Andy D

I just found some Duplo 2x4 bricks on Bricklink. I ordered 32, they wound up costing about $0.32 each after shipping and handling. The 32 Duplo bricks will replace 256 standard 2x4 bricks (each Duplo 2x4 is equal to 8 regular 2x4's). I may need 8 more Duplo 2x4's, but using 64 regular bricks wouldn't be too bad. Thanks for all the replies! Andy D

I have been considering a rather large build. I need some hidden structure elements just to hold things up. I need an opinion (or two or three or however many show up). Would it be more structurally sound (or just as sound) to use Duplo bricks as hidden structure elements or "standard" bricks? Considering the cost of Duplo bricks vs "standard" bricks... Which would be more economic choice for a large structure (the hidden elements)? Is there an easy way on Bricklink to find the least expensive color in a particular brick style (example 2x4, 2x6, etc. for structure elements, color doesn't matter)? I am just looking for opinions on what others have done and reasons (or just opinions) for choice of Duplo vs "standard" bricks as structure elements. Thanks, Andy D

If true about the next 5 modular being already decided, then we have 5 great (I hope) years (or at least modulars) look forward to. Companies have been known to change directions, but as long as the modulars continue to sell well... It looks like more modulars! Andy D

If you look at the weigh of a standard 2 x 4 it is 2.32 grams, a Duplo 2 x 4 is 12.2 grams, just about 5 times the weight of a standard 2 x 4, so the cost for Duplo you should expect is about 5 times the cost of standard LEGO. deraven calculated about $0.50 per brick by examining sets, I got essentially the same calculation by weight. This method only works for estimating PPP in sets. When purchasing individual bricks, as with standard bricks some will cost more, some less depending on rarity. Andy D

I buy and build sets stock. I buy sets for parts that never get assembled. I mod sets, after building to see how they go together and I MOC from my parts stock. As for percentages... Stock build 70% from the instructions. Mod build 15% after first assembling per instructions. MOC 15% As with most things from my LEGO hobby these numbers may be skewed because of the amount of time spent sorting and organizing. Sorting and organizing take up more than 50% of time spent on LEGO. Where do the sorting and organizing numbers go? Could be collection, could be Mod, could be MOC. Any ideas here? Andy D

Retired! I was in the electronic engineering field until 1990. I went into the social sciences and am now a retired college professor. I taught from 1995 until retirement in December 2013. Retirement is my greatest career choice yet! Andy D

My Halloween build just keeps getting bigger. I think (to me) it was already a SHIP worth of parts and I just ordered a bunch more on BL and I don't think it's going to be enough. I guess I'll know it's enough when I finish. Oh, we'll back to my SHIP! Oh yeah, and I do agree, a SHIP is also a Seriously Huge Investment in Time as well. Andy D

Sure! We discuss sorting all the time. I'm sure most of us spend at least as much time sorting as building... Me, I spend more time sorting than building... But it is all part of the fun. Discovering and re-discovering parts. Andy D

Very nice! Mid-Century modern style house with a ceiling high enough for the Toy a Shop Christmas tree. I agree with Eurotrash about the cheese slope snow pathway and minifig shoveling. That would be a finishing touch. Andy D

Very clever! Looks great! I wish I had thought of that ;( Andy D

@ShaydDeGrai This is how I feel about a SHIP! I really think I am approaching a SHIP with my Halloween build. I'm not sure I really want to admit to myself how much I spent... Much less to anyone else. Andy D

Looks great, love the colors! Andy D

I look for sets that have colors and shapes that I want in quantity, then the other bricks in the set are just bonus. You may need to look at some of the modern sets, look at the Bricklink inventory of the set to help you determine what to get. I have found useful parts and colors in Creator, Lord of The Rings, Hobbit, even some Star Wars sets like Jabba's Palace and the new Ewok Village. You just need to look at all the current sets, determine the price vs. value to you and start buying and parting out. Sometimes I build the set just to learn new techniques, then dissassemble and sort, but sometimes I never build the set, just part it out. I buy mainly larger sets usually close to the 1000 piece mark as I feel I get better variety in larger sets. I believe thw Tower Bridge and new large Sydney Opera House are a good value for parts. Lots of good sets out the, lots of good parts, but lots of money required. Andy D

Very simple, yet complex formula. One I believe we all go through for every MOC, whether we realize it or not. I don't think I want to admit the cost of my project, I will just say I believe it IS a SHIP worth. Andy D

I just ran across the term SHIP (yeah I know late to the party) which is usually used for ships (ocean and space). But the definition is " Seriously Huge Investment in Parts". It seems to me that anything could be a SHIP. Now my question... Not in size, but in cost... How much is a SHIP? I may be approaching a SHIP for my Halloween build. Thanks, Andy D

I haven't modded parts either, just because I've not found a serious need (yet). I feel it is OK as L@GO pointed out, the LEGO designers have to mod to create new parts. But I strongly agree with dr_spock that when modded parts are used in a MOC they should come with full disclosure. Just MHO, YMMV Andy D

Lately I seem to be spending more time on other LEGO related activities. I don't seem to build as much as I... Sort! It seems that every time I start a new project, be it a set or a moc I first begin by sorting. For a MOC I go to the wall, find a bunch of new parts I need for my project, then I go to Bricklink and look for bricks I need, I purchase parts, then when I get them home I sort. In order to try to organize my collection of parts so it is usable.... I sort! I really think that LEGO is a hobby of sorting bricks rather than building. I need to reorganize my priorities so I spend more time building and less time sorting. Anybody else have the LEGO sorting disorder? Has your LEGO hobby became less about building and more about something else? Andy D

Oh well.... No Doctor Who today (: But I am happy for the bionicle fans. Andy D

For the most part the damaged box discount disappeared set my local LEGO store last year. I was able to get a couple of modular sand some high end sets before the discount went away. I miss it. One of the asst. managers knew me by "always buys big damaged box sets". Ah, we'll it was good while it lasted. Now the only discounts are close out items, usually not what I am looking for. Andy D

Wow! Thanks, this is great! I just got my label maker today. Maybe when I finish my current sorting project I will have time to try the label maker out and get more organized. This has been a 2 year project for me, maybe this can be the next step in my organization. Thanks for doing this! Andy D

Seven colors of the scarf. TARDIS Blue background... Hmmmmm..... Either Doctor Who or a red herring. Andy D

If you count the color of the 1x2 plate in the color line-up you have 7 colors. This is the number of colors in the scarf worn by the 4th Doctor. So maybe Doctor Who? Just a WAG Andy D

This is one amazing creation. I am surprised that you are not smiling ear-to-ear with joy at your creation, I would be. I love all the little details that make the creation com alive! I hope I can learn rock work like yours. Andy D

Too bad the travel agent's truck broke down. If running I could imagine that the stairs truck is the travel agent's only transportation around town and that the agency is only open when the truck is there. Sure beats an open- closed sign! But pure genius! Andy D