How do you build a set flipped/mirrored?

[badbob001]

I'm building a second copy Santa's Workshop and am building it flipped/mirrored so I can more easily connect it to a normal build of it.

For those of you that do such a thing, how do you do it?

• Do you use the normal instructions and mentally flip the build?
• Do you reflect the instructions off a mirror?
• Do you download the pdf instructions, batch convert each page to an image, and batch flip each image?

I ended up using the last option but it was a bit frustrating because the pdf instructions from LEGO are low resolution and often too dark to make out colors and details. 

Edited December 30, 2016 by badbob001

[dr_spock]

I'd look at the instructions and mentally flip it in my head.  The mirror is a good idea and easy to do.

[Andy D]

1 hour ago, dr_spock said:

I'd look at the instructions and mentally flip it in my head.  The mirror is a good idea and easy to do.

Ditto. I just mentally flip using the normal instructions. I did this with a WV Toy Shop to make a completely enclosed building.

I'm not sure how the mirror trick would work. Just MHO

Andy D

 

[mikeright]

As someone who does this often, I do the first of your options. The best suggestion I have is to keep your build oriented the same as instructions, and fairly close as well. You can also move your build all around the instructions, try orienting the build different ways! Start in one corner of your build and work to the other sides. Keep an eye out for wedges, not all sets have equal matching sets.

Now if you'd like some extra practice building in reverse, when a set is going to ask you to build two wings/sides the same, try doing both at the same time.

[Flossie]

I build the Parisian Restaurant the opposite way round with the roof terrace section and the stairs up to it on the left hand side instead of the right. The only problem I encountered was the fridge door as it only opens one way, so a bit of alteration had to take place.

[Switchfoot55]

I've been eyeing a lot of modular mods which mirror sets and have been wondering the best course of action. I think my brain would get too easily confused if I tried going that route. Maybe the next set I build I'll practice a bit. 

[badbob001]

I completed my mirror build of Santa's Workshop via computer-flipped instructions and the one thing I forgot to account for are that certain pieces can't be easily flipped, like wedge plates and doors. But it was fun to figure around these challenges.

I just added a poll.

[Vindicare]

7 hours ago, Switchfoot55 said:

I've been eyeing a lot of modular mods which mirror sets and have been wondering the best course of action. I think my brain would get too easily confused if I tried going that route. Maybe the next set I build I'll practice a bit. 

I'm with you on that. I think trying on some smaller sets, like buildings from City or, as mentioned above, Winter Village sets. I'd like to get this down. 

[Zemkiose]

Through computer sorcery thepiratebays.se

Edited August 31, 2017 by Zemkiose

[Fuppylodders]

This is often already occurring in builds of sets which has given me an understanding of how to do it for when I do my Raganas castle (have  3  sets ready for this). Things like the AT -St, it's legs are mirrored, so to save time I'll buildthem simultaneously, following the instructions for one and just mentally flipping the required pieces for the other. I'll do the same when it comes to the castle as much as I can, and use pieces from the third where it can't easily be flipped.