieve primarily and I think it is a good kit.

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Thanks! I thought I had done my homework and had read everything there was to read aout this giant. Lots of useful infos on that page...BTW, what are those alternative parts for the two giant wheels? (out of curiosity, since I have already bought those...)?

When I bought the LDD plans from Cavegod back in 2013, he had already re-designed the engines to not include the very expensive Star Destroyer wheels. It's curious that your plans would not reflect a change that was made years ago. Perhaps you should contact Cavegod for the latest set.

But to answer your question, the basic replament part was #44772 (Wheel 56mm D. x 34mm Technic Racing Medium, 3 Pin Holes).

One other thing is that you only need 2x3961 (LBG 8x8 dish) instead of 6. The 4 that go on the feet can easily be replaced with #6177(Tile, Round 8 x 8). Use the 2 remaining 3961's on the head.

Edited by ecmo47

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When I bought the LDD plans from Cavegod back in 2013, he had already re-designed the engines to not include the very expensive Star Destroyer wheels. It's curious that your plans would not reflect a change that was made years ago. Perhaps you should contact Cavegod for the latest set.

But to answer your question, the basic replament part was #44772 (Wheel 56mm D. x 34mm Technic Racing Medium, 3 Pin Holes).

One other thing is that you only need 2x3961 (LBG 8x8 dish) instead of 6. The 4 that go on the feet can easily be replaced with #6177(Tile, Round 8 x 8). Use the 2 remaining 3961's on the head.

Thank you for the tips! I have seen pics ot the AT-AT with the alternative wheels under it and honestly, I prefer the look of the older, more expensive version...(a good thing since I have already paid 80 of my canadian dollars for those two parts alone).

I will certainly ask Cavegod to send me the updated version of his model, but will probably follow the older instructions I already have since I have already sorted and ordered most of the parts according to those. Unless the updated instructions help with the stability of the model? which seems to be its major weakness...

Edited by legocharles

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I will be watching this thread with much interest. After seeing Dr. Dave's build I considered attempting this MOC, but was too intimidated by the sheer size and piece count I'd need to source.

Be sure to keep us updated and post pics of how things are coming.

Best of luck to you, legocharles!

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So far, out of the 6200 parts needed to build this AT-AT, I have 4550 pieces, and will need to order the 1650 missing ones. I will post more datails about that later, but many of the missing parts seem to be either expensive or unavailable...more on this later, I wont give up!

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Thank you for the tips! I have seen pics ot the AT-AT with the alternative wheels under it and honestly, I prefer the look of the older, more expensive version...(a good thing since I have already paid 80 of my canadian dollars for those two parts alone).

I will certainly ask Cavegod to send me the updated version of his model, but will probably follow the older instructions I already have since I have already sorted and ordered most of the parts according to those. Unless the updated instructions help with the stability of the model? which seems to be its major weakness...

Im not sure how to say this gently but it seems that you have a copy of Cavegods LDD files that you may not have paid for. From your verbage above you certainly didnt get the plans directly from Cavegod to begin with. Perhaps something has changed but those plans are his intellectual property and he has not offered them free to the public to my knowledge. This is the very model that he submitted to Lego Ideas which was reviewed and apparently passed over.

I may get slammed for this but I feel that a person should be compensated for his effort if that is what he chooses. He certainly put in a ton of time to develope this model and creating the LDD files. The fact that he made them available for purchase is a fantastic oppurtunity for the rest of us none-creative types.

Perhaps Im way off base and nothing improper has happened but if Cavegod hasnt yet received compensation for these files, I hope that the situation is made right.

Edited by ecmo47

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Here are some of the more problematic/expensive parts (for me) from the original parts list:

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=32202 Need two for about 3.00USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=3703 Need 18 for around 1.50USD each (a different color will do)

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=6112 Need 19 for around 1.00USD each

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=47974 Need 18 for around 0.70USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=2489 Need 4, currently none is available on BL (DBG will have to do)

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=3961 Need 6 (or maybe 2 for an alternate version), urrently none is available on BL (old light gray it will be)

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=50990 Need 4 but I believe the printed version is needed for the 4 hip joints. Good thing since the unprinted is currently available from only one vendor fur about 15.00USD each...

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=3027 Need 8 for around 2.10USD each

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=41539 Need 3 for around 1.50USD each

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=30565 Need 18 for around 1.00USD each

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=30363 Need 36 for around 0.50USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=3297 Need 32 but no vendor has a decent price for such a quantity. Probably 0.30USD each from 2-3 vendors

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=44126 Need 4, currently no vendor has a single one on BL. Old light gray or DBG might do for now

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=75535 Need 8, at 4.00USD and more each, but cheaper, similar alternatives exist (http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=62462)

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=4162 Need 71 at around 0.25USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=6179 Need 16 for around 0.75USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=6180 Need 24 for around 0.75USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=6177 Need 12 (or 16) for around 1.50USD each

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=43708 Need 16, only 2 stores have enough for arond 3.00USD each. Other stores only have about 6 max

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=41770 Need 46 for around 0.40USD each

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=41769 Need 43 for around 0.40USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=2695 Need 10, currently nobody sells more than 5

http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=44772 Need 3, but they sell for more than 3.00USD each

http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=2573 Need 2, cheapest being around 34.00USD each...but a cheaper, not as good looking alternative seems to exist

So, here I am, expecting to pay around 390USD plus shipping (I live in Canada, and from my past experience on Bricklink, average shipping cost to me - from 80+ different orders- is 25% of the bricks cost)

That is 480USD, or almost 600$ in my Canadian dollars, for a little more than 400 small pieces of plastic..!!! Ouch. I will see what I can do and start ordering tonight...I plan to buy from 10-12 different stores max.

Edited by legocharles

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If you need help in the logistics department, I would suggest using BrickFiciency, if you don't use it already. You can upload a parts list and it will find the cheapest combinations of stores that carry those parts. You can then order it from there. It has really helped me when I've used it.

Edited by GuyDudeMan27

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Im not sure how to say this gently but it seems that you have a copy of Cavegods LDD files that you may not have paid for. From your verbage above you certainly didnt get the plans directly from Cavegod to begin with. Perhaps something has changed but those plans are his intellectual property and he has not offered them free to the public to my knowledge. This is the very model that he submitted to Lego Ideas which was reviewed and apparently passed over.

I may get slammed for this but I feel that a person should be compensated for his effort if that is what he chooses. He certainly put in a ton of time to develope this model and creating the LDD files. The fact that he made them available for purchase is a fantastic oppurtunity for the rest of us none-creative types.

Perhaps Im way off base and nothing improper has happened but if Cavegod hasnt yet received compensation for these files, I hope that the situation is made right.

Thanks for the tips! It was the blog Gimme LEGO (Dr.Daves) that got me interested in building the AT-AT. I have already read the different topics about custom UCS sized AT-ATs available on this forum and I have decided to go with Cavegod's version because the building instructions were available (I already got the needed files, ordered directly from its ceator) and his version is, by far IMHO, the best looking one.

First step: Get the instructions and the parts list: DONE.

Second step: see what parts I already have...WORK IN PROGRESS..will report back soon!

Again, any comments or helpful suggestions are welcome!

Sorry if that was not clear enough...

If you need help in the logistics department, I would suggest using BrickFiciency, if you don't use it already. You can upload a parts list and it will find the cheapest combinations of stores that carry those parts. You can then order it from there. It has really helped me when I've used it.

Thanks for the tip. I have already tried BrickFicincy (and another program whose name I forgot) but it seemed useless for any large scale project? I was limited to a combination of 5 stores max. when using it last week, and unless I reduced my list of parts to less than 50 different items, it never returned me any solution? probably I did something wrong then...

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I've been slowly building it also.

As you've said, some parts are cough cough to find, for some, like the 8x8 dish, I simply dropped them for the legs.

More problematic are the guns on the side of the head, those I need to order.

I've modified the inner structure of the at at, to strenghten it.

I have a bit of issue with the head so far, it's the most problematic, I can't get the angles right.

It's a very challenging build anyway, and a VERY complicated moc to move around after that:)

But....

even without the head, this monster on its legs is really impressive! and there's room for improving it, make an interior (as it is quite minifig sized):)

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