LEGO bricks have been engaging builders young and old for decades. There are a number of ways to connect LEGO bricks, and millions of different things can be created with them. For many builders, the possibilities can be overwhelming. The question is often the same: “How do I get started?”
I hope to answer that question with this book. The Unofficial LEGO Builder’s Guide starts at the very beginning, assuming no prior knowledge on your part.
In Chapter 1, you’ll learn what a single LEGO brick is, how pieces are categorized, and what keeps elements from falling apart when you snap them together.
Chapter 2 builds on these basics with core building techniques for every builder. Fundamental principles (like how to secure a column of bricks) are explained and illustrated, setting the stage for the examples to follow.
In Chapter 3, you’ll learn about scale and how to build a train station to minifig scale.
Chapter 4 explores the slightly larger world of miniland-scale building—the same scale used in miniland exhibits in LEGOLAND theme parks around the world.
Chapter 5 looks at scaling up by teaching you the principles behind building “jumbo” versions of LEGO elements.
In Chapter 6, we shrink things down by learning to build at microscale, creating models that need a minimum of parts.
Have you ever wondered how to build a LEGO sphere? Chapter 7 looks at sculptures and gives you step-by-step instructions for a complete sphere, using just 220 basic pieces!
Chapter 8 moves on to mosaics, explaining how to create beautiful patterns and even how to re-create your favorite photos using common LEGO elements.
By Chapter 9, you’ll be ready to become a model designer! I take you through the entire process, from finding a subject to constructing a complete prototype. Full instructions for a space shuttle are included.
Chapter 10 shows you how to create and share instructions for the LEGO models you create. This chapter also includes a section on making and playing games using LEGO bricks to create the playing surface and pieces.
The Brickopedia (Appendix A) is a graphical reference that presents the most common and most versatile LEGO elements. You won’t find an entry for every piece ever produced, but you will find a good-sized collection of the LEGO bricks, plates, slopes, and other elements that best define the LEGO building system.
Appendix B will teach you all about the design grids. They’re a type of graph paper that can be used to plan your LEGO models.
I hope that this book will help LEGO builders who wish to move beyond the instructions in the official sets and would like to create their own original models. Whether you’re a novice builder just getting your feet wet or a more experienced builder looking to remember long-forgotten techniques or wanting to develop new ones, this book is for you.
So sit down with a bunch of LEGO bricks and get ready to build!
Please feel free to email me at ULBG@apotome.com with any questions you may have about the information found in this book. I also look forward to hearing about (and seeing pictures of) any creations you’ve built that were inspired by the techniques contained herein.