henrysunset

Does anyone have a list of LEGO elements which can be sorted from most common to least common. I do acknowledge that "common" is difficult to calculate as we do not know how many copies the LEGO group creates of each set, but we do know what parts are in each set, and how many of each part. Reasonable proxies for "commonness" could include sum of the # of parts in each set, # of new elements available on Bricklink, or similar. I do not care about different colors of the same part for this exercise. My collection of LEGO Brick Labels at http://brickarchitect.com/labels/ already includes over 700 elements, but I want to make sure that I've included all 500 of the most common elements, and after that I want to keep improving the collection further. Sincerely, ---tom P.S. Even if you don't have this in a human readable format, let me know if you are aware of scripts or an excel file with the source data.

With over 700 labels and counting, it is a tremendous effort to maintain one collection, let alone two. The brother labels are waterproof and good quality; the printer is inexpensive, maybe worth a try?

A couple people noticed that two of the most common Technic parts were accidentally deleted from the label collection! #3713 Bush & #32123 1/2 Bush. I have made a minor update to version 2.4 which includes those two missing parts, plus the following 11 additional labels: #59443, #18654, #47973, #57520, #32474, #53585, #90258, #49668; #15070; #15209; #15208 As per usual, download and learn more at http://brickarchitect.com/labels/ Thanks, ---tom

Which parts are you looking for? The collection includes 600 labels, including both the newer studless technic "liftarm" parts, and the classic studded technic "bricks". See a preview of all the parts in the collection here: http://brickarchitect.com/files/LEGO_BRICK_LABELS-CONTACT_SHEET.pdf If there are specific parts you need that are missing from the collection, let me know!

I do something similar, but haven't gotten around to sharing photos of my system - If I have too many of a given part to fit in the drawer, i put the extra parts into bags, which go in large sterilite drawers. To help myself remember that I have extras in storage, I put a small printed 1x2" cardstock which has a space for me to write approx # of new and used parts that I have in deep storage. (In computer science terms, it's an http 301 / redirect on paper...) How do you remind yourself that you have more parts in storage? ---tom

I got a few questions/comments regarding the label printer... 1) The cheapest printer which works with these labels is the PT-1230PC, which is currently just 24.99$ on Amazon (US). That's less than a single cabinet of drawers! (Note: PC only, MAC users need to buy the PT-P700 model.) 2) It takes about 3 rolls of tape to print the entire collection. Since the machine comes with one roll, that's just an additional 18.99$ for two packs of Brother-brand labels, or 9.99$ for two pack of "P-touch compatible" generic tape. (Buying an extra roll isn't a bad idea.) Total cost is 40-50$, and having a quality label printer is very convenient for other projects around the house. Let me know if you have any other questions, or if you find that I forgot to include some important parts in the collection! Sincerely, ---tom

I'm really excited to announce that my collection of LEGO labels has been significantly enhanced to include almost every current LEGO Technic element. This latest "Version 2.3" of my label collection adds 82 LEGO Technic parts for a total of over 600 labels across System and Technic! I added labels for 82 important Technic elements to this update. LEARN MORE AND DOWNLOAD AT: http://brickarchitect.com/labels/ Technic Lovers, please give the labels a try and let me know what you think! I'm happy to add additional labels to make the collection more useful to you. Sincerely, ---tom P.S. While Technic is not my focus, I recently built 42043 Mercedes Benz Arocs, which was my first modern Technic set. It was challenging, but I had a lot of fun and learned a lot!

This is a beautiful model of a beastly building which defies categorization in the world of Architecture. It's probably best described as a Brutalist form, but the 1980's date and glass facade suggest Postmodernism. I added it to my collection of amazing LEGO Brutalism here: https://www.pinterest.com/tomalphin/lego-architecture-brutalism/ Thanks again for sharing! ---tom

@Jamie, Thanks for the kind words! I have not made building instructions for the full-sized version yet. Maybe one day! I designed a smaller nanoscale version of the model which you can see here (http://tomalphin.com/2014/10/microscale.html) and instructions will be available for this soon. I'll announce how you can get the instructions when I know more via my website @ http://brickarchitect.com or instagram @ http://instagram.com/tomalphin Sincerely, ---tom

This a wonderful model; I especially love the roof detailing which uses the dish part used beneath a 1x6 arch. I created a new collection of Islamic LEGO Architecture, and added this to that collection! https://www.pinterest.com/tomalphin/lego-architecture-islamic/

Cool model! I added it to my pinterest collection of Modernism. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/514606694902347535/ It's a neat building since it includes a blend of international style modernism of the previous century, and the more current high tech style and materials. ---tom

Really impressive model! One of Sean's most impressive architecture projects. I added it to my collection of great postmodern architecture on Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/tomalphin/lego-architecture-postmodern/

I have already provided a list of new parts in each update. Look for the file "VERSION_2.2.txt" - it contains a version history listing those parts which are new in each update! ---tom

Thanks @jpsirois! Be sure to share photos when you are done labeling everything. I just finished cleaning my LEGO area, and wanted to share with you what the labels look like when used to organize my medium-sized LEGO collection. I am using Akro-Mils drawers on top, and inexpensive Sterilite drawers on the bottom to store complete sets and extra bricks. I also updated my website to include a section on suggested storage solutions, so take a look at http://brickarchitect.com/labels/ ---tom

I just updated the Label Collection to include 52 new labels! This includes a lot of Window, Fence, Antenna, & Bar elements. Some of the new labels in version 2.2 You can learn more and download the labels at http://brickarchitect.com/labels/ Enjoy! ---tom

@rollermonkey, good eyes! I missed a few rows of brick in my first count. I updated my review at http://brickarchitect.com accordingly. ---tom

These new sets are great additions to the LEGO Architecture series. I am biased towards the US Capitol model, but they are both great sets with some interesting parts and building techniques. This is a great year for the LEGO Architecture series, with 6 sets announced so far. (2011 is the only other year with 6 new sets.) I just prepared a lengthy preview of both sets with some initial analysis. That review includes photos of the real buildings as well so you can make your own judgement. I've shared some of the highlights from the article below... Buckingham Palace and US Capitol Building LEGO Set boxes. (Photos from promobricks.de) Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace model as displayed at Nuremberg (photo from promobricks.de) Upon a closer look, we see a base which is 26 studs wide, 24 studs deep, and about 8 bricks tall, not including the flagpole. (By contrast, The Louvre set has a base which is just 22 studs wide, the same 24 studs deep, and is a little taller at around 12 bricks high.) As such, my best guess (without attempting to build sections of the model using my own bricks) is that the Buckingham Palace will be 800 bricks and a price of 79.99$ United States Capitol Building: Perspective view of LEGO US Capitol Building model. (Photo from promobricks.de) This is a really exciting model with proportions which look like they are very true to the real building. The high level of detail is really appealing to me, although the over-reliance on part #4070 – 1×1 Brick w/ Headlight may make the build process very repetitive. By my count, the base is 48 studs wide and 14 studs deep, with the bulk of the model about 6 bricks tall, and the tallest portion is around 17 bricks tall. I think this will be the second largest set in the LEGO Architecture series, with around 1300 pieces and a price of 129.99$ For more detailed analysis, read the whole article I just posted at brickarchitect.com. Sincerely, ---Tom Alphin

Great detailing. I added this to my small but growing collection of Asian architecture re-created using LEGO.https://www.pinterest.com/tomalphin/lego-architecture-asia/ (P.S. The round parts are the underside of a 1x1 round tile.)

This is an impressive effort and a serious collection. Great work, keep it up! I'm excited to see versions built using real LEGO elements, too. ---Tom Alphin

I just did an in-depth analysis of the new Venice Cityscape model. I hope that it helps you decide if this is a model you want to add to your collection! In summary: It's a nice model if you can look past some of the artistic liberties. Unfortunately, the 29.99$ price is pretty outrageous for just 212 bricks. (By contrast, the Berlin model is also 29.99$ but 289 bricks.) It's odd to me how inconsistent their pricing can be for similar sets. 212 bricks included in the set The part selection is pretty good despite the high price tag. I enjoyed the printed lion brick, as well as the white microfigures. (This is the first time they have appeared in this color.) One of the quirks of the Cityscapes series is that landmarks from around the city are compressed into a single scene even when the buildings aren't that close together in real life. I prepared a map showing the locations of these buildings in Venice, numbered as they appear from left to right in the LEGO model. Map showing landmarks featured in Venice model. I enjoyed the build and the completed model a lot. It's a simple model, but it captures the essence of Venice well. Breakdown of the model into layers of base, street level, and buildings. For more analysis and additional photos, read the whole review at http://brickarchitect.com/2016/venice-cityscape-21026-review/ Sincerely, ---Tom Alphin

Most LEGO sets are sold a wholesale prices to stores like ToysRUs, neighborhood toy shops, or even Amazon.com, and it is very likely that those stores pay 40-50% of MSRP to buy the sets. They also need to warehouse, distribute, pay store employees, absorb costs of lost/stolen/returned merchandise, etc... As such, they pick a sale price that allows them to make the most money. In the case of brick and mortar stores, they seem to make the most money by sticking pretty close to MSRP, with occasional sales to drive people into stores, or eliminate surplus inventory. Amazon has lower overhead and needs to offer lower prices to compete with brick and mortar stores, so they use complex algorithms to pick a price that maximizes their profits. Either way, the store probably paid about 50$ for an MSRP 100$ set. TRU tries to sell it for 100$, which after their costs probably gives them 25$ profit. Amazon tries to sell for 80$, which after lower overhead costs probably also gives them 25$ profits. The moral of the story is that the total cost to LEGO group to make each brick, even when factoring in advertising, is probably not the complete story. They sell that 0.02$ brick for closer to 0.05$ at wholesale, then the retailer brings the price up to 0.10$. P.S. why do you think LEGO loves their LEGO brand stores? They get to take the profit at both wholesale and retail levels!

@clone, The relationship between Prairie styles and Modernism is not coincidental! Modern architects, especially modern residential architecture borrowed heavily from the open floor plans of Prairie architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. The shift from gently pitched roofs in Prairie style homes to flat roofs in Modernism completes the transition. @Legogal, thanks for the kind words and support. It is a pleasure to share these projects with the LEGO community.

Merry Christmas! I'm excited to share the 6 "nanoscale" architecture models which I originally built to submit in the Advent calendar contest at Brickset. 6 "nanoscale" LEGO Architecture models based on designs in The LEGO Architect book. Creating what I call "Nanoscale" LEGO models which meet the constraints of the advent calendar contest is a really interesting challenge. Specifically, the parts need to fit easily in the small compartments of the official LEGO Advent calendars, and the model should use 20 parts or fewer. Nanoscale Prairie house on right, More detailed LEGO model from the book on left. I'm also excited to share instructions to build one of these models as new bonus materials for LEGO Architecture enthusiasts, and readers of my book, The LEGO Architect. (Admittedly, this model uses 21 pieces to achieve the preferred design, but you can easily modify it to use 20 bricks.) Detailed instructions show you how to make this tiny model using only 21 common LEGO bricks. It's a pleasure to share these directions with other LEGO enthusiasts, especially around the holidays when people have some time to build LEGO projects. (I also hope that The LEGO Architect was part of your holidays.) Visit http://brickarchitect.com/book/extras/ to download and print directions for this model, as well as a tiny Neoclasssical monument. Merry Christmas and a Happy LEGO-filled New Year! ---tom

I had the pleasure of interviewing Serafin Maranan of Architects Orange and LEGO Artist Christina Griffin Hull about their collaboration to bring the architecture firm's latest building to life as a LEGO model. It was really interesting to learn about how Serafin brought his experience as an architect, and Christina helped translate architectural language into LEGO elements. LEGO Model of "Urbana" in San Diego. Serafin explained that “Urbana is a 6 story mixed-use infill project in downtown San Diego. It contains 96 rental units and over 1,100 square feet of retail. It has garnered many design awards and one of Architects Orange’s seminal projects.” Photo of the real building. I shared some highlights from the interview here, and you can read the whole article at http://brickarchitect.com/2015/urbana-architects-orange/ Serafin: “Christina and I complemented each other. As an architect, I understand and appreciate scale, proportion, accent, color, detail and alignment to make the kit of parts fit my vision of the model. But Christina’s vast understanding of what LEGO parts to use and innate understanding of LEGO building techniques to execute my vision was paramount to the model’s success.” Christina: “Serafin came into the shop with ... blueprints, photos, and drawings for me to work off of. He came in every few weeks to check in on the build. ... The most helpful was when he would mark up the photos of the model and send them back to me.” Some details from the LEGO Model Christina: “We tried to come in with the model reflecting the overall “feeling” of the buildings design while showing “pops” of details that were precise.” Urbana in profile. LEGO Model and Architect's renderings. Serafin: “I would like to use LEGO in our office as a design or presentation tool if the right opportunity arises but I’m not sure if we have anyone in our office who can do that or have access to so many parts.” For the whole interview and more photos, visit http://brickarchitect.com/2015/urbana-architects-orange/ Sincerely, ---tom

Thanks for the support @Legogal. The LEGO Architect book is doing great this year, hovering around 500th place for all books sold on Amazon! Word of mouth recognition for the book really helps! ---tom